G&L made me a Legacy Special back in ~1997. I really really like it. Everyone who plays it really likes it. I had it to the luthier to chance the setup once and the luthier said ~”This is the real Fender now, not what type making in the Fender factory”. I think that G&L Legacy Special was something like $800.
I have an 85 MIJ and a new USA ASAT Classic- they're both all Leo Fender. Love em both. My dog literally knocked the G&L off the stand - face first today, it was barely out of tune...
From Leo: I have a G&L Strat, a Thinline Blues boy, A deluxe ASAT (twin humbucker) and an Ascari. The Bluesboy I added a switched tone pot to split the humbucker. The other three are stock. I think they are very good guitars. If they were stolen, I would replace them with the exact same models.
@@davidgordon7673 it means he's quoting Leo Fender i assume. G&L is the guitar company Leo Fender started after he sold fender off in the 60s. To a lot of people there is much more of Leo in g&l than the company baring his name
Thanks for another great video. Those pickups are made in the USA; polepieces are individually adjustable. Pity about the controls - is it definitely the pots that are stiff? Or could it be friction between the knobs and the control plate?
I'm kind of newish to your Channel. I have a love for fender stuff. But I also love Godin guitars. Do you ever review those? I don't feel like you got enough of a discount for all the defects you had. That's my opinion and if you're happy with what you have who cares. That comes from a negotiator like myself inherited from my father. Signing out from Western Colorado
I switched to G&L 6-7 years ago. Never looked back. Just sold my Comanche Tribby only to get a Godin. Will be getting another Comanche. My other G&L is ash ASAT. Love love LOVE THAT GUITAR!!
During one of visits to the US, picked up a G&L ASAT Classic tribute with A5 pick-ups. It was abt 350 bucks(2016), asked them why it hadn’t flown off the shelf, dude was like “it’s Poplar” .. it’s sounded pretty decent and frets were good, except for one dent on the back & terrible fret ends… What sold me was the neck shape & radius.. a 9” radius and a slim c. Brought it back here to India and spent quality time and money on it .. Today, that guitar is my Pride & Joy ..
I won the JA 90 tele from you a few years ago, still the raddest day ever!! I ended up selling it and buying a USA G&L ASAT. Still my fav guitar!! They are super under-rated. Thanks again.
I have the G&L MFDs in my MIM Tele. Love the little extra punch and adjustable pole pieces. Perfect for the more "aggressive" 90s alternative-inspired stuff I tend to play.
Two things I love about G&L: the smooth satin neck and the quality of woods. The tribute series electronics are pretty cheap, you pretty much have to upgrade the electronics. Thanks for the CAD price breakdown!
P.S. I'm currently building an S-style partscaster with parts bought for other mod's (locking tuners, hard-tail bridge, Texas Special pickups, and premium pots and switches.) It will be a intermediate/player grade guitar that has little or no market value.
You will not have to upgrade the electronics on a tribute. When I was a g&l dealer it was my understanding that the pickups are from the American GnL factory in Fullerton CA. A little more clarity. G&L was Leo's 3rd company as he was a partner and the manufacturer of Musicman in 74 though about 78 if I recall...then started G&L with his buddy from the original Fender days George Fullerton...the G in GnL...L of course being Leo. The American versions are hand made on some of the same equipment thats was used in the early days of Fender...if you compare vintage strats with modern G&L Legacies...you'll notice some of the same tooling marks. G&l represent Leo Femders final word on the Tele, the Strat, the Sting Ray bass etc... they are simply..more Fender than Fender. Tribute quality is comparable if not somewhat superior to a Mexican Fender with better electronics. They are indeed manufactured by Cort in Indonesia under the watchful eye of G&L. Read up on it...fascinating story. I have an American Legacy and it is in feel and tone...the MOJO of a vintage Strat.
Got some clarity from G&L all MFD pickups like the on in this Asat...ASAP... American made. Some alnico pickups in tribute series are in fact made in Indonesia. So no need to do any electronic swap. Same as their American counterparts.
My father made the mistake of buying/gifting me a G&L (ASAT Classic, Tele build) and a Breedlove (solid Myrtlewood) growing up thru my late teens. I now walk in and out of guitar stores without ever getting near the register. G&L’s guitars are works of art.
I've had a couple G&L asat tribute model But recently pulled the trigger on a G&L Asat Classic Fullerton Bluesboy Deluxe (that's a mouth full) but Night and Day. What an incredible guitar this is. Definitely one of my keepers. Check them out, the price tag scares lotta folk away compared to the Tribute, but man it's worth it.
Just picked up a USA ASAT Classic and it's incredible. Hands down the best Telecaster I've ever played. It feels like the evolution of the venerable Tele. The pickups are absolutely phenomenal. Greater frequency range than a Tele, high output but still glassy. They're unique but the easiest lazy comparison is think part way between a good classic Tele pickup and a P90. Or, essentially perfect imo. It trades some twang compared to a Tele but I'm not a country player so frankly that's a positive for me. But you can still get a classic Tele tone by lowering the pickups and/or just rolling off the volume. All G&Ls I believe have simple treble bleeds so you retain the high end when you roll back a little. I see some guys who find them full open a little much take to them by lowering volume to 8, adjusting height to taste and then treating 8-10 on the knob as a built in boost. I've played high end Fenders up to Custom shop and for what I got for $1100 you'd probably need to spend close to $2000 for an equivalent quality Fender. I regard it as an absolute steal.
I have an American CS Strat and a G&L COMMEMORATIVE (May 1993) ASAT #17 of #350 or #1000 take your pick. The ASAT is beautiful and plays like a dream. The Strat is beautiful
I have two, a ASAT Special and a ASAT Classic Blues Boy. They are both Tribute models. They are both really nice guitars. I did change out the humbucker in the neck position on the Blues Boy it was two muddy. They both came setup really well and play well. The special has a unique bridge that gives it more sustain. Wouldn’t trade my Teles for them but if something happened to them I would replace them. I especially like the special. Thanks for another great video.
I also have a bluesboy. I think the humbucker is muddy because they use 250k pots which are for single coils. A humbucker needs a 500k pot to brighten them up. A tricky conundrum!
My telecasters and telecaster shaped objects: Squier affiinity, Squier obey propaganda, Squier paranormal baritone, Fender MIM road worn, Fender American Original Esquire, Fender custom shop caballo tono ligero , G&L ASAT special made in USA. The three Fenders are all exceptional guitars. The G&L ASAT is an exceptional guitar. They all feel and play differently. The MIM road worn in the most Telecaster-like in its feel and tone.
Just picked up a brand new tribute at a pawn shop. Actually NOS, its been hanging there now a couple of years, but tags and stickers still on it. My 3 way switch feels great. Pots average I guess. Im really happy with it.
I have Tribute Fallout. Made in Indonesia it is a fantastic guitar and it has the G&L locking bridge made in America also has two Paul Gogan pickups one a P90 the other a split-able Humbucker also made in USA, The bridge has a "fin" on the bottom that fits into the body for more sustain. It is one of my favorite guitars. I highly recommend G&L. They also inspect every import guitar at their facility in California so that's a real plus.
