G&L ASAT questions regarding finish and neck tint

[stheri88]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum, but not new to G&L. I have currently 4 of their fantastic guitars and am interested in buying an ASAT classic in butterscotch blonde over swamp ash with a tinted maple neck. My question is regarding the variation I see in the butterscotch finish from guitar to guitar. Some seem to be much more transparent than others. Also, some have a more yellow tint while others have more of a cream / butter look. Is there any way to specify what you want when ordering?

Also, with regard to the neck. I have noticed a similar thing with some of the gun oil tints being very yellowish, presumably, a heavier tint while others have a much lighter hue. I realize there is a lighter tinting option offered, but I don't think that is what I am seeing.

I guess my underlying question is this, if I want my G&L ASAT classic alnico to look as close as possible to a 52 telecaster what should I order? I only know it is going to be a G&L with ASAT alnico pickups (the new ones) and a #3 neck profile with a single ply black pickguard. How are the new alnico pickups for the ASAT btw? Has anybody commented on them?

Your help is very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Stephen

[Craig]

Check this post out: Re: G&L announces the new ASAT Classic Alnico ...

[Elwood]

In this thread (maybe 2/3 through), Blarg posted a shot of 4 of his necks and the difference in color.
I'm not sure how you specify a light GOT, but that seems to be close to an old yellowed tele neck.
Might be a bit too much yellow still.

http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=8056

[Craig]

Here's what some of current neck tints look like:


[click on image to see full size photo]

See this post for some details: Comparison of Neck Finishes

Hope this helps.

[JagInTheBag]

I've also seen light tint satin and vintage tint satin in person. And don't forget vintage tint satin neck, gloss headstock

[stheri88]

Thanks for the help. Has the butterscotch color changed slightly for the G&L ASAT classic alnico? To me, it appears to more accurately resemble my recollection of a vintage T-style guitar. I much prefer it.

The neck tint still eludes me since I have seen the vintage tint in both more yellow or less yellow versions.

Thanks very much,
Stephen

[JagInTheBag]

Thanks for the help. Has the butterscotch color changed slightly for the G&L ASAT classic alnico? To me, it appears to more accurately resemble my recollection of a vintage T-style guitar. I much prefer it.

The neck tint still eludes me since I have seen the vintage tint in both more yellow or less yellow versions.

Thanks very much,
Stephen

MusicSourceInventory3 by ShowYourAuto!com, on Flickr

The ASAT on the far left is butterscotch with no tint, the Strat on the middle left is a satin vintage tint, the ASAT on the far right is gloss vintage tint.

[Craig]

Thanks for the help. Has the butterscotch color changed slightly for the G&L ASAT classic alnico? To me, it appears to more accurately resemble my recollection of a vintage T-style guitar. I much prefer it.

The neck tint still eludes me since I have seen the vintage tint in both more yellow or less yellow versions.

Thanks very much,
Stephen

I am not aware of any change to the Butterscotch Blonde finish used by G&L. The photo of the ASAT Classic Alnico and
ASAT Classic 'S' Alnico on the G&L website are very recently taken.

Beginning in 2013 G&L has expanded the neck finishes options. Here's how they describe them:

Vintage Tint Gloss - Has a hue of an aged finish. Can work well for both a vintage or modern look.
Not recommended with Wood Binding on a Swamp Ash body (doesn't match well).

Vintage Tint Satin - Has a hue of an aged finish with the modern feel of a satin finish. Can work well for
both a vintage or modern look. Not recommended with Wood Binding on a Swamp Ash body (doesn't match well).

Light Tint Gloss - More of a subtle hue than Vintage Gloss, adds character and warmth to the look. Versatile.

Light Tint Satin - More of a subtle hue than Vintage Gloss with the modern feel of a satin finish.
Adds character and warmth to the look. Versatile.

Clear Gloss - A great choice for use with a Natural Gloss finish.

Clear Satin - Standard on most models, satin is smooth and easy playing.

I also updated the Comparison of Neck Finishes post in the G&L Knowledgebase.
I wish I had a closeup photo of the Vintage Tint Satin, though.

Hope this helps.

[stheri88]

Thanks everyone for the extra info. Those pictures of the G&L guitars hanging on the wall are just incredible. I would very much like to post pictures of a few of the variations I have noticed in both the body and neck tint, but sadly have no clue how to do that. So, I will do a little homework and see if I can get that posted. I have a good pic of exactly what I would like to order and want to make sure that I don't screw it up.

On a related note, has the ASAT classic alnico wiring been modified as well or is it the same as for the ASAT classic? I know the current ASAT classic has a treble bleed and a ceramic cap (not sure of the value). Does the classic alnico share that wiring setup or did the treble bleed get removed and the cap value adjusted? Very curious.

Lastly, how much do folks here feel that the tuners impact the sound of a guitar. I love the G&L tuners cause let's face it, they flat out work. However, the mass is pretty significant compared to a vintage style tuner and I wonder what impact that has on the tone. For that matter, the 3 saddle bridge must also play a part. Any comments on experience with these?

Thanks to all,
Stephen

[meowmix]

Tuners job is to keep in tune. Not tone.
Vintage or locking. Both work. Get what your heart desires.

[blargfromouterspace]

Lastly, how much do folks here feel that the tuners impact the sound of a guitar. I love the G&L tuners cause let's face it, they flat out work. However, the mass is pretty significant compared to a vintage style tuner and I wonder what impact that has on the tone. For that matter, the 3 saddle bridge must also play a part. Any comments on experience with these?

I have a 3-saddle bridge on one of mine and I don't think it makes any difference at all. I've no idea about the tuners, though I suspect meowmix is spot on unless you want to buy in to marketing claims.

As for the colour difference on butterscotch blondes, I've noticed it too. It could possibly be down to lighting - what do the photographers think of these?








The GOT does vary from guitar to guitar. The two on the left are both GOT, but are distinctly different. I guess it comes down to whoever is doing that job on the day your guitar is made!

[stheri88]

Thanks for the excellent pics. The body color on the 3rd pic is my idea of butterscotch blonde and the neck tint on the first pic is perfect IMHO. Any idea how someone could go about asking for these exact colors on a new order? Cursed with being a bit of a purist on this particular ASAT more so than any other color and want to make sure I get it to my liking. Thoughts?

Thanks for the comments on the 3 saddle bridge. I have tried it to, but the saddles on the bridge I tried required a neck shim in order to get the action low enough. So the playing suffered. On the six saddle bridge it wasn't necessary to shim the neck and I can't really put a finger on any tone difference myself. The tuners thing is one I have never been able to confirm and really was wondering about that. Talked to some really knowledgeable folks on this and all seem to claim it is noticeable. I wonder though myself...

Any body know anything about the wiring in the ASAT classic alnico vs. standard ASAT classic? Very curious on this since it could play a significant role in the overall sound.

Thanks for all the input.
Stephen

[louis cyfer]

remember, you can't play the paint. so the playability of the guitar is what is really important, a slight shade this way or that way is not a big deal, the old butterscotch teles are not all the same color either, different pieces of wood react differently to the stain and finish.

[stheri88]

Excellent point, but this is a bit of an indulgence purchase for me. I already have a trans orange Asat classic. I have only changed the neck profile, finish, and pickups in my contemplated new order. So, finish is more important than normal.. Have any of you ordered rosewood ASATs? Why don't you see them much? Comments on tone? Which body woods work best?

Maybe a future order. Seems with the legacy guitars you see an even mix of maple and rosewood. Interesting...

Steve