NAMM Marked 1996 Legacy Fullerton Signature

[vonreimer]

New to the forum, Hello all !
Picked up my first G&L. Nice clean 1996 Legacy Fullerton Signature in Fullerton red. Pulled the guard and neck and found NAMM markings. Wondered the significance of these markings as the guitar is dated October and December 1996 which is well after the introduction of this model. Apparently they were still showcasing this model at that time ? S/N GF00976, Maple neck.
[imghttp://www.guitarsbyleo.com/GALLERY2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=28448&g2_serialNumber=3][/img]

[vonreimer]

[vonreimer]

Thanks

Dave

[Craig]

New to the forum, Hello all !
Picked up my first G&L. Nice clean 1996 Legacy Fullerton Signature in Fullerton red. Pulled the guard and neck and found NAMM markings. Wondered the significance of these markings as the guitar is dated October and December 1996 which is well after the introduction of this model. Apparently they were still showcasing this model at that time ? S/N GF00976, Maple neck.
[imghttp://www.guitarsbyleo.com/GALLERY2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=28448&g2_serialNumber=3][/img]

The model name is George Fullerton Signature.

The markings on the neck heel:

Fuller
#1
B.E
"V"
Indicates the Model name, the neck number, Birdseye Maple neck with a V profile. The neck number profile is 1V, which is a 1 5/8" nut width with a 12" radius fret and a V shape profile.
The model name is used by the paint dept to indicate which headstock decals to be applied on the headstock.

The markings in the body pickup cavity:

FUL RD - indicates the body color is Fullerton Red
MP/V - indicates a Maple fretboard and a V neck profile
FULLERTON - the model name for the paint dept to put on the George Fullerton signature decal on the upper bout of the body
NAMM - as you indicate this was built to be displayed at the NAMM show (likely 1997 Winter NAMM)
BE NECK - indicates a Birdseye Maple neck

The big difference between the George Fullerton Signature model and a Legacy is the Tone control. The Legacy has the PTB system
whereas the Fullerton has the traditional tone control. Also, the GF model has narrower vintage frets.

Hope this helps.

[yowhatsshakin]

Nice score! 1996 is around the year the George Fullerton Signature was introduced. And of course it has to be in the color George is kinda famous for. Also note this is still a 3-bolt neck attachment as per the patent owned by George. By end of 1997, G&L had transitioned to 4-bolt neck attachment.

- Jos

[vonreimer]

Thanks for the replies. The neck body joint is really well matched, somewhat tight even, but no overhang of the neck to the body so typically seen on Fender Strats. Nice smooth transition. Plays really well, nice resonance. Here are a couple more images.

Dave

[vonreimer]

[Craig]

It is a beauty!

Please do add it to our G&L Registry.

[FZTNT]

Beautiful guitar and welcome to the forum. I have been thinking about buying one of these but am saving my Gas money for just the right one. This is a close one I almost pulled the trigger on. Do you have any other G&L guitars? If so, how does it compare to say, a Legacy or other Strat type guitar? It's supposed to be very close to an actual Strat since George designed that for Fender back in the day.

Keep up the pics and like Craig, please register it in the registry.

Tom

[vonreimer]

I would take this over a Fender any day. I've bought an sold so many strats that I can't count them anymore. In fact I just sold a late 80's Jap 1962 reissue to buy this. I sounded like a Teisco to me, not worth what people think they are. This guitar is very identical except for playablity, this plays like butter. Probably hand fit for NAMM show. Keep your eyes open and don't forget to look at big box stores used inventory. Found this at a GC in New York online and it was discounted to $599 with G&L black case. Fret ends needed filing but most maple fretboards 20 years old need that so it was a no brainer.
They don't always know what they have in fact the kid on the phone at GC told me it was 2017 guitar. Hello !! I realize I was lucky to stumble across this one but don't give up. Save your shekels.

Dave

[vonreimer]

I have added to the registry and also have images in a gallery with my name.

Dave Reimer

[FZTNT]

Awesome deal!!

Tom