So, everyone is probably familiar with the serial number schemes that G&L has used over the years, but I just realized that there was a recent, yet subtle change. When the serial number moved from the headstock decal to the current headstock plate, a zero (0) was added to the number as a place holder for the time when serials reach 100,000 (wow!). The decal serial numbers do not have this. As we know, the use of the headstock plates begin with CLF061000, but where it gets fun (for me, but I’m a research guy) is that decals are still occasionally used, most notably for Alley Cat Music’s “ASAT Cat” series of guitars based on the ASAT Special, ASAT S.H. and ASAT Special Deluxe. There might be some confusion since there can be some duplication (technically it’s not due to the extra “0”), but it’s easy to remember if you take notice of the decal location, i.e. – decal vs. headstock plate. Thus end’s today’s lesson.
And speaking of the ASAT Cat – I like the idea of this pickup configuration. The S-500 middle pickup is smaller than an ASAT pickup (as on the ASAT S-3 and Trinity) making it easier to work around while getting the additional tonal palette of a 3-pu guitar. Plus, I much prefer MFD pickups which is the heart of G&L, IMHO. I have no interest in G&L’s non-MFD models, but I completely understand the marketing need for such models. I wish G&L would give more consideration to using other MFD combinations and not going with alnico as the only alternative (grumpy old man rant - off). And so, I present the ASAT Cat – this one based on the ASAT Special Deluxe with Okoume body and a decal instead of an ugly serial number plate (sorry, I love G&L, but the plate is ugly).
And as a final note, Gabe and I recently submitted an article about the G&L S-500 to Vintage Guitar Magazine. We’re waiting to hear back if they’ll accept it as is or with edits. We’ll keep you posted.
GG
