G&L ASAT VS. Legacy

[gnr4life]

oh wait i can have the knobs changed to push down on instead of the toggle switch?

[Craig]

oh wait i can have the knobs changed to push down on instead of the toggle switch?

Yes, here's the post where I originally mentioned about this: http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic ... 756#p25756.

I found out a few months ago (and posted this in response to someone elses post) that you can order either the toggle switch or a Push/Pull tone or volume on those models with either the humbucker splitter or the pickup expander switch. So, it's likely that the dealer who ordered it, requested the push/pull.
Hope this helps.

I also just added a new post in the G&L Knowledgebase, General G&L Questions sub-forum: Are there expander and coil splitter switch options?

Hope this helps.

[Boogie Bill]

In my opinion, for classic rock and blues, your choice should come down to essentially six guitars.

If you want vintage Strat tones, then obviously the Legacy is the best choice.

Want "more"? More power, more oomph? If you like single coil tone, but with an aggressive edge, ala SRV--then get the S-500. The strat, on steroids!

The Legacy Special is the guitar to get if like a smoother blues tone, like BB King, Santana or Gary Moore. The Gotoh Blades are humbucking and have a more PAF type tone, but the PTB control system can get you close to the alnico single coil tone of the Legacy. The LS is one of the most most versatile guitars on the planet. It backs up my Legacy AND my Les Paul, and it's the guitar I reach for when I need to bring out my inner EVH.

If you want a noise-free guitar with powerful pickups, and the ability to create your own signature tone, without sounding like every other Strat in the world, then the Comanche is your ticket. I make mine dark and powerful--and it is the most badass strat you've ever heard. I can also go bright and twangy if I need to. A lot of tones, but it sounds like nothing you've ever heard before. Plan on spending the time to make it your own. Read "Comanches For Dummies" in the Knowledge Base.

If you're into the '80s and '90s rock era--the era of the "SuperStrat" and big hair, check out any one of the Invader models. The "forgotten" guitar of the G&L line up, they really deliver the goods. Get your hair gel and your spandex on--these guitars ROCK!

In the endless pursuit of trying to make a guitar that could be suitable for any kind of music, some joker got the idea of dropping a Gibson PAF pickup into the bridge position of a strat. Not a bad idea--clean rhythm tones from the neck and middle single coil alnico pickups, and lots of grind from the bridge. Add a switch to split the coils of the bridge bucker, and you can even get decent quack in position number two. The best of all worlds--welcome to the realm of the Legacy HB model. Hate single coils? There's the Legacy 2HB--G&L's version of the New York, or Big Apple Strat that Hiram Bullock made legendary.

Now I can admit some prejudice, as I prefer the Legacy-bodies over the ASAT style. I like the DF Vibrato, and I much prefer the PTB tone controls over a single tone knob. There are ASAT variants of most of these guitar's pickup configurations, but they wont sound exactly the same.

(And no, the ASAT Deluxe does not sound like a Les Paul, even though it is maple-over-mahogany and has two HB pickups!)

Don't fall for the myth of finding one guitar that can "do it all". Been looking for 45 years--it doesn't exist. The modern guitarist really does need a collection of musical instruments to play a variety of styles.

You have my permission to buy more than one!

Bill

[gnr4life]

wow bill that was amazing. you know so much about G&Ls. i decided on a legacy bc its my first g&l and i want basically the most basic and most classic strat from g&l. my next guitar though is going to be an s500 or commanche! thanks a ton!

[louis cyfer]

disagree with the s500 being ala srv, as srv played a set of low output '59 strat pups, nothing like the output of the s500. if anything, the legacy is more like that.

[Boogie Bill]

disagree with the s500 being ala srv, as srv played a set of low output '59 strat pups, nothing like the output of the s500. if anything, the legacy is more like that.

Stevie used multiple amps, and pretty much dimed them. And you are correct he did use vintage alnico pickups. But he also tuned down, and used very heavy strings...and a tubescreamer...to hammer the front end of his Fender, Marshall and Dumble amps, and torture the power amp sections.

