"Remote" Determination of Neck Profile - Legacy/S-500

[stratboy69]

I'm shopping for a used USA Legacy or S-500. I may have to consider an internet purchase without trying out the guitar. From experience with the USA ASATs I've owned and trying out some in-stock models at my local retailers, I know I like the #1 Classic C profile, and I know I do not want a "Modern Classic" profile (the 1 11/16 width and slightly shallower depth at the 1st fret is not for me). I was wondering if there was any way, other than relying on a seller's measurements or going through returning the guitar if it's not what I'm looking for, to confirm the neck specs on a USA Legacy without having the spec sheet, or the guitar in hand and the use of a digital caliper? Would there be any possibility that G&L corporate could tell me the neck profile if I provided the serial number (like Gibson can)? Otherwise, is there any general knowledge I could put to use, such as "prior to [199X], more than 9X% of all USA Legacies were manufactured with the _____ profile?"

I acknowledge that there's no substitute for hands-on, but my preferences are pretty narrow and as noted, I might not be able to try before I buy.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

MCW
Louisville, KY

[Craig]

I'm shopping for a used USA Legacy or S-500. I may have to consider an internet purchase without trying out the guitar. From experience with the USA ASATs I've owned and trying out some in-stock models at my local retailers, I know I like the #1 Classic C profile, and I know I do not want a "Modern Classic" profile (the 1 11/16 width and slightly shallower depth at the 1st fret is not for me). I was wondering if there was any way, other than relying on a seller's measurements or going through returning the guitar if it's not what I'm looking for, to confirm the neck specs on a USA Legacy without having the spec sheet, or the guitar in hand and the use of a digital caliper? Would there be any possibility that G&L corporate could tell me the neck profile if I provided the serial number (like Gibson can)? Otherwise, is there any general knowledge I could put to use, such as "prior to [199X], more than 9X% of all USA Legacies were manufactured with the _____ profile?"

I acknowledge that there's no substitute for hands-on, but my preferences are pretty narrow and as noted, I might not be able to try before I buy.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

MCW
Louisville, KY

See this post in our G&L Knowledgebase: What are the USA neck size options, past and present?.

If you can get the serial numbers of the Legacy and S-500 you are interested in, contact G&L's customer service and ask them if they can look them up. See: G&L Support page.

Hope this helps.

[stratboy69]

Thanks for the info. I asked the same question of G&L and got a very prompt, informative response, quoted below:

Hello,

We wouldn’t be able to tell you the exact neck on a guitar built before ’11 by the serial number alone. I can tell you that the Classic C was our default neck shape on just about everything up until the introduction on the Modern C in July ’15 which did not exist previously. I hope this information helps.

Thanks,
G&L USA/Tribute/BBE Warranty and Customer Service
Office hours M-F 7am–4 pm PST