ASAT Special question...

[allstarrr]

Hello all,

I just pulled my inherited ASAT special out after many years. I'd be interested in knowing its exact year, but I don't care to take the neck off to find out. The main question I have is how many of this color may have been produced. I ask, being curious, because I've yet to see the same finish anywhere. It's not a sparkle, but it's some kind of cool texture. Hopefully my attempt to upload to photobucket was successful and the (ok) photos can be seen. Any comments at all on the guitar are welcome, as I'd love to learn everything I can about it.

http://s1360.photobucket.com/

[louis cyfer]

you might want to give a link to the photobucket pic, not just the website.

[allstarrr]

When I click on the link it goes to the page with the photo's... can you not see the photo's from that link?

[louis cyfer]

When I click on the link it goes to the page with the photo's... can you not see the photo's from that link?

no. just a sign in and search page. but that is not what a photo link looks like. get the url of the actual photo.

[allstarrr]

Does this possibly do it? I guess I'm kind of lame, or just don't care to read instructions.

http://s1360.photobucket.com/user/allst ... 2.jpg.html
http://s1360.photobucket.com/user/allst ... 2.jpg.html
http://s1360.photobucket.com/user/allst ... 9.jpg.html

[Elwood]

close...let's try this...
(I embedded the direct links between the img tabs)







Nice Blue on your ASAT

elwood

[allstarrr]

Thanks for the help! Yeah, the pictures don't translate the sharpness perfectly, but it's unique and cool. I read that these finishes crack easily, but if it's true mine has eluded that condition from being in the case most of its life. I wondered if anyone knew of this particular finish style on others? It surprises me that such a true quality guitar can be had for such reasonable prices these days, and that more notables don't swear by them.

Anyway, I love these forums where there's cool and knowledgable people who eagerly and generously share their wisdom, and I'm glad to be here to check things out.

[louis cyfer]

it looks like a blue swirl. fred finisher will be able to give you more insight. these are poly finishes, not likely to crack. a nitro finish is certainly more likely to.

[darwinohm]

I agree with Louis that it could be a swirl. It is probably an early to mid 90s as it is 3 bolt and post bullet truss rod.-- Darwin

[Craig]

Hello all,

I just pulled my inherited ASAT special out after many years. I'd be interested in knowing its exact year, but I don't care to take the neck off to find out. The main question I have is how many of this color may have been produced. I ask, being curious, because I've yet to see the same finish anywhere. It's not a sparkle, but it's some kind of cool texture. Hopefully my attempt to upload to photobucket was successful and the (ok) photos can be seen. Any comments at all on the guitar are welcome, as I'd love to learn everything I can about it.

http://s1360.photobucket.com/

If you provide the serial number I might be able to get the year it was built from Dave McLaren. I'll also ask about the
producation numbers for the Blue Swirl finish. The three Swirl finishes were available in the 90's. Check the Gallery in the
Album: Ad Slicks and Memorabilia for the 1992-93 Catalog for reference of these finishes. Look at the 1996-97 Catalog, Back Page
and you will see the Color chart with color swatches.

For posting photos, see Tutorial: Posting photos.

Hope this helps.

[Craig]

Hello all,

I just pulled my inherited ASAT special out after many years. I'd be interested in knowing its exact year, but I don't care to take the neck off to find out. The main question I have is how many of this color may have been produced. I ask, being curious, because I've yet to see the same finish anywhere. It's not a sparkle, but it's some kind of cool texture. Hopefully my attempt to upload to photobucket was successful and the (ok) photos can be seen. Any comments at all on the guitar are welcome, as I'd love to learn everything I can about it.

http://s1360.photobucket.com/

If you provide the serial number I might be able to get the year it was built from Dave McLaren. I'll also ask about the
producation numbers for the Blue Swirl finish. The three Swirl finishes were available in the 90's. Check the Gallery in the
Album: Ad Slicks and Memorabilia for the 1992-93 Catalog for reference of these finishes. Look at the 1996-97 Catalog, Back Page
and you will see the Color chart with color swatches.

For posting photos, see Tutorial: Posting photos.

Hope this helps.

Also, see this post: For you Swirl finish fans ....

[allstarrr]

the seriel # is G041494. I didn't post it after reading that the seriel numbers aren't sequencial or chronological, and that you had to take the neck off to see when it was made. Blue Swirl sounds like what it looks like. I'm going to go follow the provided links and see what I can find, and thank you for those links!

[allstarrr]

Sure enough, there's the Blue Swirl along with the green and black/silver on the back of the '96-'97 catalogue (thanks!). I also stumbled onto this production link here, too, but of course it doesn't specify in great detail.

http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic ... view=print

Love this place!

