Fender or G&L? Which one sounded best to you? Get a Fender American Professional II Telecaster 🛒Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/n1kRx7 🛒Amazon geni.us/TelePro2DK 🛒Thomann bit.ly/3u3Vvb1 Get G&L guitars like the Fullerton Deluxe ASAT Classic 🛒 Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/P0Yr2R 🛒 Thomann bit.ly/3ghSZbk 🛒 Reverb reverb.grsm.io/gpuv8wvdgd1p 🛒 Ebay ebay.us/F7bxvx Gear used in the recording: Amp: Fender '65 Princeton Reverb imp.i114863.net/RyK6Mb Microphone: Sennheiser e906 imp.i114863.net/qnyyBY Overdrive: Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini imp.i114863.net/n1jaG9 Timestamps: --------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 - Which one? 0:15 - What this video is about 1:15 - All the Specs 7:00 - Blind Tone Challenge 9:45 - Sponsor Segment 11:05 - Blind Tone Challenge Results 11:40 - My thoughts about each guitar - Which one is better?
I got it right. I expected the ASAT to be fatter tone. I think the Fender sounded more balanced. The ASAT was a little too bass heavy. Also the ASAT sounded a little flabby when played dirty. I did listen through a good set of headphones.
These 2 guitars are really different. The G&L MFD pickups have adjustable pole pieces, giving you endless tonal possibilities. Also those MFD pickups are much higher output than regular single coils in the Fender. Rolling the volume back gives them a squeaky glass like tone but much thicker and less ice-picky than the Fender. Roll the volume all the way up and you get serious attitude and growl. I have both guitars and while I love them both, the G&L has an upper hand in most situations...and for $200 cheaper! JMO 👍
@@landonbailey You made both guitars sound the same. But the MFD pickups are the big difference. Single coils with adjustable pole pieces? That's an awesome feature.
@@landonbailey I am guessing you would have used both the way they came set-up...makes sense to do so but, as Charlie pointed out, the MFD pups are adjustable which make tonal possibilities virtually endless; I understand why you wouldn't have ventured into adjusting the MFD pup for this comparison though. I had my frets rolled by a luthier so, I get what you are saying regarding that. Fortunately, my 2000 American ASAT Classic semi-hollow came with a custom flight case and the neck is a satin finish. It was expensive at the time too as it was $2200.00 CAD. Great video!
@@landonbailey Sorry, Landon. I was a bit rough on you. I edited my comment to take out the disappointed part. It was a good video. I just wish you'd spent a bit more time talking about the MFD pickups and how they differ from the Fender. That's what makes these 2 guitars different. But both amazing guitars. 👍
I've never owned a Fender Tele. I have owned 2 ASAT Specials (with jumbo MFD pickups) and 2 ASAT Classic S (one MFD, one alnico which I still own.) The ASAT Specials are unique guitars. The jumbo MFD pickups are definitely among Leo Fender's most brilliant inventions. A lot of people complain that the MFD pickups are "hotter" than standard Tele pickups and, while that is true, it is less frequently noted that all the MFD pickups can closely approximate their alnico counterparts by rolling back the volume a bit. So, I would say that the MFD pickups are more versatile than standard Tele pickups because when they're driven wide open, they can push the front end of an amp like regular alnico pickups can't, but when rolled back a bit they will bring you pretty close to an alnico tone.
I have a Tribute ASAT Special Carved Top. I love the Jumbo MFDs, they're very versatile pickups. Volume and tone controls are the key to getting a wide range of sounds out of them. Much more variety than a tele, but still tele-ish when you want it. I wish I could get a convincing Strat tone out of the neck pickup though.
Well put. To me it was a bit silly to say the tone and sound is “equal” wo getting into what you’re investing in w mfds. They are cleaner and more versatile and honestly I prefer the “alnico-like” version of mfd tone to stock alnicos on a tele any day. Frankly this video did not do the asat justice because it did not explore the real and most obvious difference between the two guitars at all. I’m sorry to be critical, but there it is.
By quite a considerable margin in each case, I preferred the X neck and Y bridge in both clean and dirty samples. Really interesting comparison. Thanks Landon.
I picked up a G&L Fullerton ASSHAT Alnico Classic from my local store a couple months ago. I will concede that the neck is not as good as the AmProII, but it's still top quality and plays like a dream. I wound my own pickups for it (I like a dark tele), swapped in 500k pots and an Oak 4-way switch.... now it's my go-to "Tele".
One thing to keep in mind about the neck comparison. There is nothing ‘better’ per se about the Pro II neck- some players simply like it more. Some will like the ASAT neck more. It’s a very personal thing.
I preferred y. It sounded like it had more treble which worked for the song. The x guitar sounded dull in comparison but it also sounded good. G & L would be my guitar of choice based on this video. What are the prices of these guitars so I can see the value of each?
I did get the sound test right . I do have a G&L asat so that's probably why because I don't have a Fender telecaster. Because Leo made the asat it is a tele, just an advanced one. I do love the pickups.
I recently bought the G&L ASAT Special and it came with a beautiful hardshell case. Apart from that it is a realy fine guitar, the best Telecaster I ever owned.
I love my G&L Tribute Fiesta Red bought second hand in Spain. It is my first Strat and its fantastic. For my first Tele I have seen a lot of your videos, and I think I will go for the Tribute Asat Classic blonde. Love your videos and humor sense 🤘🤘😎🇪🇸
I absolutely loved the clean neck tone from guitar X. I preferred the clean bridge on Y. I already have a Pro II Tele Deluxe and an American Perf Tele Hum but for some insane reason I’m jonesing for Pro II Tele with a single coil in the neck position. 🤓
6:18 A 4 way switch would be better than than a push push control. That's what I added to one of my tele clones. I added G&L S500/Legacy PTB type wiring to it too - so it has 3 pots. Very useful.