I have the G&L S-500 tribute in Irish Ale finish it's such a solid well playing and sounding guitar that I got the best deal which I'm not going say how inexpensive just less than $400 awesome G&L case a really nice strap which has locking mechanism and a capo
I got a demo ASAT from sweetwater.. they said it had flaws... I could barely tell.. and the ASAT was amazing. Had it a year now and it is my main guitar.
Glad to see you gave G&L a try. I don't have any Tributes but I do own four USA made G&Ls. I love them all. Necks have a beautiful feel with rolled edges and various profiles, from 7.25 to 12" radius. Frets are pleked and feel smooth. I have two T-styles, a Bluesboy 90, which replaces the Tele neck with a P-90; a Z-3 with Z-coil pickups that are basically single coils without the noise and some nice pickup selections; a Fallout, which has a Mustage style body with a P-90 neck and HB in bridge; and an S-style Legacy Special with rail pickups. Each of them has an excellent quality build, nice feel and different but equally outstanding tones. Try a USA made. Thanks for the review.
Discolourisation of the horn can be cured by tablets. Tight knobs are a whole other thing. Thanks, Landon. I've considered a G&L Tribute from time to time.
I bought two demos from sweetwater. The first was a G&L Fallout Tribute. It only had a few pick scratches on the pick guard. The second one was a Squier Tele Deluxe. The picture made it look kind of pink. It didn't look good but the price was right. When it came in it was more of an old copper color, and the pots and caps had been changed. Maybe it was a return or a store project. I don't know. Either way it is a great guitar. Don't be afraid to buy a demo from sweetwater.
well i certainly love my Nashville Deluxe Tele tone. But must say my Indonesian G&l asat with rosewood fretboard was a spot on setup ready to play action and still a work horse.
Thanks Landon, Nice demo. I think i might go for one of these. Just watched a video on Eric Johnsons signature strat and he said he insisted on it being made from Sassafras wood because his original vintage 54 strat was made from sassafras and it sounded killer. And we know how picky he is! I also like that there are individual saddles for each string.
I’m in UK bought one of these exact ones and same colour new for £399 from Andertons. Bit different now mine has no body contour and my neck was glossy till I sanded it slightly. I bonded quickly with it but soon realised it could be so much better, so I’ve basically modded the @hi# out of it…. Graphtech Ratio tuners and string tree, Bare Knuckle neck pickup, Seymour Duncan ‘Lil 59 in the bridge and swapped pots to CTS and orange cap capacitor. MFD’s weren’t bad but were just missing something to my ears, and Schaller strap locks. It’s a real rock machine now, other than swapping the 3 way switch can’t think of much else to do to it (it’s working fine so no plans yet). This was my first dabble in the world of T type guitars and inspired me to get a Mexican Player series Tele and a Squier Classic Vibe 50’s. Love them all along with my Strats, Les Pauls (Gibson and Epiphone) Gretsch, EVH Wolfgang, Gibson SG, and PRS SE’s (x4). Guitars are my only vice as non smoking non drinking non golf playing 59 year old male. Wife is very understanding though I do sneak the odd one through the back door! I thought us Brits were the ones getting ripped off but Christ it seems very expensive in 🇨🇦 Keep up the great work your videos are very entertaining you’d get on well over here with your British like sense of humour. 🤘🤘🤘
I have an ASAT Classic S Swamp Ash. Damn fine guitar. Picked it up in a pawn shop 3 years ago for $500. This is the same place that I got a 1965 Fender Mustang for $68.00
I got the G&L ASAT Classic Tribute Thinline, although they didn't call it a Thinline, but it is semi-hollow with an F hole. I also got it from Sweetwater. And yeah, I like it a lot.
G&L was Leos 3rd company,#2 was Music Man, #1 was of course fender, blah blah anti competition for x# of years. With G&L if it sez Tribute its overseas, ohrerwise i believe its Cali made. Landon you're the best!! Thanks for your work!! The coils are wound differently so that the string resonates better. Per þhe techa that work on them.
Hi Landon. Did you take a look at the last Jim Lill's video here on youtube? He did an amazing job to understand once and for all what affects the tone in an electric guitar. At this point maybe we can say there are no differences in sound between maple and rosewood freatboard. What do you think about that ?
@@landonbailey I agree with you despite I thought the wood could affect the sound just a little bit. In the video it seem the wood doesn't affect the tone at all.
@@landonbailey i change pots (to CTS pots 250K for tone and volume) and also change wiring cable (using AWG). I will change the dryer because the stock dryer is easily out of tune in my opinion.
I think the problem with the bridge being not accurately placed is that you have less length for bridge saddle adjustments. If you're really off, you could run out of thread to move the saddle towards the neck. However if it's already in tune and intonated, that should be good.
I bought an unknown EART Tele style guitar for $279. off Amazon, and it's my favorite tele. Comfort wise the arm cut to me is more important than the belly cut. Rock on \m/
Eart is stepping up their game! I just came from GuitarMax's video on the new 335 model they came out with. It sounds great! Plus, you can't beat stainless steel frets.
Hi Landon. I have just bought a used one of these here in the U.K. from Reverb in Mint Condition. It’s stunning in a gorgeous Tobacco Burst. Plays and sounds amazing. Mine is different as it has alnico pickups from stock and not the MFD pickups. Also has an original Tortoise pickguard. No belly cut. There is very little information on these. I know Andertons here in the U.K. used to have the same model with Alnico pickups but in Sonic Blue. Have you ever seen one? ( Made in Indonesia also ). I am really happy with it. I was a bit sceptical about the 1.625 nut width, but it’s okay. Love your videos Landon, really entertaining and informative. All the best, Pete.
Landon *finds "trem" bar...* See how he looks at it with Scorn & Contempt... 🤨🤨🤣🤣 i am a Strat boy myself... thru and thru... but i prefer a hard tail too 👍👍
I have been wondering about the guitar line seeing this video really helped me understand their QC better and what they're comprable to thank you very much I really appreciate it good and depth video by the way
Hey Landon! Sweet man...this is a brand on my radar too..I'm glad u did this review..I like the strats as well..I do not own a telecaster though....yet...lol..I Know that's sacreligious to your ears being such a tele fan as u are... maybe I'm just saving the best for last... 😂
I liked the plastic ASMR, but I liked the ping from the high e string when taking the plastic off a lot too. It's silly, I know. Cool guitar ! Congrats ! Every time I hear those MFD pickups I like them.
I agree that I’m a dollar short and a few days late with my comment here. 🤷🏼♂️🤣 Thanks for another great post Sir. I love my Fender AM ii Tele to death. That said, I’ve been “eyeballing” a GnL for years now. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them. So Brandon, my question is this, now after 8+ mos how do you feel/like your guitar now please? I’m curious to know if that “kid at Christmas feeling” is still there with you? Thoughts please? Would you do it again now after having your guitar for some time? Thanks for your consideration.
@@landonbailey Please forgive the TYPO, I do in fact know that your name is LANDON & NOT BRANDON. Stupid intuitive phone spelling and my FAT thumbs. 🤦♂️🤣 Cheers for your quick heads-up response too Sir. Are you willing to discuss why you forwarded your GnL on a public forum Sir? Thanks for your consideration.
