When I was 18 years old, my Mom told me she would match me dollar for dollar on a new guitar. I saved enough to get an American Fender but I had been hanging out at a music store that had G&L guitars (around ‘92) and it just seemed to fit me like a glove. I wound up ordering one and it’s still a fantastic guitar by any standard. The neck shape, mfd pickups, PTB tone controls and vibrato on my Leo Fender Signature S-500 are still my favorites. At that time, they were all American made. My Mom didn’t have a lot of money and I worked my ass off for my half. That was a really nice thing she did for me and I will always cherish that guitar. Thank you and RIP, Mom.
I took a trip to Andertons recently to buy a pedal. Came home without the pedal, but with the actual honey burst ASAT Bluesboy featured in this video instead. I regret nothing.
In 1999 I went to Guitar Center to buy an Epiphone Sheraton II. After playing it, I picked up a Fender American Telecaster, a guitar I knew I would never own. I played it and went "Uh oh". Two completely different guitar types. After Two hours I walked out with the Telecaster and it remains my favorite guitar to this day.
I Wiggs glad that you mentioned this, as when Lee played the green/blue strat type I did feel that it had a warmer tone than regular single coil strats?!
G&L's production guitars are what everybody else's custom shop guitars are. I own one, and have owned a few. Bought my first in 1988. Still own it. Amazing guitar! G&L fan for life here.
As guitarist who has owned American Fender's and G&L's. I can honestly say that G&L's are AMAZING guitars. For less than the price of an equally equipped American Fender, G&L gives you custom shop quality. Once you try them side by side you'll hear and feel the difference immediately.
dont get me wrong, i love fenders, but it seems that one leo left fender, the brands he had a finger in did fantastic stuff, music man guitars are fantastic that i cant put down, and G&L stuff is magical
I’ve never had a US model. I’ve had a Comanche I bought for $115 and their strat I paid $200 for and they were both Indonesian models. They both played and sounded great
Both Your Playing is Really Super! Tone For Dayz! Awesome Machines' and Thank You For The Great Background Knowledge Also 🎸 I Never New How Tremendously Made and Priced These Beauties Actually Were and Are Still! ✌
SQUIRE LOVA You have been misinformed. G&L let you spec 7.25", 9.5", and 12" radius necks. If you know what you want get G&L to build it for you. You can spec not only the radius but the depth at 1st and 12th fret within +/- 0.015 tolerance. Not too mention, wood types, tuners, and so on.... However, don't think of G&L as Fender replacements - they are completely different instruments and owning both makes sense. I had G&L build my S-500 and Legacy to my specs and both of them are magnificent guitars.
Two months ago a friend of mine played my 2002 Legacy. Asked if he could borrow it for a gig, then brought it back and asked if I would sell it. No way. He then sold his custom ordered Custom Shop Strat and bought an off the shelf USA Legacy at a local music shop and still blathers on about how how much he loves it and used the extra money to buy a new Fender amp.
I have paid for and own 16 electric guitars. My most recent is my G&L ASAT Classic Bluseboy in natural. A semi-hollow body telecaster with an "f" hole and two chambers, that weighs 6.1 lbs. I play her morning, noon and night. I play her all night while in bed-every time I wake up I play her until I fall back asleep. My wife does not complain. It sounds so good acoustically! Finally my quest is met. Very good quality, everything is right and she sounds great. Do you have any idea how good it feels to finally have the right guitar? - Peter age 71
I own several G&L USA guitars and this is without a doubt the most balanced and informative review I have seen from any retailer - it even got the history correct [something most don't] Absolutely nothing to critique in this video - well done Lee and Rob.
G&L makes unbelievable guitars, even their import range is good. Classic guitars, and a few with electronics that make them sound a lot bigger than a fender, but wit the fender vibe. Also in the US you can get one from the factory with whatever options you would like for much less than a custom shop guitar.
@G. V. Quinn For a couple of years now, the pickups on the Tribute models have been made at the Cort factory in Indonesia to G&L specs. I don't know about the other components...