Excellent comparison of two really nice Tele's, Landon. I liked the way both sounded and wasn't able to determine which was which - and I own a Fender American Professional II Tele which luckily I purchased at the end of 2021 before Fender's $200 price increase.
I have an early G&L Legacy (3 bolt neck) and HAD an absolutely gorgeous LPB Fender 62’ reissue Strat from 1988. I loved to look at the Strat and play the Legacy. Sold the Strat.
Myself I liked the g& l , my opinion I own both my preferences and you can order a thinner neck you can totally customize a g&l the whole guitar if you can wait till it's built
I suspected Y for the Tele, but my tonal predilection kept switching back and forth. I *think I liked the G&L more often. Thank you for this one, it's damned tough being a lefty and having to take people's word for it lmao, you definitely did a service. Sweet b-roll too.
I was after a tele a few years back,tried a tele and asaat,then tried the asaat bluesboy and went for that,just loved the tone build and everything about it.Maybe I didn't try the "right" tele.Still don't technical possess a tele but always go with what feels right.My Assat came with a hardcase btw.
The Fullerton Deluxe models all come with a gig bag, as part of the effort to make that line a little less costly. But the ‘normal’ USA G&L ASATs all come in the nice G&G hard case.
Obviously comes down to personal preference, but for me the feel of a guitar is a combo of the neck/fretboard, the weight of the whole thing and the weight distribution. I like all of these for my own tele. Neck feels great. Guitar is light and well balanced. I have a Les Paul that only a few pounds more, but it feels much more unwieldy.
First off, they both sound great. That being said, it is so easy to clearly hear the difference. The GL has all the characteristics of the telecaster just less muddy in a good way.
I preferred the G&L tone. Fuller, and less ice picky. That neck pickups sounded buitful on the clean tone. I am in South Africa and I am currently able to buy a brand new ASAT on clearence sale for less than half the price of a Tele Pro II. The Tele is in a local shop and the ASAT is basically on the other side of the country, so I can't play it. This comparison has pretty much made the decision for me. I'll save the cash and go for the ASAT.
They both sound great. Yes, I agree different but great. That G&L really blew me away though. It was very surprisingly crisp and more clear than Fender. Also, I totally dig the belly cut on the G&L. Dad bods need the tummy cut bro. Lol
Cool video! I thought the Fender neck pickup had more clarity it the upper mids. I could better hear the articulation of your playing. I preferred that. ASAT was a bit muddy. The bridge pups were a wash. Both sounded rather similar and I liked them both equally.
I got the blind test right, but I own an ASAT classic and know those MFD pickups quite well. I own an American standard Tele from 2015 (with belly contour) and a custom order ASAT (with belly and forearm contour), and I prefer the G&L. The pickups sound better than the twisted teles on the fender, and the ASAT is way prettier (East Indian walnut satin finished body with tortoise guard). However, it’s a very close competition between the two, and you can’t go wrong with either.
I've been super interested in G&L the last couple months and have slowly turned myself into an expert on MFD tones. The ASAT was immediately recognisably to me. I'm a Tele guy and I love the sound of those single coil size MFDs. Just another brilliant design from Leo. Mind made up on an ASAT Classic, over a Special too, I want that fat, hi-fi Tele bordering on P90 esque tone rather than the wide ultra hi-fi Jazzmaster kinda tone you get from Jumbo MFD. Need to hear more of the MFD humbuckers though.
I have been a Fender Strat player since 1964 and have collected and owned many, from Masterbuilt to Squier Classic Vibes and as long as they are set up correctly, there isn't thousands of dollars difference. That said, my G& L S-500 beat 6:13 them all hands down, Leo knew what he was doing.
Thank you so much. One of the best A B tests I've ever heard. I appreciate that you invested in a good microphone. I'm listening through my full range stereo speakers and hear the differences very clearly. To my ears I preferred the GL neck pick up (seems a bit more of low end presence) and the Fender bridge pick up. Good song choice too. Many thanks.
Not a huge difference. Tonewise, any of these is a solid choice. If one must choose strictly between them, I'd go with G&L, because: 1. It's a bit cheaper. 2. I like the color. 3. It's more adjustable.
I got the test correct. Honestly I was guessing. You are so correct about the neck. I did buy a Pro2 neck from the Stratosphere store for my first strat build. The neck is better than Custom shops I’ve played. Best neck ever.
I own two USA G&Ls, and a USA Fender. For me, I prefer the G&Ls by a large margin over the USA Fender. The fit/finish is better (compared to MY Tele) and I prefer the MFD pickups in my ASAT to the singles in my Tele (the other G&L has an SD JB and G&L p-90, so not comparable). Both of my G&Ls came with G&G hard cases. It's a disappointment to see they are now only including a gig bag. One thing to note, both of my G&Ls were factory plek'd. I don't know if they still include this with all USA models. Also to note, neither of my G&L guitars are normal production and that may make a difference. One is a custom order and the other is a limited special edition., the Tele is a regular AM Standard.
Only the Fullerton Deluxe models come with a gig bag. You don't get to choose options on those guitars, just the choice of 2 or 3 colors. As far as I know all "option order" guitars come with a case.
Was pretty easy to tell as the MDF pickups have a distinct sound. A more even comparison would have been the pro II with the G&L ASAT Classic Deluxe Alnico which have more traditional alnico pickups. Fun video though. Thanks.
I was accurate in my guess, but only based off the neck pickup. It sounded hotter, and made the guess that it was the G&L as they had the same pickup in both. But not out of preference of tone etc. Hope to get a G&L one day, really interesting guitar and some of the Eastern made ones have beautiful shapes.
