Help me buy my first G&L

[Woody777]

Hi everybody!

I really, really want an ASAT Special for Christmas. Two problems though: 1) I can't find a single G&L guitar to play locally, and 2) I can't decide what I want.

Option 1: buy an older 3 bolt and get what I get... These seem to have all the mojo.
Option 2: buy a newer one... These seem to have the best specs (bone nut, plek).
Option 3: buy a newer Tribute... Less money, but only two options.
Option 4: buy an older Tribute... I don't understand what options were available.

Any advice for a guy really wanting to join your club?

[KenC]

Option #1 all the way. The quality control on older G&Ls was outstanding (not knocking the newer ones, but you were asking about pre-1998 three-bolters), so as long as the instrument wasn't modified or damaged you have a very high likelihood of getting a winner. I have bought the about 30 three-bolt G&Ls online over the years, and can only remember one problem. The was a truss rod issue that the seller didn't disclose. As long as you make sure there is a reasonable return period and you know how to check out/set up a guitar (or have a good tech nearby), it's hard to go wrong. If you end up with one that's not a keeper, it shouldn't be difficult to break even selling it.

I hope this helps.

Ken

[GeorgeB]

+1 to what Ken said (though I don't even own a 3-bolt guitar but used to own an older L-2000 which was outstanding). IMHO older 4-bolters are equally superb guitars (my 2004 Invader is the most resonant and most articulate guitar I've ever owned). I would think when a guitar is 10+ years of age the wood has settled and fully dried, which I think is the main reason why older guitars tend to sound better than new ones.
Neck profile is a big variable for G&L guitars in general, be aware of that and check what you're after.

Just be prepared that most certainly a good, well cared-of older US G&L will fuel G&L GAS big time... resistance is futile.
You'll at least end up wanting a Tribute for live usage / as a backup....

[Fumble fingers]

Hi everybody!

I really, really want an ASAT Special for Christmas. Two problems though: 1) I can't find a single G&L guitar to play locally, and 2) I can't decide what I want.

Option 1: buy an older 3 bolt and get what I get... These seem to have all the mojo.
Option 2: buy a newer one... These seem to have the best specs (bone nut, plek).
Option 3: buy a newer Tribute... Less money, but only two options.
Option 4: buy an older Tribute... I don't understand what options were available.

Any advice for a guy really wanting to join your club?

#1 is a great option if you trust the seller ..... could be hit and miss too

#2 is a fabulous option , get what you want with a 10 year on the whole guitar warranty ... quality on my new is on par as my Leo era guitars in my opinion , I'll have to make my own mojo though

of my top 4 guitars , two are Leo era , one is 1997 three bolt and one is my new Fallout , the other 4 bolters are darn close to making the top 4 pick .... you really can't go wrong with any USA G&L

[john o]

i'll put in a word for the tributes. i'm a thrifty shopper, though i have some american made guitars that are top notch. i put my toe in the G&L water earlier this year with a trib legacy just for kicks and was very impressed with the quality of the build, the materials, and the tone of the instrument. the american made pups really shine, and the hardware and electronics were high quality, also like the PTB tone controls, so for me, was a big step up from fender strats, at a great price point. i supplemented this with a trib asat special which has exceeded my expectations on all fronts. i will definitely be buying a usa made comanche when i come across the right one, but for the time being, couldn't be more pleased with the 2 tribs i have now. happy hunting!

[legacy_player]

It depends how much you want to spend as well. Of course, the Tributes will cost less than a USA model. In my opinion, if you haven't played any G&L guitars before, you might want to go with a used one. That way if you decide it's not for you then you can resell it without any financial loss (if that matters to you). Also, I would go for a USA model as they are excellent instruments. I don't own any tributes but I have played several. They are quality instruments as well but the American made instruments are really exceptional. I don't think it matters whether it is a 3 bolt or 4 bolt. I own a '94 3 bolt legacy and a '14 4 bolt legacy special. I would have a hard time deciding which one is better. I will say though, that the earlier 3 bolt guitars have thinner necks than the new one, so be prepared for that if you decide to go that route. Really, you can't go wrong with either one.

[HLG]

Hi everybody!

I really, really want an ASAT Special for Christmas. Two problems though: 1) I can't find a single G&L guitar to play locally, and 2) I can't decide what I want.

Option 1: buy an older 3 bolt and get what I get... These seem to have all the mojo.
Option 2: buy a newer one... These seem to have the best specs (bone nut, plek).
Option 3: buy a newer Tribute... Less money, but only two options.
Option 4: buy an older Tribute... I don't understand what options were available.

Any advice for a guy really wanting to join your club?

While buyers remorse is rare with any of the G&Ls, I've never heard of this phenomenon happening with any of the early 3 bolts.
Unlike brand X where you pick the best out of 10. With G&Ls its the best out of 2. It's really a none issue.
Get what you want and you won't regret it.

my 2 centavos.

HLG

[Woody777]

Thanks everybody!

Before I posted, I was leaning toward option #1. And after the responses, I still am! Now just to track down the perfect model...

I've been a Tele guy for years, but I have recently become smitten with Jazzmasters. The ASAT special seems like a nice melding of the two. I would love to find a used ASAT Special with a factory installed dual fulcrum vibrato (NOT Bigsby), but the odds of that happening in a finish I like seem slim to none.

[Elwood]

I would love to find a used ASAT Special with a factory installed dual fulcrum vibrato (NOT Bigsby), but the odds of that happening in a finish I like seem slim to none.

Have you seen this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1992-G-L-ASAT-S ... 2c93dddce1

You might also consider an mid 80's SC-2 ,


elwood

[Woody777]

I would love to find a used ASAT Special with a factory installed dual fulcrum vibrato (NOT Bigsby), but the odds of that happening in a finish I like seem slim to none.

Have you seen this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1992-G-L-ASAT-S ... 2c93dddce1

You might also consider an mid 80's SC-2 ,


elwood

I saw that one... I want vibrato, but I don't think I'm willing to pay twice as much for it. Although, I guess that guitar is pricey because of the signature.

[blargfromouterspace]

I'm going to be contrary here and say that #2 is your best option. I've owned two 3-bolt guitars, one was fantastic, one was a total pig. I can't speak for Leo era guitars as I've only ever played one SC3 that wasn't in the best shape. My new ones have all been very, very good and my Korina Jr is one of the best guitars I've ever played. Either way, I'd recommend that you buy a used one and if you don't like it you should be able to sell it one at little to no loss - the ASAT Special is not for everyone, and be warned that it certainly isn't a Jazzmaster (that bridge is a big part of the sound) and they feel very different to your run-of-the-mill Tele.

Big +1 on Elwood's suggestion for an SC-2. You'll have a much better chance of finding one with a trem, they have basically the same pickups (bridge is slightly hotter) and are, IMO, much better looking than an ASAT Special.

Good luck!

[darwinohm]

I am inclined to agree with Jamie if you want the Special MFD pickups. I love them. If you like the DF, I wouldn't settle for less if I were you. I am also a fan of the new builds and unless your looking for a mojo factor that the older ones may have, the new builds are very precise on the average. I do have a SC2 with the DF, a very nice guitar and I also have an Asat Special with a DFS. They are both great guitars. Here they are for a reference. Asats and SC's with DF's are not that common and the SC may be easier to find. I would look for a like new, used one. -- Darwin

[JagInTheBag]

So, what did you end up with?