G&L USA popularity

[zabukowski]

Hi,

I hope this topic is suitable for this forum. I've been a proud owner of G&L guitars since '97 and have owned or still own several USA models, including the ASAT Special, George Fullerton Signature, S-500, and JB bass, among others. Interestingly, I've never owned a Tribute model. In the past, there were G&L dealers even here in Slovenia. However, as of late, while there are still some dealers around, they seem to exclusively stock Tribute guitars. Even major dealers like Andertons in the UK only carry a few USA G&Ls, which is more of an exception than the rule. Buying a new USA G&L in the EU has become quite a challenge, and it appears to be getting more difficult with each passing year. It seems that USA G&L guitars are not selling as well as they used to.

It's quite disappointing! If this trend continues, G&L could become known primarily as a manufacturer of low-priced guitars for a large part of the world. While there's nothing inherently wrong with that, I believe that Leo's name doesn't deserve such an association to this extent.

However, I'm hopeful that this situation will eventually drive up the prices of USA G&L guitars, making my current guitars valuable collector's items.

#rant #over

Cheers,
Franci

[HunGLish]

Hello from a neighboring country. I see the trend too. Muziker (Slovakia) and Thomann (Germany) had USA G&Ls, but now Muziker has only Tributes and Thomann has only some leftover Tributes. Not a single made in USA. And Thomann is one of if not the largest music instrument online retailer in the world...

[DanDoulogos]

Same in Canada. I haven't seen an American G&L in any of our box stores in more than a decade.

I have to buy everything online.

It is too bad we can't buy direct from the factory - that would probably be a game changer.

[sam]

I travel for work so occasionally see shops that carry G&L, but not a common occurrence. Distributor minimum volumes may be a factor, I do not know G&L terms, but some retailers may be reluctant to take on new lines as many buyers are going cheapest online option.

The direct model would be like the old Carvin sales option. Notice they are not around anymore, and I’m a brick and mortar kind of guy. If you can touch it, it leaves a lasting impression. G&L guitars especially.

All of this means we need to continue spreading the word!

[Tooslowhand]

I don't know what G&L production numbers are but no doubt lower than other USA manufacturers which likely has an impact on perceived availability. Price has also risen which can be a further challenge, especially for overseas markets.

[mutts]

I think the online inventory looks average for USA models.
We have only two dealers for the whole state of Michigan these days so trying in person seems like a thing of the past. Of course, one can order and ship a guitar back but it was nice when I could try a few in person.

I agree with Tooslowhand, prices on new USA models seem to have risen. G&Ls don't seem like the bargain they used to it...maybe I'm just getting old!

[Tooslowhand]

I think you are correct Mutts. The last new G&L I bought was really expensive. It has lots of options on it, is really beautiful, and I like it a lot; so I'm not really complaining. But most likely it will be used stuff in the future.

[HunGLish]

Good news to Central Europeans: Kytary (Czech Republic) started to stock USA G&Ls

[Ljislinlk]

Ya, welcome to the club I guess. I started my search for a new USA G&L and there are none to found in any music stores I searched and that's a lot em. From SF CA. to almost Portalnd Or. A few tributes but not 1 USA model, in fact a G&L "dealer" was less than helpful and down right rude when I told Him I'm not interested in the tribute line. I had to buy my 2024 USA Fullerton ASAT online, took a chance & really glad I did it's a great guitar. Even the used market kinda sucks in the USA for USA G&L's you can buy a few thousand used Fender USA Tele's & about 30 G&L's.
I was very surprised at how no music stores carry the USA models.

[DanDoulogos]

Ugh! Don't get me started.

[SUaPYG]

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Guitarworks in Greenwood, Indiana. They stock G&Ls, both USA and Tributes, and have an assortment of stock guitars as well as a few BTO guitars that are special. As an added bonus their in-house luthier is Derek Rush who has a stellar reputation.
It is a 45 minute drive for me each way, but after hearing how others struggle to find a dealer with good stock, I cannot complain.
Sweetwater in Fort Wayne also stocks a full range of G&Ls, but that is a 3 hour drive each way.

[DanDoulogos]

Imma one up you.

I live in Winnipeg Manitoba in Canada. it's a sprawling city with a population of 850K not counting adjacent rural sprawl.

Just taking a bus cross town takes more than 45 minutes, so that wouldn't even be an issue. If there were a store within three hours of me, well, that might be a "special trip" - but doable.

BUT, The two stores nearest me (in Canada) are Innovations Music south in Edmonton (1,400 miles west of me) and Red One Musique in Quebec City (2,200 Km east of me).

So I am looking at a 13 hour drive one way west or a 24 hour drive one way east.

The other alternative is to go south (with weak-ass Canadian money in my pocket getting gouged 50 cents on the dollar the moment I cross the border), for an 8 hour one way car ride to Minneapolis.

So I am forced to buy online if I don't want to pay crazy distance and/or currency expenses.

Journeys that long cost in gas and hotels (and in the case of cross into the US - getting raped over currency exchanged - before I even get to the price of the guitar.

To be fair, there are a few stores in Toronto that sell G&L guitars - but Toronto is boring, if I am going to head east, I'd avoid TO and go to QC for the ambiance.

The end of it is the same though. Without anything local I am forced to buy online - and that means limited selection and no one local to handle a BTO request.