I have owned a ton of teles and ASATs. I briefly owned a Pro II tele. It was a super nice guitar but I returned it because it sounded so much like my Pro II strat. The v-mod pups sound great but did not sound like tele pups to me.
I know this video is a couple years old, but just came across it today. A great video. I bought my first left hand G&L asat classic Legacy series last week and absolutely love it. I have many Fender telecasters that I have played over the last 30 years but thisG & L is super, never had a chance to play one before and I’m sold.
Hi Landon. This is the first video of yours I've seen and I like your format. Really good stuff, thank you. On tone alone I was like guitar X. I kind of hoped it would be the G&L, I guess I'm a fan of the underdog. So it turns out that's the Fender, hey ho. I own both G&L and Fender. A USA Ultra Telecaster, USA Deluxe Stratocaster, MIJ Telecaster Modern and a G&L USA Comanche. All four are great guitars. The Fenders win for the necks, especially the compound radius fretboards on the MIJ Telecaster and USA Ultra Telecaster. The G&L has a beautiful birdseye maple neck and flamed maple top over a swamp ash body. That wins for looks. The Comanche also wins hands down for versatility. Those noiseless z coil pickups and the switching options give you tones very close to a traditional Stratocaster or Telecaster. If I was buying either of these guitars from your review I'd take the Fender on this occasion. I like the neck more, I like the way it looks more and ultimately I think it sounds better with more clarity.
I got the challenge right for what it's worth They both sounded great! I dont' think one was better than the other. Even though I'm a big fan of G&L because of the great value with the Tribute series, which I appreciate because I couldn't afford either the Fender American Pro or the Deluxe Fullerton; I also would pick the Fender because of the playabillity. It's just the best electric guitar I've ever played when it comes to the fingeboard. You don't have to press down hardly at all. It's like a car that drives itself.
I didn’t try to guess I just marked which I liked the tone more. Preferred asat on neck and bridge. Preferred fender on dirty neck. And thought tie on dirty bridge. Enjoyed the vid!
I didn't try to figure out which one was which. I listened to the tone samples and chose the tones I preferred. As it turns out I preferred Y between the two. It sounded better. Order one from Sweetwater and get it Plek'd. Of course, amongst all the guitars in the video, my favorite was the Yamaha jumbo. I've seen and heard it before, and it's got a serious J-200 vibe that I really like.
Great Vid Landon! Unfortunately for resale the Fender would be best. But actually I prefer the G&L cause I believe the Neck is slimmer than the New Fender. The Gloss on the back can be sanded carefully and it will be fine if you like that feel, I do! I also believe you’re right either Fender you’re paying more for the Name and HSC! Cheers from Salem, Ohio US.
I've got too many Strats, a few USA Teles, let alone too many guitars overall. Among my collection is a Fullerton Deluxe ASAT Classic (that I'm restringing as I watch this). It's the best Tele I own. Simply amazing.
05:14 video idea: video yourself measuring the gear ratio of the tuners on the guitars. I remember asking, many years ago, an ebay seller to tell me the gear ratio of the tuners on the guitar he was selling with instructions on how to do to determine said gear ratio. He told me where to go.
That someone was right. It's Tele in shape mostly. Like the rest of the AmPro line. Amazing guitars but they are modern flavors voiced not like a traditional version. I have the AmProII JM and while great, it's pickups and switching are not traditional at all. They don't sound like a JM and weren't. Want to. The same will likely be for his AmProII Tele.
@@landonbailey I mean we are gonna have to get technical here though. Technically, yes it's a telecaster. The headstock says so. The company that invented the Telecaster says so. Compared to a traditional model, it's not really the best example of Tele. It's like a John 5 or Chris Shifflet Telecaster, they are Telecasters but because I'd the pickups they really aren't the best example of what a Tele really is. Therefore are they really a Tele? It goes both ways. Let's assume one means traditional and in that sense, no, the AmProII isn't really a Tele at all.
To those that say an ASAT isn't a Tele what does the "L" in G&L stand for? It's "Leo" as in Leo Fender. He was a founder of, and worked at the company until his death. He believed that the tweaks he made to the G&L instruments made them the best he ever created. TL/DR The ASAT is every bit a "Tele" that anything Fender makes.
Thanks for the comparison - love G&L and I do like the sound of the ASAT here, but the Fender just has THAT sound as far as Tele goes. I feel like I already own a guitar that can get in the same ballpark as the ASAT.
I got it right, but I own one of them and have played that song on it. Bigger different on cleans. Sound aside, heel and bags should make the decision easy.
G&L -Y-more hi-fi sound, Fender -X-more almost mid forward, not as defined hi's- I think of it as comparing mics, G&L like a mic that doesn't color the sound, the Fender like a mic that adds color to the sound. I've had a tribute asat special(same pups as the Fullerton)with the bigger MFD's, I have a parts caster with an 80's squire Strat neck and original vintage pickups, both different, I do like the slimmer neck of the squire, the fender pups are kind of microphonic, the MFD's were clean to around. 7, then above a little overdriven. Two different types of tones- I think I'll check out the G&L alnico tele pups, G&L is Fender-just the later models.
I got it right. I prefer G&L in general but in this case the X Fender sounded best only because of the Rosewood fret board. My only complaint with G&L is it's very difficult to get factory parts for my guitars up here in Canada anyway.
Really like your channel and style. Suggestion...other guitar riffs would show off the tones better. What is important is the tones for lead rather than how it sounds as a rhythm guitar.
If I had the ASAT and someone said "that ain't no Tele!" I would say, "You're right. It's not. It's an ASAT and don't you f****** forget it." in a calm voice like Lando.
