G&L Bluesboy

[Skyhawk]

I think one of these is in my future. I have never owned one but had a chance to try one in a music store years ago. For any of you familiar with them do you prefer the semi or solid and what pickups ?
Skyhawk

[blargfromouterspace]

I own a semi-hollow and agree with Tim about the neck being close to an ES335 - I got rid of my ES335 shortly after I got my Bluesboy as the BB did similar sounds but stayed in tune much, much better.

Semi-hollow bodies seem to soften the attack compared to solid, and I find you can get more twang and snap out of a solid body. Its not hugely different, and there could well be different factors at play, but that has been my experience.

The pickups are a tricky one. For years I experimented with different bridge pickups to match the output of the humbucker when set at its optimum height and finally got a match in the Bill Lawrence L298TL - it had more twang and bags more clarity than any other the other higher output single coils I tried.

What do you have in mind for the finish?

[lefty_major]

P90 or Humbucker?

Is the Bluesboy P90 now available in semi-hollow?

[Craig]

P90 or Humbucker?

Is the Bluesboy P90 now available in semi-hollow?

Yes, see: Current G&L USA Standard Production Models.

[lefty_major]

So the playing field has opened up:

Bluesboy solid or semi-hollow
Bluesboy 90, solid or semi-hollow

[Craig]

So the playing field has opened up:

Bluesboy solid or semi-hollow
Bluesboy 90, solid or semi-hollow

And, don't forget the Tribute ASAT Classic Bluesboy solid body or semi-hollow, too. They have the G&L AS4255C alnico humbucker.

Lots of choices ...

[Skyhawk]

Thanks for for the replies, something to think about.
skyhawk

[Skyhawk]

OH, as for the finish, I'm not sure yet, 2 tone sunb / blond / Lake placid blue.
skyhawk

[NickHorne]

FWIW, I have lurking GAS for a humbucker one, natural with white top binding, white pickguard, maple neck.
Now that's what I've always wished an Albert Collins tele could be...
The back pickup is perfect. The neck is very nice too, and is replaceable with any of several hundred others if one has the urge.
But the Gagon P-90 is reputed to be great too. Damn! This just means double GAS, and a second colour choice to struggle with. Feels like a stronger Gibson association, so how about Clear Red, 3-ply black guard, black pup, rosewood board? A black headstock face might be a step too far.....

[Skyhawk]

I am going maple neck for sure. I have a Nighthawk that has a black headstock and nat. body. It looks great. I think I will keep the headstock nat. but will have to sleep on the body finish.
skyhawk

[dapmdave]

Oh, yes they are...

[lefty_major]

dapmdave -
Very nice looking guitar. It's beautiful. If you can, please describe the sounds it makes with words.

On another thread I was debating getting an ASAT Classic "S" vs. the ASAT Bluesboy 90. I went with the Classic "S". Two weeks later I also ordered a (solild body) Bluesboy 90.

[dapmdave]

I'm not one who is able to readily describe how a guitar sounds (ever read the Taylor site?) and this is my first and only G&L. But I have played a lot of telecasters. So I'll say that it's not as bright and snappy as a normal tele. But it's pleasing. I prefer to use either both pickups together or the neck only. But that's my preference on most guitars. The P-90 is very cool, however. It develops a great round tone, or what might be called a "woman tone" up higher on the neck. I have a Guild with 2 P-90s, and the G&L has less hum, which is a good thing, too.

I'm working on a recording right now, and I'll try to find a place for the G&L in it. Then you could hear it for yourself. Maybe in another week or so.

[lefty_major]

I have a Peerless Songbird with 2 P90s. If it had a G&L #3 neck on it, it would get out of the case more often. It's got a bit of hum to it as well and I have to watch the feedback. I also like the neck pu and middle position on that guitar. Mostly played on the neck so I'm hoping my upcoming Bluesboy 90 will quench my P90 thirst (and get out of the case).

Understood trying to describe the sound with words. But what you wrote helps.

So back to Skyhawk..... Too many options????? Humbucker, or P90? Be crazy and get two ASATs like I did?

[Skyhawk]

My thoughts as of now for the bluesboy will be : semi-hollow body / p-90 version / maple fingerboard / Lake Placid blue.
skyhawk

[lefty_major]

That sounds cool. On my solid body I went Himalayan Blue, black guard, rosewood fingerboard. I was tempted to get the Lake Placid Blue frosted. Lake Placid Blue seems like a nice color to hold.