Advice needed: maple necks and the S-500

[lefty_major]

I'm thinking of ordering an S-500 w/ #3 maple neck. My guitar experience is primarily on rosewood necks. The G&L ASATs play are rosewood. I love these necks but want to try something different.

I read somewhere that G&L rounds the edges of the rosewood necks but not the maple. Is this easily noticable when playing? Is is something you notice and then forget about after a few minutes with the guitar?

I'm also new to S-style guitars and vibratos. Aside from locking tuners, any other advice or thoughts on my intro to the S-style? I don't want to get a hardtail, as I want to start messing with a vibrato.

[SouthpawGuy]

I have several Legacys and ASATs with maple, and the biggest difference between any of them is whether the maple is gloss or satin finish. I do like the gun oil tint, but a satin finish birds eyes maple neck is something to behold. For me personally it is a big difference in feel.

I can't say I've noticed non rounded edges on the maple boards, but I don't have a preference really for any particular neck size or shape.

[Craig]

I'm thinking of ordering an S-500 w/ #3 maple neck. My guitar experience is primarily on rosewood necks. The G&L ASATs play are rosewood. I love these necks but want to try something different.

I read somewhere that G&L rounds the edges of the rosewood necks but not the maple. Is this easily noticable when playing? Is is something you notice and then forget about after a few minutes with the guitar?

I'm also new to S-style guitars and vibratos. Aside from locking tuners, any other advice or thoughts on my intro to the S-style? I don't want to get a hardtail, as I want to start messing with a vibrato.

Beginning in 2004 with the ASAT JD-5 model then soon after, all fretboards have rolled edges regardless of fretboard wood type. I recently confirmed this with the general foreman at the factory.
Also, see: http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic ... 180#p73180 .

[GDub]

I have an S-500 with a GOT maple #4 neck that I custom ordered in 2001. This was obviously quite a while ago, and pre-Plek for G&L, but the neck edges on this guitar are not rolled. It's quite edgy, actually. And yes, I (sometimes) notice it but then forget about it while playing. Would I prefer it had rolled edges? Yes.

--GDub

[Craig]

I have an S-500 with a GOT maple #4 neck that I custom ordered in 2001. This was obviously quite a while ago, and pre-Plek for G&L, but the neck edges on this guitar are not rolled. It's quite edgy, actually. And yes, I (sometimes) notice it but then forget about it while playing. Would I prefer it had rolled edges? Yes.

--GDub

I edited my previous post to include the year when rolled edges were introduced and became the standard, to clarify the post.

[lefty_major]

Rolled edges all around. That makes it easier.

I'm still hesitant to order an S-500. Not sure why. Now, I know the ASAT Classic "S" is not the same thing but I just love the middle pu on Classic "S". That's kind of what got me thinking about the S-500.

[darwinohm]

Lefty, I can imagine the difficulty of deciding. I am in the same frame of thinking as I am close to ordering a Carbon Fiber Bass. My final decision is what color and that is difficult. Your initial post was regarding necks and I think you are now thinking about more.

I just tested my S-500, Legacy and the Asat Classic S. They are all different in sound. If you like the Asat tone the Classic S only gets better. If you like a strat type sound a Legacy is closest but the S-500 takes it considerably further. More grunt, overtones and kind of a steroid strat. If tone is you prime concern you may have answered your own question.

Lets talk about the body differences. There is a reason that Leo put Comfort Body on the Strat. The fit between your body and arm is so comfortable. I was a Strat guy all the way but have migrated to T types as my favorites. I like them with a back and front contour and they also fit very well. But, that does limit you to a solid body and generally a bit more weight. Next, consider the DF vibato. I really like them and my last Asat Special has a DFS and it is a hollow body with no contours. It only weighs 7 lbs 4 oz and weight has become a factor for me. The DF was a must for me on another Asat. The last option is a Bigsby which I happen to really like but many don't. They give you a much finer control of the vibrato and are not for dives.

In the end it is a tough decision but the S-500 comes with the body contours and DF standard. Cost wise it could be the best choice if those are important to you. If you are really into the Asat style then the classic S may be it. It does have it's own sound. Tough decisions and we don't want to be disappointed. It is also difficult to find a store with lefties to test. Good luck in the search. -- Darwin

[lefty_major]

Darwin, Your comments are right along with my current thoughts. I decided to go maple neck for once. Between the two, I favor the S-500 over the Legacy simply because I think it would work better with the music I’m playing in my band. It would be interesting to introduce an S-500 to the band’s current sound as my main guitar in the group is a standard ASAT Classic. “My sound” has been primarily the neck pu with a Blues Driver into a Vox amp. On my few leads I flip to the bridge.

That all being said, I have my Classic “S” and a new Bluesboy 90 that I’ve yet to introduce to the group. I haven’t done so simply because I am still introducing them to myself! You see my pattern; I’m collecting guitars to find the sound I want for the band but also for my own stuff and playing. It’s understandable but confusing and could go on and on…. My intuition tells me the ASATs will be for the band and the S-500 for my own pleasure and practice.

You mention DFS. Dual Fulcrum….what….?

Is the Dual Fulcrum upgrade worth the extra cost?

Thank you for your comments. I’m curious as to why you transitioned from S to T style? This has nothing to do with my S-500 decision. I’m always interested in why guitar players gravitate to different styles of guitars in their playing career. This might be a better topic in a different folder.

[darwinohm]

Good thinking Lefty. You asked about the DFS. The DF is standard on the S type bodies. There is a DFS upgrade which gives you a different steel block and saddles. Is it worth it? I couldn't tell you and I have both.

I have gravitated to T types and it is probably the simplicity of the controls and I prefer the look of the T type. I am a gigging bass player so use the regular guitars for personal and recording use and most importantly, the early morning couch use unplugged. I also have both a Surh S and Vintage T and I do prefer the T. It's just a personal preference. Thanks for the followup anf post your new rig when it arrives! -- Darwin

[Fumble fingers]

I can't tell any difference as far as operation between DFS and DF , it's not like the DF goes out of tune .... I guess the main thing is better material ...... I have a LE2 with DFS .. and a SC2 with DF both having the same neck pick up and they sound different but wood is swamp ash LE2 and Alder SC 2 , rosewood SC2 and roasted maple on the LE2 so it's no apples to apples comparison ..... short of having two of the same guitars with the only difference being the DF and DFS is the only way to be fair and accurate .... you can tell the DFS guitars because the saddles are not chrome like the DF and I think the DFS are supposed to sustain better than DF but not totally sure

[lefty_major]

Being new to the vibrato world, I think the standard DF will work just fine for me. Thanks for the input, Fumble.

[meowmix]

I'm thinking of ordering an S-500 w/ #3 maple neck.

I like your choice.

The difference between DF and the DFS is cost and the material used.
I do not notice a "tone" difference. I never heard a "tone" difference from anyone.
They both stay in tune equally as far as I know.

To add more confusion
Here is my titanium block for the S-500.