Got them the wrong way around, I have no idea I though it, and it doesn't matter 'cause I love both of their sounds. Both great guitars, it's great to see an accurate comparison of such similar instruments in the same price range. Keep up the good work, awesome vids.
thanks for this man. I believe it is not the 1st time i listen to this blind test.. but i didn’t remember which one was which..so.. it was as if it had been the 1st time. I am a bit of a G&L fan, namely the MFD tones. I wanted to like the ASAT better.. but initially i thought the Y guitar was the Fender, namely the neck clean tones. It’s got a lot of low end, in there, surprisingly enough.. Turns out my dear ASAT. :P , was my favourite on all of the tones. Yey ! I am building a Nashville style ASAT on a more modern body with a deep neck cut, and roasted maple neck. I’m really excited to know how it is going to turn out. Thanks again, for the video. And yes.. with a set of good headphones.. one can actually hear your good job with the microphone. ;) . Nice choice for the song, as a great song helps out a lot. cheers from Portugal
Now that I've finished the video and know which is which I am impressed. FYI I tried to buy a ASAT tribute but the first one was damaged at the neck joint and the second one weighed nearly 10lbs. I gave up.
"The nut is made of bone. What kind of bone do you think it is? I got a bone to pick with you." and then my wife walked in and asked "WHAT is SO funny??"
I seriously doubt Leo Fender said that. For a couple of years in the 80s you could get a G&L in any color you wanted, all you had to do was send them a sample.
I prefer X on neck and Y on bridge. ASAT neck was a little too powerful for me, but it may be adjusted by pole piece height. So I'd choose ASAT if I can get either. BTW I love the body color of Pro II...
Great video I think I go for the Fender also I love the feel of the satin necks also plus you get the hard shell case. But G&L does make a great tele style guitar also
This is a good comparison man...def apples to apples even on price point..nice work 🤘🎸...the hardcase alone is the extra 200 in cost...I spent 1000 bucks on my mim 2020 strat limited edition and got no bag or case at all from guitar center...then purchased the tweed fender case...1200in it w case...makes sense to get the American at that point?
I have the USA G&L Tele....and own(ed) about 6 USA Strats...love both brands....but in particular, the MFD pups. These pups have their own unique character, pushing P90 territory. They even make an Indonesian G&L Strat sound fantastic...that's how good they are. Comparison: Didn't care for the front pickup, Dirty, on the G&L.
$1700 USD for a relatively simple telecaster no matter how great is utter madness But on the other hand it’s a lifetime guitar and can be passed down several generations unlike a bar of soap I guess
@@landonbailey oh I know eh We get hosed up here I can see why people are all over the inexpensive Harley Benton’s Prediction: 10 years from now Squire will be firmly established as its own legitimate stand-alone brand separate from Fender in the sense it will not be seen as the cheap version of a Fender. Not my idea- Phil McKnight mentioned this and the guys at Andertons mentioned this recently as well. (Epiphone is more established in this sense than squire is currently)
Yah the X and Y was pretty obvious right from the first cleans, G&L MFD pups are great but they never sound like distinctive Fender pups, Vmod or otherwise. Anyway, that's all fine and good, but more importantly, how was the coffee?
Fender or G&L? Which one sounded best to you?
Get a Fender American Professional II Telecaster
🛒Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/n1kRx7
🛒Amazon geni.us/TelePro2DK
🛒Thomann bit.ly/3u3Vvb1
Get G&L guitars like the Fullerton Deluxe ASAT Classic
🛒 Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/P0Yr2R
🛒 Thomann bit.ly/3ghSZbk
🛒 Reverb reverb.grsm.io/gpuv8wvdgd1p
🛒 Ebay ebay.us/F7bxvx
Gear used in the recording:
Amp: Fender '65 Princeton Reverb imp.i114863.net/RyK6Mb
Microphone: Sennheiser e906 imp.i114863.net/qnyyBY
Overdrive: Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini imp.i114863.net/n1jaG9
Timestamps:
---------------------------------------------------------
0:00 - Which one?
0:15 - What this video is about
1:15 - All the Specs
7:00 - Blind Tone Challenge
9:45 - Sponsor Segment
11:05 - Blind Tone Challenge Results
11:40 - My thoughts about each guitar - Which one is better?
I got it right. I expected the ASAT to be fatter tone. I think the Fender sounded more balanced. The ASAT was a little too bass heavy. Also the ASAT sounded a little flabby when played dirty. I did listen through a good set of headphones.
fender or strat?
These 2 guitars are really different. The G&L MFD pickups have adjustable pole pieces, giving you endless tonal possibilities. Also those MFD pickups are much higher output than regular single coils in the Fender. Rolling the volume back gives them a squeaky glass like tone but much thicker and less ice-picky than the Fender. Roll the volume all the way up and you get serious attitude and growl. I have both guitars and while I love them both, the G&L has an upper hand in most situations...and for $200 cheaper! JMO 👍
disappointed? 😵
@@landonbailey You made both guitars sound the same. But the MFD pickups are the big difference. Single coils with adjustable pole pieces? That's an awesome feature.
that's how the guitars sound
@@landonbailey I am guessing you would have used both the way they came set-up...makes sense to do so but, as Charlie pointed out, the MFD pups are adjustable which make tonal possibilities virtually endless; I understand why you wouldn't have ventured into adjusting the MFD pup for this comparison though. I had my frets rolled by a luthier so, I get what you are saying regarding that. Fortunately, my 2000 American ASAT Classic semi-hollow came with a custom flight case and the neck is a satin finish. It was expensive at the time too as it was $2200.00 CAD. Great video!