G&L F-100 was the First with Leo's Pre-Amped Humbuckers Similar to Leo's Music Man Stig-Ray Pick-Ups, Dale Hyatt Hired Me in Sept. 1980 I worked in Finishing with John Quarterman! They were a Great First Line Guitar Trem or Hardtail Then the L-1000 and L-2000 Basses. Leo Used to Get Behind You with His Jewelers Glasses On! Very Strict Quality Control! It was a Fun Place to Work and be Part of History!
And likely they have both the treble and bass dimed on those legacy's. That's not quite a strat sound - you don't need to max the treble/bass on the G&L like the tone controls on a strat. It's like having an EQ and maxing out all of the dials...what's the point?
They also forgot to mention what the switch did. It turned the bridge PUP on all the time so you could have bridge / neck and all three including the standard 5 way. It is similar to the David Gilmour mod.
@@Buzzdog1971 They did mention that they would have to consult the manual to see what the switch does. Thats very unprofessional imo. They should have been better prepared.
In High School(1984-87) our schools music program provided G&L guitars and basses and Music Man amps for Jazz Band and Music studies students. Holy hell thank you admin for once!
I had a G&L F100 that was made in the first week of production. I was going to GIT and thought that there was a short in the wiring because it made a clicking sound when I didn't have my hands on the guitar while switching pickups. I went down on a Saturday and Dale Hyatt greated me at the door and while we were looking at my guitar, Leo walked up and picked it up, looked at the bridge and said, this one was built in the first week of production. Set it back down and walked back to his office. I was in awe. Great guitar.
@@outsiderdflowball people with cash offers. Works everytime. Got a G&L Asat classic deluxe USA w locking tuners in metallic tangerine w matching headstock for $1000. Just said “got 1k cash. It’s what I can come up with but I’d come right now and take really good care of it.” N then ya get a mint guitar for bout 1/2 retail. If not less.
Odd that you guys did the whole video and didn't mention the PTB system. It's something that's pretty unique to G&L, and honestly, it's a pretty useful feature. The ability to dial out some bass is really useful on boomy amps or even in some situations with the MFD pickups. Would've also liked to see you cover the S500 and the ASAT special (with the Jazzmaster-like wide range MFD pickups).
@@themikeaustin reverends filter doesn't cut as much bass, compare the caps on the schematics. And g&ls been doing this for years yet every good demo misses this, while every terrible sounding one doesn't. Drives me wild as an affictionado
The mini switch on the the Comanche gives you the neck and bridge in positions 1 and 5,all 3 pups in positions 2 and 4 then just the middle pup in position 3. The controls are vol.,treble cut and bass cut.
About 20 years ago I bought a sunburst G&L S-500 with the big MFD pickups. Since 1965 I have gone though many Strats and strat style guitars, but I haven't had the desire for another similar style guitar since. It is still in mint condition. My death metal playing grandson calls it my "jazz guitar" when he asks to play it. These are fantastic feeling guitars (like top of the line custom shop work) and the pickups sound like high output P90s. Some people say the big MFDs are noisy, but I haven't had that experience in a 90 year old house. I play it through an Ashdown Peacemaker 40 or a Roland 80 Cube into a 2x12 Vintage 30 cab. It also sounds great through my Oahu Sunshine amp (by Valco) from the 50s. Some day I would like to save the money to add an ASAT with the big MFDs, but until then I have the BEST of one iconic style of electric guitar. The third time was certainly a charm for George and Leo.
How do you keep a guitar over 20 years old mint ? My USA S500 is three years old, needs a refret and has finger / wear marks all over the edges of the neck. These things are for playing not looking at. I hope there's nothing stopping you from playing yours.
@@tdunster2011 I take care of my instruments and I have lots: guitars, basses, dobros, steel guitars, violins, mandolins, keys, drums. But when it comes to strat style guitars the g&l is the best. Right now I'm into a Cordoba GK Pro, a Les Paul Slash & a Fender Dual Pro steel guitar.. That's how they stay mint.
39MercFlathead I can't understand how you can rate a guitar so highly that's effectively never been played in 20 years. If it was that good you'd play it more. Regardless of how many other instruments you own. If it's a 3 bolt S500 sell it too me and I'll show it the good times it deserves :0) - or give it to your grandson to enjoy,
I've got a Custom Shop '61 Candy Apple Red Fender Stratocaster and a 1991 G&L Commemorative Leo Fender 1909-1991 ASAT Classic. The G&L leaves the Strat behind, it has a beautiful maple neck and she plays so well. Such a beautiful guitar.