I bought an orange one last year from MF, beautiful guitar, but it didn't work. All excited, plugged it in and nothing. Since it was new, I wasn't dealing with it so I sent it back. Ended up with a MIM Tele and couldn't be happier. Would have loved to have that G&L but, we work with the money we have.
CV Tele is $575CAD, this is $825CAD, Player Tele is $1100CAD, and Sire T7 at $850CAD, which might be better quality than this (some folks think Sire is better than the Player series). I think I missed you removing the bridge in the video, is there a metal baseplate on the bridge pup or are the two pups identical?
I once own a Tribute ASAT (my first T-style) and while it played great, I couldn’t really gel with the MFD pups. I should’ve just bought some tele pups. Instead I traded it away.
Landon, you talking about the frets reminds me that I thought of a question last night and realized you may be the guy to ask. I live in a cold area of the US right at the Canadian border, Lake Ontario. Get a lot of that arctic air, but I’m not from the area and not used to guitar care here. I keep the guitar room at a steady temperature, but I think the heat may be causing some issues due to being dry. I don’t case my guitars, keep them out so I’ll play them often (it works) but I noticed just a bit of sprouting on my Stratocaster last night. Is this from the heat drying it out in there? Would putting a standard humidifier in there work or is there something more particular I should do? Every time I try to research it, I get info about things to do with the case.. and I don’t case them.
Also, the G&L frets may very well have been the weather. I got my Doheny and my Strat a day apart and my G&L I thought had better fret end work. It also seems to be even better on tuning stability, not that my Fender is bad, just that the G&L holds even better. Cons on mine were similar to your ASAT, the pickup switch feels loose and flimsy, though my knobs are smooth and feel great, it’s actually my favorite guitar to do volume swells on. Mine also has issues at the input jack. The nut on the jack comes loose often. Overall it feels quality, but those couple of things feel cheap on mine. Overall it’s still the guitar I have the most fun playing of mine. I don’t have as many to compare it to as you, but still, I have 5 other very different electrics, a couple more expensive, so there’s that. I think G&L has some things I like better than Fender (overall, the MFD pickups have so many tonal options when you adjust the poles) and Fender has some things I like better than G&L. I think both brands are a good choice and a quality instrument. Good, fair review, as usual.
I'm definitely not an expert on guitar conditioning. I keep my music room around 22C and humidity at 35. Seems to work well as I've not had any issues with other guitars that have been on the walls for months/years
@@landonbailey thanks man, nah I wasn’t trying to put you on the spot and make “an official recommendation.” Just similar climate and know you keep yours out. You keep yours a little warmer than mine as well (works out to 18.3 C according to google.) I’ll try a little more heat and a humidifier then. Thanks so much.
At one point in time G&L could have absolutely claimed to be making a much better Stratocaster- Leo made the now common 2-point vibrato bridge standard on the G&L Strats when Fender was offering the horrible (relatively speaking) 6-screw vibrato bridge
Hi London! How are you? Which one do you recommend for an intermediate guitarist and one that will last over time? The used G&L Asat classic Tribute or a Squier Affinity 2024 in a package?
Had a G&L ASAT Bluesboy Tribute Series and loved it! The MFD pickups on the review model are much better than Squier or Fender. Brandon you missed the PTB control electronics, really cool feature.
Interesting. I’d have to check mine but I don’t think mine has a tummy cut 🤷♂️ and yes I did all the traditional updates. Great guitar! and the pickups are awesome, also. I think mine is Swamp Ash body though and orange of all colours
@@landonbailey I bought it last year, so either 2020 or 2019. It’s a lefty so usually that stock sits on shelves for quite some time. I picked it up from Andertons when it was on sale for £300 or so which takes it to around $600CAD
Tribute series or USA made? Cort tuners on a US guitar would be kinda strange. Is the neck glossy or satin? A lot of G&Ls heavy poly neck put me off. Looks and sounds good though!
Thanks for the review! Love all of your videos on the different guitars!! New to playing guitar. Have a acoustic and been watching a lot of the Squier vids to determine which electric to start with. I like the sound of the CV tele’s but am not super thrilled with the finish color choices. I feel like G & L have much better finishes. Even feel the lower Squier lines (Affinty and Bullet) have been finish choices. How would you compare this to the Fender Player Tele? Newbie question. You mention you can change out the pods and the switch is flimsy. Can you replace the switch also? I didn’t catch if you said that. Is there anything on an electric you can’t swap out?
I have the Bluesboy Asat Tribute; bought last year- noticed mine has some upgrades yours doesn’t ( individual brass saddles, high frets, Swichcraft switch, ) but it is a ‘19 or ‘20 just a little different…
I got bit by the Tele bug and all I want is a solid color with the classic bridge and saddle setup. Can't get that with Squier and Fender only offers it when you drop the big dollars... G&L and Harley Benton seem like the only options for that at the moment because I just don't see the point in spending over a grand on a Telecaster. I still haven't ruled out the option to just buy a Fender body for a couple hundred bucks and add a MityMite neck. Less than $500 for one spec'd exactly how I'd like and I'm sure it'd play as well as anything.
Hi Landon great video do you think replacing the pickups and electronics with USA made would improve the sound significantly? Reason I ask is American made guitars are now so expensive in Australia it is very risky taking them out to play gig’s. Oh for guy’s in Australia G&L are great guitars but they don’t hold their value on the second hand market if you want to sell or trade in.
Quick answer yes, but only if it's a sound you like :) The electronics (switch and pots) should feel smoother. It all depends what you choose to go with.
Thanks for the video, Landon! I bought my Tribute ASAT Classic tele around 2016, unfortunately, after a few years it got a warped neck without heavy use or temperature changes, the guitar didn't even leave the house. It's a pity because I really like the neck profile and the pickups sound great (as I understand they're American made and are used on G&L American models too). I see that this line has changed since then, mine has a body without the belly carve and the body finish is more transparent (revealing three terribly matched pieces of wood) and, yeah, the bridge placement is a bit off on mine too. I'm considering replacing the neck, but I'm not sure if it's worth it, have to check the measurements, maybe Fender or other replacement neck would fit. No hate for the G&L brand, I really dig the design and history of their guitars, it was the main reason I bought one myself instead of getting Fender or Squire. I still enjoy playing mine even if it's impossible to set it right because of the warp. But if I was buying a new telecaster now I would go for Fender. At least here in Europe Tribute ASAT guitars are priced around the same as Mexican teles that are better guitars and have better resale value.
I got the 'same' guitar, but made in 2014. They seem to have changed quiet a lot of things with these guitars - most noteworthy the price here in the EU went up from around 400€ to around 600€. Wow! O_O Also mine has a more glossy neck, no belly carve, and different body wood.
Nice review. I'm very close to buying one of these from Sweetwater. Would you choose this over an MX Player series tele? How does the fit and finish compare to that? Thanks for your video.