@@landonbailey Sorry, Landon. I was a bit rough on you. I edited my comment to take out the disappointed part. It was a good video. I just wish you'd spent a bit more time talking about the MFD pickups and how they differ from the Fender. That's what makes these 2 guitars different. But both amazing guitars. 👍
I've never owned a Fender Tele. I have owned 2 ASAT Specials (with jumbo MFD pickups) and 2 ASAT Classic S (one MFD, one alnico which I still own.) The ASAT Specials are unique guitars. The jumbo MFD pickups are definitely among Leo Fender's most brilliant inventions. A lot of people complain that the MFD pickups are "hotter" than standard Tele pickups and, while that is true, it is less frequently noted that all the MFD pickups can closely approximate their alnico counterparts by rolling back the volume a bit. So, I would say that the MFD pickups are more versatile than standard Tele pickups because when they're driven wide open, they can push the front end of an amp like regular alnico pickups can't, but when rolled back a bit they will bring you pretty close to an alnico tone.
I have a Tribute ASAT Special Carved Top. I love the Jumbo MFDs, they're very versatile pickups. Volume and tone controls are the key to getting a wide range of sounds out of them. Much more variety than a tele, but still tele-ish when you want it. I wish I could get a convincing Strat tone out of the neck pickup though.
Well put. To me it was a bit silly to say the tone and sound is “equal” wo getting into what you’re investing in w mfds. They are cleaner and more versatile and honestly I prefer the “alnico-like” version of mfd tone to stock alnicos on a tele any day.
Frankly this video did not do the asat justice because it did not explore the real and most obvious difference between the two guitars at all. I’m sorry to be critical, but there it is.
By quite a considerable margin in each case, I preferred the X neck and Y bridge in both clean and dirty samples. Really interesting comparison. Thanks Landon.
I picked up a G&L Fullerton ASSHAT Alnico Classic from my local store a couple months ago. I will concede that the neck is not as good as the AmProII, but it's still top quality and plays like a dream. I wound my own pickups for it (I like a dark tele), swapped in 500k pots and an Oak 4-way switch.... now it's my go-to "Tele".
One thing to keep in mind about the neck comparison. There is nothing ‘better’ per se about the Pro II neck- some players simply like it more. Some will like the ASAT neck more. It’s a very personal thing.
I preferred y. It sounded like it had more treble which worked for the song. The x guitar sounded dull in comparison but it also sounded good. G & L would be my guitar of choice based on this video. What are the prices of these guitars so I can see the value of each?
I did get the sound test right . I do have a G&L asat so that's probably why because I don't have a Fender telecaster. Because Leo made the asat it is a tele, just an advanced one. I do love the pickups.
🎸👍
I recently bought the G&L ASAT Special and it came with a beautiful hardshell case. Apart from that it is a realy fine guitar, the best Telecaster I ever owned.
nice!
Nothing better than a lightweight ash ASAT Special with a rosewood board.
I love my G&L Tribute Fiesta Red bought second hand in Spain.
It is my first Strat and its fantastic.
For my first Tele I have seen a lot of your videos, and I think I will go for the Tribute Asat Classic blonde. Love your videos and humor sense 🤘🤘😎🇪🇸
I absolutely loved the clean neck tone from guitar X. I preferred the clean bridge on Y. I already have a Pro II Tele Deluxe and an American Perf Tele Hum but for some insane reason I’m jonesing for Pro II Tele with a single coil in the neck position. 🤓
very cool! the Pro II Tele Deluxe is hard to get these days! always sold out
I believe you can order the G&L with the fullerton specs with custom choice for neck, radius, profile etc. for roughly the same price
6:18 A 4 way switch would be better than than a push push control. That's what I added to one of my tele clones. I added G&L S500/Legacy PTB type wiring to it too - so it has 3 pots. Very useful.
Excellent comparison of two really nice Tele's, Landon. I liked the way both sounded and wasn't able to determine which was which - and I own a Fender American Professional II Tele which luckily I purchased at the end of 2021 before Fender's $200 price increase.
I knew they increased the pieces last time I saw, pretty messed up ngl
I have an early G&L Legacy (3 bolt neck) and HAD an absolutely gorgeous LPB Fender 62’ reissue Strat from 1988. I loved to look at the Strat and play the Legacy. Sold the Strat.
Thanks for sharing!
Myself I liked the g& l , my opinion I own both my preferences and you can order a thinner neck you can totally customize a g&l the whole guitar if you can wait till it's built
I suspected Y for the Tele, but my tonal predilection kept switching back and forth. I *think I liked the G&L more often.
Thank you for this one, it's damned tough being a lefty and having to take people's word for it lmao, you definitely did a service. Sweet b-roll too.
Sinister!!!???
@@johntchb me? Nah I'm closer to being a sister than I am to being sinister.
@@NotBenCoultry
Me too Buddy, love it!
🤣🤣
👍
I was after a tele a few years back,tried a tele and asaat,then tried the asaat bluesboy and went for that,just loved the tone build and everything about it.Maybe I didn't try the "right" tele.Still don't technical possess a tele but always go with what feels right.My Assat came with a hardcase btw.
👍🎸
The Fullerton Deluxe models all come with a gig bag, as part of the effort to make that line a little less costly. But the ‘normal’ USA G&L ASATs all come in the nice G&G hard case.
I tried to like telecasters, but I have trouble getting over the plank of wood feel of them. Look great, sound great, feel like crap.
Obviously comes down to personal preference, but for me the feel of a guitar is a combo of the neck/fretboard, the weight of the whole thing and the weight distribution. I like all of these for my own tele. Neck feels great. Guitar is light and well balanced. I have a Les Paul that only a few pounds more, but it feels much more unwieldy.
Yay! I got it right! But, honestly, both have very good tones, only different. Still, my preference would be Guitar Y/G&L :)
First off, they both sound great. That being said, it is so easy to clearly hear the difference. The GL has all the characteristics of the telecaster just less muddy in a good way.