Have a G&L Legacy I had special made. I have played Stratocasters most of my life and have owned some of the nicest deluxe strats and the G&L is in a league of its own. Still own a 62 reissue Strat and love it but doesn’t play nearly as good as the Legacy. Really have admired Leo and George for not giving up and their contribution to the electric guitar. Awesome!!
Yes it's 50-cycle hum in Europe - our mains power is at 50 Hz, US mains power is at 60 Hz. The hum is because the AC current flowing around all over the place creates an electromagnetic field that the pickups pick up (that's their job!). Humbuckers do pick this 'hum' up, but the two coils pick it up in opposite polarities and it cancels out. Presumably, those z-stagger pickups are actually two separate pickups - just like a humbucker - except that rather than each pickup covering all six strings, each one only covers three.
@@ChrisFranklyn - it looks like it, yes. Fender describe the p-bass pickup set (which is two separate objects) as a "split-coil humbucker", which would fit with that being the same as this. The wiring diagram shows the two coils wired in series, just like they are on a PAF-style pickup. So, almost certainly yes.
The toggle switch on the Comanche gives you access to the other pickup combinations that you don’t get with a conventional 5-way switch on its own: i.e. it allows you to access bridge and neck pickups together and all three pickups on at the same time. I believe if you’re in position 1 or 5 and you switch in that switch that gives you bridge and neck together and if you’re in position 2 or 4 and activate the switch it gives you all pickups on. In position 3 (middle pickup) it doesn’t do anything. This is something that G&L seem to do quite a lot... I have a three pickup ASAT which has the same switching activated by a push-pull pot rather than a separate toggle.
You guys seemed really baffled by those split coil pickups on the comanche . Basses have had split coil pickups to cancel hum for... well, the late 50's when Fender replaced the single coil on the P bass with the now iconic split coil. I will say though, I've never seen them on a guitar before, and it looks and sounds pretty awesome!
FWIW - I bought an F100e (active) around 1980 on impulse. A friend who ran a local guitar shop cornered me with “have I got just the thing for you” I traded some stuff in for it and never looked back. was playing top40 covers at the time 6x/week and needed a guitar that could parrot a Strat, a Les Paul, etc etc. Played about 2500 4-hr bar gigs on that guitar and still have it. So under-appreciated, everything G&L does is better fit and finish than the equiv Fender. The trem system is flawless - I punished it and never had any tuning problems.
Have had my G&L Asat Classic for years, great guitar. People don't know that the original machines used to make fenders in the 50's and 60;s were bought by George and are used at the G&L factory still today. They also plek their instruments for the American made guitars.
I have several US G&L's. Makes me happy to see Andertons slinging them now. Still made on Fender Avenue here in Fullerton. @19:49 that is not an ASAT Special - it's the ASAT Classic with regular sized MFD's - the Special has jumbo MFD's that are similar to Jazzmaster pickups. MFD's are ceramic as well which likely adds to the warmth. The PTB system on the Legacy/S-500/Commanche is something that should be on every guitar.
Back in the early 80s I was just a punk kid looking to buy my first guitar, thought I wanted a fender strat. but then the salesperson shows me the G&L F100 Series 1, and been playing that out and in and didn't understand then the gem I had acquired. Hearing 40 years later the G&L is considered a collectors item makes me smile. I would never sell it no matter, its like... part of me now. But I smile since even punk kids sometimes get lucky.
Sound Like Alice In Chains BY busting the bank maybe? cos andertons are now stocking G&L which was not done last time? and hopefully they'll get the £700+ G&L Rampage
I've got 35 guitars, amongst them a Comanche and a Asat Korina. They are my best instruments, they feel and sound 'complete', mature and very warm. They hold their tuning (no locking tuners needed) and don't mind traveling. Can't reccomend them enough!
Someone else said this in the comments but I wanted to add to it. As musicians, most of us are always selling gear on the usual (Reverb/eBay/Gumtree) sites to fund our next guitar/amp/modeller and I agree that that market would not favour the G&L like it would Fender. If this is your first guitar maybe look at a Fender but if you are adding to your collection G&L is a no brainer.
