Need help with ASAT Special semi hollow or solid body

[MJ Slaughter]

I never owned any semi hollow body or ASAT/Tele type guitar before. I like what I hear on line with the ASAT Special demos but have been considering a semi hollow just for something really different. An ASAT would be different enough for me so I'm certain if I want to take on a semi hollow at this time or not. Can anyone explain to me what differences you notice going from a solid to semi hollow ASAT? Dramatic, subtle, different feedback or overtones? One upside I'm would expect is the lighter weight. Thanks

[blargfromouterspace]

IMO the main difference between a semi-hollow and solid bodied guitar is in the initial attack of the note, it's a bit more immediate and "in your face" on a solid. The SH body gives notes an airier sound, if that makes sense. Its definitely a subtle rather than dramatic difference. My SH Bluesboy isn't a lot lighter than a solid body, so I wouldn't let that be a deciding factor as much as the cost.

[supereiv]

I agree with Jamie, the difference is subtle but definitely there, the attack is different, but it doesn't mean it's not present, say it is less present.

[MJ Slaughter]

Thanks for the info. I'll probably just stay with solid bodies for now.

I've noticed some ASAT Specials on ebay that don't have Special on the head. From the pickups and seller description they appear to be ASAT Specials. Were some made that way or would you think these have had the original neck replaced?

[louis cyfer]

Thanks for the info. I'll probably just stay with solid bodies for now.

I've noticed some ASAT Specials on ebay that don't have Special on the head. From the pickups and seller description they appear to be ASAT Specials. Were some made that way or would you think these have had the original neck replaced?

asat speacials only say asat on the head.

[KenC]

Thanks for the info. I'll probably just stay with solid bodies for now.

I've noticed some ASAT Specials on ebay that don't have Special on the head. From the pickups and seller description they appear to be ASAT Specials. Were some made that way or would you think these have had the original neck replaced?

asat speacials only say asat on the head.

The model was named "ASAT" from '86 through the early 90s. After BBE took control, they offered two versions that were only cosmetically different. It was still called an ASAT if the body hardware and pick guard were black, and called an ASAT Special if the trim was chrome. Later on the black hardware was dropped from the option list, leaving only the ASAT Special. That's still the model name today. As Louis said, the decals only said ASAT through this whole time period.

You will see some differences with the headstock decal for guitars built prior to the early 90s. The decal will always say ASAT, but the font changed a couple of times and there would have been a "by Leo Fender" decal on the headstock up through '91 or so.

I hope this helps.

Ken

[MJ Slaughter]

Thanks for all the help. I guess I just presumed it would have Special on the head since my Legacy Special does.

[Craig]

Thanks for all the help. I guess I just presumed it would have Special on the head since my Legacy Special does.

The US ASAT and ASAT Specials have only the "ASAT" headstock decal, see List of Regular Production ASAT-style guitars (USA).
The 2003 - 2011 Tribute ASAT Special had the "ASAT Special" headstock decal.

Hope this helps.

[helle-man]

If I were you I'd try a Tribute semihollow ASAT Special. They're cheap and very light.

The one I have is an early one made in Korea by Cort and sounds better than some USA ones. They can be had cheap on eBay.

My 2¢

Will

[MJ Slaughter]

I might go for a Tribute first just to make sure I can get along with an ASAT. I enjoy my Tribute Legacy as much as my Legacy Special.