@@landonbailey I ended up getting the G&L Tribute ASAT Classic in butterscotch. Funny thing is, it's not a B stock or demo but the bridge plate on mine is also off a little bit, like yours. The only other minor "flaw" is the fit of the neck to the body could be a better fit. Neither one I mentioned seems to matter for playability so I'm probably keeping it. I really like the MFD pickups. The knobs and the switch seem fine on mine. Looking forward to enjoying it as much as my American Pro II Strat.
How did you like the sound- the quality, characteristics of the tones in the room? To me what is unique about G&L is the mfd pickups. Through YT, the guitar sounded great.
Excellent review Landon. It sounds great, slightly different from a Fender Tele but good in its own way. Thomann do sell them. I have the Asat deluxe and fallout tribute version’s and the fallout is by a mile the better and light too (Landon😄) It’s got a humbucker in the bridge and a p90 style in the bridge and a very usable coil split. I can play anything with it. It’s holding its own with my Fender Player Strat for quality feel. The Strat in Europe is €100 dearer. The Deluxe has a creamy rock and blues vibe and coil split is so so compared to the fallout. Both are beautiful to play especially with the wonderful G&L locking bridge. They are both my most resonant guitars by far. Cheers 😄👍
Oops, I didn’t mean I would buy both. For the money which did you prefer. I like the idea of supporting our neighbors to the north. You did answer my question. Thanks for that!
It's the funny thing about B stock that you often wouldn't notice the flaws. I bought a Simon & Patrick acoustic and it was B stock, but the shop couldn't find the flaws and to this day, neither can I. The pick guard not lining might get to me with this one eventually. The rest is kind of neither here nor there.
Ive been fighting the temptation to buy a lefty bluesboy since Christmas. Everyone says the humbucker's muddy but hey... I bought an ASAT neck a few years ago not realising it won't go on a fender specd body, doh.
I have a bluesboy, and can answer. To start off with, the neck humbucker responds well to raising the pole screws up 1/8th inchs and dropping the pickup body down 1/8th inch. In addition the pickup is a 4 wire design. It was very easy to to add a switched tone pot to get the singe coil sounds. I am very happy how it turned out. A $7.00 switched pot and 15 minutes work made a decent guitar into a very good guitar. Good Luck
Thanks for the demo, sounds good! Funny that you didn’t like the post and switch. They’re Alpha brand, which (at least compared to other “budget” guitars) is a name brand as opposed to unbranded Chinese junk. I would consider that a bonus, but to each his own!
I bought a classic vibe from 2000. I did basically everything besides the pickups which were hotter than heck. 7 neck and almost 10 on the bridge. Almost no telecaster sounds, lol. It's too hot I feel. Getting ready to put locking tuners on.
I don't own a G&L, but as far as I'm concerned a G&L is every bit a real and true Fender as a Fender is. G&L is highly under-rated in my opinion.
🎸👍
G&L made me a Legacy Special back in ~1997. I really really like it. Everyone who plays it really likes it. I had it to the luthier to chance the setup once and the luthier said ~”This is the real Fender now, not what type making in the Fender factory”. I think that G&L Legacy Special was something like $800.
I have an 85 MIJ and a new USA ASAT Classic- they're both all Leo Fender. Love em both. My dog literally knocked the G&L off the stand - face first today, it was barely out of tune...
Every G&L I’ve ever tried has been awesome.
good to hear
I have a G&L Bluesboy Tribute. I'm glad I chose it over a Fender!
🎸👍
From Leo: I have a G&L Strat, a Thinline Blues boy, A deluxe ASAT (twin humbucker) and an Ascari. The Bluesboy I added a switched tone pot to split the humbucker. The other three are stock. I think they are very good guitars. If they were stolen, I would replace them with the exact same models.
very cool!
Can you explain what "From Leo" means? I have seen it on many comments on many threads and I am curious. Thank you!🙏✌
@@davidgordon7673 it means he's quoting Leo Fender i assume.
G&L is the guitar company Leo Fender started after he sold fender off in the 60s. To a lot of people there is much more of Leo in g&l than the company baring his name
his name is Leo and he's using his wife's account.
Guys. There is a misunderstanding here. Mrs. Melle’s husband is Leo Melle. Coincidentally he has the same first name with Leo Fender.
Get G&L guitars like the G&L Tribute ASAT Classic
🛒 Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/P0Yr2R
🛒 Thomann bit.ly/3ghSZbk
🛒 Reverb reverb.grsm.io/gpuv8wvdgd1p
🛒 Ebay ebay.us/F7bxvx
Sweetwater Dealzone: imp.i114863.net/jWVkMv
Gear used in the recording:
Amp: Fender '65 Princeton Reverb imp.i114863.net/RyK6Mb
Microphone: Sennheiser e906 imp.i114863.net/qnyyBY
Pedal: Boss SD-1 imp.i114863.net/BXezDW
---------------------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
---------------------------------------------------------
0:00 - The Unboxing
1:09 - The Talk
2:10 - The Cleans
3:00 - The Specs
3:45 - The Dirts
6:20 - The Insides
7:00 - The Flaws?
9:45 - The Flaws Revealed
11:50 - The Price Breakdown for Canadians
13:00 - The Noteworthy Thoughts & Recommendations
17:25 - The Plastics
Thanks for another great video. Those pickups are made in the USA; polepieces are individually adjustable. Pity about the controls - is it definitely the pots that are stiff? Or could it be friction between the knobs and the control plate?
I'm kind of newish to your Channel. I have a love for fender stuff. But I also love Godin guitars. Do you ever review those? I don't feel like you got enough of a discount for all the defects you had. That's my opinion and if you're happy with what you have who cares. That comes from a negotiator like myself inherited from my father. Signing out from Western Colorado
ya it's the pots. I took the knobs off to check
oh hey! ya check on my channel for Godin Stadium HT. great guitar
I switched to G&L 6-7 years ago. Never looked back. Just sold my Comanche Tribby only to get a Godin. Will be getting another Comanche. My other G&L is ash ASAT. Love love LOVE THAT GUITAR!!
thanks for sharing :)
I'm very happy for ya that you picked up a G&L Tele. I love my G&L Strat, so here's to you loving your Tele. Got mine way back in 2005👽👍
nice!
During one of visits to the US, picked up a G&L ASAT Classic tribute with A5 pick-ups. It was abt 350 bucks(2016), asked them why it hadn’t flown off the shelf, dude was like “it’s Poplar” .. it’s sounded pretty decent and frets were good, except for one dent on the back & terrible fret ends… What sold me was the neck shape & radius.. a 9” radius and a slim c. Brought it back here to India and spent quality time and money on it .. Today, that guitar is my Pride & Joy ..
nice!
I won the JA 90 tele from you a few years ago, still the raddest day ever!! I ended up selling it and buying a USA G&L ASAT. Still my fav guitar!! They are super under-rated. Thanks again.
I have the G&L MFDs in my MIM Tele. Love the little extra punch and adjustable pole pieces. Perfect for the more "aggressive" 90s alternative-inspired stuff I tend to play.
nice!
Wow the clean tones are really warm, quite different than a Fender Tele!
Different from.😊
ya it sounded really good in the room
Seems like every week is New Guitar Week and that makes many of us happy but envious for sure.
