Really torn between a Legacy Rustic and an Eric Johnson sig.

[Wolfe_BTV]

I'm hoping for a little input to help make a hard decision a bit easier; I've been looking at getting a 57'esque strat for a long time and I'm finally close to pulling the trigger. I was set on getting a G&L legacy, but have been bummed to find out that the only model with nitro is their Rustic line, and the price brings them close to the Eric Johnson signature strat.

So here I am, completely stuck trying to decide which way to go. The fender is a hair more expensive, but I've had the chance to play them and really like them--the G&L is a bit of a gamble since I've only been able to play their standard neck (and I'd really like to try their modern V-neck).

Any thoughts? If I go with Fender then I'll probably get an S-500 down the road; gotta love the whole electronics setup on them (but they just don't quite scratch the itch I've got for a more vintage-styled setup).

[Craig]

I'm hoping for a little input to help make a hard decision a bit easier; I've been looking at getting a 57'esque strat for a long time and I'm finally close to pulling the trigger. I was set on getting a G&L legacy, but have been bummed to find out that the only model with nitro is their Rustic line, and the price brings them close to the Eric Johnson signature strat.

So here I am, completely stuck trying to decide which way to go. The fender is a hair more expensive, but I've had the chance to play them and really like them--the G&L is a bit of a gamble since I've only been able to play their standard neck (and I'd really like to try their modern V-neck).

Any thoughts? If I go with Fender then I'll probably get an S-500 down the road; gotta love the whole electronics setup on them (but they just don't quite scratch the itch I've got for a more vintage-styled setup).

This is probably a long shot, but you might see if you can find one the Nitro Thin Series Special Builds G&L did for Pro Guitar Shop in Oregon in 2011:

G&L Nitro Thin Series Special Build-Special build Series for Pro Guitar Shop, which included Legacy, ASAT Classic, and ASAT Classic "Blueboy" models
with the addition of an upgraded thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish.

[reference: Production List of G&L Instruments (USA) ].

[Salmon]

If you really have to have nitro you could also pick up a G&L used, new or even order one then have the poly removed and replaced with nitro. It may or may not end up the same price but it gives you more options to consider. You would have a larger number of guitars to select from. Here is the nitro G&L's ad but it is just something copy/pasted or hijacked to be used in some portal. I doubt that guitar is for sale at Pro Guitar Shop. It is not shown on Pro Guitar Shop's website. I don't know your location, how do you feel about international purchases? I think that is Thailand. If this is for sale, the seller has used the original text of PGS's ad for reference.

Good luck.

[Wolfe_BTV]

Thanks for the feedback; it's good to know they did the nitro thin series, that'd be right in line with what I want. I'm set on doing a custom order through MusicStoreLive.com, and already checked to see if they could lower the cost on the rustic if it wasn't relic'd (no luck); maybe I could see if I could get it unfinished.

[blargfromouterspace]

I'd go for the EJ, reason being the relic thing and that they're a very nice guitar too.

[Boogie Bill]

I know that my ears aren't good enough to hear any tonal difference between the factory poly and the nitro finishes. Properly taken care of, the poly finish will stay nicer longer, which is good...unless you're looking to relic it.

I like the tonal versatility of the PTB tone controls over the EJ, and the vibrato is far superior for what I want to do.

The EJ is a good Strat; the Legacy is everything I wanted my old 1960 Strat to be.

Bill

[JagInTheBag]

I know that my ears aren't good enough to hear any tonal difference between the factory poly and the nitro finishes. Properly taken care of, the poly finish will stay nicer longer, which is good...unless you're looking to relic it.

I like the tonal versatility of the PTB tone controls over the EJ, and the vibrato is far superior for what I want to do.

The EJ is a good Strat; the Legacy is everything I wanted my old 1960 Strat to be.

Bill

+1