Monday July 23

I hope I'm not breaking the rules, but thought I would pick up today's lunch report. It's that time of the year when the board slows down a bit.

Like everyone else, we've been dealing with the 100+ degree temperatures here in Ohio as well. Never thought I'd see the day when 95 degrees feels like a nice day to get caught up with the yard work. It's been so hot even the thieves aren't coming out to work at night. So we've been a little slow at work the past couple of weeks. So I guess there is some good as a result of the heatwave!

Lunch: Still hard at work on my diet. I've now lost 38 lbs this year, and I'm ready to buy some new uniforms for work that will fit me now! Tonight's lunch will be the usual bland diet of Fat free Bologna, on fat free bread, a few pretzels and an orange. Nothing exciting but it's working.

G&L: I'm still on cloud 9 since finding my old Rampage last week. I still can't believe I found my old guitar. I haven't put it down since I got it back. It's like getting reacquainted with an old friend. After playing it again I get even more mad at myself for getting rid of it. I got caught up in the name on headstock game and convinced myself I needed a Gibson. Which leads me to my G&L topic. This is the first time I've owned multiples of the same model. So I've never sit down and compared the differences. They each feel and sound totally different from the next. The two '86 Rampages I have, have a completely different feel to the neck. The yellow one has a beefier neck with the 25" radius and feels almost identical to the new Rampages. The tone of the yellow one is very aggressive and darker than the white '86 model. It really nails the Alice in Chains sound. Even acoustically it has a darker tone.

The white '86 Rampage has a thinner, faster neck, also with the 25" radius. It has the stock Schaller pickup and it really nails the classic 70's AC/DC type hard rock tone. It also has a nice clean sound without any distortion. This is a great playing guitar. The pink '85 Rampage as a thinner neck and a 12" radius. It also has the stock Schaller pickup. But this thing has the sweetest tone of all. It has a really bright, sparkly tone to it. I love playing it without distortion and a little chorus added to it. It really shines. And with heavier distortion added, it has a great hard rock tone that is not muddy at all. For a 1 pickup, 1 knob guitar, it is very versatile.

Do you guys have similar experiences with the same model? Or is it just in my head? Do the newer, CNC guitars have any differences or are they more consistent in feel and tone?

Non G&L: I have been slowly becoming a collector. But my hangup is, I want to play them all. I have a hard time justifying more guitars because that means many of them will just sit in the case. But then I really want an Asat Classic because I love the look and the tone of the single coils. I am very interested in the new Asat alnico guitars, and I've been waiting for the new Superhawks to be released. So I go back and forth. For the collectors out there, do you play them all? Or do they sit in the case and are kinda forgotten about?

Sorry to ramble!
Dave

Hey Dave,

I had just submitted my impromptu LR when I saw yours. Ha, great minds think alike! I just work mine into this response.
Lunch
Left over Thai: ginger with beef and the minimum amount of white rice. The nearest Thai is actually really good but they use don't want to do brown rice.

G&L
I have many ASAT's and indeed they are all a bit different: different neck, different woods, different set-ups, you name it. And I love that. Some are loud and have an attitude, some are remarkably low volume but with a beautiful chime like tone, some have extremely well balanced pups, some are completely out of whack and basically 2 distinct instruments depending on whether you pick the neck or bridge pickup. And yes, some have mojo and some ..., well definitely not.

Which brings me to your Non-G&L question:
What I try to collect is the complete story of the ASAT, whatever that may mean. And yes, you cannot play them all all of the time, but with my Guitar Of The Week regimen, each gets some major playing time. Don't feel too bad about that. Frequently, no matter what GOTW is on the work bench, I might still grab some other guitar because I just feel like playing that one. Over the weekend I played my nylon string Ovation Classic 1863-4, Collings OOO, hog Bluesboy (and still find that a weird model), SC-2, Legacy Special, and PRS 245 Sunburst for good form. Not bad I would say. Main thing is, you should enjoy whatever you're doing and I certainly do.

Fun thing is that I have the day off because I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of 'Port&Chocolate', the pine body Bluesboy with charred maple neck. It should have been here last Friday already but it got delayed due to a freight train derailment 20 miles east of Glasgow, MT. Since my wife has to work today, I am on the hook myself. Gives you a bit the shivers when you read the word 'derailment' in your tracking status. I found this other account of the event and you should read the comments at the bottom. I really feel sorry for these people. A unique piece of art, custom made guitar, and who knows what potentially lost forever. For a moment I had visions of a one-of-a-kind G&L prototype being destroyed in the crash. But with some computation I could figure out that the train my guitar was on would barely have left Illinois at the time of the derailment. For now I will knock on wood and hope I can join Roland in celebrating NGD. But it'll provide me with another choice nevertheless.

When it gets here I'll take pictures and post them ASAP.