I think the modern player, using a 9-42 or 10-46 strings at standard pitch (and probably not being able to dime his amp at a club gig) will appreciate the effect that the wide-range, high-output MFDs have in also hammering the front end of the amplifier. The aggresive edge of the MFD's in the S-500 is virtually "SRV in a Box" in my opinion--and perfect for "Tejas Blooze".

I won't claim to be an expert on SRV's tone, though I've certainly covered a lot of his songs in bar gigs over the years with my 1960 Strat and vintage Fender and Marshall (and now Mesa) amps. These days, if I want to do SRV, the guitar I'm going to reach for is one of my S-500s--not a Legacy.

So I will stand by my statement. YMMV, of course.

Bill

[louis cyfer]

disagree with the s500 being ala srv, as srv played a set of low output '59 strat pups, nothing like the output of the s500. if anything, the legacy is more like that.

Stevie used multiple amps, and pretty much dimed them. And you are correct he did use vintage alnico pickups. But he also tuned down, and used very heavy strings...and a tubescreamer...to hammer the front end of his Fender, Marshall and Dumble amps, and torture the power amp sections.

I think the modern player, using a 9-42 or 10-46 strings at standard pitch (and probably not being able to dime his amp at a club gig) will appreciate the effect that the wide-range, high-output MFDs have in also hammering the front end of the amplifier. The aggresive edge of the MFD's in the S-500 is virtually "SRV in a Box" in my opinion--and perfect for "Tejas Blooze".

I won't claim to be an expert on SRV's tone, though I've certainly covered a lot of his songs in bar gigs over the years with my 1960 Strat and vintage Fender and Marshall (and now Mesa) amps. These days, if I want to do SRV, the guitar I'm going to reach for is one of my S-500s--not a Legacy.

So I will stand by my statement. YMMV, of course.

Bill

i agree that those mfd's can hit the front of an amp hard, i will say, they are closer to a stevie sound that the texas specials fender is trying to pawn off on people. but as far as hitting the front of an amp hard, just need a good boost pedal. srv used the tubescreamer as a boost really.

[thunder100]

And no, the ASAT Deluxe does not sound like a Les Paul, even though it is maple-over-mahogany and has two HB pickups!Bill

Basically YES,closest are the Semi Hollow Deluxe as the feedback moves you closer then.If like me you dont like LP's this is closest you ever can get

Don't fall for the myth of finding one guitar that can "do it all". Been looking for 45 years--it doesn't exist. The modern guitarist really does need a collection of musical instruments to play a variety of styles.
Bill

+ 2

Bill Which Mesa's do you use ?

Roland

[desertrat07]

Here's a shot of my "Gilmourish" Comanche:



I certainly don't seek to emulate Gilmour (some people go waaaaay overboard on that, trying to copy his rig, nail every one of his sounds, etc...), but I've been listening consistently to Pink Floyd since I was a small child so his influence has certainly creeped into my playing.

I also put a SD SSL-5 in the bridge position of my Legacy, because I wanted something hotter. Another nod to Gilmour, and highly recommended.

[gnr4life]

hey desertrat is the neck on your guitar vintage tint gloss or satin?

[desertrat07]

hey desertrat is the neck on your guitar vintage tint gloss or satin?

It's gun-oil tint (GOT) gloss. I really like it- not too sticky and it looks really good. It's actually a very similar color to my 1983 SC-2's (actual vintage) neck, but maybe just a shade lighter. That said, for sheer playability the satin finish neck on my Legacy is the bomb. So smooooooth.

[gnr4life]

ironicly im making a gilmour copy too. and i plan to pretty much mimic his look do you think if i got just the satin neck it would look wierd with the black body, with the wood being so bright? bc satin feels soooo smooth way nicer than gloss.

[Michael-GnL-Michael]

Bill,

I feel your two posts on this subject are invaluable to G&L players.

