If anyone's interested, I recently ordered an ASAT Classic S with alnico pickups. It's analogous to a Nashville Tele. I chose the body , neck and fretboard woods; the neck radius; the nut material; the body, neck, and headstock finishes; the pickguard color; locking tuners; the knob type; and a front and rear body contour. Including a hard-shell case and shipping, it will be less than $1600. Essentially, a custom shop for an American Professional price.
Yeah, I can hear the difference. The Fender Tele has a brighter, biting type sound and the G&L has a smoother, creamy type sound. At least, that's what it sounds like to me. I like both of them. I've owned many Fender guitars and they were all excellent instruments. I have never owned a G&L guitar but after this video I'm going to go and try one out. It seems as though G&L has several available options on their guitars that Fender doesn't have. Anyway, that is my opinion. Everybody have a great day!
Great comparison. Very clear and to the point. The bottom line is that Fender tele is twangier and edgier while the G&L is smoother and has higher end construction. It all depends on what you are looking for soundwise. I love the edge of tele...that shimmer is awesome. Personally I'm looking for a tele sounding guitar so I"ll go for the Fender tele.
The differences are almost entirely due to the pickups. The G&L uses MFD (Magnetic Field Design) which has a stronger ceramic magnet with fewer windings of wire. This produces a quieter pickup (because of the fewer windings) with more output (because of the more powerful magnet), a "rounder" tone, and excellent string definition. Also, because the MFD pickups are "hotter", they'll push the front end of your amp harder at lower volumes.
If you'll excuse me with great respect, I don't share the "excellent string definition" in ceramic pickups in comparision whith the alnico pickups, precisely alnico mics are more transparent, ceramic mics are dirtier, ideal for strong or heavy rock. The alnico ones stand out better in clean sounds.
@@JuanCorbellini It's all good. I have an ASAT Classic S with alnico pickups and an ASAT Special with MFD. The Classic S has the Free-Way 10-way switch and is more versatile, but the Special definitely has better clean tones. Play on!
Looking closer at the picups in that ASAT Classic demoed here, and it seems to have G&L's ceramic pickups, This obviously won't sound like a classic Fender Telecaster. However, you can get both the ASAT Classic and the Classic S with pickups wound on alnico magnets. An Asat Classic Alnico has a sound very close to a Telecaster '52 RI.
@@MrC9Oh3 I think maxed out, the Fender sounds better. GL you need to work the volume knob and you get way more versatility. with the volume and tones you can thin it out to get that cut on the g&l
Your Fender Tele sounds great-just what I expect a Tele to sound like. I like G&L guitars too-I’m on my third ASAT, a hollow Z-3-but it doesn’t sound like a Tele. G&Ls have their own thing; you’re right, they are smoother-sounding than the classic Tele, but there are a lot of Teles that sound that way too. I’m still looking for one that will give me that steely snap that a great Tele has.
The G&L ASAT Special is a real contender too. The MFD pups are more akin to P90s with a bit fatter and warmer tones, but you can get plenty of twang bang out of them too in the bridge. Note mine in the pic. Worth checking out.
I'm probably alone in this, but I thought the neck pickup on the Fender sounded much more beautiful than the ASAT. Both awesome instruments. I just think Fender is the sound my ears are used to.
Very nice, Dave. I Play Teles AND a G&L built for me by Leo and George in 1980. "Smooth" is the difference. That's what Leo was after. I told him the tonal "voids" were what made the old axes sing. He covered it all...
2024 , I played a professional 2 telecaster and G&L FULLERTON ASAT CLASSIC, well I love the fender BUT I am going for the G&L, it's better built than fender and it's on steroids ‼️
Thanks for your reply,it's something that needs to change,paying for a name or quality,not saying that Fender is bad,just justification of price,especially the electronics,love your posts.
I have a mid 90’s ASAT Special with the wide MFD pickups that’s just amazing. I did put a TX Special Strat pickup in the middle years ago which even gives it more range. It’s about the best Tele style guitar I’ve ever owned. I also have a early 90’s Legacy that’s what a American Stratocaster should be. I’ve been really wanting to pick up a ASAT with the more traditional pickups as well but with the contoured body.
I love those Jumbo MFD pickups in the ASAT Special. In 2001 when I ordered my ASAT Z-3, I tried to get them to build me a 3-pickup Special, but they wouldn’t do it. They’ve made a few in the past, but they wouldn’t do one for me! I had to “settle” for Z-coils, which as it turned out sound really good. But they’re not Jumbo MFDs.😢
There is a knob called Tone that reduces the treble on the Tele. I find that I can make my tele (same as this one) sound like anything I want, but I have found nothing else that can sound like a tele.
I'm a Strat type of guy and saying that I purchased a used Comanche about two years ago with the Z-coil pickups and haven't looked back since. I'm debating an Asat with the same pickups just because of the versatility I get with them and no matter how much gain/distortion I throw at it it's still as clear as a Crystal.