I’ve had three G&L guitars! My first was an ultra rare 83 G200 with back routed controls. George Gruhn later reported that there were only 12 of those... Crap! Then I got my 1982 L-2000E active bass which I still own. Bought it new in 1990. It hung on the Music store wall for 8 years!!! I later purchased a 98 Asat III, Asat with Strat style pickup configuration. Loved that guitar but the neck was very thin so I traded it. Still have my bass though! Always loved G&L! Been with them from their beginning days thank to a small town music store that gave them a shot! Thanks for the great review! They are highly underrated! Especially the basses!
I love that you are doing this. I am a G&L fan. I decided long ago that I did not want a Fender mostly because everyone and their mother's uncle has one. But I did want an example of most types of guitars, particularly a Strat and a Tele, so ergo I wanted a Fender. How do I get a Fender when I don't want a Fender? Then I discovered G&L. Then I learned their story! G&L is the perfect answer for me! I have a Comanche and an ASAT (both Indo but great sounding and a little luthier work on the ASAT really made it fantastic!) I want G&L to grow and succeed, so thank you for supporting that!
Oh and just for everyone to knows, G&L has locking tuners. They are drop-ins on American made G&L guitars and will fit Indonesian guitars with a small screw hole mod. The G&L trem has good stability but the locking tuners will naturally increase that (as on mast any trem equipped guitar.)
Neglected to mention that the dual fulcrum bridge is a floating bridge. I don't think all your viewers would assume this. It stays in tune better than any floating bridge I've tried.
The G&L Guitars are probably the most underrated brand out there and used ones sell in the US in $300-400 range that's a LOT of guitar for the price. The only caveat is they don't hold their price the way USA fenders do so I would get a used one. Big thanks to you guys for a great review and a bit of the history behind these superb instruments.
The mini toggle allows neck/bridge or all three pickups to be used. And with the Z coils the bottom three poles are reverse wound to the top three poles which cancels most of the hum. All in all the Comanche is an extremely versatile guitar. I was lucky enough to find one they built for the NAMM show.
I’d never heard of G&L until I fell in love with Alice In Chains all over again a few months ago, and discovered that Jerry Cantrell has used one for years. Now, it is my life’s goal to buy his signature model. Thanks for the awesome video guys, as always! 🤘
The electric 12 was the last guitar that Leo designed for fender, that had split z like coils didn’t it. Leo never stopped trying to make things better. That natural Comanche is lovely!
G&L’s have been under represented in the US for years! The players who love them really do love them, myself included but to the larger world they are still fairly unknown. I don’t know how much better guitars can be made, but those are great. Thanks for taking a risk, and with all of the videos thanks for posting them!!
I purchased my new G&L L-1000 in 1982 and it’s still going strong. Every thing about it is nearly perfect (except cosmetically cuz it’s been play A LOT).
I was reacting to the tone of the Comanche early on and was glad to see Chappers give it some love. The Captain's chops took on something new as well. That guitar has a certain smokey chime that might require a different mix of guitars and amps to really stand out...Oh and what is going on with that 2nd switch is in the 2 & 4 position it gives you the 1st and 3rd pickup. It might give you all three somewhere else, not sure.
Is it just me or the mic for the intro in the store is a binaural ? If is it, I think it's a good attention to detail for the video quality guys ! Always very good content
It did sound a little different yeah. They usually have both of them sound from your left and right through panning* prbly, but this sounded a little different
I worked at the Fullerton Ca Fender compound in '73 when I was 18. It was just after Leo sold to CBS. I own a '17 FSR HSS Strat. G&L Tele might be next. Great stuff guys!
G&L basses are particularly impressive. I have an L2500 and it can do anything. Top-notch build quality, intuitive electronics, fantastic tone! Also worth noting - amazing paint options! The best transitions in the burst finishes that I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning!
Recently bought a Legacy. I chose the neck and body woods, the finish, the pickguard type and color, the nut type, locking tuners, the neck radius, the knob style, and the type of frets. Total cost: $1249, including a G&G case and shipping. For what is essentially a custom-shop guitar.