Well kinda ya, I move them along as well. Most I don't keep long term 👍😊
That guitar sounds especially good… thicker than a normal tele but still a tele… love it.
Two things I love about G&L: the smooth satin neck and the quality of woods. The tribute series electronics are pretty cheap, you pretty much have to upgrade the electronics.
Thanks for the CAD price breakdown!
hey no problem. ya the neck and body are solid
P.S. I'm currently building an S-style partscaster with parts bought for other mod's (locking tuners, hard-tail bridge, Texas Special pickups, and premium pots and switches.) It will be a intermediate/player grade guitar that has little or no market value.
You will not have to upgrade the electronics on a tribute. When I was a g&l dealer it was my understanding that the pickups are from the American GnL factory in Fullerton CA. A little more clarity. G&L was Leo's 3rd company as he was a partner and the manufacturer of Musicman in 74 though about 78 if I recall...then started G&L with his buddy from the original Fender days George Fullerton...the G in GnL...L of course being Leo. The American versions are hand made on some of the same equipment thats was used in the early days of Fender...if you compare vintage strats with modern G&L Legacies...you'll notice some of the same tooling marks. G&l represent Leo Femders final word on the Tele, the Strat, the Sting Ray bass etc... they are simply..more Fender than Fender. Tribute quality is comparable if not somewhat superior to a Mexican Fender with better electronics. They are indeed manufactured by Cort in Indonesia under the watchful eye of G&L. Read up on it...fascinating story. I have an American Legacy and it is in feel and tone...the MOJO of a vintage Strat.
Got some clarity from G&L all MFD pickups like the on in this Asat...ASAP... American made. Some alnico pickups in tribute series are in fact made in Indonesia. So no need to do any electronic swap. Same as their American counterparts.
The pick ups in the tribute series are the same as USA made models
My father made the mistake of buying/gifting me a G&L (ASAT Classic, Tele build) and a Breedlove (solid Myrtlewood) growing up thru my late teens. I now walk in and out of guitar stores without ever getting near the register. G&L’s guitars are works of art.
I've had a couple G&L asat tribute model But recently pulled the trigger on a G&L Asat Classic Fullerton Bluesboy Deluxe (that's a mouth full) but Night and Day. What an incredible guitar this is. Definitely one of my keepers. Check them out, the price tag scares lotta folk away compared to the Tribute, but man it's worth it.
Thanks!
No problem!
Just picked up a USA ASAT Classic and it's incredible. Hands down the best Telecaster I've ever played. It feels like the evolution of the venerable Tele.
The pickups are absolutely phenomenal. Greater frequency range than a Tele, high output but still glassy. They're unique but the easiest lazy comparison is think part way between a good classic Tele pickup and a P90. Or, essentially perfect imo. It trades some twang compared to a Tele but I'm not a country player so frankly that's a positive for me. But you can still get a classic Tele tone by lowering the pickups and/or just rolling off the volume. All G&Ls I believe have simple treble bleeds so you retain the high end when you roll back a little. I see some guys who find them full open a little much take to them by lowering volume to 8, adjusting height to taste and then treating 8-10 on the knob as a built in boost.
I've played high end Fenders up to Custom shop and for what I got for $1100 you'd probably need to spend close to $2000 for an equivalent quality Fender. I regard it as an absolute steal.
I have an American CS Strat and a G&L COMMEMORATIVE (May 1993) ASAT #17 of #350 or #1000 take your pick. The ASAT is beautiful and plays like a dream. The Strat is beautiful
Sweet guitar Landon... I always thought those MFD pickups were money...they always sound great...rock on bro!!!!!
they sound really good
I have two, a ASAT Special and a ASAT Classic Blues Boy. They are both Tribute models. They are both really nice guitars. I did change out the humbucker in the neck position on the Blues Boy it was two muddy. They both came setup really well and play well. The special has a unique bridge that gives it more sustain. Wouldn’t trade my Teles for them but if something happened to them I would replace them. I especially like the special. Thanks for another great video.
thanks for sharing cheers!
I also have a bluesboy. I think the humbucker is muddy because they use 250k pots which are for single coils. A humbucker needs a 500k pot to brighten them up. A tricky conundrum!
I can definitely recommend the USA ASAT Classic. I was lucky enough to aquire a pre-owned Spanish Copper beauty a while back.
ah nice thanks!
I have alot of bases covered but not this one yet...and teles cover nearly every base themselves...those pickups sound amazing
all your bases are belong to us
My telecasters and telecaster shaped objects: Squier affiinity, Squier obey propaganda, Squier paranormal baritone, Fender MIM road worn, Fender American Original Esquire, Fender custom shop caballo tono ligero , G&L ASAT special made in USA. The three Fenders are all exceptional guitars. The G&L ASAT is an exceptional guitar. They all feel and play differently. The MIM road worn in the most Telecaster-like in its feel and tone.
nice collection!
Just picked up a brand new tribute at a pawn shop. Actually NOS, its been hanging there now a couple of years, but tags and stickers still on it. My 3 way switch feels great. Pots average I guess. Im really happy with it.
nice!
I have Tribute Fallout. Made in Indonesia it is a fantastic guitar and it has the G&L locking bridge made in America also has two Paul Gogan pickups one a P90 the other a split-able Humbucker also made in USA, The bridge has a "fin" on the bottom that fits into the body for more sustain. It is one of my favorite guitars. I highly recommend G&L. They also inspect every import guitar at their facility in California so that's a real plus.
nice!
I have the G&L S-500 tribute in Irish Ale finish it's such a solid well playing and sounding guitar that I got the best deal which I'm not going say how inexpensive just less than $400 awesome G&L case a really nice strap which has locking mechanism and a capo
G&L guitars are great. The only way Fender beats them is resale value IMO. Great guitars!
that's what I've heard too
They are great. I still go for my Fender though
I got a demo ASAT from sweetwater.. they said it had flaws... I could barely tell.. and the ASAT was amazing. Had it a year now and it is my main guitar.
The switch is junk. I had to replace mine put a 5 way super switch in and haven't looked back.
ah cool ya. sometimes it's just scratches on the pickguard
Glad to see you gave G&L a try. I don't have any Tributes but I do own four USA made G&Ls. I love them all. Necks have a beautiful feel with rolled edges and various profiles, from 7.25 to 12" radius. Frets are pleked and feel smooth. I have two T-styles, a Bluesboy 90, which replaces the Tele neck with a P-90; a Z-3 with Z-coil pickups that are basically single coils without the noise and some nice pickup selections; a Fallout, which has a Mustage style body with a P-90 neck and HB in bridge; and an S-style Legacy Special with rail pickups. Each of them has an excellent quality build, nice feel and different but equally outstanding tones. Try a USA made. Thanks for the review.
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Discolourisation of the horn can be cured by tablets. Tight knobs are a whole other thing. Thanks, Landon. I've considered a G&L Tribute from time to time.