I own 2 USA G&Ls and 1 Fender and that was an excellent comparison. Where I think G&L kicks the snot outta Fender is in the dollar for dollar range. If we're talking $1,800 or less .... G&Ls are far superior. You can go on Ebay & pick up a used USA G&L for $875 that after a little TLC will compete with a $1,800- $2,000 Fender.
I have both a Tele and an ASAT. Love both for different reasons. The Tele sounds like a Tele (of course) but the ASAT sound like a "sister" of the Tele... same DNA but with a different "Twang". Like a Fatter and more refined but less cutting "sister".
I've had an early 90s Asat for about 25 years. I recently bought a 2013 American Strat to see what the fuss is about. The Asat beats it in absolutely every category i can think to judge them on.
About the only thing that is original with G&L is the city ( Fullerton) that it is made. The original Fullerton Fender factory was on Raymond ave. As a kid I used to ride my bike there and peek in, watching guitars being made. The address was 500 south Raymond. The G&L factory is on Fender ave. Near State College blvd. They are two different places in Fullerton.Leo’s first shop was on Pomona and Santa ana. There is a parking building there now. They DID pay homage to Leo by painting murals on the building on the Pomona side.
I was going to buy a reissue vintage telecaster, but because the dudes working in the store sucked as far as customer service I ended up finding a G&L ASAT tele sorta hidden and lost in a cluster of guitars. Picked it up waiting for the anyone to come around. WOW! what a huge difference. The feel was immediately way better. Finally the store guy came around and got me set up with an amp and chord. As soon as I plugged in the G&L i was in love. I tried the $1100 Fender Tele but the $499 G&L was the one. Felt like I was holding something worth it. The $1100 Fender was so light and too plastic feeling to me. Much happier with the G&L. Also love the adjustable pickup poles you can adjust the sound, its just fantastic.
great comparison video, great channel name! Note that typically maple fretboard guitars have a more live "attack" sound then the same guitar with a rosewood fretboard which tends to be "smoother". So thats the bias of the V.S.
Great video Dave - I very much appreciate it because as a matter of fact its my Bday in a couple weeks and looking to add a Tele to my stable of guitars. My take a way from your video is that the fender has more the traditional Tele tone where the G&L is more diverse, smoother, and jazzier - GOOD TO KNOW. Thanks.
I know this video is old, but I really like it. I bought a G&L Legacy Special back in the late 1990’s. I didn’t know a lot about guitars then but some friends who did suggest G&L. They didn’t have any themselves - they played Fender Strats, Tele’s and Gibson Les Paul’s. I appreciate all of the above but I really do enjoy my G&L. The longer I have it the more I enjoy what it is.
In all fairness though, the G&L is rosewood fingerboard, and ash body, which is a lot warmer than a maple fingerbiard on an ash body. The Pickups are way different. I do like the G&L. I actually have a Tribute Asat Classic with a humbucker in the bridge and coil splitter. The thing blows away any Fender Tele out of the box! Nice review!
Does your Classic S have MFD or alnico pickups? I bought a Classic S (MFD) a year or so ago. I had the wiring changed to add the N+M, N+B, and M+B pickups in series in the "up" position. I've also modded my ASAT Specials to a 4-way switch to add the two pickups in series. I don't understand why all single-coil guitars don't come wired like this. The parts are cheap and the labor is marginally more expensive when done in the factory. It really adds to the tonal palette.
The Fender sounds better and it has nothing to do with the fretboard. It is the pickups. The difference between a maple fretboard and a rosewood fretboard is in the feel and it does not make any difference in the tone. You are pressing down on the fret wire and THAT is where the note comes from. Anything above that fret wire is out of the mix and that includes the material under your finger. It does not come into play as far as tonal difference. Do you hear a difference between a string fretted on a dot inlay vs a much larger trapezoid or block one? No. Can you tell the difference between a note fretted on mother of pearl , abalone, plastic or painted on fret markers? No. Do Ibanez and Rickenbacker's shark tooth shaped inlays change the tones on those specific frets and does the difference disappear on the G, B and E strings because the inlay tapers to a point? No. Maple vs rosewood vs ebony will feel different and can change the way you play but the notion that it will make a difference in tone is just a myth.
G&L is at the stage in development that the Telecaster would have been if Leo hadn't panicked about his health and sold Fender. I have a G & L ASAT COMMEMORATIVE EDITION its better made than the Fender BUT there's no point in comparing the two tone wise because the PUPs are totally different. The Magnetic Field Design are different. When I bought the ASAT I was expecting a Telecaster tone but it didn't arrive. I've had a few Teles and I love that spank but I also love the ASAT. I recently had it set up by one of Sydney's top guitar tech i.e. Matt at Salt Mine guitar repairs in Darlinghurst and it's an amazing guitar to play thanks to him.
It should be noted that this G&L has the MFD pickups and is not intended to sound like a Tele. You can get the G&L with alnico pickups and those sound much closer to a Tele.
The necks are both maple, the guitars are both ash. I don't care how fair it is, the video has over 80k views, feel free to subscribe, I invite you to watch all my other videos.