Own 3 USA G&L basses (2 L2Ks fretted and fretless & LB100) and after owning many basses, including 4 Musicmans, for me G&L is one of the best kept secrets in the guitar industry. It's not so much how they sound when your jamming at home alone, but when your onstage with a whole team of musicians (especially in a Worship setting) is when they really shine. They just have a cut and presence that sits very well in the mix. All 3 of my basses are seasoned veterans and they all have held up very well over the years. They'll always be my Go-to basses and if i'm on the market for a new bass, they'll be the first I look to.
I'm a Brit with a Strat (Am Sp), a Tele (Am Std), a Casino, a Dot-335, & a G&L Tribute ASAT Bluesboy (Semi-Hollow, like the one Rob demos at 17:15). The G&L, which I picked up earlier this year, is easily my favourite. Tele at the bridge, Gretsch in the middle, Gibson at the neck. And the neck is to die for. Fabulous guitar.
I walked into a guitar shop on Hilton Head island in the states (turned out to be a G&L dealer) looking for a used Telecaster. I walked out with a G&L ASAT (Baja Green 2017) USA with a black case for a grand. It is easily one of my best guitars. This is like a commercial video but I like how it is presented and the nuggets that are offered are all true. Long time watcher first time poster. Thanks for all the videos guys!
It sounded to me like the entire way through you were trying not to say, “If you have a grand these are a better guitar than a Fender”. For business reasons of course you can’t come out and say that - this is a promotional channel after all not an independent review site - and some people may be after the sound of a specific pickup, but it does seem to be the case that Leo-designed guitars made in the original Fender factory by some of the original employees in small numbers are good. Like, you know, those Leo-designed guitars made in the original Fender factory by those same employees in small numbers used to be.
nah, Lee has come out and said what's a good value and what's not and promoted some products over others that were more a expensive price many times on this channel.
I own several because I think that they are as good as it gets basically. Beautiful and their sound is wonderful. They are built to last a lifetime. They are the real deal ! They are the most underrated guitars 🎸 in the World ! You just can’t make a mistake No may which one you get ! They should be more than a Fender !
I bought a brand new 1995 G&L Legacy Special back in, well, 1995. It has the original 3 bolt neck, rosewood fretboard, and the rail humbuckers that came standard on it. Sperzel locking tuners. The Floating Vibrato stays in tune. I remember having one of my sons friend over who was a real heavy metal guy and he poohed poohed it... Until he plugged it into my Musicman RD65, clicked on the Boss Heavy Metal Pedal and found he could play everything a lot better and get those strong sounds that he loved so well. ... He just sort of stared at me with a blank look as his misconceptions fell away..... I still own and play it....
G and L is a great brand. Fender gives you a warts and all style of instrument. G and L makes improvements imho. The bridge and saddles are superior. They stay in tune better. The finishes are great also. They feel and sound different to a Fender
The extra toggle switch on the comanche "resets" the 5-way switch as follows: Positions 1 and 5: neck and bridge Positions 2 and 4: all three pickups Position 2: middle pickup.
that's difficult because the G&L has treble and base tone controls, both labeled tone, so easy to confuse with Fender treble roll off for the two pickups. wide range of tones available. And you can dial in a Strat tone, but from the tone at the start of the video, maybe not that easy for the Captain HaHa
you could build a machine that wraps pickups with a little variation to it. Just add a little noise to the position of the wire/robot-hand as it wraps. Old machines probably didn’t have enough articulation for this... eh?
I went to the Andertons store and Lee touched me in a funny place. I said 'Please, Mr Andertons, don't touch my f-hole!' and he replied 'Take it, pretty boy!' I didn't want to make a fuss about it in the store, bought a fuzz pedal instead and went home.
A mate of mine bought a G&L back from the USA at the back end of the 90's. It's definitely a nuffin' fancy sort of machine but in the absolute best way possible. Very familiar, very comfortable and absolutely solid. One of the most tour-suitable guitars I've ever seen.
I worked for John McClaren in Huntington beach back in 89, till 92. It was G and L and BBE Sound. Awesome company, and great products! The 24 k Anniversary guitar is so sick!!