What is most important is a practical means to an end unless the musician insists on getting there exactly how another musician got there. Most people will not have access to the gear SRV used to get his tone. If it can be adequately simulated getting you in the ballpark with anything else, preferably less and readily available, that is the point in suggesting alternatives like the S-500 for instance.

I am only attempting to illuminate the objective which often gets lost when topics like this are brought up.

disagree with the s500 being ala srv, as srv played a set of low output '59 strat pups, nothing like the output of the s500. if anything, the legacy is more like that.

Stevie used multiple amps, and pretty much dimed them. And you are correct he did use vintage alnico pickups. But he also tuned down, and used very heavy strings...and a tubescreamer...to hammer the front end of his Fender, Marshall and Dumble amps, and torture the power amp sections.

I think the modern player, using a 9-42 or 10-46 strings at standard pitch (and probably not being able to dime his amp at a club gig) will appreciate the effect that the wide-range, high-output MFDs have in also hammering the front end of the amplifier. The aggresive edge of the MFD's in the S-500 is virtually "SRV in a Box" in my opinion--and perfect for "Tejas Blooze".

I won't claim to be an expert on SRV's tone, though I've certainly covered a lot of his songs in bar gigs over the years with my 1960 Strat and vintage Fender and Marshall (and now Mesa) amps. These days, if I want to do SRV, the guitar I'm going to reach for is one of my S-500s--not a Legacy.

So I will stand by my statement. YMMV, of course.

Bill

In my opinion, for classic rock and blues, your choice should come down to essentially six guitars.

If you want vintage Strat tones, then obviously the Legacy is the best choice.

Want "more"? More power, more oomph? If you like single coil tone, but with an aggressive edge, ala SRV--then get the S-500. The strat, on steroids!

The Legacy Special is the guitar to get if like a smoother blues tone, like BB King, Santana or Gary Moore. The Gotoh Blades are humbucking and have a more PAF type tone, but the PTB control system can get you close to the alnico single coil tone of the Legacy. The LS is one of the most most versatile guitars on the planet. It backs up my Legacy AND my Les Paul, and it's the guitar I reach for when I need to bring out my inner EVH.

If you want a noise-free guitar with powerful pickups, and the ability to create your own signature tone, without sounding like every other Strat in the world, then the Comanche is your ticket. I make mine dark and powerful--and it is the most badass strat you've ever heard. I can also go bright and twangy if I need to. A lot of tones, but it sounds like nothing you've ever heard before. Plan on spending the time to make it your own. Read "Comanches For Dummies" in the Knowledge Base.

If you're into the '80s and '90s rock era--the era of the "SuperStrat" and big hair, check out any one of the Invader models. The "forgotten" guitar of the G&L line up, they really deliver the goods. Get your hair gel and your spandex on--these guitars ROCK!

In the endless pursuit of trying to make a guitar that could be suitable for any kind of music, some joker got the idea of dropping a Gibson PAF pickup into the bridge position of a strat. Not a bad idea--clean rhythm tones from the neck and middle single coil alnico pickups, and lots of grind from the bridge. Add a switch to split the coils of the bridge bucker, and you can even get decent quack in position number two. The best of all worlds--welcome to the realm of the Legacy HB model. Hate single coils? There's the Legacy 2HB--G&L's version of the New York, or Big Apple Strat that Hiram Bullock made legendary.

Now I can admit some prejudice, as I prefer the Legacy-bodies over the ASAT style. I like the DF Vibrato, and I much prefer the PTB tone controls over a single tone knob. There are ASAT variants of most of these guitar's pickup configurations, but they wont sound exactly the same.

(And no, the ASAT Deluxe does not sound like a Les Paul, even though it is maple-over-mahogany and has two HB pickups!)

Don't fall for the myth of finding one guitar that can "do it all". Been looking for 45 years--it doesn't exist. The modern guitarist really does need a collection of musical instruments to play a variety of styles.

You have my permission to buy more than one!

Bill

[Boogie Bill]

Bill,

I feel your two posts on this subject are invaluable to G&L players.

What is most important is a practical means to an end unless the musician insists on getting there exactly how another musician got there. Most people will not have access to the gear SRV used to get his tone. If it can be adequately simulated getting you in the ballpark with anything else, preferably less and readily available, that is the point in suggesting alternatives like the S-500 for instance.

I am only attempting to illuminate the objective which often gets lost when topics like this are brought up.

Thanks. That was the point I was trying to make. We often forget that simply buying SRV's gear won't make us sound like Stevie Ray. Wish it would, though!

Bill

[smurph1]

I have a Butterscotch Maple neck ASAT which is da Bomb, and I was looking at Legacys, when I was offered a great deal on '57 AVRI Stratocaster with a maple board.. I saved some serious money on it, and it sounds Great!! But I'll probably get a Legacy too at some point..Guess I really didn't answer your question did I? The bottom line for me was now I've got two great sounding single coil guitars to go with my Heritage 535!! Good Luck in your search!!

[SouthpawGuy]

Thanks. That was the point I was trying to make. We often forget that simply buying SRV's gear won't make us sound like Stevie Ray. Wish it would, though!

Bill

What ? Say it isn't so !

I got this Legacy a while back and had it fitted with DiMarzio Injectors which were made especially for Paul Gilbert.




I must have the guitar about six months now. And I still can't play like him !

Now I know why.

[JagInTheBag]

What ? Say it isn't so !

I got this Legacy a while back and had it fitted with DiMarzio Injectors which were made especially for Paul Gilbert.




I must have the guitar about six months now. And I still can't play like him !

Now I know why.

LOVE the gorgeous satin gun oil neck. SWEET! ~P

[JasonM]

Nice Comanche! Pretty sure that will be my next G&L.
I was wondering, does the F Hole make any difference in tone when compared to a semi without the F Hole?

Jason

Here's a shot of my "Gilmourish" Comanche:



I certainly don't seek to emulate Gilmour (some people go waaaaay overboard on that, trying to copy his rig, nail every one of his sounds, etc...), but I've been listening consistently to Pink Floyd since I was a small child so his influence has certainly creeped into my playing.

I also put a SD SSL-5 in the bridge position of my Legacy, because I wanted something hotter. Another nod to Gilmour, and highly recommended.

[desertrat07]

Nice Comanche! Pretty sure that will be my next G&L.
I was wondering, does the F Hole make any difference in tone when compared to a semi without the F Hole?

Thanks! I really can't say whether the Comanche semi-hollow sounds any different with or without the f-hole as mine is the only one I've ever played. From what I've read, they don't sound any different. Either way, the semi-hollow is amazing - so warm sounding with great sustain. I can play it for hours even unplugged (great when the kid is in bed) - it really sounds nice.

[louis cyfer]

no difference in sound between the f-hole and no f-hole. i had the same guitar with both bodies. first with no f-hole, it blew up and the factory made an f-hole version. sounded exactly the same. when not plugged in the f-hole version seems to have a little more volume, but not by much.

[NickHorne]

Can you describe the difference between an Asat semi and a solid one? It seems like they must be a big improvement on the old Thinline Teles I remember from 1970-ish (lots of these were crippled for lack of sustain, real banjos).

[louis cyfer]

Can you describe the difference between an Asat semi and a solid one? It seems like they must be a big improvement on the old Thinline Teles I remember from 1970-ish (lots of these were crippled for lack of sustain, real banjos).

i don't have a solid asat, but it is feather light, ungodly sustain and great tone. does not lack in any way, but when playing acoustically, there is some more volume. the sustain is as good or better than my solid teles.

[NickHorne]

Thanks!
Most encouraging.
Now I think of it, I'm pretty sure your P90boy is semi; I'm seriously tempted to do similar, as meatier flavour than my WR and Classic (both solid).
Also possibly just one more (!) semi, for some microcoils, to maximise the enjoyment of my older years trying to become capable of 10% (say) of Bill Frisell...
As I've posted before, hotrodding G&L's responsibly like this is no criticism. I love the original ones I have, and I just can't imagine a better chassis for those excursions into other pleasures that tempt lots of us to experiment.