I preferred the G&L tone. Fuller, and less ice picky. That neck pickups sounded buitful on the clean tone. I am in South Africa and I am currently able to buy a brand new ASAT on clearence sale for less than half the price of a Tele Pro II. The Tele is in a local shop and the ASAT is basically on the other side of the country, so I can't play it. This comparison has pretty much made the decision for me. I'll save the cash and go for the ASAT.
They both sound great. Yes, I agree different but great. That G&L really blew me away though. It was very surprisingly crisp and more clear than Fender. Also, I totally dig the belly cut on the G&L. Dad bods need the tummy cut bro. Lol
Cool video! I thought the Fender neck pickup had more clarity it the upper mids. I could better hear the articulation of your playing. I preferred that. ASAT was a bit muddy. The bridge pups were a wash. Both sounded rather similar and I liked them both equally.
I got the blind test right, but I own an ASAT classic and know those MFD pickups quite well. I own an American standard Tele from 2015 (with belly contour) and a custom order ASAT (with belly and forearm contour), and I prefer the G&L. The pickups sound better than the twisted teles on the fender, and the ASAT is way prettier (East Indian walnut satin finished body with tortoise guard). However, it’s a very close competition between the two, and you can’t go wrong with either.
👍🎸
I've been super interested in G&L the last couple months and have slowly turned myself into an expert on MFD tones. The ASAT was immediately recognisably to me. I'm a Tele guy and I love the sound of those single coil size MFDs. Just another brilliant design from Leo. Mind made up on an ASAT Classic, over a Special too, I want that fat, hi-fi Tele bordering on P90 esque tone rather than the wide ultra hi-fi Jazzmaster kinda tone you get from Jumbo MFD. Need to hear more of the MFD humbuckers though.
My 90's G&L Asat sounded awesome. Had serious neck issues. My 2000's G&L Asat had a serious neck issue.....
I have been a Fender Strat player since 1964 and have collected and owned many, from Masterbuilt to Squier Classic Vibes and as long as they are set up correctly, there isn't thousands of dollars difference. That said, my G& L S-500 beat 6:13 them all hands down, Leo knew what he was doing.
Thank you so much. One of the best A B tests I've ever heard. I appreciate that you invested in a good microphone. I'm listening through my full range stereo speakers and hear the differences very clearly. To my ears I preferred the GL neck pick up (seems a bit more of low end presence) and the Fender bridge pick up. Good song choice too. Many thanks.
Not a huge difference. Tonewise, any of these is a solid choice.
If one must choose strictly between them, I'd go with G&L, because:
1. It's a bit cheaper.
2. I like the color.
3. It's more adjustable.
I just bought G&L, I own an American made jazz master and Strat. You can’t beat the sound of the G&L
I preferred the neck pickup on the Fender and the bridge pickup on the ASAT.
I got the test correct. Honestly I was guessing. You are so correct about the neck. I did buy a Pro2 neck from the Stratosphere store for my first strat build. The neck is better than Custom shops I’ve played. Best neck ever.
Good stuff!
Fender’s neck pickup was way better, but I preferred asat’s bridge.
Two iconic guitars to compare: Epiphone Casino and Gretsch G5422 (the Electromatic version being comparable to the Asian Epiphone Casino).
Good call Buddy. I’ve been thinking the same thing.
The dark night finish really comes through on guitar Y.
😝
I own two USA G&Ls, and a USA Fender. For me, I prefer the G&Ls by a large margin over the USA Fender. The fit/finish is better (compared to MY Tele) and I prefer the MFD pickups in my ASAT to the singles in my Tele (the other G&L has an SD JB and G&L p-90, so not comparable). Both of my G&Ls came with G&G hard cases. It's a disappointment to see they are now only including a gig bag. One thing to note, both of my G&Ls were factory plek'd. I don't know if they still include this with all USA models. Also to note, neither of my G&L guitars are normal production and that may make a difference. One is a custom order and the other is a limited special edition., the Tele is a regular AM Standard.
plekking is not that great. better than a bad tech doing it, nit as good as a good tech doing it. plekking has an inherent flaw because of its design.
Only the Fullerton Deluxe models come with a gig bag. You don't get to choose options on those guitars, just the choice of 2 or 3 colors. As far as I know all "option order" guitars come with a case.
Was pretty easy to tell as the MDF pickups have a distinct sound. A more even comparison would have been the pro II with the G&L ASAT Classic Deluxe Alnico which have more traditional alnico pickups. Fun video though. Thanks.
I was accurate in my guess, but only based off the neck pickup. It sounded hotter, and made the guess that it was the G&L as they had the same pickup in both. But not out of preference of tone etc. Hope to get a G&L one day, really interesting guitar and some of the Eastern made ones have beautiful shapes.
I got them backwards. turned out I liked the G&L Better
👍🎸
I like the G&L bridge pickup and fenders neck pickup lol .
I have owned a ton of teles and ASATs. I briefly owned a Pro II tele. It was a super nice guitar but I returned it because it sounded so much like my Pro II strat. The v-mod pups sound great but did not sound like tele pups to me.
Thanks for sharing!
I got it right. Surprisingly, I was unsure on the cleans and it was the dirt that gave it away for me.
I know this video is a couple years old, but just came across it today. A great video. I bought my first left hand G&L asat classic Legacy series last week and absolutely love it. I have many Fender telecasters that I have played over the last 30 years but thisG & L is super, never had a chance to play one before and I’m sold.
Very cool!
Got it right. G&L pickups give you a bit more in versatility
Neck finish is a deal breaker for me. But most reviews never actually mention it. I hate gloss neck finishes. Thanks for mentioning that 👍🏻
A nice satin is great!
Hi Landon. This is the first video of yours I've seen and I like your format. Really good stuff, thank you.
On tone alone I was like guitar X. I kind of hoped it would be the G&L, I guess I'm a fan of the underdog. So it turns out that's the Fender, hey ho.
