Any sound comparisons of USA vs Tribute?

[themikeaustin]

Hi,

Anyone know of any comparisons of USA vs Tribute models, like vs like? I have a Tribute Bluesboy and I'd love to hear a side by side comparison with its American-made version.

TIA,

Mike

[Craig]

Hi,

Anyone know of any comparisons of USA vs Tribute models, like vs like? I have a Tribute Bluesboy and I'd love to hear a side by side comparison with its American-made version.

TIA,

Mike

See this post in our G&L Knowledgebase: Where can I hear and see samples of G&L instruments?.

Hope this helps.

[suave eddie]

Hi,

Anyone know of any comparisons of USA vs Tribute models, like vs like? I have a Tribute Bluesboy and I'd love to hear a side by side comparison with its American-made version.

TIA,

Mike

Well in this instance you've chosen one of the few models that actually utilize different pickups. The neck pickup on the Bluesboy Tribute and USA models are different so there will be more sonic variation than in other models that use identical pickups.

[themikeaustin]

Thanks for the response. I'm really looking for a side-by-side comparison (in a single video) of a USA model with it's Tribute counterpart, with everything being the same except the guitars. I doubt that G&L would ever do this, because I suspect that the USA models don't sound sufficiently better to justify their price premium. (Although I would absolutely buy a USA G&L if I could afford it.)

I've searched YT many times and haven't found anything. I was hoping that a member here would know of such a comparison (not just a Bluesboy, but any USA vs Tribute) and post a link.

I own a Tribute Bluesboy, which is my favorite guitar at the moment. I'm considering replacing the humbucker with a Seth Lover (to make it essentially the same as the USA) or replacing both pickups with Kinmans.

Thanks again.

[suave eddie]

Thanks for the response. I'm really looking for a side-by-side comparison (in a single video) of a USA model with it's Tribute counterpart, with everything being the same except the guitars. I doubt that G&L would ever do this, because I suspect that the USA models don't sound sufficiently better to justify their price premium. (Although I would absolutely buy a USA G&L if I could afford it.)

I've searched YT many times and haven't found anything. I was hoping that a member here would know of such a comparison (not just a Bluesboy, but any USA vs Tribute) and post a link.

I own a Tribute Bluesboy, which is my favorite guitar at the moment. I'm considering replacing the humbucker with a Seth Lover (to make it essentially the same as the USA) or replacing both pickups with Kinmans.

Thanks again.

The higher premium for the USA models is not because they sound significantly "better". With the models having identical pickups it would be hard (impossible IMO) to discern the difference by listening to them.
What you get with the USA models is many more options, better quality electronic components, possibly better QC, and possibly better finish work. In addition, most USA models come with a custom fitted hard case (worth $200).

[themikeaustin]

Yeah, that's pretty much my opinion as well. A luthier with a YT channel - WillsEasyGuitar - had a series of videos on the "tone wood" debate and he pretty much makes the case for me that most of the tone is in the electronics, tuners, nut, bridge, etc., and not in the wood.

It would be nice, for me at least, to be able to hear the difference between the Paul Gagon humbucker and the Seth Lover in the two Bluesboys in a side-by-side comparison.

[Craig]

Yeah, that's pretty much my opinion as well. A luthier with a YT channel - WillsEasyGuitar - had a series of videos on the "tone wood" debate and he pretty much makes the case for me that most of the tone is in the electronics, tuners, nut, bridge, etc., and not in the wood.

It would be nice, for me at least, to be able to hear the difference between the Paul Gagon humbucker and the Seth Lover in the two Bluesboys in a side-by-side comparison.

I did a quick search of youtube for US and Tribute Series ASAT Classic Bluesboy videos. I'm sure there are more out there,
so if these don't help, the do your own search. Here's the post: US AC Bluesboy & Tribute AC Bluesboy demos ....

Hope this helps.

[Tomas83]

Yeah, that's pretty much my opinion as well. A luthier with a YT channel - WillsEasyGuitar - had a series of videos on the "tone wood" debate and he pretty much makes the case for me that most of the tone is in the electronics, tuners, nut, bridge, etc., and not in the wood.

It would be nice, for me at least, to be able to hear the difference between the Paul Gagon humbucker and the Seth Lover in the two Bluesboys in a side-by-side comparison.

I haven't played a tribute Bluesboy, but the US model just sounded amazing. I did a comparison on the Legacy and I my ears the US Legacy sounded and played much better than the Tribute. Tribute range are great guitars, the US ones are awesome. In my opinion the wood plays still a role in the final sound, despite Will Easy and other guys on YouTube. That's why the Les Paul for example doesn't sound like SG (even with the same pickups), and Tele like Strat even if they have same pickups or wood. But that's just my opinion.