Looking to replace an F-Brand Tele with a G&L ASAT

[tbonesullivan]

So, I will admit to having owned an F-brand telecaster a while ago. It was a 2009 model, blizzard pearl, and had that whole "greasebucket" stuff installed with the no-load tone control. My main issue was that I dislike finished maple fretboards, and I had one. That and that as a Hamer owner/Fan, I can't see myself ever owning something made by FMIC again.

So, I'm looking at the ASAT classic and ASAT classic Alnico, and trying to decide which would get me that sound and feel better. I also have been considering the ASAT special, but there isn't much out there on how close those big MFD pickups get the tele sound.

[Craig]

So, I will admit to having owned an F-brand telecaster a while ago. It was a 2009 model, blizzard pearl, and had that whole "greasebucket" stuff installed with the no-load tone control. My main issue was that I dislike finished maple fretboards, and I had one. That and that as a Hamer owner/Fan, I can't see myself ever owning something made by FMIC again.

So, I'm looking at the ASAT classic and ASAT classic Alnico, and trying to decide which would get me that sound and feel better. I also have been considering the ASAT special, but there isn't much out there on how close those big MFD pickups get the tele sound.

Welcome!

Check out this post: Where can I hear and see samples of G&L instruments?.

Hope this helps.

[blargfromouterspace]

The ASAT Classic Alnico will be the best replacement for a Fender. The MFD pickups are quite different sounding, and don't quite get that quintessential tele twang. The pickups in the Special are their own thing altogether, the only real similarity between it and a regular teke are the body shape.

I also dislike FMIC, but in my case its for cancelling production of Japanese Fenders, they were the best ones!

[Katefan]

Welcome - should you want to keep it traditional then go the way Jamie suggests. Should you want to step it up a notch, find yourself a Leo-era ASAT (which BBE now calls an ASAT Special) The quality, sound and attention to detail can't be beat and the early MFDs sound heavenly. Not only do they sound more tele like than ASAT Classics and many Fenders, they're heaps more versatile.

Cheers,
KF

[glvourot]

I have never owned a Fender Tele , but I will second Katefan and agree with his Leo era ASAT suggestion. I have had my ASAT for just over a year now and I can say that it has almost ruined me for BBE G&L's. You would not regret it.

[tbonesullivan]

How similar are the Leo-Era ASATs to the ASAT Special? I see that the two are wound a bit different. To throw more into the mix, I also have a Carvin Bolt, which uses ceramic magnet under bobbin pickups. Very clear sounding. With this I'd probably be looking more vintage.

There really does seem to be lack of rosewood fretboard tele-style guitars out there though.

[Katefan]

They aren't - that's my point. Go find yourself one and be the judge... comparing anything else is apple to oranges.

Btw, Leo-era ASAT's came with ebony as well as maple fretboards - not just rosewood.

Cheers,
KF

[tbonesullivan]

Sounds like it'll be a search then. I'm also unfortunately somewhat picky about color and condition. I'd rather wear in a guitar myself than have it used and already worn. Eventually I'll get some kind of Tele-type guitar that isn't FMIC. It's often easier for me to get a color I like when sticking to more recent used and new instruments. Yeah, I'm OCD.

Another question, which I neglected completely, is neck carves. I did really like the feel of the 2008 AM STd Tele, so I'd love to get a neck like that.

[Fumble fingers]

you have ASAT Classic Alnico wrote all over you ...... if you like them light and solid get the "OLS" aka Leo Original Spec which has about a 1/2 inch thinner body /less weight than without OLS .. and add Empress wood if you want it super light 6.5 lbs solid body .... in the knowledge base you can check out all G&L's neck options , I'm sure something there will fit you perfect

[tbonesullivan]

Thicker bodies are not a problem. I like a nice hunk of wood. I have an EBMM steve morse, and love it. Just a big solid plank. Weighs a bunch but sounds great.

I checked out the neck options, and the Classic C sounds nice. I will have to check to see which necks my two legacy guitars have. I would imagine the classic C is closest to what is on the 2008-2010 era AM STD Teles.