Need some thoughts on a possible trade

[lovehifi]

Hi All. I am new to the G&L world even though I bought a G&L Asat Classic Bluesboy Tribute yestersday and love it. Long story short I have a chance to trade a Fender Deluxe Telecaster that I am not crazy about for this mint 1997 Legacy plus a little cash to me. He says the Legacy is in new condition. The owner is not sure if it is a 12 inch radius but says the fingerboard is pretty flat. I told him I would not be interested in a 7.25 radius. I love 9 or 12 inch though. My Eric Johnson is my favorite with its 12 inch Radius. Anyway since I am not very familiar with G&Ls I just needed some thoughts on this Legacy and if that is a good year. It has the three bolt neck and the neck pocket is stamped April of 1997. Also has a B serial number but I read that within his SN range that G&L misprinted some G prefixes with a B and just used them anyway. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Tooslowhand]

In many opinions the Legacy is the best Stratocaster type guitar ever built. So first I would decide if you would prefer to have a Strat type guitar instead of your Telecaster. If so, use Ebay to decide the relative cash value of the guitars to see if this is a good trade. In my and many other's opinions USA G&L guitars are much better made than Fenders, so if the guitar is in great shape it should be a wonderful instrument; provided it's the type of guitar you want.

[lovehifi]

As far as values go we are close. I may be a hundred bucks on the losing end. Hard to tell because used prices on both are all over the place. His selling price was a few hundred lower than mine but at least locally used guitars are not flying off the shelf. The market must not be great right now. I do love Strats and more so than telecasters. This tele is a great Telecaster even though it rarely gets played where as my Strats and Gibson R0 get much play time. He is throwing in a little cash as well. I have yet to play a Legacy but with the 12 inch radius I am sure I will like it. Just something I will have to sleep on I guess and maybe just arrange to at least see and try his Legacy.

[Katefan]

First off, unless its was a custom order (which is rather unlikely IMO) the fretboard radius will be 12 inch. That was standard issue on 90's BBE-era G&L Legacy's.
Second, re market values - a blue book might be good to refer to as well as eBay completed/sold listings but (IMO )the latter is much more random altho I'm not really a fan of blue book stated prices… 90's G&L's don't always fetch hight $ but they are a good value IMO and are solid guitars. I personally have some issues with the later ones that no longer utilise Leo's and George's original designs (such as the bi-cut and 3 bolt tilt neck) but a lot of folks don't seem to mind BBE/G&L doing away with them).
Sound like you're more of a strat player but whether you'll prefer it over a Tele is ultimately up to you to decide. My suggestion is to play it as much as you can (plugged in and acoustically) and see how you like it. Let that be the deciding factor rather than his selling price or market value etc… in the long run it won't matter should you be happy with it. Even tho some CNC machines (I believe) were utilised in 90's BBE G&L's, each one is unique; some are better than others & some will fit you better than others.
My .02. Good luck.
Cheers,
KF

[lovehifi]

Thanks guys. Well I decided to pass on this one. I decided I would be better off just selling my Telecaster and buying a G&L. I also think I may be more interested in the S-500 vs the Legacy. I appreciate your inputs.