The only thing the Tele and the ASAT have in common is the body shape. I have a G&L COMMEMORATIVE (May 1993) and it was released in memory of Leo. All the hardware is gold plated even the pick guard but get this the strings are gold as well I've had it twelve years and only replaced the strings once so there's method in their madness.Brian May uses Optima gold too because they stay bright and last longer. They really went nuts on this but after all it is in memory of Leo. It has 6 saddles. The body is made of swamp ash finish is sunburst wood grain fully exposed. Maple neck looks and feels great. Everything that can be bound is bound. SN #7 of #1000 but they only made 350 because Fender chucked a hissy fit because it has Leo's signature stamped on the bridge plate and painted on the upper bout with1909-1991 and a single gold rose painted next to it. The yellow or gold rose meaning has changed over the years, but they're ultimately associated with friendship and joy. Technically Fender were in the right but it's IN MEMORY OF LEO yah dick heads.What a bunch of losers at Fender.
Sean in your post says that you cannot compare the two guitars,I say yes,justify $3-5000 ,for a custom shop Tele and let's say a top of the line G&L for $1200, Australian dollars,so,how do you justify the price when they both are so close in comparison to one another,that Fiesta Red G&L is superb.You make a great presentation,also very honest.Keep up the great work.😎
I paid $800 us dollars for the g&l and $1800 us dollars for the custom shop tele in the other video. Get on reverb.com and buy used stuff. And your right they do over price the fender stuff.
I dont own any Fender guitars, I use to own 2 about 25 years ago. I discovered G&L (1983 Nighthawk) and have not looked back since. I own a few ASAT's, Legacy's, S500's etc.
G&L's are made in Fullerton, CA, but not in the factory where the original Fender's were made. Leo bought a new building and the factory where the G&L's are made was first used when Leo made the Music Man Guitars and Basses.
I have a G&L ASAT classic that is great in most respects, but it feeds back in the bridge position if there's too much gain. Not sure if a problem has developed or if that's the way they are.
Does the G&L have the alnico or the MFD pickups? I have an ASAT Classic S (USA made, MFD pickups), which is similar to a Nashville Tele. Love it. It's mid-way between a Strat and a Tele, IMO. It's got more bite than a Strat w/o the harshness of a Strat, yet still give you really gorgeous 2 & 4 position tones.
I have a 1991 G&L Commemorative Leo Fender 1909-1991 ASAT Classic. It's Leo's last and I love it. I also have a CS Strat which is great but nowhere near the G&L in finish and play-ability..
Yeah its the normal USA version of the g&l. On the used market the am standard seems to go for less but new they seem about the same. Thanks for watching!
Exactly. The G & L MFD pickups are smoother sounding, and take away some of the famous tele edginess, which is either something you want or don't want. And rosewood boards do the same thing vs maple or ebony. I've owned both guitars, and the ASAT with MFD pickups sound more like Strats to me than Tele's. ASAT build quality and quality control are very high. Buying a used G & L is a very safe bet.
One of these days I'm doing a comparison of a rosewood and maple fret board, this is a great excuse to buy a 60s style custom tele.Thanks for watching!
Hey man, didn't scower the comments, but was wondering what you're playing through in this video. It sounds amazing, the reverb and bite of the gain. Is it all just the amp, or do you have any pedals?
What about replacing the neck pickup for an MFD pickup on a Telecaster? Would that make the Telecaster sound better and louder when using the neck and middle position? Would a MFD neck pickup fit on an American Telecaster?
Hey, Someone buy this kid a guitar stand! I have a G&L ASAT and they have nothing in common with the Telecaster. I've also had a couple of Teles and I loved them with the maple neck, they sound and feel great.Gotta get another one but at my age and location it's not practical
I have to admit... I was surprized at what the G&L sounded like... To be honest, it sounds more like a strat... And although I absolutely LOVE strats, especially my own one... I'd say, if you want that sound, get an actual strats. It's got what this does, slightly better even, yet has that one extra pickup... So my vote DEFENITLY goes to the Fender tele! I love me some strat playin', it really fits with the kinda bluesy/jazzy/rocky stuff I tend to play, but by Leo, do I love how a tele can sound. Especially when playing in a band, I sometimes actually find myself wishing my strat had a "tele" button on it that made it just cut through like butter. Mine cuts, but not as much as a tele.
+Bacon Muffin Really? I own to ASAT Classics and A Stratocaster. Believe me, the ASATs do NOT sound at ALL like the Strat and viceversa. My ASATs sound like a really beefed up Tele, very P90ish
+Bacon Muffin I I own an American Strat 50th anniversary edition and a G&L Legacy. Believe me, the Strat feels and sounds like a 5-and-dime guitar compared to the G&L Legacy. I owned the G&L Legacy before the American Strat, and I wondered if the comparisons of G&L to Fender Custom Shop were hype. They are not. From hardware to finish to the build to the wacka-wacka, the G&L is the Strat to play. G&L really is Leo's baby, and he spoiled it like no other. Wacka-wacka. Wacka. In fact, my profile pic is my G&L. Wacka-wacka. Wacka-wacka. Wacka. Wacka-wacka. Wacka. Wacka-wacka. Wacka. Wacka-wacka. Wacka-wacka. Wacka. Wacka-wacka. Wacka.
The individual pole pieces are not adjustable, just the height of the entire pickup. I actually still think that the wood the guitar is made of matters as much as the electronics. Thanks for watching!
Hey Dave? This is still the best tele/ASAT comparison video I know of. If I change the pickups in the ASAT to vintage Tele types, I could get it to sound just like a Telecaster, right?
I dont know. I'm one of those freaks that think the wood the guitar is made of actually makes a difference. To be honest I think the fender custom shop makes by far the best guitars. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!
It's a normal asat classic made in the Fullerton California factory. It's from 2007 and can be found in its own dedicated video on my davesworld76 channel. Thanks for watching!
Can you get the G&L to have that edgier sound of the Fender? Like you said, the Fender seems to cut through a bit better than the G&L. I really like both, but I think the Fender might be a bit more versatile?
The quality of the G&L makes it more pleasurable for the most part but it really doesn't sound like a telecaster, if the tone is all your after I would probably just get the telecaster. thanks for watching!
If anyone's interested, I recently ordered an ASAT Classic S with alnico pickups. It's analogous to a Nashville Tele. I chose the body , neck and fretboard woods; the neck radius; the nut material; the body, neck, and headstock finishes; the pickguard color; locking tuners; the knob type; and a front and rear body contour. Including a hard-shell case and shipping, it will be less than $1600. Essentially, a custom shop for an American Professional price.
You can make the G&L sound like anything you want. Incredible range of tones possible from both superb pickups.
I don't like change. I bought a comanche and the z coils gave me anxiety so I put a couple of JBs in them, now I can play bloopity bloops
hilarious@@guyincognito320
@@guyincognito320I have a hollow G&L ASAT Z-3 that sounds great-at least I dig it!
Yeah, I can hear the difference. The Fender Tele has a brighter, biting type sound and the G&L has a smoother, creamy type sound. At least, that's what it sounds like to me. I like both of them. I've owned many Fender guitars and they were all excellent instruments. I have never owned a G&L guitar but after this video I'm going to go and try one out. It seems as though G&L has several available options on their guitars that Fender doesn't have. Anyway, that is my opinion. Everybody have a great day!
That G&L bridge sounds amazing.
Great comparison. Very clear and to the point. The bottom line is that Fender tele is twangier and edgier while the G&L is smoother and has higher end construction. It all depends on what you are looking for soundwise. I love the edge of tele...that shimmer is awesome. Personally I'm looking for a tele sounding guitar so I"ll go for the Fender tele.
No such thing as better, just different! Both good. Good review bud
The differences are almost entirely due to the pickups. The G&L uses MFD (Magnetic Field Design) which has a stronger ceramic magnet with fewer windings of wire. This produces a quieter pickup (because of the fewer windings) with more output (because of the more powerful magnet), a "rounder" tone, and excellent string definition. Also, because the MFD pickups are "hotter", they'll push the front end of your amp harder at lower volumes.
If you'll excuse me with great respect, I don't share the "excellent string definition" in ceramic pickups in comparision whith the alnico pickups, precisely alnico mics are more transparent, ceramic mics are dirtier, ideal for strong or heavy rock. The alnico ones stand out better in clean sounds.
@@JuanCorbellini It's all good. I have an ASAT Classic S with alnico pickups and an ASAT Special with MFD. The Classic S has the Free-Way 10-way switch and is more versatile, but the Special definitely has better clean tones. Play on!
Looking closer at the picups in that ASAT Classic demoed here, and it seems to have G&L's ceramic pickups, This obviously won't sound like a classic Fender Telecaster. However, you can get both the ASAT Classic and the Classic S with pickups wound on alnico magnets. An Asat Classic Alnico has a sound very close to a Telecaster '52 RI.
The G&L is a much more musical sounding guitar than the Fender. It is also PLEK'd at the factory and they use a bone nut.
+TJ Nugent Right on! I'm the blessed owner of an ASAT Classic (Tribute) and even the Tribute Series is built SOOOOOO great.
@@MrC9Oh3 It's in your mind.
@@MrC9Oh3 I've had both. It's in your mind.
@@MrC9Oh3 I think maxed out, the Fender sounds better. GL you need to work the volume knob and you get way more versatility. with the volume and tones you can thin it out to get that cut on the g&l
@@MrC9Oh3 The "Soul" comes largely from the person who is playing it.
Your Fender Tele sounds great-just what I expect a Tele to sound like. I like G&L guitars too-I’m on my third ASAT, a hollow Z-3-but it doesn’t sound like a Tele. G&Ls have their own thing; you’re right, they are smoother-sounding than the classic Tele, but there are a lot of Teles that sound that way too. I’m still looking for one that will give me that steely snap that a great Tele has.
I can’t watch this video enough! I’m definitely getting a G&L now. Great review Dave, great playing!
I have a G&L legacy and every now and then, when i pick up a Fender Strat, its like going backwards in quality
The G&L ASAT Special is a real contender too. The MFD pups are more akin to P90s with a bit fatter and warmer tones, but you can get plenty of twang bang out of them too in the bridge. Note mine in the pic. Worth checking out.
I agree,that G&L Tele is so much smoother,awesome,like I wrote in the other video,I'm getting the G&L,love it.
I'm probably alone in this, but I thought the neck pickup on the Fender sounded much more beautiful than the ASAT. Both awesome instruments. I just think Fender is the sound my ears are used to.
Very nice, Dave. I Play Teles AND a G&L built for me by Leo and George in 1980. "Smooth" is the difference. That's what Leo was after. I told him the tonal "voids" were what made the old axes sing. He covered it all...
2024 , I played a professional 2 telecaster and G&L FULLERTON ASAT CLASSIC, well I love the fender BUT I am going for the G&L, it's better built than fender and it's on steroids ‼️
Thanks for your reply,it's something that needs to change,paying for a name or quality,not saying that Fender is bad,just justification of price,especially the electronics,love your posts.
Wow that G&L sounds beautiful
Yeah I do have a unique connection with it, I'll end up keeping it for sure.
I have a mid 90’s ASAT Special with the wide MFD pickups that’s just amazing. I did put a TX Special Strat pickup in the middle years ago which even gives it more range. It’s about the best Tele style guitar I’ve ever owned. I also have a early 90’s Legacy that’s what a American Stratocaster should be. I’ve been really wanting to pick up a ASAT with the more traditional pickups as well but with the contoured body.
I love those Jumbo MFD pickups in the ASAT Special. In 2001 when I ordered my ASAT Z-3, I tried to get them to build me a 3-pickup Special, but they wouldn’t do it. They’ve made a few in the past, but they wouldn’t do one for me! I had to “settle” for Z-coils, which as it turned out sound really good. But they’re not Jumbo MFDs.😢
There is a knob called Tone that reduces the treble on the Tele. I find that I can make my tele (same as this one) sound like anything I want, but I have found nothing else that can sound like a tele.
Stephen Brownlow Thanks for your input, I've used the tone control on my guitars for awhile.
I'd still choose the Fender. Love that sound.
It looks better too. Something about all these copy guitars just dont seem right lol
@@DavesWorld76 yup, you.
You Heard him ! G&l and Fender are really different
G&L is no doubt, warmer in tone. The Fender sounds great, though. Both are keepers.
Fender custom shop is better than the American standard.
I'm a Strat type of guy and saying that I purchased a used Comanche about two years ago with the Z-coil pickups and haven't looked back since. I'm debating an Asat with the same pickups just because of the versatility I get with them and no matter how much gain/distortion I throw at it it's still as clear as a Crystal.
I own 2 USA G&Ls and 1 Fender and that was an excellent comparison.
Where I think G&L kicks the snot outta Fender is in the dollar for dollar range.
If we're talking $1,800 or less .... G&Ls are far superior.
You can go on Ebay & pick up a used USA G&L for $875 that after a little TLC will compete with a
$1,800- $2,000 Fender.
True.
Thanks for watching!
For me, the tele neck pickup tone combined with the G&L bridge tone would be the thing. I love a clear neck and a smooth bridge.
The ASAT pickups are the same size as the Tele's, so you could put Tele pickups or after-market pickups, like Kinman, in the G&L.
I have both a Tele and an ASAT. Love both for different reasons. The Tele sounds like a Tele (of course) but the ASAT sound like a "sister" of the Tele... same DNA but with a different "Twang". Like a Fatter and more refined but less cutting "sister".
I've had an early 90s Asat for about 25 years. I recently bought a 2013 American Strat to see what the fuss is about. The Asat beats it in absolutely every category i can think to judge them on.
About the only thing that is original with G&L is the city ( Fullerton) that it is made. The original Fullerton Fender factory was on Raymond ave. As a kid I used to ride my bike there and peek in, watching guitars being made. The address was 500 south Raymond. The G&L factory is on Fender ave. Near State College blvd. They are two different places in Fullerton.Leo’s first shop was on Pomona and Santa ana. There is a parking building there now. They DID pay homage to Leo by painting murals on the building on the Pomona side.
So your saying that you have been to California?
DavesWorld76 yep! Born and raised. Live in Corona now...... the new Fullerton....... Fender town now a days....
@@wrigman I have some family in LA.... Glendale California I belive. Lots of traffic, I love the In and Out Burger...
Very nice demo, James Spader. :)
M. Ray lol
M. Ray oh my god. How the hell did I not notice that?
I was going to buy a reissue vintage telecaster, but because the dudes working in the store sucked as far as customer service I ended up finding a G&L ASAT tele sorta hidden and lost in a cluster of guitars. Picked it up waiting for the anyone to come around. WOW! what a huge difference. The feel was immediately way better. Finally the store guy came around and got me set up with an amp and chord. As soon as I plugged in the G&L i was in love. I tried the $1100 Fender Tele but the $499 G&L was the one. Felt like I was holding something worth it. The $1100 Fender was so light and too plastic feeling to me. Much happier with the G&L. Also love the adjustable pickup poles you can adjust the sound, its just fantastic.
