NGD ASAT Solamente

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sam
Posts: 1971
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:38 am

NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by sam »

Hello, my name is Sam and I am an ASATaholic. :lol:

Just couldn't say no to this one. I've been wanting a one pup guitar and the ASAT Solamente's don't come around often. This one slightly broke a couple of my guitar rules, but since it is an ASAT, is an ASAT model I don't have, and heck it was for sale, it came my way. Landed while I was out of town but my son played it on Skype through a small Vox and it sounds sweet, even very resonant unplugged. Can't wait to play it loud!

What were the broken rules you ask. 1 - Contoured front and back. I tend to go with standard body style. 2 - 9.5" radius. Almost a deal killer since I like 12 and 7.5 but the neck on this feels pretty good.

This sucker is as light as can be. :thumbup: Haven't gotten the weight yet but it is a true featherweight for a solid body swamp ash guitar. You can even smell the wood on this one, I think she stayed in the case since set up on 3-18-16 according to build specs.

Sorry for the heavy picture load, but the assembly, set up and evaluation guys at G&L (Charles, Patrick and Ken) you built a top notch winner here, cheers :elguitar054:

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2 just to show wood contrast
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Cya,
Sam
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FZTNT
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Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2016 3:27 pm
Location: DC Area, Virginia

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by FZTNT »

Nice new guitar Sam. Is that what they call a quarter sawn neck? It has wild grain.

Tom
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sam
Posts: 1971
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:38 am

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by sam »

Thanks Tom,

I have no idea if quarter sawn neck the build sheet doesn't specify. The grain on the neck / headstock really caught my attention, and had to show a close up.
Cya,
Sam
davecan
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Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:57 pm

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by davecan »

I love it. Simple. Beautiful.

Enjoy it.
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Craig
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Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by Craig »

Congrats, Sam! :thumbup:

It a beauty and that neck is amazing. :clap:

How do you like the satin finishes on the neck and body finishes?

I'm sure you will find that the contours and the OLS body are very comfortable.

Tell us how you like the variety of tones. Reference post: Why do the ASAT Classic Solamentes need a toggle switch?.

Enjoy!

:ugeek:
--Craig [co-webmaster of guitarsbyleo.com, since Oct. 16, 2000]
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blargfromouterspace
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Location: Central Highlands, Australia

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by blargfromouterspace »

Very nice Sam, there's one of these on my want list too:-)
-Jamie
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john o
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Location: Delaware

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by john o »

Love the butterscotch blonde with black guard - looks so good you could take a bite out of it.
Also looks like a very comfortable body.
I also like the swirl grain pattern of the headstock.
Beautiful Solamente, Sam! enjoy
john o
NickHorne
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Location: England

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by NickHorne »

Sam, that is one great new guitar; really pretty. :luv:
I'm loving mine, a rescue from a guitar-parter who shall remain nameless. It was once a Classic custom semi-hollow, and now just has the bridge pup. The MFD pickup is so good for an Esquire, you can really get a lot out of it.
I find it quite liberating. My playing attitude is different somehow, in a very enjoyable way, and its response just feels really good. Not an all-purpose replacement for my 2-pups, obviously, but definitely a fun babe.
I hope you really enjoy yours!
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sam
Posts: 1971
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:38 am

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by sam »

Thanks guys appreciate yer kind words.

Dave, yes simple but deceptive on tone.

Craig, yes that neck has a hypnotic look to it. I was under the spell of a Solamente. :evilgrin: The body satin finish is another new thing for me and I like it, buttery smooth. (I do have a satin finish neck on another guitar however) The variety of tones are surprising. I will probably stick with position 1 and 3. For those not familiar - Position #1: This position has the switch towards the guitar's bridge and connects the bridge pickup to the volume control while bypassing the tone control. This yields a hotter lead voice with lightly accentuated upper harmonics. Position #3: This position has the switch towards the neck and connects the bridge pickup to the volume control and a Resonant Frequency Shifting capacitor. This yields an accentuated midrange peak that is reminiscent of the tone of a Wah Pedal that is slightly cocked backwards. What you hear is similar to the vocal sound “owooh” .

Jamie, highly recommended to keep on yer want list.

DrJ, black guard for sure! See above, that swirl pattern just hypnotized me into buying

Nick, one pup does give a different attitude. As you said, don't know that it will replace the two pup models but will get ample playing time. :thumbup:
Cya,
Sam
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yowhatsshakin
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Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by yowhatsshakin »

Howdy Sam,

Great score! These Solamente guitars, whether it is the MFD or Alnico version, are little gems. I actually like the #2 position, which does have the tone control engaged, just to have some more tonal variety at my finger tips. Since I also have an ASAT '50, comparing the (MFD) Solamente with Tim's creation shows the tone stack is different. The ASAT '50 is much darker, more like a jazz tone. The Solamnete stays "crisper" in the #3 position. Just my 2¢.

- Jos
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sam
Posts: 1971
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:38 am

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by sam »

Thanks Jos,

Since I have only had it for a couple of days these are only first impressions, but since you have a few similar guitars your feedback goes a long way. As I get into it I am sure I will get into all the nuances.
Cya,
Sam
repoman
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Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 2:14 pm

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by repoman »

Sam -
That is a beauty! Congrats.
That neck grain is hypnotic. :rolleyes:

Jeff
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sam
Posts: 1971
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:38 am

Re: NGD ASAT Solamente

Post by sam »

Thanks Repoman,

I fell under the hypnotic influence of an ASAT again :lol:

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Cya,
Sam