Based on cosmetics and feel, the comfort cut on the back of the G&L is a nicety most Telecasters don’t have. And it makes sense the headstock isn’t identical because of Fender trademark, but the Tele head always looked to me like a deformed foot. I’m glad the G&L isn’t styled like that
When I was 18 years old, my Mom told me she would match me dollar for dollar on a new guitar. I saved enough to get an American Fender but I had been hanging out at a music store that had G&L guitars (around ‘92) and it just seemed to fit me like a glove. I wound up ordering one and it’s still a fantastic guitar by any standard. The neck shape, mfd pickups, PTB tone controls and vibrato on my Leo Fender Signature S-500 are still my favorites. At that time, they were all American made. My Mom didn’t have a lot of money and I worked my ass off for my half. That was a really nice thing she did for me and I will always cherish that guitar. Thank you and RIP, Mom.
Rip fam
Your mom knew about a good investment. Music is life! Your story has reached Mexico! Greetings :)
Great choice, great story. Keep rockin brother.
I just got an Indonesian heritage white s500 used for less than 500 and it's better than any 1200 dollar strat I've played. love it
I’m not crying you are
I took a trip to Andertons recently to buy a pedal. Came home without the pedal, but with the actual honey burst ASAT Bluesboy featured in this video instead.
I regret nothing.
Constant Geekery you chose, wisely!
Does it play like a dream and sound like a sunrise?
In 1999 I went to Guitar Center to buy an Epiphone Sheraton II. After playing it, I picked up a Fender American Telecaster, a guitar I knew I would never own. I played it and went "Uh oh". Two completely different guitar types. After Two hours I walked out with the Telecaster and it remains my favorite guitar to this day.
Few would.
Congratulations on purchasing a fine instrument.
Do a blindfold G&L and Fender shootout
At different price ranges
Don't the G&Ls all have flatter radius necks? Might be too much of a giveaway sadly. BUt some comparison vids would definitely be great.
They usually have either 9.5" or 12", so they can definitely make it work.
It might be only sound blindfold chelenge. Tha would be interesting.
Let Danish Pete play the guitars and let blindfolded Lee and Rob listen.
Calls for "Spot the Fender" blindfold challenge
It's actually pretty easy to tell the difference. G&Ls tend to be a bit larger and have a slightly hotter sound to 'em.
@@iwiggs6870 but what if the one tha's gonna guess blindfolded isn't the one playing? 🤔
Now you have my attention...
I Wiggs glad that you mentioned this, as when Lee played the green/blue strat type I did feel that it had a warmer tone than regular single coil strats?!
wowowowowowow. that. yes
G&L's production guitars are what everybody else's custom shop guitars are. I own one, and have owned a few. Bought my first in 1988. Still own it. Amazing guitar! G&L fan for life here.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
As guitarist who has owned American Fender's and G&L's. I can honestly say that G&L's are AMAZING guitars. For less than the price of an equally equipped American Fender, G&L gives you custom shop quality. Once you try them side by side you'll hear and feel the difference immediately.
You are absolutely right. The USA G&L guitars are superb.
dont get me wrong, i love fenders, but it seems that one leo left fender, the brands he had a finger in did fantastic stuff, music man guitars are fantastic that i cant put down, and G&L stuff is magical
I’ve never had a US model. I’ve had a Comanche I bought for $115 and their strat I paid $200 for and they were both Indonesian models. They both played and sounded great
Both Your Playing is Really Super! Tone For Dayz! Awesome Machines' and Thank You For The Great Background Knowledge Also 🎸 I Never New How Tremendously Made and Priced These Beauties Actually Were and Are Still! ✌
SQUIRE LOVA You have been misinformed. G&L let you spec 7.25", 9.5", and 12" radius necks. If you know what you want get G&L to build it for you. You can spec not only the radius but the depth at 1st and 12th fret within +/- 0.015 tolerance. Not too mention, wood types, tuners, and so on.... However, don't think of G&L as Fender replacements - they are completely different instruments and owning both makes sense. I had G&L build my S-500 and Legacy to my specs and both of them are magnificent guitars.
I started playing G&L ten years ago and won't play anything else now. I don't care what anyone says. They are Amazing instruments!!!!
What a type do you prefer from g&l?
agreed my next guitar may be an s 500 vintage white
Edge is that you? I thought your sig was a Strat?
Agreed!