I own both G&L and Fender. A USA Ultra Telecaster, USA Deluxe Stratocaster, MIJ Telecaster Modern and a G&L USA Comanche.
All four are great guitars. The Fenders win for the necks, especially the compound radius fretboards on the MIJ Telecaster and USA Ultra Telecaster.
The G&L has a beautiful birdseye maple neck and flamed maple top over a swamp ash body. That wins for looks. The Comanche also wins hands down for versatility. Those noiseless z coil pickups and the switching options give you tones very close to a traditional Stratocaster or Telecaster.
If I was buying either of these guitars from your review I'd take the Fender on this occasion. I like the neck more, I like the way it looks more and ultimately I think it sounds better with more clarity.
cheers!
I got the challenge right for what it's worth
They both sounded great! I dont' think one was better than the other.
Even though I'm a big fan of G&L because of the great value with the Tribute series, which I appreciate because I couldn't afford either the Fender American Pro or the Deluxe Fullerton; I also would pick the Fender because of the playabillity. It's just the best electric guitar I've ever played when it comes to the fingeboard.
You don't have to press down hardly at all. It's like a car that drives itself.
I didn’t try to guess I just marked which I liked the tone more. Preferred asat on neck and bridge. Preferred fender on dirty neck. And thought tie on dirty bridge. Enjoyed the vid!
Which one would I buy? That's easy, hands down a SG 😁
I didn't try to figure out which one was which. I listened to the tone samples and chose the tones I preferred. As it turns out I preferred Y between the two. It sounded better. Order one from Sweetwater and get it Plek'd. Of course, amongst all the guitars in the video, my favorite was the Yamaha jumbo. I've seen and heard it before, and it's got a serious J-200 vibe that I really like.
Great Vid Landon! Unfortunately for resale the Fender would be best. But actually I prefer the G&L cause I believe the Neck is slimmer than the New Fender. The Gloss on the back can be sanded carefully and it will be fine if you like that feel, I do! I also believe you’re right either Fender you’re paying more for the Name and HSC! Cheers from Salem, Ohio US.
Canfield here. Just picked up a G&L classic tribute yesterday.
Your re-sale comment, if true, is so only for buying brand new guitars.
I've got too many Strats, a few USA Teles, let alone too many guitars overall. Among my collection is a Fullerton Deluxe ASAT Classic (that I'm restringing as I watch this). It's the best Tele I own. Simply amazing.
05:14 video idea: video yourself measuring the gear ratio of the tuners on the guitars.
I remember asking, many years ago, an ebay seller to tell me the gear ratio of the tuners on the guitar he was selling with instructions on how to do to determine said gear ratio. He told me where to go.
I may try that! He told you go on vacation. People are so nice online 😝🤣
@@landonbailey ... all I ever wanted...
That someone was right. It's Tele in shape mostly. Like the rest of the AmPro line. Amazing guitars but they are modern flavors voiced not like a traditional version. I have the AmProII JM and while great, it's pickups and switching are not traditional at all. They don't sound like a JM and weren't. Want to. The same will likely be for his AmProII Tele.
they said the Pro II isn't a real Tele.
@@landonbailey I mean we are gonna have to get technical here though. Technically, yes it's a telecaster. The headstock says so. The company that invented the Telecaster says so. Compared to a traditional model, it's not really the best example of Tele. It's like a John 5 or Chris Shifflet Telecaster, they are Telecasters but because I'd the pickups they really aren't the best example of what a Tele really is. Therefore are they really a Tele? It goes both ways. Let's assume one means traditional and in that sense, no, the AmProII isn't really a Tele at all.
To those that say an ASAT isn't a Tele what does the "L" in G&L stand for?
It's "Leo" as in Leo Fender. He was a founder of, and worked at the company until his death. He believed that the tweaks he made to the G&L instruments made them the best he ever created.
TL/DR The ASAT is every bit a "Tele" that anything Fender makes.
👍🎸
Flight cases.... Are they rated by how many flights of stairs they can withstand being tossed down?
I believe so!
I sold a guitar today, and now I'm GASsing like crazy for a pro 2 strat (and tele) after watching this... thanks landon! (and I'd love a G&L too)
the neck is so nice!
I got it right....I love the neck pickup on the Fender but sort of like the bridge on the G and L more
Thanks for the comparison - love G&L and I do like the sound of the ASAT here, but the Fender just has THAT sound as far as Tele goes. I feel like I already own a guitar that can get in the same ballpark as the ASAT.
I got it right, but I own one of them and have played that song on it. Bigger different on cleans.
Sound aside, heel and bags should make the decision easy.
G&L -Y-more hi-fi sound, Fender -X-more almost mid forward, not as defined hi's- I think of it as comparing mics, G&L like a mic that doesn't color the sound, the Fender like a mic that adds color to the sound. I've had a tribute asat special(same pups as the Fullerton)with the bigger MFD's, I have a parts caster with an 80's squire Strat neck and original vintage pickups, both different, I do like the slimmer neck of the squire, the fender pups are kind of microphonic, the MFD's were clean to around. 7, then above a little overdriven. Two different types of tones- I think I'll check out the G&L alnico tele pups, G&L is Fender-just the later models.
I got it right. I prefer G&L in general but in this case the X Fender sounded best only because of the Rosewood fret board. My only complaint with G&L is it's very difficult to get factory parts for my guitars up here in Canada anyway.
I have a ASAT Thinline. Love it. I think the G&l has a smoother sound.. I like the Fender too
I prefer the classic tone of the Fender. Identification easy during the blind test ! ^^.
cheers!
Both sounds great to me. Which neck feels better to you when you play?