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I bought two demos from sweetwater. The first was a G&L Fallout Tribute. It only had a few pick scratches on the pick guard. The second one was a Squier Tele Deluxe. The picture made it look kind of pink. It didn't look good but the price was right. When it came in it was more of an old copper color, and the pots and caps had been changed. Maybe it was a return or a store project. I don't know. Either way it is a great guitar. Don't be afraid to buy a demo from sweetwater.
thanks for sharing. ya there's some good deals to be found
well i certainly love my Nashville Deluxe Tele tone. But must say my Indonesian G&l asat with rosewood fretboard was a spot on setup ready to play action and still a work horse.
Thanks Landon, Nice demo. I think i might go for one of these. Just watched a video on Eric Johnsons signature strat and he said he insisted on it being made from Sassafras wood because his original vintage 54 strat was made from sassafras and it sounded killer. And we know how picky he is! I also like that there are individual saddles for each string.
ah cool thanks for sharing
I’m in UK bought one of these exact ones and same colour new for £399 from Andertons. Bit different now mine has no body contour and my neck was glossy till I sanded it slightly. I bonded quickly with it but soon realised it could be so much better, so I’ve basically modded the @hi# out of it…. Graphtech Ratio tuners and string tree, Bare Knuckle neck pickup, Seymour Duncan ‘Lil 59 in the bridge and swapped pots to CTS and orange cap capacitor. MFD’s weren’t bad but were just missing something to my ears, and Schaller strap locks. It’s a real rock machine now, other than swapping the 3 way switch can’t think of much else to do to it (it’s working fine so no plans yet). This was my first dabble in the world of T type guitars and inspired me to get a Mexican Player series Tele and a Squier Classic Vibe 50’s. Love them all along with my Strats, Les Pauls (Gibson and Epiphone) Gretsch, EVH Wolfgang, Gibson SG, and PRS SE’s (x4). Guitars are my only vice as non smoking non drinking non golf playing 59 year old male. Wife is very understanding though I do sneak the odd one through the back door! I thought us Brits were the ones getting ripped off but Christ it seems very expensive in 🇨🇦 Keep up the great work your videos are very entertaining you’d get on well over here with your British like sense of humour. 🤘🤘🤘
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I have an ASAT Classic S Swamp Ash. Damn fine guitar. Picked it up in a pawn shop 3 years ago for $500. This is the same place that I got a 1965 Fender Mustang for $68.00
nice!
I got the G&L ASAT Classic Tribute Thinline, although they didn't call it a Thinline, but it is semi-hollow with an F hole. I also got it from Sweetwater. And yeah, I like it a lot.
G&L was Leos 3rd company,#2 was Music Man, #1 was of course fender, blah blah anti competition for x# of years. With G&L if it sez Tribute its overseas, ohrerwise i believe its Cali made. Landon you're the best!! Thanks for your work!! The coils are wound differently so that the string resonates better. Per þhe techa that work on them.
🎸👍
I have an ASAT and love it
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Hi Landon. Did you take a look at the last Jim Lill's video here on youtube? He did an amazing job to understand once and for all what affects the tone in an electric guitar. At this point maybe we can say there are no differences in sound between maple and rosewood freatboard. What do you think about that ?
hey there, I've never heard of Jim Lill. In my unscientific opinion, the pickups and speaker have the biggest effect overall. I'll look up the video
@@landonbailey I agree with you despite I thought the wood could affect the sound just a little bit. In the video it seem the wood doesn't affect the tone at all.
That was a great video. I hope that Landon watches it and comments. He seems to be one of the few that doesn't buy into the "tonewood" concept.
ua-cam.com/video/n02tImce3AE/v-deo.html will make you think..
In electric guitars I don't believe wood has enough of an effect to significantly change a tone
i have squier affinity telecaster and i use GnL MFD pickup, it sounds great and i love it, i use it for recording, performing, and it's great
right on!
@@landonbailey i change pots (to CTS pots 250K for tone and volume) and also change wiring cable (using AWG). I will change the dryer because the stock dryer is easily out of tune in my opinion.
It’s beautiful in butterscotch, I have a vintage white fender tele, but if I get a chance I’d try one of these.
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I think the problem with the bridge being not accurately placed is that you have less length for bridge saddle adjustments. If you're really off, you could run out of thread to move the saddle towards the neck. However if it's already in tune and intonated, that should be good.
ya it only looks like a few mm here
I played a G&L in a local guitar store a couple of weeks ago and overall it is definitely better than most Fenders.
For someone finding for Nina's guitar
YES.
This is Nina's Guitar (from Girls Band Cry)
I bought an unknown EART Tele style guitar for $279. off Amazon, and it's my favorite tele. Comfort wise the arm cut to me is more important than the belly cut. Rock on \m/
Eart is stepping up their game! I just came from GuitarMax's video on the new 335 model they came out with. It sounds great! Plus, you can't beat stainless steel frets.
Appreciate the always honest review. I was curious your thoughts, especially comparing it to a Squire Classic Vibe.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Landon.
I have just bought a used one of these here in the U.K. from Reverb in Mint Condition. It’s stunning in a gorgeous Tobacco Burst. Plays and sounds amazing. Mine is different as it has alnico pickups from stock and not the MFD pickups. Also has an original Tortoise pickguard. No belly cut. There is very little information on these. I know Andertons here in the U.K. used to have the same model with Alnico pickups but in Sonic Blue. Have you ever seen one? ( Made in Indonesia also ). I am really happy with it. I was a bit sceptical about the 1.625 nut width, but it’s okay.
Love your videos Landon, really entertaining and informative.
All the best, Pete.
Great review and thanks for putting some Joey Santiago in there!
No problem!
Landon *finds "trem" bar...* See how he looks at it with Scorn & Contempt... 🤨🤨🤣🤣 i am a Strat boy myself... thru and thru... but i prefer a hard tail too 👍👍
🤣
I have been wondering about the guitar line seeing this video really helped me understand their QC better and what they're comprable to thank you very much I really appreciate it good and depth video by the way
Glad I could help!
Hey Landon! Sweet man...this is a brand on my radar too..I'm glad u did this review..I like the strats as well..I do not own a telecaster though....yet...lol..I Know that's sacreligious to your ears being such a tele fan as u are... maybe I'm just saving the best for last... 😂
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Graph Tech Ratio locking tuners are a drop in upgrade on the Tribute series. No adapter plates required.
good to know thanks!
Nice guitar, I would shave (shape) the pickguard to make it look in line with the bridge etc. Easy. Guitar sounds really great.
ya that would be an easy fix. just a quick shave
I have a asat tribute classic. I replaced the pots and switch with replacement parts from stewmac. Very budget friendly mod but very worth it.
I liked the plastic ASMR, but I liked the ping from the high e string when taking the plastic off a lot too.
It's silly, I know.
Cool guitar ! Congrats !
Every time I hear those MFD pickups I like them.
ya the pickups sound good
Great video, there are some that would say that a top of the line G&L are more of a genuine fender than a branded fender
I'd like to check one out some day
I agree that I’m a dollar short and a few days late with my comment here. 🤷🏼♂️🤣
Thanks for another great post Sir.