Two months ago a friend of mine played my 2002 Legacy. Asked if he could borrow it for a gig, then brought it back and asked if I would sell it. No way. He then sold his custom ordered Custom Shop Strat and bought an off the shelf USA Legacy at a local music shop and still blathers on about how how much he loves it and used the extra money to buy a new Fender amp.
That's amazing.
Always been a fan of G&L. And today they have a complete review they deserves from Andertons.
I have paid for and own 16 electric guitars. My most recent is my G&L ASAT Classic Bluseboy in natural. A semi-hollow body telecaster with an "f" hole and two chambers, that weighs 6.1 lbs. I play her morning, noon and night. I play her all night while in bed-every time I wake up I play her until I fall back asleep. My wife does not complain. It sounds so good acoustically! Finally my quest is met. Very good quality, everything is right and she sounds great.
Do you have any idea how good it feels to finally have the right guitar? - Peter age 71
Rob is playing my model, except in Blue at 3:19!
I own several G&L USA guitars and this is without a doubt the most balanced and informative review I have seen from any retailer - it even got the history correct [something most don't] Absolutely nothing to critique in this video - well done Lee and Rob.
tdunster2011
Is Chapman guitars gonna have a spin off brand now called R & L?? Hmmm
Chappers and Capt. C+C Music Factory guitars?
G&l tributes are as good or even better than Usa fenders custom shop ???
G&L makes unbelievable guitars, even their import range is good. Classic guitars, and a few with electronics that make them sound a lot bigger than a fender, but wit the fender vibe. Also in the US you can get one from the factory with whatever options you would like for much less than a custom shop guitar.
@G. V. Quinn For a couple of years now, the pickups on the Tribute models have been made at the Cort factory in Indonesia to G&L specs. I don't know about the other components...
G&L F-100 was the First with Leo's Pre-Amped Humbuckers Similar to Leo's Music Man Stig-Ray Pick-Ups, Dale Hyatt Hired Me in Sept. 1980 I worked in Finishing with John Quarterman! They were a Great First Line Guitar Trem or Hardtail Then the L-1000 and L-2000 Basses. Leo Used to Get Behind You with His Jewelers Glasses On! Very Strict Quality Control! It was a Fun Place to Work and be Part of History!
I've been a fan of G&L for a long time and have always felt like they didn't get the respect they deserve. They are really nice guitars.
Nothing compares to my G&l asat classic... I’ve tried every tele made on the face of the earth and nothing compares
My wife bought me a G&L S-500 in 1987 and I’ve love it ever since! It was even one Leo had his hands on. 🇺🇸👍🙋♂️🖖🏻
you forgot the tone controls. treble and bass rolloff in stead of standard tone controls.
And likely they have both the treble and bass dimed on those legacy's. That's not quite a strat sound - you don't need to max the treble/bass on the G&L like the tone controls on a strat. It's like having an EQ and maxing out all of the dials...what's the point?
They also forgot to mention what the switch did. It turned the bridge PUP on all the time so you could have bridge / neck and all three including the standard 5 way. It is similar to the David Gilmour mod.
@kevin paul halliday calm down old man
@@Buzzdog1971 They did mention that they would have to consult the manual to see what the switch does. Thats very unprofessional imo. They should have been better prepared.
In High School(1984-87) our schools music program provided G&L guitars and basses and Music Man amps for Jazz Band and Music studies students. Holy hell thank you admin for once!
I had a G&L F100 that was made in the first week of production. I was going to GIT and thought that there was a short in the wiring because it made a clicking sound when I didn't have my hands on the guitar while switching pickups. I went down on a Saturday and Dale Hyatt greated me at the door and while we were looking at my guitar, Leo walked up and picked it up, looked at the bridge and said, this one was built in the first week of production. Set it back down and walked back to his office. I was in awe. Great guitar.
The blue ASAT that Rob is playing is outrageous! I want one just like that one!
Me too. I already own a Comanche and ASAT deluxe with HBs. With that said, I want an ASAT that is identical to the blue one that Rob was gushing over.
I know Lee is the owner of the business but it really seems like he cares and knows about the products he sells. Love G&L guitars too. Good video
g&l the best kept secret in the guitar world
Not with the prices now.
I'm in the market for one. Either a tribute or special. I've been playing only on a Les Paul up to now and want a Fender tele type.
@@outsiderdflowball people with cash offers. