What ASAT should I buy?

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 11:11 am

I’ve been on the fence for weeks between getting a Bluesboy P90 and an ASAT Classic S.

My understanding is that the ASAT Classic neck pu is different than the ASAT Classic S neck up.

Are they similar sounding? Could someone tell me the differences?

suave eddie · Post by **suave eddie** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 11:51 am

My understanding is that the ASAT Classic neck pu is different than the ASAT Classic S neck up.

I am not aware of the Classic S having a different neck pickup.
Here are the specs from the G&L site -- http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/US ... /index.asp

I assume you have no way of playing the two guitars in question to compare?

I've never played the Bluesboy P90, but I love the neck pickup position on my ASAT Classic.

rhythmicist · Post by **rhythmicist** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 11:54 am

The ASAT Classic S Alnico would be have a different neck pickup.

Post by **Craig** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 12:29 pm

lefty_major wrote:I’ve been on the fence for weeks between getting a Bluesboy P90 and an ASAT Classic S.

My understanding is that the ASAT Classic neck pu is different than the ASAT Classic S neck up.

Are they similar sounding? Could someone tell me the differences?

Yes, the neck pickup on the ASAT Classic S is different on the production models built after January 2011.

For details on this see: ASAT-Classic-S-Revised.
The pickup model name is G&L Magnetic Field Design ASAT Classic Custom single coil and that is what will be noted on
the Custom Build Specification sheet for the neck pickup. See List of pickups used in G&L guitars.

IMO, the ASAT Classic S is more versatile than the ASAT Classic Bluesboy 90, because it has more pickup selections. However,
I have not had to opportunity to play an ASAT Classic Bluesboy 90.

Hope this helps.

suave eddie · Post by **suave eddie** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 12:57 pm

Craig wrote:
lefty_major wrote:I’ve been on the fence for weeks between getting a Bluesboy P90 and an ASAT Classic S.

My understanding is that the ASAT Classic neck pu is different than the ASAT Classic S neck up.

Are they similar sounding? Could someone tell me the differences?
Yes, the neck pickup on the ASAT Classic S is different on the production models built after January 2011.

For details on this see: ASAT-Classic-S-Revised.
The pickup model name is G&L Magnetic Field Design ASAT Classic Custom single coil and that is what will be noted on
the Custom Build Specification sheet for the neck pickup. See List of pickups used in G&L guitars.

IMO, the ASAT Classic S is more versatile than the ASAT Classic Bluesboy 90, because it has more pickup selections. However,
I have not had to opportunity to play an ASAT Classic Bluesboy 90.

Hope this helps.

As Emily Litella would say -- "Never mind"

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 3:51 pm

Yes, I'm thinking ASAT Classic "S". Not the S Alnico.

I've got a regular Classic so I know (and like) how the neck pu sounds. And reviewing this site I did find out that there is a difference between the regular Classic neck pu and the Classic "S" pu (and thank you, Craig). So I'm trying to figure out the difference. The sound difference.

I have the opportunity to play neither the Classic "S" or the Bluesboy P90. It's a shot in the dark.

I'm in a rock band with another guitarist. We switch off between lead and rhythm depending on who is singing the song. I'm trying to find a good lead guitar but I want it to be an ASAT. The Classic is great for rhythm for what we're doing. It's good on lead but I want something with a bit more.... what? Punch? A tad heavier? I keep hearing Cream in my head.

Miles Smiles · Post by **Miles Smiles** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 12:02 am

lefty_major wrote:I keep hearing Cream in my head.

Do you mean that band, where Clapton used to play Gibson?

Maybe it's the ASAT Deluxe?

Compared to my ASAT Bluesboy, also my ASAT Special has a heavier sound on the bridge pickup.

I assume, you're using the bridge PU for your lead sounds.

And then there's the ASAT Z-3. I guess, that Will Ray overwound pickup could be ordered as option for the bridge position.

NickHorne · Post by **NickHorne** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 3:07 am

Lefty,
From the descriptions of the Classic S revisions, the sound itself won't change at all; just the hum-cancelling. Hum-cancelling with the new arrangement will be like a strat, i.e. in positions 2 and4. But nothing has been done that will actually alter the sounds of any of the pickups.

I think the Classic S will be like your Classic with a Strat / S500 capability transplant, very versatile and nice.
The P-90 would be nice too, but in a very different way: the transplant in this case would be of a darker, bluesier, older vibe, without the versatility of the S, and no Classic-type neck voice. No Strat-factor basically. But a nice variant on a Tele-type, if you like P-90s, just the same. I know I would enjoy one, but I doubt whether I'd use it as much.

CSVeteran · Post by **CSVeteran** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:09 am

lefty_major wrote:I'm trying to find a good lead guitar but I want it to be an ASAT. The Classic is great for rhythm for what we're doing. It's good on lead but I want something with a bit more.... what? Punch? A tad heavier? I keep hearing Cream in my head.

While I can't tell you much about the ASATs, I can tell you about a tele with a P90. For lead guitar, I think it is one of the best single coils out there. I have experimented with several types of P90s in teles in the neck and bridge positions. For the neck position, I prefer AlNiCo II P90s (they are smoother and not so pronounced in the low end). The AlNiCo V P90s tend to be edgier with more bottom. The upper midrange can also get a little harsher. However, the V's are good for both lead and rhythm work. I also like the combination of AlNiCo P90s in the neck position, with ceramic based coils in the bridge position. It can really open up the sonic picture when both pickups are combined, especially for jazz and blues and on rhythm.

Overall, a P90 in the neck position will add a beefier sound on rhythm tracks. However, it can sometimes compete with the bass guitar in a band situation, so you would want to cut out some of the low frequencies, which you can do with a G&L! By contrast, a P90 in the neck position for lead is truly a piece of guitar heaven.

My suggestion is take a leap of faith, since there are already are a ton of ASATs and teles with single coils, but only a much smaller proportion with P90s.

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 12:29 pm

NickHorne wrote:Lefty,
..... I know I would enjoy one, but I doubt whether I'd use it as much.

That's my concern. Perhaps unfounded but never the less, a concern. The Classic "S" seems to have a lot to offer.

CSVeteran wrote:....For the neck position, I prefer AlNiCo II P90s .... The AlNiCo V P90s tend to be edgier with more bottom....

What is the Bluesboy P90 closest to, Alnico II or Alnico V?

My understanding is that G&L's P90 is brighter or clearer than the Classic neck pu. I don't know if that's true or not. I actually spent last evening practicing with only my Classic neck pu and I really like it. If it had a tad more clarity, that wouldn't be a bad thing.

I appreciate all the opinions and comments.

KenC · Post by **KenC** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 2:52 pm

lefty_major wrote:I actually spent last evening practicing with only my Classic neck pu and I really like it. If it had a tad more clarity, that wouldn't be a bad thing.

I appreciate all the opinions and comments.

I'm not sure what your signal chain is like, but IME the ASAT Classic neck pickup really shines through a good compressor. I use a Carl Martin, and with very subtle settings (more like bass compression than typical guitar "squishing") nice things happen to the tone.

Ken

CSVeteran · Post by **CSVeteran** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:54 pm

lefty_major wrote:
NickHorne wrote: What is the Bluesboy P90 closest to, Alnico II or Alnico V?

My understanding is that G&L's P90 is brighter or clearer than the Classic neck pu. I don't know if that's true or not. I actually spent last evening practicing with only my Classic neck pu and I really like it. If it had a tad more clarity, that wouldn't be a bad thing.

I'm not sure what the Bluesboy P90 is closest to. My guess is it probably uses ceramic magnets like many of the newer P90 style pups, which would also account the "brighter" sound. Then again, it could be an AlNiCo V. I don't see any specs for that P90 on this site (insofar as the magnets).

helle-man · Post by **helle-man** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 7:02 am

Get 'em both. They will allow you to cover almost any musical situation.

Will

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 7:16 am

Agreed on the compressor. I've got a good one and it brings out a certain shine indeed.

helle-man wrote:Get 'em both. They will allow you to cover almost any musical situation.

Will

I think you're right, man. So which should I buy first?....

helle-man · Post by **helle-man** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 5:13 pm

helle-man wrote:Get 'em both. They will allow you to cover almost any musical situation.

Will

:happy0065: I think you're right, man. So which should I buy first?.... ;)[/quote]

===================================
Get the ASAT Classic S first then.

Will

Fumble fingers · Post by **Fumble fingers** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 6:33 pm

I don't know if the P90 in my Fallout is the same as the Bluesboy ??..... but I'm loving that pick up in the Fallout !! ... I can't put it down ....
And of course I love my S500 , so I'm not much help either

Post by **Craig** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 9:23 pm

Fumble fingers wrote:I don't know if the P90 in my Fallout is the same as the Bluesboy ??..... but I'm loving that pick up in the Fallout !! ... I can't put it down ....
And of course I love my S500 , so I'm not much help either

CSVeteran wrote:
lefty_major wrote:
NickHorne wrote: What is the Bluesboy P90 closest to, Alnico II or Alnico V?

My understanding is that G&L's P90 is brighter or clearer than the Classic neck pu. I don't know if that's true or not. I actually spent last evening practicing with only my Classic neck pu and I really like it. If it had a tad more clarity, that wouldn't be a bad thing.
I'm not sure what the Bluesboy P90 is closest to. My guess is it probably uses ceramic magnets like many of the newer P90 style pups, which would also account the "brighter" sound. Then again, it could be an AlNiCo V. I don't see any specs for that P90 on this site (insofar as the magnets).

See List of pickups used in G&L guitars and Decoding the various G&L pickup part numbers.

Hope this helps.

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 5:51 am

It looks to me as though the Fallout P90 and the Bluesboy P90 are the same. I found a post on youtube of a guy from the Netherlands doing a nice review of the Fallout and he plays the P90 nice and clean. It sounds great.

I brought my Peerless Songbird (hollow body w/ P90s) to practice last night for the first time and played only through the neck pu. It sounds great and I thought I was in the Beatles for one moment, but I enjoy playing an ASAT so much more. I don't think it's a matter of getting used to it over the ASAT. I've tried. The ASAT just "fits".

Still on the fence but will have to make a decision and just go with it. As recommended, I will probably end up getting both once I save up for the 2nd.

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Tue Jul 22, 2014 9:23 am

I’ve had some off line discussion about the Classic “S”. One person said that it’s basically a Strat. Another said I might as well buy an S-500.

I don’t think this is the case at all. From discussing here and looking at G&L’s PU chart, I think a Classic “S” is a Classic with a middle position S-500. That doesn’t make it a “Strat” or an S-500. It makes it a Classic, albeit a ramped up one. Do you agree with my thinking?

With the band and diversity of “sound” in our material I’m leaning toward the Classic “S” as my next guitar. I saw it in a vision last night.

NickHorne · Post by **NickHorne** » Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:06 am

You're totally right; it's a Classic with a middle-position S-500 pup in it. Not a Strat or an S-500. The switching will be similar to those, but the sound will be, well, Classic with an S-500 middle, like you say.

NickHorne · Post by **NickHorne** » Tue Jul 22, 2014 1:17 pm

+ I agree with Will

fianoman · Post by **fianoman** » Wed Jul 23, 2014 2:04 pm

lefty_major wrote: I keep hearing Cream in my head.

This is from the G&L site regarding the ASAT Classic Bluesboy 90 - 'If you've dreamed of an ASAT that delivers stellar "woman tone" then here's your guitar.'

Translation of woman tone - Clapton era Cream.

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:34 pm

There is Clapton interview from '67 or '68 of him talking about “woman tone” on YouTube. I think he was playing a Gibson when he demoed this “tone”.

Who can get this woman tone from a Classic “S”? It must be achieved.

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Tue Aug 05, 2014 9:26 am

Classic "S" on order. Sonic blue w/ mint guard, rosewood #3 neck.

I really like ASATs.

NickHorne · Post by **NickHorne** » Tue Aug 05, 2014 12:54 pm

Looks like you've been prioritising calmly, and ordered a great guitar!
Ace colors, too.

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:03 pm

Since I mentioned it on another post, I'll follow through here and note that I ended up getting both the Classic "S" and the Bluesboy 90! Who the heck told me to get both?!?!?!?

I did indeed prioritize calmly and ordered the Classic "S" as I mentioned. A few weeks later I broke down and ordered the Bluesboy 90! I kind of blame it on the P90s I have on my Songbird. I know the G&L P90 will be different but I'm just hooked on that sound. And I play mine using the neck pu so I think this will be a great guitar for me.

When I get both in I will make the effort to post some pics.

(P.S., anyone interested in a lefty Eastman T386? I need to thin the heard and I'm not bonding with the T386 neck)

Post by **Craig** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:13 pm

lefty_major wrote:Since I mentioned it on another post, I'll follow through here and note that I ended up getting both the Classic "S" and the Bluesboy 90! Who the heck told me to get both?!?!?!?

I did indeed prioritize calmly and ordered the Classic "S" as I mentioned. A few weeks later I broke down and ordered the Bluesboy 90! I kind of blame it on the P90s I have on my Songbird. I know the G&L P90 will be different but I'm just hooked on that sound. And I play mine using the neck pu so I think this will be a great guitar for me.

When I get both in I will make the effort to post some pics.

(P.S., anyone interested in a lefty Eastman T386? I need to thin the heard and I'm not bonding with the T386 neck)

I did a quick search but don't see any proof of them, yet.

And don't forget to add them to the G&L Registry, too.

SouthpawGuy · Post by **SouthpawGuy** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 4:28 pm

lefty_major wrote:Since I mentioned it on another post, I'll follow through here and note that I ended up getting both the Classic "S" and the Bluesboy 90! Who the heck told me to get both?!?!?!?

I did indeed prioritize calmly and ordered the Classic "S" as I mentioned. A few weeks later I broke down and ordered the Bluesboy 90! I kind of blame it on the P90s I have on my Songbird. I know the G&L P90 will be different but I'm just hooked on that sound. And I play mine using the neck pu so I think this will be a great guitar for me.

When I get both in I will make the effort to post some pics.

(P.S., anyone interested in a lefty Eastman T386? I need to thin the heard and I'm not bonding with the T386 neck)

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:26 pm

Well I don't have them yet. The two are on order.

I'll break down and get some pics online and post them. Maybe I'll take some shots of the two ASATs I've currently got this weekend, and then the other two when they arrive. I'll try, darn it.

lefty_major · Post by **lefty_major** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 12:53 pm

I posted a few pics over in the porn folder.

Guitars by Leo (aka "GbL")

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