Sounds like somewhere I would work lol
Great comparison. I like the G & L's they're nicely built. But I love the sound of a Tele!
Agree! My ‘15 Asat Classic Alnico is built as well as my ‘05 ‘63 CS Tele and ‘05 ‘59 Esquire.
Just played and bought an ASAT for the first time today and GODDAMN does it sound fucking good. I CAN'T PUT IT DOWN!
I love my ASAT Classic more than words can provide here, with this and a LP I can cover anything with ease.
great comparison video, great channel name! Note that typically maple fretboard guitars have a more live "attack" sound then the same guitar with a rosewood fretboard which tends to be "smoother". So thats the bias of the V.S.
Great video Dave - I very much appreciate it because as a matter of fact its my Bday in a couple weeks and looking to add a Tele to my stable of guitars. My take a way from your video is that the fender has more the traditional Tele tone where the G&L is more diverse, smoother, and jazzier - GOOD TO KNOW. Thanks.
I know this video is old, but I really like it. I bought a G&L Legacy Special back in the late 1990’s. I didn’t know a lot about guitars then but some friends who did suggest G&L. They didn’t have any themselves - they played Fender Strats, Tele’s and Gibson Les Paul’s. I appreciate all of the above but I really do enjoy my G&L. The longer I have it the more I enjoy what it is.
Yeah I quit playing about a year ago. I play pedal steel now and I'll tell you I always had a feeling that I was playing the wrong instrument lol
I agree the rosewood fret board takes some of the edge off. I have the ASAT Bluesboy version. The Fender holds value better though
In all fairness though, the G&L is rosewood fingerboard, and ash body, which is a lot warmer than a maple fingerbiard on an ash body. The Pickups are way different. I do like the G&L. I actually have a Tribute Asat Classic with a humbucker in the bridge and coil splitter. The thing blows away any Fender Tele out of the box! Nice review!
The damn fender had a pencil thin neck on it, the G&L has a tree trunk on it, its badass. Thanks for watching!
I have an as at classic s. Three pickups with a five way switch. I absolutely love it
Does your Classic S have MFD or alnico pickups? I bought a Classic S (MFD) a year or so ago. I had the wiring changed to add the N+M, N+B, and M+B pickups in series in the "up" position. I've also modded my ASAT Specials to a 4-way switch to add the two pickups in series. I don't understand why all single-coil guitars don't come wired like this. The parts are cheap and the labor is marginally more expensive when done in the factory. It really adds to the tonal palette.
Mfd, but i switched out the bridge pu for a dimarzio tone zone t (that splits)
G&L is my Choice
The Fender sounds better and it has nothing to do with the fretboard.
It is the pickups.
The difference between a maple fretboard and a rosewood fretboard is in the feel and it does not make any difference in the tone.
You are pressing down on the fret wire and THAT is where the note comes from.
Anything above that fret wire is out of the mix and that includes the material under your finger.
It does not come into play as far as tonal difference.
Do you hear a difference between a string fretted on a dot inlay vs a much larger trapezoid or block one?
No.
Can you tell the difference between a note fretted on mother of pearl , abalone, plastic or painted on fret markers?
No.
Do Ibanez and Rickenbacker's shark tooth shaped inlays change the tones on those specific frets and does the difference disappear on the G, B and E strings because the inlay tapers to a point?
No.
Maple vs rosewood vs ebony will feel different and can change the way you play but the notion that it will make a difference in tone is just a myth.
I agree, thanks for watching!
I agree both sound great but that's why I own a tele that edge you can roll off that treble a little like Vince Gill I often like that sound
I agree. My 1997 Thinline G&L Asat is a smooth is the day as long.. Love that thing.. Will never ever sell it
g&l makes better guitars
a better "Fender"
Of course they are. G&L are where Leo and George would have taken Fender if not for Leo's false alarm health scare.
Not exactly true, Fender and G&L both are awesome but comparing the two just isn't right, they are both good in their own ways
G&L is at the stage in development that the Telecaster would have been if Leo hadn't panicked about his health and sold Fender. I have a G & L ASAT COMMEMORATIVE EDITION its better made than the Fender BUT there's no point in comparing the two tone wise because the PUPs are totally different. The Magnetic Field Design are different. When I bought the ASAT I was expecting a Telecaster tone but it didn't arrive. I've had a few Teles and I love that spank but I also love the ASAT. I recently had it set up by one of Sydney's top guitar tech i.e. Matt at Salt Mine guitar repairs in Darlinghurst and it's an amazing guitar to play thanks to him.
USA G&L's are basically Custom shop guitars... You can get anything you want for half the price of a Fender custom shop
What a great honest & informative comparison...Bravo Dave!!
You did play some nice licks, much respect!
I have a mid 90's 3 bolt ASAT Special and love it ! Awesome instrument.
What finish?
The G&L has the bite without the shrill
Good comparison. Makes sense to have the Tele-ish effects on both guitars, and to play can't-resist Tele licks. And niiice cabinet, too.
Thanks for the great comparison and playing. Subscribed!
Hair by hurricane ?