[allstarrr]

I can't keep from coming back for more... I just hit that "For you Swirl finish fans.." link (thanks again), and I see just what I had heard. It suggests the finish process leaves it possiby unstable where it might "delaminate." It also says that G&L ceaced production in spite of order requests. Mine had held up particularly well and is in near mint condition. Not that I plan to get rid of it at all, but I thought it might be a more rarer one in its condition, and possibly worth a bit more than your average Special in great shape. I put a hook up on the wall to display this thing as a piece of art while it's not being played, though it's going to get some more play now. I hope that finish lasts

[Craig]

the seriel # is G041494. I didn't post it after reading that the seriel numbers aren't sequencial or chronological, and that you had to take the neck off to see when it was made. Blue Swirl sounds like what it looks like. I'm going to go follow the provided links and see what I can find, and thank you for those links!

I've heard back from Dave:

Hi Craig,

G041494 ASAT Special Blueswirl, Rosewood fingerboard, Pearl pickguard was completed on 1/16/95

I can't guess how many were in that exact configuration. I see 10 of them right next to each other on that day, and I remember it was popular.
I believe it was the same combo that was on the cover of Guitar Player magazine around that time.

Thanks, Craig.

Dave

[allstarrr]

Thanks, Craig. Not that it likely matters at all, but I would have guessed it was an earlier model based on who I got it from and the circumstance. To get the exact date of production is pretty cool, and from the ultimate source even more cool. I was curious who this Dave McLaren guy was, and so I searched this link to inform myself.
http://www.bbesound.com/company/executive-profiles.htm
Certainly interesting sounding men, the three of them. I'm guessing John is Dave's father. I don't know if their offices were at the factory, but Dave could have walked by while my guitar was being assembled back then. I'm not surprised that the Blueswirl was a popular color. Ten of them in one day suggests there could have been many made, but it sounded like the problems with the finish were known early, and they discontinued making them in fear, possibly leaving them somewhat scarce. Who knows, and it doesn't really matter in the big scheme, but we all seem for some reason to want to have something special that others don't. My Special is special to me... haha.

Good stuff, thanks!

[allstarrr]

Oh, I was also going to say that I took a quick look for that 1995 Gutar Player Magazine Cover with the G&L on it that Dave spoke of, with no luck. Is anyone up for the challenge of locating that one???

[Fumble fingers]

that guitar sure is a beauty !! .... it looks like its held up good ...., sorry can't help you with the magazine

[Elwood]

Found it ,
( I linked the picture to the ebay auction)

[allstarrr]

Are you serious! I just would not have gotten around to thinking of looking on ebay for it. From now on I will. It's sort of like Youtube for all things audio and video. At first it seemed a little snotty of me to place the burden on someone else to find this, but I should have known better to have felt any guilt. My dues to Mr. Blues. Nice job, Elwood. That must have a been a big deal for the company at that time. That's MY guitar! They want $13 total for that issue which is fairly hefty, but it'd be fun to read what they said about the guitars. Anyway, I don't know what else to ask, so this thread may be coming to an end. I've had fun while learning everything I came for and then some.

Thanks all, and keep up the great work!

Bob

[green swirl]

Elwood....you da man! You sourced the Guitar player mag for us. As soon as i read it I bid 7.99. The shipping to Canada is 12.50. For 20 bucks I will keep it until I have to sell the guitar and include it in the case. I think it will get me an extra 100 when it is time to sell that green bowling ball ASAT of mine. It brings a lot of credibility when your guit makes front page of Guitar Player magazine. Thanks for your effort...I'm beholdin

[Elwood]

That's some good case candy...you'll have to let us know if there are more worthy pics in the article.

rock and roll !
elwood

[allstarrr]

Green, You're making me think I shouldn't be such a cheap bastid and should get one of those GP copies to go with my Blue ball. I didn't want to cough up the $13, but it does sound like a nice thing to have. I'm not imagining a time I'll be selling mine, so the real significance to me would be to see what's inside the issue. BUT, since you will now become enlightened... maybe you can post the review and pics relative to the G&L? And by the way, how is your finish holding up?

Bob

[green swirl]

Bob (and Elwood).....there is 1 more copy at ebay vendors site. Ya bob, blue ball mag with blueball guitar....priceless. 20 years or 50 years from now you will have both to pass on down the line. $13 is peanuts in the scheme of life. When I get the mag I'll have a boo and if there is more info or pics I'll definitely pass them on.

[allstarrr]

I nabbed one! Your abosultely right, Green, it's peanuts and a great thing to have. I appreciate your influence and can't wait to get the thing in the mail. Thanks again to you, Elwood, and to you Craig. I still have the feeling that indirectly spoke with the head of G&L guitars... haha.

[green swirl]

Way to go Allstar...this GAS did not cost as much as usual and the wait and anticipation is just as good. How cool is that!! We may have one of the few copies of that mag left and a couple of fairly rare guits to go with it. Sweet.

[allstarrr]

I know exactly what you mean, Green. It doesn't take much for me to feel like an overgrown kid waiting for Christmas morning.