Hello all!
I recently inherited (sadly) a G&L F-100 Series II which has the serial number G000591 engraved on the bridge (which I believe means it was made in 1980)
It is very beautiful, plays nicely and seems to be in close to 'like new' condition. However, I probably won't play it much as my Telecaster monopolizes my time.
I would hang on to it, it's a beautiful early example that will only increase in value as time goes by,
especially with the original case and in that condition.
A few other early F-100s are owned by regulars here, I feel lucky to have G000893, maple neck, mahogany body,
though it's nowhere close to the condition of yours.
elwood
Welcome, Boris. That F-100 looks like a keeper to me. I have G000504, which was built in September/October 1980. The serial numbers don't indicate the production year, as the bridges (and later the neckplates) they were stamped on were pulled at random from a bin. I'd be comfortable guessing that your F-100 is most likely from very early production - 1980 or early 1981. There's always the chance that the bridge was hiding in a back corner of the parts bin until a year or so later, though.
I have F-100s in ash and mahogany. The pickups are pretty bright in the ash body (to my ears, at least), but my 'hog has a gorgeous, full tone. The controls aren't intuitive, so I would recommend checking the Gallery section on this website for a copy of the original switching instructions. Put this G&L through its paces, and you might just find that Tele getting a bit less playing time. Heck, you might even turn into an ASAT player instead. A lot of us went that same route...
Welcome Boris. I'm with the 2 guys above: keep it at least for a while and play it. Your guitar is just pristine. Do you also have the original arm in the case? And maybe some paperwork (maintenance guide) and maybe sales slip?
Thanks Elwood. It turns out to have exactly the specs I was looking for and a beautiful complement to my G-200. Looking forward to put a fresh set of strings on it and take it through its paces.