It should be noted that this G&L has the MFD pickups and is not intended to sound like a Tele. You can get the G&L with alnico pickups and those sound much closer to a Tele.
What does MFD mean?
DavesWorld76 Magnetic Field Design - strong ceramic magnet and fewer windings of wire.
G&L all the way. Leo should have lived another 25 years and started two more companies. Think of the results!
Also that Tele looks like Ash and G&L looks like Alder, necks are different too. Not a fair comparison
The necks are both maple, the guitars are both ash. I don't care how fair it is, the video has over 80k views, feel free to subscribe, I invite you to watch all my other videos.
I think this is a great comparison for reference
The only thing the Tele and the ASAT have in common is the body shape. I have a G&L COMMEMORATIVE (May 1993) and it was released in memory of Leo. All the hardware is gold plated even the pick guard but get this the strings are gold as well I've had it twelve years and only replaced the strings once so there's method in their madness.Brian May uses Optima gold too because they stay bright and last longer. They really went nuts on this but after all it is in memory of Leo. It has 6 saddles. The body is made of swamp ash finish is sunburst wood grain fully exposed. Maple neck looks and feels great. Everything that can be bound is bound. SN #7 of #1000 but they only made 350 because Fender chucked a hissy fit because it has Leo's signature stamped on the bridge plate and painted on the upper bout with1909-1991 and a single gold rose painted next to it. The yellow or gold rose meaning has changed over the years, but they're ultimately associated with friendship and joy. Technically Fender were in the right but it's IN MEMORY OF LEO yah dick heads.What a bunch of losers at Fender.
I can't stop looking at that red G&L
Yeah its badass. I did buy it for the looks alone to be honest lol
Sean in your post says that you cannot compare the two guitars,I say yes,justify $3-5000 ,for a custom shop Tele and let's say a top of the line G&L for $1200, Australian dollars,so,how do you justify the price when they both are so close in comparison to one another,that Fiesta Red G&L is superb.You make a great presentation,also very honest.Keep up the great work.😎
I paid $800 us dollars for the g&l and $1800 us dollars for the custom shop tele in the other video. Get on reverb.com and buy used stuff. And your right they do over price the fender stuff.
I dont own any Fender guitars, I use to own 2 about 25 years ago. I discovered G&L (1983 Nighthawk) and have not looked back since. I own a few ASAT's, Legacy's, S500's etc.
G&L's are made in Fullerton, CA, but not in the factory where the original Fender's were made. Leo bought a new building and the factory where the G&L's are made was first used when Leo made the Music Man Guitars and Basses.
Like your playing Dave. Super guitars.
I have a G&L ASAT classic that is great in most respects, but it feeds back in the bridge position if there's too much gain. Not sure if a problem has developed or if that's the way they are.
Does the G&L have the alnico or the MFD pickups? I have an ASAT Classic S (USA made, MFD pickups), which is similar to a Nashville Tele. Love it. It's mid-way between a Strat and a Tele, IMO. It's got more bite than a Strat w/o the harshness of a Strat, yet still give you really gorgeous 2 & 4 position tones.
Demonstration with clean sounds would be tremendously helpful.
I have a 1991 G&L Commemorative Leo Fender 1909-1991 ASAT Classic. It's Leo's last and I love it. I also have a CS Strat which is great but nowhere near the G&L in finish and play-ability..
The G&L John Jorgenson played was really great, I'll probably buy an older asat someday.
Thanks for watching!
They're both great guitars
I´d go for the Tele. Sounds better in my opinion.
I like that bite, I agree!
It sounds harsh to my ears, but probably a matter of taste. I tend to like mellow sounding clean guitar
Nothing can beat fender legacy, if you want to have a telecaster get the real thing!
Yeah preferably from the fender custom shop.
That G&L sounds superior, to my ear. Is that the stock American ASAT Classic? Are they similar price-points?
Thanks for sharing!
Yeah its the normal USA version of the g&l. On the used market the am standard seems to go for less but new they seem about the same. Thanks for watching!
Good work. Nice review. Thinking a player should own at least one of each.
I imagine the pickups are contributing to the majority of the tonal differences. With the fretboard maybe contributing a little as well.
xMasterxRazorx thanks for watching!
Exactly. The G & L MFD pickups are smoother sounding, and take away some of the famous tele edginess, which is either something you want or don't want. And rosewood boards do the same thing vs maple or ebony. I've owned both guitars, and the ASAT with MFD pickups sound more like Strats to me than Tele's. ASAT build quality and quality control are very high. Buying a used G & L is a very safe bet.
One of these days I'm doing a comparison of a rosewood and maple fret board, this is a great excuse to buy a 60s style custom tele.Thanks for watching!
I much prefer the G&L. That is my new dream guitar!
yeah at the end when you went back to the Fender you didn't expect it to sound that nice did you :), great both guitars , the gl pickups are superb
I Love my G&L!! 😊
tele sounded banjo like after playing the g&l around the 4.40 min mark, could just be the pickups ?
Thanks Dave.
You are right, the G&L is a Custom Guitar.
The G&L sounds like a tele to me!
