My new ASAT Classic Alnico --- some info (and some questions

[KissTone]

Hello . . . some time lurker, first time poster . . .

I recently got my hands on a new ASAT Classic Alnico, and thought I'd share a bit . . . but I also have some questions . . .

For those interested, I opened her up to get an accurate measurement of the pickups:
neck = 7.28k
bridge = 7.25k

Now, does anyone know any of the other specific build details on these pickups beyond the fact that they are alnico V and are the work of Steve Grom? I was wondering if anyone might know about Steve's choice of wire, potting, etc.

The guitar is alder bodied and weighs in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. The color is Fullerton Red.

And this plek'ed neck is amazing---every note everywhere on this neck rings out clearly. The neck is also satin finished and amazingly slick.

It's been a while since I've owned a guitar with an untinted neck finish. Does G&L's clear satin have a tendency to 'yellow'. Years ago I had an American Standard Strat with a satin clear finish that ambered in about a year . . .

It sounds quite snappy, clear, and balanced in all positions.

Here's a picture . . .

[Fumble fingers]

what a beauty !! ... fullerton red is sweet ...... does that have the arm contour and rear contour ??

[Craig]

Hello . . . some time lurker, first time poster . . .

I recently got my hands on a new ASAT Classic Alnico, and thought I'd share a bit . . . but I also have some questions . . .

For those interested, I opened her up to get an accurate measurement of the pickups:
neck = 7.28k
bridge = 7.25k

Now, does anyone know any of the other specific build details on these pickups beyond the fact that they are alnico V and are the work of Steve Grom? I was wondering if anyone might know about Steve's choice of wire, potting, etc.

The guitar is alder bodied and weighs in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. The color is Fullerton Red.

And this plek'ed neck is amazing---every note everywhere on this neck rings out clearly. The neck is also satin finished and amazingly slick.

It's been a while since I've owned a guitar with an untinted neck finish. Does G&L's clear satin have a tendency to 'yellow'. Years ago I had an American Standard Strat with a satin clear finish that ambered in about a year . . .

It sounds quite snappy, clear, and balanced in all positions.

Here's a picture . . .

Actually, Paul Gagon was the one who spec'd these pickups from Leo's original design. See the Overview section of the ASAT® Classic Alnico page on G&L's main website for details. Steve Grom was the Director of Manufacturing when this guitar
was built. In the near future I will be contacting Paul to get details on the various new pickups and wirings of the new models and will ask him about this models as well.
G&L's satin finished necks will age over time but I'm not sure how long it takes before you see a change.

Did you get a chance to A/B this model with the ASAT Classic model (with MFD pickups)?

Thanks for sharing you new G&L, it's a beauty!

[blargfromouterspace]

Welcome aboard KissTone. That is a gorgeous ASAT. And is that a brown case? Is that the standard colour case for the Alnico model? It looks good.

The neck will darken over time. The neck on my '97 Classic (3rd from the left) has darkened over the years. I bought it used in 2010, so don't know whether it was stored in the sun or whether the previous owner kept it in a smoky room, but its not as stark white as a brand new one. The two necks on the left in the photo are GOT and a light tint on the far right.

[meursault]

Hooooo !!! Look at that lollipop !!... Wonderful ! Congrats she's gorgeous...

[KissTone]

Thanks for the feedback, folks.

As to your questions . . .
No, there are no additional contours---just the traditional 'T' type body shape (but I will say that the generous G&L edge radius on the body is more forgiving than Fender's).

I'm afraid I didn't get a chance to play an ASAT Classic, Deluxe, or Special before going with this Alnico. A buddy has a really nice Bluesboy which is what convinced me to get my first G&L.

And yes, that case is dark brown with black ends and a black interior.

[JagInTheBag]

Steve Grom was the Director of Manufacturing when this guitar
was built.

Who holds that position presently?

[yowhatsshakin]

I think it is still Steve, but the spec sheets are signed by the shop foreman nowadays. Pleae correct me if I'm wrong.

- Jos

[KissTone]

Steve's signature is on my spec sheet. It's dated August 2012.

[louis cyfer]

remember the dc resistance measurement tells you only one thing. the length of wire.

[KissTone]

remember the dc resistance measurement tells you only one thing. the length of wire.

True, but I was just passing along the info for anyone interested in those types of specs.

[JagInTheBag]

I think it is still Steve, but the spec sheets are signed by the shop foreman nowadays. Pleae correct me if I'm wrong.

- Jos

Spencer Brown took over Steve Grom's duties effective December of last year. Is that whose signature you have Jos?

[yowhatsshakin]

I think it is still Steve, but the spec sheets are signed by the shop foreman nowadays. Pleae correct me if I'm wrong.

- Jos

Spencer Brown took over Steve Grom's duties effective December of last year. Is that whose signature you have Jos?

Actually no, or more precisely not yet. I recall seeing a spec sheet in an eBay auction and being surprised not to see Steve Grom's signature at the bottom. I talked with James of the Seattle Guitar shop a coupe of days ago and finally was able to confirm that Steve was no longer at G&L, although still having an advisory role. Could have checked his LinkedIn profile though to learn quicker ...

- Jos

[JagInTheBag]

Could have checked his LinkedIn profile though to learn quicker ...

- Jos

Yeah, he has three LinkedIn profiles. One says he still works at G&L, one says he ended his employ December of 2012, one even says he still works at Fender.

Glad to hear there is a smooth transisition. Someone needs to help Spencer with those TPS reports...

[Craig]

Steve Grom was the Director of Manufacturing when this guitar
was built.

Who holds that position presently?

That would be Paul Gagon (VP Engineering BBE/G&L). Spencer Brown is the General Foreman and
he reports directly to Paul.