The place to discuss, post photos, video, and audio of the G&L products (US instruments, stomp boxes, etc.) produced after 1991, including the amps & gear we use with them.
I joined this board b/c I am interested in getting a new Tele (just please, no Fenders )
I was thinkingg about a special order ASAT Deluxe from the GuitarsbyLeo guitar builder ( I truly like the LE1 that was put out). However, during this quest, I have found some tele examples from custom, hand-build shops that are comparable in price, yet, made with loving hands and talent.
Now, I am downright in love with my 1980 F-100, however, I always wonder if companies as they get larger and try to be profitable still maintain their degree of passion. Do any of you have any comments on some of these custom shop models. There are 3 in particular I am looking at - I'll refrain from names, right now, in order not to taint your opinions.
I also have an '80 F-100 (along with quite a few other early G&Ls). My oldest is a pre-production L-1K, and my "youngest" are a '98 ASAT Classic and a 2000 L-2K. I have played several newer G&Ls lately in shops. I can say with no hesitation that G&L did not lose any passion. The fit, finish and quality of materials are every bit as good now as in 1980. IMO the company has kept everything that was good about 1980 production, but has become much more responsive to what customers want in an instrument (as shown by the models staying in production much longer than the early ones did). I think it would be accurate to say that G&L has modernized in ways that have improved the product, but not used technology to cut corners like many other manufacturers have.
If you check my profile, you'll see that I'm pretty serious about early G&Ls. I wouldn't trade my SC-1s or '86 ASATs for anything. I stumbled across a brand new spalted alder ASAT Classic in a local shop a couple of weeks ago and was blown away by the look, feel and sound. There was no sign of anything going downhill on that guitar compared to what was coming out of Fullerton 30+ years ago.
Swamp Ash, I thought you may be looking at a Kirn. I have also looked at Kirn and the custom order that I was looking at was $2800 to build. I have a Surh, Grosh, and a Gadow, all considered custom builds and I would say that to get a similar G&L with the woods and paint is going to be considerably cheaper. The custom models are great guitars but very pricey in comparison. The Kirn Barnbusters are quite reasonable if you get the offered configurations but any changes will come at a price. Personally, I think the value of a G&L is hard to beat. I have well over a dozen brands and G&L's are my favorite overall. I have 16 of them, all newer. The ASATS are my favorites.-- Darwin
Thanks Darwin - I like the barn buster, though - pine is hard to beat in terms of looks and heritage. Starting price was very simialr to a G & LHowever, I want the specs of a semi-hollow ASAT Deluxe. I wish I could get an LE-1 !!!!!!! The good thing is I really don't want a special finish. I want some neat wood with a natural look. I would like a pair of dual coil pups and a saddle bridge
There's another shop that uses pine, but the luthier makes the necks, too (Kirn uses pre-made necks that are modified)
The third shop is slightly more in price, but their guitars look awesome and the folks there still do work for Fender Custom Shop and were former workers with other high-end guitar makers.
Please don't misunderstand me at all - I love G & L, but this will probably be my only chance to spec out a "dream guitar" (i'll probably always be on the prowl for used bargains, etc.). Therefore, spending a few hundred extra right now is ok.
But I do need to do something. I am getting fret wear on the ole F-100 and she needs R & R. lately, she's been using a walker
Swamp Ash, I understand what you are saying as I am also going through that right now. I have been looking at custom builders and also looking for the perfect G&L. I am in no hurry as I don't have an urgent need but I'm still trying to decide on the perfect next one!-- Darwin
I wonder how problematic it would be for a custom shop would do a tele build with the Saddle lock bridge instead of the ash tray... I would be happy to have the same pup set up as on my F-100.
Kirn was one of the three. What are your thoughts?
the kirns are great. i like that he uses the usacg necks, those guys make great necks with a 7.5-9.5 compound radius. ron does all the finishing work on the neck including the frets. a fully decked out kirn runs around 2200. barn busters are much less. the full shielding and the the available neck heel contour are a huge advantage.
the kirns are great. i like that he uses the usacg necks, those guys make great necks with a 7.5-9.5 compound radius. ron does all the finishing work on the neck including the frets. a fully decked out kirn runs around 2200. barn busters are much less. the full shielding and the the available neck heel contour are a huge advantage.
Yes, those seem very nice and really about in the same ballpark (in terms of ticket price) as a special order ASAT Deluxe (b/c 1, I just really don't want a pickguard covering beautiful wood grain; 2, want a hardtail + humbucker set up).
The kirn looks great - have you played one? How do they stack up in the Tele world? We already know the Fender crowd never gives the G & L the credit they deserve, so do these custom shop models retain their value?
i have, and it is in the same ballpark as my asat bluesboy, but having the shielding and the fretwork and setup are a bit better. also, the available neck heel contour is nice.
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