- Jos

Good luck on your diet journey. A multivitamin helps too. As for the "same" guitar sounding different: G&L's have changed drastically since the beginning. With the exception of the new one's coming out of the gate, my favorites are from the 90's. That's just me... It seems like guitar companies have run the gauntlet of quality vs. profit margin. Trying cheaper materials & methods, etc. and finding that balance. However during that period, many small luthiers got into the game: some focused on the cheap / others on quality. Now there's more than ever! Well some of those cheap makers shouldn't be labelled luthiers; more like factories...

I can't collect too many guitars. If they don't fit me, they're history. My largest collection is percussion (clay & wood). These new G&L's are amazing and I may change my tune...


Cheers,

Will

Do you guys have similar experiences with the same model? Or is it just in my head? Do the newer, CNC guitars have any differences or are they more consistent in feel and tone?

I find a tremendous difference within the same model. My '81 L2KE and '00 L2K fretless are worlds apart in feel and tone, aside from the obvious difference of fretted vs. fretless. The '81 L2KE and '80 L1K have the same 'hog/maple combination and similar strings; they are more alike than different on the neck pup, but there is still a difference in tone. The L1K has a little bit more fundamental, and the L2KE makes up for it in overtones.

On the guitar front, the '82 SC-1 runs rings around the '82 SC-2 in tone and versatility (maybe the one-pup G&Ls are just magical). One of the maple-bodied '86 ASATs has a lot more clarity from the pups, and I can distinctly hear both of them in the middle switch position. The pups on the other blend together. Ironically, the better tone is from the one with a Kahler.

For the collectors out there, do you play them all? Or do they sit in the case and are kinda forgotten about?

Several instruments ago I realized that I had crossed the line to being a collector. Most of mine get played. The exceptions are the Jorgenson Sig (to keep the autographed backside clean and clear) and the SB-1 (at least until I can figure out whether it was the prototype). The SB-1 was my favorite player until I posted pics and several people suggested it may have been a prototype. I will still play the SB-1 around the house and with friends, but not in any situations where there is more than a remote risk of theft or damage. The others aren't in a set rotation, but each of them gets playing time on at least a monthly basis. The current line-up is the L2K fretless for "lead" playing/noodling, the ASAT Classic for living room playing, the L1K for band practice, and as of yesterday the Superhawk up in the bedroom in case I can't get to sleep.

As a fan of older instruments, I swear that a guitar or bass feels stiff if it hasn't had enough recent playing. I'm not talking about days or weeks, but rather years in a closet without being touched. My SC-2 felt that way until gave her a major setup and some serious playing, and the Nighthawk just doesn't seem to want to resonate. Maybe it's just those particular pieces of wood, but I can't help feeling that a lot of hard, focused playing will loosen her up. I guess the ASAT Classic will be shuffling out of the rotation in a couple of minutes, and the 'Hawk will get a serious turn...

Ken

Do you guys have similar experiences with the same model? Or is it just in my head? Do the newer, CNC guitars have any differences or are they more consistent in feel and tone?

There are differences in each of my CNC made ASATs. String tension and the roundness of the fingerboard edges are most noticeable. Really is surprising.

Jos - I'm really keen to hear about the pine body on P&C, if its lightweight and resonant. I hope she's still in one piece . I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Hey Dave,

Which brings me to your Non-G&L question:
What I try to collect is the complete story of the ASAT, whatever that may mean. And yes, you cannot play them all all of the time, but with my Guitar Of The Week regimen, each gets some major playing time. Don't feel too bad about that. Frequently, no matter what GOTW is on the work bench, I might still grab some other guitar because I just feel like playing that one. Over the weekend I played my nylon string Ovation Classic 1863-4, Collings OOO, hog Bluesboy (and still find that a weird model), SC-2, Legacy Special, and PRS 245 Sunburst for good form. Not bad I would say. Main thing is, you should enjoy whatever you're doing and I certainly do.



- Jos

Jos, Very interesting about collecting the ASAT. I guess that's what I'm trying to do with the Rampage. I have been looking at the 1984 demo currently available. I'm just not too sure about the price (hard to price something like that). I admire your collection and appreciate your stories and photo's of your collection. Hopefully soon I will be joining the world of ASAT's!

I can't wait to hear your report on the incoming prototype. I have enjoyed looking at the prototypes G&L have made available. Yours looks very, very cool!

Thanks,
Dave

rampage, you lost 38 lbs, but do you know how much your body composition changed?

Good luck on your diet journey. A multivitamin helps too. As for the "same" guitar sounding different: G&L's have changed drastically since the beginning. With the exception of the new one's coming out of the gate, my favorites are from the 90's. That's just me... It seems like guitar companies have run the gauntlet of quality vs. profit margin. Trying cheaper materials & methods, etc. and finding that balance. However during that period, many small luthiers got into the game: some focused on the cheap / others on quality. Now there's more than ever! Well some of those cheap makers shouldn't be labelled luthiers; more like factories...

I can't collect too many guitars. If they don't fit me, they're history. My largest collection is percussion (clay & wood). These new G&L's are amazing and I may change my tune...