Pro II neck feels the best
Really like your channel and style. Suggestion...other guitar riffs would show off the tones better. What is important is the tones for lead rather than how it sounds as a rhythm guitar.
hey thanks! I can't play lead :)
Both beautiful guitars and I love how your riffs come from my developmental Era of 90s alternative music.
I'm stuck in the 90s
I like the neck pickup of X while I prefer the bridge of Y.
If I had the ASAT and someone said "that ain't no Tele!" I would say, "You're right. It's not. It's an ASAT and don't you f****** forget it." in a calm voice like Lando.
no they said it about the Tele Pro II
Love the blind test. Got it right by the way…. G&L a little warmer. Love the sound but am biased towards Fender so torn
Glen Cambell played a G&L Tele
He played all sorts of shit Ovations as well.
Got them the wrong way around, I have no idea I though it, and it doesn't matter 'cause I love both of their sounds. Both great guitars, it's great to see an accurate comparison of such similar instruments in the same price range. Keep up the good work, awesome vids.
Yep, got it right. I preferred Y.
G&L pickups sounded slightly more aggressive and hotter to me. I have the am pro2 and love it
thanks for this man.
I believe it is not the 1st time i listen to this blind test.. but i didn’t remember which one was which..so.. it was as if it had been the 1st time.
I am a bit of a G&L fan, namely the MFD tones. I wanted to like the ASAT better.. but initially i thought the Y guitar was the Fender, namely the neck clean tones. It’s got a lot of low end, in there, surprisingly enough..
Turns out my dear ASAT. :P , was my favourite on all of the tones. Yey !
I am building a Nashville style ASAT on a more modern body with a deep neck cut, and roasted maple neck. I’m really excited to know how it is going to turn out.
Thanks again, for the video. And yes.. with a set of good headphones.. one can actually hear your good job with the microphone. ;) .
Nice choice for the song, as a great song helps out a lot.
cheers from Portugal
Got it right this time... and I wasn't just guessing. I win (self-pat on the back, roll the air-plause)
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Any MFD G&L owner can tell which is which, I enjoyed hearing the fuller sounds of the G&L
🎸👍
I have no idead which is which but I liked most of the Y tones better. Thanks for another good video.
Now that I've finished the video and know which is which I am impressed. FYI I tried to buy a ASAT tribute but the first one was damaged at the neck joint and the second one weighed nearly 10lbs. I gave up.
"The nut is made of bone. What kind of bone do you think it is? I got a bone to pick with you." and then my wife walked in and asked "WHAT is SO funny??"
Excellent review dude, thank you! I am on that fence right now, looking at both.
cheers!
From Leo: I like the finish color on the Fender, but I like the sound of the G&L better.
I seriously doubt Leo Fender said that. For a couple of years in the 80s you could get a G&L in any color you wanted, all you had to do was send them a sample.
@@tiki_trash No one said Leo Fender but you. My name is Leo, just like 146,000 other men in the USA.
I prefer X on neck and Y on bridge. ASAT neck was a little too powerful for me, but it may be adjusted by pole piece height. So I'd choose ASAT if I can get either. BTW I love the body color of Pro II...
Also a proud owner of a Dark Night Tele. I love it
Great video I think I go for the Fender also I love the feel of the satin necks also plus you get the hard shell case. But G&L does make a great tele style guitar also
This is a good comparison man...def apples to apples even on price point..nice work 🤘🎸...the hardcase alone is the extra 200 in cost...I spent 1000 bucks on my mim 2020 strat limited edition and got no bag or case at all from guitar center...then purchased the tweed fender case...1200in it w case...makes sense to get the American at that point?
Love your humour and content ❤️🙌👍🏴
Didn't get it right. You should just swap the fancy Push/Push stuff out. Do and updated 4-Way Switch install or Classic Tele wiring job. 🤘🎸
watch the video again and guess again 😛👍🎸
please bring back the fireworks intro. that made me happy.
I have the USA G&L Tele....and own(ed) about 6 USA Strats...love both brands....but in particular, the MFD pups. These pups have their own unique character, pushing P90 territory. They even make an Indonesian G&L Strat sound fantastic...that's how good they are. Comparison: Didn't care for the front pickup, Dirty, on the G&L.
I’m a G&L fan . They to me just have more life. Both sound good but G&L are all on their own. Wonderful guitars !
$1700 USD for a relatively simple telecaster no matter how great is utter madness
But on the other hand it’s a lifetime guitar and can be passed down several generations unlike a bar of soap I guess
you should see the price in Canadian $$ 😵😝
@@landonbailey oh I know eh
We get hosed up here
I can see why people are all over the inexpensive Harley Benton’s
Prediction: 10 years from now Squire will be firmly established as its own legitimate stand-alone brand separate from Fender in the sense it will not be seen as the cheap version of a Fender. Not my idea- Phil McKnight mentioned this and the guys at Andertons mentioned this recently as well.
(Epiphone is more established in this sense than squire is currently)
Was so hard to tell difference. Great video.
Great comparison
I guessed right.
And liking the fuller tone of the G&L
Hey Landon. Just so you know, buddy, asat. Means american swamp ash telecaster.
Hey buddy
Hello!
Enjoyed it, thanks. ✌🏻
Yah the X and Y was pretty obvious right from the first cleans, G&L MFD pups are great but they never sound like distinctive Fender pups, Vmod or otherwise. Anyway, that's all fine and good, but more importantly, how was the coffee?
the fender has an edge with those [Applause] tones, but i would get the ASAT ASAP:)
[Music Playing] [Cheers]
Thanks for this, it is helpful and I like the tone of the G&L better.
No problem!
Call me vain but the headstock on the G&L kills me !
Thank you Landon for the video! I am leaning toward Guitar Y as to my preference, and would guess that the G&L is Guitar Y :)
cheers