[jammers5]

so if i wanted to play acdc what should i get i really like the bluesboy and legacy hb becuase the legacy special is a litle too heavy i dont want all heavy i want some to be able to play acdc but also like pink floyf and srv blues. ideas?

I have an ASAT Classic Rustic that I can get very a VERY convincing AC/DC sound from.....

J5

[gnr4life]

i tihnk im going to get an asat bluesboy because they have a mix of it all

[Craig]

i tihnk im going to get an asat bluesboy because they have a mix of it all

Not a bad choice at all!

Please do post a photo or two, after you get it.

[timewave]

I own a Legacy Special and STILL cant put it down,my Comanche is very lonely these days and I have found that David Gs sounds are well within its grasps!!!!!

[timewave]

so if i wanted to play acdc what should i get i really like the bluesboy and legacy hb becuase the legacy special is a litle too heavy i dont want all heavy i want some to be able to play acdc but also like pink floyf and srv blues. ideas?

I have an ASAT Classic Rustic that I can get very a VERY convincing AC/DC sound from.....

J5

Buy an SG!

[louis cyfer]

so if i wanted to play acdc what should i get i really like the bluesboy and legacy hb becuase the legacy special is a litle too heavy i dont want all heavy i want some to be able to play acdc but also like pink floyf and srv blues. ideas?

I have an ASAT Classic Rustic that I can get very a VERY convincing AC/DC sound from.....

J5

Buy an SG!

actually, the guitar you hear mostly on the ac/dc recordings is the gretch. ac/dc's sound is malcolm, not angus.

[yowhatsshakin]

actually, the guitar you hear mostly on the ac/dc recordings is the gretch. ac/dc's sound is malcolm, not angus.

+1 Everybody is aware of Angus' flashiness and antics, but hardly anybody seems to notice that Malcolm is providing the groove. One of the best rhythm guitar players ever.

- Jos

[louis cyfer]

actually, the guitar you hear mostly on the ac/dc recordings is the gretch. ac/dc's sound is malcolm, not angus.

+1 Everybody is aware of Angus' flashiness and antics, but hardly anybody seems to notice that Malcolm is providing the groove. One of the best rhythm guitar players ever.

- Jos

angus plays great solos, but his rhythm tone is not that great, and it is pretty far back in the mix. i would put malcolm as the best rhythm player ever. ac/dc rocks, and it's all him.

[yowhatsshakin]

i would put malcolm as the best rhythm player ever. ac/dc rocks, and it's all him.

Not disagreeing with the latter but my choice for the former is riff master Keef. But we can differ can't we?

- Jos

[louis cyfer]

i would put malcolm as the best rhythm player ever. ac/dc rocks, and it's all him.

Not disagreeing with the latter but my choice for the former is riff master Keef. But we can differ can't we?

- Jos

yes we can. i think keef is as good a guitar player as william hung is a singer.

[thunder100]

And no, the ASAT Deluxe does not sound like a Les Paul, even though it is maple-over-mahogany and has two HB pickups!

Complete right-->just for the "cannot play and stand a LP" boys like myself,that brings you as close as you may ever get,without a LP(still even with a Semi hollow I have,LP#s resonate differently)

Don't fall for the myth of finding one guitar that can "do it all". Been looking for 45 years--it doesn't exist. The modern guitarist really does need a collection of musical instruments to play a variety of styles.
You have my permission to buy more than one!

Bill

Very true and the best excuse for GAS

I dare to add with just 35 years of playing,that one can play all, if first you can,and you dont care that you are (way) off the real sound.But Usually if you a serious ,you will not stand that long and the next guitar is on its way

my 2 cents

Roland

[suave eddie]

i would put malcolm as the best rhythm player ever. ac/dc rocks, and it's all him.

Not disagreeing with the latter but my choice for the former is riff master Keef. But we can differ can't we?

- Jos

yes we can. i think keef is as good a guitar player as william hung is a singer.

I almost sprayed my keyboard and monitor with my mouthful of coffee while reading this..........Those can be fighting words amongst some, but I have to agree with you.
After recently reading his book, I was shocked that he considers the Stones to be a "Blues" band.....not only that, but the 'Best' blues band around. They were certainly influenced by the blues masters originally......but just sayin'........

About the only thing I will concede to Keef is that he has developed his own signature style and sound.

[thunder100]

And Keef is the only one which can act in the Pirates of Caribean ,without any mask or makeup.An achievment by itself

Roland

PS:Regardless books and posts.He knows how to play a Tele

[louis cyfer]

And Keef is the only one which can act in the Pirates of Caribean ,without any mask or makeup.An achievment by itself

Roland

PS:Regardless books and posts.He knows how to play a Tele

he was great in those movies. i saw him trying to learn to play the beginning of johny b good from chuck berry, for over half an hour, could not do it. he does know how to play a tele sloppy.

[suave eddie]

And Keef is the only one which can act in the Pirates of Caribean ,without any mask or makeup.An achievment by itself

Roland

PS:Regardless books and posts.He knows how to play a Tele

he was great in those movies. i saw him trying to learn to play the beginning of johny b good from chuck berry, for over half an hour, could not do it. he does know how to play a tele sloppy.

I thought it was the song "Carol" that Chuck Berry was showing him, although it could have been Johnny B Good also....that movie was an embarrassment......Keef seemed to think the show was all about himself.

Enough ranting for today.

[louis cyfer]

And Keef is the only one which can act in the Pirates of Caribean ,without any mask or makeup.An achievment by itself

Roland

PS:Regardless books and posts.He knows how to play a Tele

he was great in those movies. i saw him trying to learn to play the beginning of johny b good from chuck berry, for over half an hour, could not do it. he does know how to play a tele sloppy.

I thought it was the song "Carol" that Chuck Berry was showing him, although it could have been Johnny B Good also....that movie was an embarrassment......Keef seemed to think the show was all about himself.

Enough ranting for today.

maybe that was the problem. chuck was showing one song, keef was trying to play another

[thunder100]

I saw annother movie-dont recall the name,but there was a report about a studio take on Street fighting man.Keef-and I am no big fan- did show to akll the session musician how and what to play

Would love to have half of his feeling for Blues.

But usually we judge by the played music wether sombedy is a good player-->I got a lesson for life ,because I thought that Prince makes a soso music and is a medium guitar player till I saw this
[youtube]6SFNW5F8K9Y[/youtube]
I shut up after that

Roland

[yowhatsshakin]

Man, turns out I'm so not with the times (no TV or cable in the house). I had to look up who the heck this 'william hung' is. To compare the honorable non-Sir Keef with 'Bill Hung'? Ouch! And now my feelings are hurt ...

... but fortunately I am a man and am over it already

BTW, is he the 'Hung' in the bumper sticker 'Unfortunately, I Think Like A Horse And Hung Like Einstein'?

- Jos

[louis cyfer]

I saw annother movie-dont recall the name,but there was a report about a studio take on Street fighting man.Keef-and I am no big fan- did show to akll the session musician how and what to play

Would love to have half of his feeling for Blues.

But usually we judge by the played music wether sombedy is a good player-->I got a lesson for life ,because I thought that Prince makes a soso music and is a medium guitar player till I saw this
[youtube]6SFNW5F8K9Y[/youtube]
I shut up after that

Roland

prince is a monster player. he likes to play those enormous teles, that thing must be a 30" scale and a oversized body.

[thunder100]

I agree on the monster player(now) but I think that Tele is just right-->he is that small(handsome)

Roland

[louis cyfer]

I agree on the monster player(now) but I think that Tele is just right-->he is that small(handsome)

Roland

my bad. so it's a normal sized guitar and undersized person