I love my Fender AM ii Tele to death. That said, I’ve been “eyeballing” a GnL for years now. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them. So Brandon, my question is this, now after 8+ mos how do you feel/like your guitar now please? I’m curious to know if that “kid at Christmas feeling” is still there with you?
Thoughts please? Would you do it again now after having your guitar for some time?
Thanks for your consideration.
I don't own it anymore
@@landonbailey
Please forgive the TYPO, I do in fact know that your name is LANDON & NOT BRANDON. Stupid intuitive phone spelling and my FAT thumbs. 🤦♂️🤣
Cheers for your quick heads-up response too Sir.
Are you willing to discuss why you forwarded your GnL on a public forum Sir?
Thanks for your consideration.
I sold it for money!
@@landonbailey
Gotcha!
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I bought an orange one last year from MF, beautiful guitar, but it didn't work. All excited, plugged it in and nothing. Since it was new, I wasn't dealing with it so I sent it back. Ended up with a MIM Tele and couldn't be happier. Would have loved to have that G&L but, we work with the money we have.
Yes, the ASAT is 100% more of a tele then the Fender Telecaster. It's Leo Fender's last tele and I'll say it's the BEST tele there is.
CV Tele is $575CAD, this is $825CAD, Player Tele is $1100CAD, and Sire T7 at $850CAD, which might be better quality than this (some folks think Sire is better than the Player series). I think I missed you removing the bridge in the video, is there a metal baseplate on the bridge pup or are the two pups identical?
I don't think I filmed the bridge removal, and I can't recall. It was all recorded a few weeks back
Couple minor finish scuffs...not much wrong to the eye in video...the neck is pretty awesome
That's the only scuff I saw was the horn
it's just a flesh wound!
@@landonbailey I accept the flesh wounds..to a point... people are human...
Congrats on the free tremolo bar
weird right!
I once own a Tribute ASAT (my first T-style) and while it played great, I couldn’t really gel with the MFD pups. I should’ve just bought some tele pups. Instead I traded it away.
Landon, you talking about the frets reminds me that I thought of a question last night and realized you may be the guy to ask. I live in a cold area of the US right at the Canadian border, Lake Ontario. Get a lot of that arctic air, but I’m not from the area and not used to guitar care here. I keep the guitar room at a steady temperature, but I think the heat may be causing some issues due to being dry. I don’t case my guitars, keep them out so I’ll play them often (it works) but I noticed just a bit of sprouting on my Stratocaster last night. Is this from the heat drying it out in there? Would putting a standard humidifier in there work or is there something more particular I should do? Every time I try to research it, I get info about things to do with the case.. and I don’t case them.
Also, the G&L frets may very well have been the weather. I got my Doheny and my Strat a day apart and my G&L I thought had better fret end work. It also seems to be even better on tuning stability, not that my Fender is bad, just that the G&L holds even better.
Cons on mine were similar to your ASAT, the pickup switch feels loose and flimsy, though my knobs are smooth and feel great, it’s actually my favorite guitar to do volume swells on.
Mine also has issues at the input jack. The nut on the jack comes loose often. Overall it feels quality, but those couple of things feel cheap on mine.
Overall it’s still the guitar I have the most fun playing of mine. I don’t have as many to compare it to as you, but still, I have 5 other very different electrics, a couple more expensive, so there’s that.
I think G&L has some things I like better than Fender (overall, the MFD pickups have so many tonal options when you adjust the poles) and Fender has some things I like better than G&L. I think both brands are a good choice and a quality instrument.
Good, fair review, as usual.
I'm definitely not an expert on guitar conditioning. I keep my music room around 22C and humidity at 35. Seems to work well as I've not had any issues with other guitars that have been on the walls for months/years
@@landonbailey thanks man, nah I wasn’t trying to put you on the spot and make “an official recommendation.” Just similar climate and know you keep yours out. You keep yours a little warmer than mine as well (works out to 18.3 C according to google.) I’ll try a little more heat and a humidifier then. Thanks so much.
At one point in time G&L could have absolutely claimed to be making a much better Stratocaster- Leo made the now common 2-point vibrato bridge standard on the G&L Strats when Fender was offering the horrible (relatively speaking) 6-screw vibrato bridge
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton would disagree
They may still be able to say that. Leo said they were better. The American made G&L are pretty nice.
Hi London! How are you? Which one do you recommend for an intermediate guitarist and one that will last over time? The used G&L Asat classic Tribute or a Squier Affinity 2024 in a package?
Had a G&L ASAT Bluesboy Tribute Series and loved it! The MFD pickups on the review model are much better than Squier or Fender. Brandon you missed the PTB control electronics, really cool feature.
G&L Tribute ASAT. Cool guitar.
Love my G&L ASAT
What did you think of the MFD pickups?
I really like the pickups in this guitar
Appreciate the conversion to Loonies!
someone's gotta do it 🇨🇦🎸😊
Interesting. I’d have to check mine but I don’t think mine has a tummy cut 🤷♂️ and yes I did all the traditional updates. Great guitar! and the pickups are awesome, also. I think mine is Swamp Ash body though and orange of all colours
what year is yours?
@@landonbailey I bought it last year, so either 2020 or 2019. It’s a lefty so usually that stock sits on shelves for quite some time. I picked it up from Andertons when it was on sale for £300 or so which takes it to around $600CAD
@@landonbailey Just checked. Serial number starts with 21 so it should be 2021 but no tummy cut; wild! :D
Had a Legacy Tribute series and really liked it. Regret selling it. These are supposed to compare to the Mexican line of Fender. Do you think they do?
I haven't tried any other G&L models, but this one is closer to a Classic Vibe than a Player model
@@landonbailey my Legacy was Definately on par with the Mexican Standard line of Strat.
Tribute series or USA made? Cort tuners on a US guitar would be kinda strange. Is the neck glossy or satin? A lot of G&Ls heavy poly neck put me off. Looks and sounds good though!
it's all in the video 👍😊
Thanks for the review! Love all of your videos on the different guitars!! New to playing guitar. Have a acoustic and been watching a lot of the Squier vids to determine which electric to start with. I like the sound of the CV tele’s but am not super thrilled with the finish color choices. I feel like G & L have much better finishes. Even feel the lower Squier lines (Affinty and Bullet) have been finish choices. How would you compare this to the Fender Player Tele?
Newbie question. You mention you can change out the pods and the switch is flimsy. Can you replace the switch also? I didn’t catch if you said that. Is there anything on an electric you can’t swap out?
hey thanks! ya all the electronics can be swapped out for after market stuff. I prefer the Player Tele over this
I have the Bluesboy Asat Tribute; bought last year- noticed mine has some upgrades yours doesn’t ( individual brass saddles, high frets,
Swichcraft switch, ) but it is a ‘19 or ‘20
just a little different…
cool thanks for sharing. this one has individual saddles
I got bit by the Tele bug and all I want is a solid color with the classic bridge and saddle setup. Can't get that with Squier and Fender only offers it when you drop the big dollars... G&L and Harley Benton seem like the only options for that at the moment because I just don't see the point in spending over a grand on a Telecaster.
I still haven't ruled out the option to just buy a Fender body for a couple hundred bucks and add a MityMite neck. Less than $500 for one spec'd exactly how I'd like and I'm sure it'd play as well as anything.
there's no known cure to the Tele bug!