Cheers,

Will

Thanks Will. I have a soft spot for the Leo era, but I also like the newer stuff as well. I wish there was a dealer near me so I can go check them out. I depend a lot on the people here to keep me informed on how certain models play and sound. I am planning on driving to Indianapolis to check out some new ASAT's.

I find a tremendous difference within the same model. My '81 L2KE and '00 L2K fretless are worlds apart in feel and tone, aside from the obvious difference of fretted vs. fretless. The '81 L2KE and '80 L1K have the same 'hog/maple combination and similar strings; they are more alike than different on the neck pup, but there is still a difference in tone. The L1K has a little bit more fundamental, and the L2KE makes up for it in overtones.

On the guitar front, the '82 SC-1 runs rings around the '82 SC-2 in tone and versatility (maybe the one-pup G&Ls are just magical). One of the maple-bodied '86 ASATs has a lot more clarity from the pups, and I can distinctly hear both of them in the middle switch position. The pups on the other blend together. Ironically, the better tone is from the one with a Kahler.

Ken

Great stuff Ken! I have read a lot about Kahler being tone killers. Maybe they go well with maple bodied guitars. I've had no problem with Kahler's. I have 5 guitars equipped with them, maybe I've just been lucky. And I agree about G&L and 1 pickup 1 knob guitars! Maybe they know something others don't LOL! But they do sound sweet!

There are differences in each of my CNC made ASATs. String tension and the roundness of the fingerboard edges are most noticeable. Really is surprising.

Jos - I'm really keen to hear about the pine body on P&C, if its lightweight and resonant. I hope she's still in one piece . I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Thanks Jamie, I was curious about the CNC and if they had the subtle differences handmade guitars had.

I have read a lot about Kahler being tone killers. Maybe they go well with maple bodied guitars. I've had no problem with Kahler's.

My Superhawk is also maple and equipped with a Kahler. Of course the pups are not remotely close to an ASAT for comparison, but I haven't noticed any shortcomings with resonance or sustain.

Ken

rampage, you lost 38 lbs, but do you know how much your body composition changed?

I dunno, but I'm guessing his nuts to butts ratio has increased substantially, and I'm proud of him! - ed

Jos - I'm really keen to hear about the pine body on P&C, if its lightweight and resonant. I hope she's still in one piece . I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Jamie, it is here in one piece alright

You'll find more info and pics in this post in the G&L Porn!I! section.

I can't wait to hear your report on the incoming prototype. I have enjoyed looking at the prototypes G&L have made available. Yours looks very, very cool!

Thanks,
Dave

Thanks Dave! And see the above link for pics and a tone report.

- Jos

rampage, you lost 38 lbs, but do you know how much your body composition changed?

I dunno, but I'm guessing his nuts to butts ratio has increased substantially, and I'm proud of him! - ed

I just about spit out my water when I read that! I didn't see that one coming! Thanks Ed!

Louis, I don't know the technicalities of weight loss, just know I look and feel better

Dave

rampage, you lost 38 lbs, but do you know how much your body composition changed?

I dunno, but I'm guessing his nuts to butts ratio has increased substantially, and I'm proud of him! - ed

I just about spit out my water when I read that! I didn't see that one coming! Thanks Ed!

Louis, I don't know the technicalities of weight loss, just know I look and feel better

Dave

that's great. the reason i ask is that for long term success, focusing on losing weight is not as useful as focusing on losing fat. many people lose 50+ lbs and have little or no change in bodyfat %. for example i am morbidly obese, but i am not overfat. overweight only by silly bmi standards. i have lost 10% bodyfat since march without losing a single pound.

feeling and looking better is important, but making sure that not too much muscle is being sacrificed is very important, as the amount of muscle you carry determines your metabolism (mostly), so maintaining muscle is paramount for long term fat loss success. this is the reason so many people gain the weight back. lose too much muscle during the weight loss phase, end up with a resting metabolic rate of under 1000 kcal, and basically guarantee regaining all the weight and then some.

Don't tease us, Louis. How does one lose (fat) weight without sacrificing muscle mass? Thanks - ed

Dave, great that you stepped up and good to hear the heat slows down crooks!

Sounds like your diet has really worked. The hardest thing is discipline to do it.

I am behind on things as Sam cat has been very ill. I didn't think he was going to make it but he may. He is slowly improving.

I have some guitars that I do not play. This is only because I want them pristine, as new if I decide to sell them. They are both Fenders, one a Mary Kaye reissue and the other, a Custom Shop Clapton in Mercedes Blue. Every thing else I play and check out every once in the while. Some are played more than others. My G&L's all get used. I have pretty much what I want and it would have to be something special. I am waiting on the GBL-2 to see what it ends up being. I display them all and do not have any more space to display them. I am careful with them. My new L-2500 has seen at least thirty gigs and looks new. The satin neck has glossed up beautifully, just like I want.-- Darwin