Quality of wood made the difference?

[Ribsspare]

I have an ASAT Special Tribute made in Korea and a USA ASAT Special. The Tribute is a fine guitar in many ways but the USA takes it to a more refined level. The USA version is more touch sensitive and more responsive in a way that there seems to be a higher fidelity and better detail in sound.

My understanding is that the electronics are the same on both guitars which leads me to believe that it must be the wood that is making the USA more responsive to my touch.

Do you think that the USA is using a better quality wood which is resulting in a better sound compared to the Tribute? Can better wood make a difference? Or is wood just wood?

BTW, both guitars are swamp ash and maple neck.

[guitar_ed]

Hi,

You are correct that the electronics are the same. And the wood is the same. But.....

First of all, even within the same species, wood is not the same. Different wood, different density, different tone. Second, the parts are not the same. Different size bridge, for instance. Close, but the parts are not interchangeable. Sourced from different companies, so the composition of the parts might not be the same. All of which can have an impact on the tone.

Also, the necks might be different size, which would affect the way you deal with the neck. Which would impact on how you play the guitar.

In the end, there are too many variables to give any kind of a sure answer.

Sorry,

edg

[louis cyfer]

there is a reason the usa ones cost more. called workmanship.

[Ribsspare]

I think possibly a determining factor is the bridge. The bridge on the Tribute is made of die cast metal I think and the bridge on the USA is probably brass with a chrome plating.

[louis cyfer]

I think possibly a determining factor is the bridge. The bridge on the Tribute is made of die cast metal I think and the bridge on the USA is probably brass with a chrome plating.

if you swapped the bridges, the us one will still sound better.

[Craig]

I have an ASAT Special Tribute made in Korea and a USA ASAT Special. The Tribute is a fine guitar in many ways but the USA takes it to a more refined level. The USA version is more touch sensitive and more responsive in a way that there seems to be a higher fidelity and better detail in sound.

My understanding is that the electronics are the same on both guitars which leads me to believe that it must be the wood that is making the USA more responsive to my touch.

Do you think that the USA is using a better quality wood which is resulting in a better sound compared to the Tribute? Can better wood make a difference? Or is wood just wood?

BTW, both guitars are swamp ash and maple neck.

A note on the electronics: The pickups are the exact same USA made pickups, the pots
the same values as the USA model. However, they are not from the same source.
USA models use CTS pots while the Korean and Indonesia Tributes models use Mighty Mite brand pots.

The bridge saddles are different on the Tributes, they are nickel plated die-cast saddles,
whereas the USA model have chrome-plated brass saddles.

These items can contribute to the differences you hear.

My $0.02.

[JohnR]

Hey,

I'm new here so I'll just put in $0.01.

I'm not an expert on the G&L's or any other guitars for that matter, but in my experience...

The wood, the Bridge, the pickguard, the frets, the nut, the truss rod, the tunners, the strings, string wraps on the post, etc... All these things effect how the guitar responds and sounds.

When you consider the electronics, the pots do make a difference, CTS -s- Alpha, but, and I don't know where G&L gets thiers, I don't think they make them... or do they? Most companies order the pots, switches, wire, etc... in bulk and most of this stuff is imported unless they are custom made.

Do the pickups have springs or tubing for adjustments, what gauge is the wire used for the electronics...

While any one of these things may not make a big difference, put them all together.....