100-instrument production of ASAT Classic Alnico Launch Edition guitars.
On July 3rd G&L dealers were sent an email detailing the ASAT Classic Alnico model
and the Commemorative Launch Edition. Here is the text and photos of that announcement:
Announcing the New G&L Fullerton
ASAT Classic Alnico
While the G&L ASAT® Classic is Leo’s final word on the traditional single-cutaway bolt-on axe
with its Magnetic Field Design single-coil pickups, the new ASAT Classic Alnico has arrived to
blend latter-day-Leo with uncompromising Alnico tone. Framed in a classic boxed-steel bridge,
the single-coil Alnico V bridge pickup created by Leo Fender† and specced by Paul Gagon belts
out meaty twang that’ll stop you in your tracks, while individual brass saddles Leo upgraded for
the ASAT Classic offer modern levels of intonation refinement. Flip to the Alnico V neck pickup
and you’ll discover Gagon’s spec offers a fuller tone that leaves those anemic old pickups in the
dust. What’s more, the two pickups pair beautifully for an exceptionally sweet, jangly tone bursting
with harmonics.
These Alnico wonders aren’t just another flavor-of-the-week, having been carefully refined by Gagon
for personal guitars since the late 1970s. About 30 years ago, Gagon was an R&D engineer at another
company when he was tasked with finding out what was so special about the early bolt-on guitars
many players raved about. Gagon tirelessly analyzed many examples of what were considered “holy grail”
guitars, spending time out on the shop floor talking to builders still working in the pickup department
since the ‘50s, all on a quest to discover where the real mojo was – and wasn’t. What he learned from
the builders matched his own engineering analysis. You see, back in the day, the actual spec of pickups
coming that down that old production line varied considerably. Moreover, that nagging imbalance between
bridge and neck pickup was something he longed to improve on, and today, Gagon’s preferred pairing of
Alnico V pickups has arrived to delight the ears of the discerning guitarists.
Like the G&L Legacy, the new ASAT Classic Alnico combines best-of Alnico tone with modern Leo touches
for a brilliant blend of vintage and contemporary. Customers with a soft spot for Alnico tone will be thrilled
to experience what three decades of passionate development have accomplished.
Commemorative Launch Edition
To commemorate the initial production of these Alnico pickups, G&L has commissioned a special
100-instrument production of ASAT Classic Alnico Launch Edition guitars. The Launch Edition features
a Western Sugar Pine body coated in a gorgeous new Autumn Burst finish developed by veteran G&L
painter, Malcolm McLamore. The combination of a Western Sugar Pine body and Alnico magnet pickups
recalls early prototype instruments created by Leo Fender, yet the Launch Edition isn’t a time-warp
instrument: this is a thoughtful remix that blends the best of old-school Leo with 21st century G&L
quality and playability including Plek fret processing.
Two-piece Western Sugar Pine body
Special "Autumn Burst" body finish
G&L #1-spec Hard Rock Maple Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard
Light Tint Gloss neck finish
Gagon-spec Alnico V pickups
3-ply Black/White/Black pickguard
Custom-fit G&G Deluxe Tolex case
Limited to 100 instruments
Now Taking Orders!
The ASAT Classic Alnico is available with all the same options as the MFD-equipped ASAT Classic
and even the pricing is the same! The ASAT Classic Alnico Launch Edition is priced at MSRP $1,800.
Get your orders in for the ASAT Classic Alnico and Launch Edition today. Official photos and press
release will go live on July 23rd.
† The personal name, likeness and signature of Mr. Clarence Leo Fender ("Leo Fender") are
property of G&L Musical Instruments / BBE Sound, Inc. and may be used by authorized G&L dealers in
accordance with the G&L Trademark Usage Guideline. Leo Fender may not be used in any other
commercial capacity without prior approval from G&L Musical Instruments / BBE Sound, Inc. G&L is not
associated with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