I like G&L guitars aesthetically. I want a Bluesboy. The Tribute models seem on par with the Squenders.
ya they have some interesting looking models and names too
Is this guitar made in Usa or Indonesia? Its georgeos
non USA model
Hi Landon great video do you think replacing the pickups and electronics with USA made would improve the sound significantly? Reason I ask is American made guitars are now so expensive in Australia it is very risky taking them out to play gig’s. Oh for guy’s in Australia G&L are great guitars but they don’t hold their value on the second hand market if you want to sell or trade in.
Quick answer yes, but only if it's a sound you like :)
The electronics (switch and pots) should feel smoother. It all depends what you choose to go with.
If it has MFDs then it's already what its USA brethren has. I have both Asian and USA with MFDs ...both great tone....
Thanks for the video, Landon! I bought my Tribute ASAT Classic tele around 2016, unfortunately, after a few years it got a warped neck without heavy use or temperature changes, the guitar didn't even leave the house. It's a pity because I really like the neck profile and the pickups sound great (as I understand they're American made and are used on G&L American models too). I see that this line has changed since then, mine has a body without the belly carve and the body finish is more transparent (revealing three terribly matched pieces of wood) and, yeah, the bridge placement is a bit off on mine too.
I'm considering replacing the neck, but I'm not sure if it's worth it, have to check the measurements, maybe Fender or other replacement neck would fit.
No hate for the G&L brand, I really dig the design and history of their guitars, it was the main reason I bought one myself instead of getting Fender or Squire. I still enjoy playing mine even if it's impossible to set it right because of the warp. But if I was buying a new telecaster now I would go for Fender. At least here in Europe Tribute ASAT guitars are priced around the same as Mexican teles that are better guitars and have better resale value.
ah that's too bad
The two G&Ls I’ve owned have both had neck issues.
I ‘ve had many fenders with neck issues- so it happens ( twists, warp, shim deal ) with all electric guitars SOMETIMES
I got the 'same' guitar, but made in 2014. They seem to have changed quiet a lot of things with these guitars - most noteworthy the price here in the EU went up from around 400€ to around 600€. Wow! O_O
Also mine has a more glossy neck, no belly carve, and different body wood.
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Prices on everything went up. I'm opting out of the guitar market. I'll keep what I have and be grateful
Nice review. I'm very close to buying one of these from Sweetwater. Would you choose this over an MX Player series tele? How does the fit and finish compare to that? Thanks for your video.
that's a good question. I would probably choose the Player model. This is closer to a Squier Classic Vibe 50s (going from memory)
@@landonbailey I ended up getting the G&L Tribute ASAT Classic in butterscotch. Funny thing is, it's not a B stock or demo but the bridge plate on mine is also off a little bit, like yours. The only other minor "flaw" is the fit of the neck to the body could be a better fit. Neither one I mentioned seems to matter for playability so I'm probably keeping it. I really like the MFD pickups. The knobs and the switch seem fine on mine. Looking forward to enjoying it as much as my American Pro II Strat.
@@landonbailey Hi. Did you replace your tuners on this guitar to Fender locking? Wondering if they fit ok. Thanks.
I was excited that I saw so many flaws to point out but then the camera moved and I realized it was just schmutz on my screen.
time to clean that screen
How did you like the sound- the quality, characteristics of the tones in the room? To me what is unique about G&L is the mfd pickups. Through YT, the guitar sounded great.
I actually thought it sounded better in the room compared to the recordings. Really liked the sounds overall
Excellent review Landon. It sounds great, slightly different from a Fender Tele but good in its own way. Thomann do sell them. I have the Asat deluxe and fallout tribute version’s and the fallout is by a mile the better and light too (Landon😄)
It’s got a humbucker in the bridge and a p90 style in the bridge and a very usable coil split. I can play anything with it.
It’s holding its own with my Fender Player Strat for quality feel. The Strat in Europe is €100 dearer. The Deluxe has a creamy rock and blues vibe and coil split is so so compared to the fallout. Both are beautiful to play especially with the wonderful G&L locking bridge. They are both my most resonant guitars by far. Cheers 😄👍
Between the Godin stadium you reviewed and the G&L which would you purchase if you had money for both?
wouldn't I buy both if I had money for both? but seriously tough question. the Godin impressed me more for sure. it depends on what you like though
Oops, I didn’t mean I would buy both. For the money which did you prefer. I like the idea of supporting our neighbors to the north. You did answer my question. Thanks for that!
I've said things like before in my videos so I was just teasing. cheers!
It's the funny thing about B stock that you often wouldn't notice the flaws. I bought a Simon & Patrick acoustic and it was B stock, but the shop couldn't find the flaws and to this day, neither can I. The pick guard not lining might get to me with this one eventually. The rest is kind of neither here nor there.
I would have noticed some of these flaws but not all
I've always wondered how much adjusting the pickup pole pieces affects the sound on these. 🤘🎸
Good question!
@@landonbailey It changes the volume quite a lot
I have a US made ASAT Classic. I can confirm that it definitely does.
What is the voicing compared to a Squire or MIM tele? I have a Squire CV Tele but my Godin Stadium HT is far better in construction and tone.
that's a tough question to give an answer. I can't really say
How much does this weigh? I thought they were a bit on the heavier side?
How much do they cost and will they ship to Canada?
this was a year ago, you'll have to go check for yourself
Very cool guitar I love the tone of it
Great detailed video. You d make us viewers happy if u d get a site t7 and tell if u like it and how it compares to the competition .
maybe one day. I've got a short list to go through first
I know it's been a while but would you please return the bar before they find out and I lose my job.
😱😄
I've been looking for a Tele but can't decide. Would you take the G&L over a Player?
I would not. I would pick a Player Tele because I prefer the neck
@@landonbailey Cool. Thanks. I'm gonna have to play em both I guess.
is it weird not bonding with a guitar because i dont love the wood figuring/finish? 🙆🏻
I'd say no
Ive been fighting the temptation to buy a lefty bluesboy since Christmas. Everyone says the humbucker's muddy but hey... I bought an ASAT neck a few years ago not realising it won't go on a fender specd body, doh.
I have a bluesboy, and can answer. To start off with, the neck humbucker responds well to raising the pole screws up 1/8th inchs and dropping the pickup body down 1/8th inch. In addition the pickup is a 4 wire design. It was very easy to to add a switched tone pot to get the singe coil sounds. I am very happy how it turned out. A $7.00 switched pot and 15 minutes work made a decent guitar into a very good guitar. Good Luck
@@barbmelle3136 thanks for the advice!
Thanks for the demo, sounds good! Funny that you didn’t like the post and switch. They’re Alpha brand, which (at least compared to other “budget” guitars) is a name brand as opposed to unbranded Chinese junk. I would consider that a bonus, but to each his own!
I bought a classic vibe from 2000. I did basically everything besides the pickups which were hotter than heck. 7 neck and almost 10 on the bridge. Almost no telecaster sounds, lol. It's too hot I feel. Getting ready to put locking tuners on.