Hey man, didn't scower the comments, but was wondering what you're playing through in this video. It sounds amazing, the reverb and bite of the gain. Is it all just the amp, or do you have any pedals?
Super sonic
The G&L factory is east of the original Fender factory by at least a mile. They are on the same street though.
I wouldn't want to work at either of them lol
What about replacing the neck pickup for an MFD pickup on a Telecaster? Would that make the Telecaster sound better and louder when using the neck and middle position?
Would a MFD neck pickup fit on an American Telecaster?
Actually selling all the stuff i had and getting fender custom shop took care of the tone issues lol
Hello Dave. what amp are you using in this video? i thoroughly enjoyed the sound.
Fender cuts through the mix, ASAT has more midrange and tends to be muddy. I prefer the Fender, bright and cutting!
Hey, Someone buy this kid a guitar stand! I have a G&L ASAT and they have nothing in common with the Telecaster. I've also had a couple of Teles and I loved them with the maple neck, they sound and feel great.Gotta get another one but at my age and location it's not practical
G&L makes amazing guitars, but i love the telecaster sound
I have to admit... I was surprized at what the G&L sounded like... To be honest, it sounds more like a strat... And although I absolutely LOVE strats, especially my own one... I'd say, if you want that sound, get an actual strats. It's got what this does, slightly better even, yet has that one extra pickup...
So my vote DEFENITLY goes to the Fender tele!
I love me some strat playin', it really fits with the kinda bluesy/jazzy/rocky stuff I tend to play, but by Leo, do I love how a tele can sound.
Especially when playing in a band, I sometimes actually find myself wishing my strat had a "tele" button on it that made it just cut through like butter. Mine cuts, but not as much as a tele.
+Bacon Muffin Really? I own to ASAT Classics and A Stratocaster. Believe me, the ASATs do NOT sound at ALL like the Strat and viceversa. My ASATs sound like a really beefed up Tele, very P90ish
Maravi Yoso But do you have a regular tele? I'm saying it sounds CLOSER to a strat than to a "normal" tele.
+Bacon Muffin I I own an American Strat 50th anniversary edition and a G&L Legacy. Believe me, the Strat feels and sounds like a 5-and-dime guitar compared to the G&L Legacy.
I owned the G&L Legacy before the American Strat, and I wondered if the comparisons of G&L to Fender Custom Shop were hype. They are not. From hardware to finish to the build to the wacka-wacka, the G&L is the Strat to play. G&L really is Leo's baby, and he spoiled it like no other.
Wacka-wacka. Wacka.
In fact, my profile pic is my G&L.
Wacka-wacka.
Wacka-wacka. Wacka. Wacka-wacka. Wacka.
Wacka-wacka. Wacka. Wacka-wacka.
Wacka-wacka.
Wacka. Wacka-wacka. Wacka.
billo321 Wacka-wacka~!
A young James Spader. Nice demo.
G&L sounds sick in this one!
Helpful. Also, nice background- cooler than the family den/bedroom vibe.
I feel like the G&L is way more twangy though, and its smoother in some ways, but in other ways I feel like it's too clangy too or something.
Awesome, I prefer the fender! Thanks for watching!
Great job. I have both also. I feel the same. Thanks
you should get the real asat from the 80s with the big mdf pickups.
lol yeah that was what the guitar player in the Desert Rose Band used.
They're wonderful. At least try one.
Maybe review it on youtube? Lol
Did you try to adjust the tone of the bridge by raising the higher string poles? They are adjustable to tailor the tone.
The individual pole pieces are not adjustable, just the height of the entire pickup. I actually still think that the wood the guitar is made of matters as much as the electronics.
Thanks for watching!
@@DavesWorld76 Hi Dave he mean on G&L : PU pole are adjustable on height...on Fender not.
@@farko63 I didnt think the pole pieces were individually adjustable on the g&l either.
Hey Dave?
This is still the best tele/ASAT comparison video I know of.
If I change the pickups in the ASAT to vintage Tele types, I could get it to sound just like a Telecaster, right?
I dont know. I'm one of those freaks that think the wood the guitar is made of actually makes a difference. To be honest I think the fender custom shop makes by far the best guitars.
Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!
I find GnL pickups a bit harsh. Great for crunch though.
How high in action on the G&L compared to the Fender? Relatively the same?
Trabinjin I just have these set up the same, I guess the action is pretty standard. thanks for watching!
So there are a few different G&L ASAT's on the market, with a range of prices. Which one is the one in the video?
Thanks - awesome vid.
It's a normal asat classic made in the Fullerton California factory. It's from 2007 and can be found in its own dedicated video on my davesworld76 channel. Thanks for watching!
G&L all the way. Thanks
Can you get the G&L to have that edgier sound of the Fender? Like you said, the Fender seems to cut through a bit better than the G&L. I really like both, but I think the Fender might be a bit more versatile?
The quality of the G&L makes it more pleasurable for the most part but it really doesn't sound like a telecaster, if the tone is all your after I would probably just get the telecaster. thanks for watching!
agree about the G&L quality. They feel great.