SC-2 or F-100

[Tooslowhand]

I am thinking about a new G&L. Like the title says, I’m considering a SC-2 or an F-100. I would like a guitar with two large MFD pickups. I have a Leo era ASAT Signature, but have that set up for five strings in open-G. I also have an S-500 with three small MFDs. I figured I would get the SC-2, but then started thinking about the F-100 with MFD humbuckers. When coil tapped, do they sound like a single coil large MFD? Any opinions about this choice are welcome.

[JagInTheBag]

I have both an SC-2 and guitars with an F-100 humbucker in the bridge. To quote Jos the F-100 "Has a kind of Les Paul sonic aura to it. The single coil tones are very useful."

[Fumble fingers]

the only F100 pick up I have is a bridge on a LE2 , they are different animals SC 2 and F100 , sound is subject but the SC2 pickups really cover some ground in my opinion , the SC2 and F100 are probably one of the best kept secrets from G&L , the big MFD's in my 13 SC2 also do the drop tuning's beautiful and cover more ground than my Broadcaster , the lows don't get muddy or loose volume when tuned down and just has more of everything .... I don't think you would go wrong with either one of them

[KenC]

My frame of reference with these models is limited to 1980-82, but mine have not sounded similar IMO. I can't say whether that is due to the pickups themselves, or the bodies and circuits. My SC-2s are all maple, of course, but for F-100s I've owned one ash and one mahogany. Then again, those two F-100s sounded quite different from each other. The ash one had a lot of treble bite, while the 'hog has a much softer tone that's heavy on the lows and mids.

Ken

[Katefan]

When you say 'new' do you mean new to you or new as in current production models?I have only experience with old school models not the new ones which IMO don't compare. As for the old school ones, you can't go wrong with an SC-2 and that would be my vote. I've owned a half dozen F-100's over the years and while I dig them I don't really care for the pickups but i"m not one for humbuckers. In single coil mode they sound pretty darn thin… Having said that there are heaps of tonal varieties with the control knobs + switches. SC-2's of which i've owned a few, the pickups are amazing and to my ears don't sound the same as ASAT MFD's - at least the bridge pickup which I believe is angled greater than an ASAT bridge pu. I may be wrong re this but Jos probably could confirm or deny this. SC-2's in general sound more like a tele than an ASAT does altho my '86 ASAT sounds pretty darn close as does Char the ASAT Sig that's in my avatar. Those MFD's sound distinctly different but they got very heated in a fire so that may be why. As Ken mentions body wood can place a factor as well so depending on what you decide your results may vary. As far as old models go, resale value will be good while IMO I think it would be harder to off load a newer one whether it be an SC-2 or F-100.
My .02.
Cheers,
KF

[Tooslowhand]

Thanks for the run down Katefan. I am looking at current production models.

[glvourot]

I think current model G&L guitars offer great value and build quality. When I bought my current model SC-2 five years ago it was my favorite. I am a fan of those large MFD's. You can really get knarly with the hot bridge pickup. All bets were off after I bought a Leo era ASAT awhile back. I play that one all the time now . It is nice to an example of the MFD's from the 80's . My next G&L will be an 80's SC-2 ( whenever that may be ) . Large MFD's ! I have never seen an F-100 in the flesh but I dig that old school vibe. Tough choice .

[Challenger]

I have a contemporary F-100 with a mahogany body and ebony neck. In the humbucking setting, it sounds similar to my Les Paul. It has a dark powerful sound that is unlike any other G&L. I don't have an SC-2, but I do have an Vintage ASAT with the large single coil MFD's. The F-100 is not at bright as the ASAT with the coils split. With the coils split, the F-100 sounded more like my 1987 SC-3. So, you will probably find the F-100 with split coils to be closer in sound to your S-500 than an SC-2.

Body wood probably plays a part too. My ASAT is maple and the F-100 is mahogany.

[Tooslowhand]

Thanks for the info. Nice gaggle of G&Ls Challenger.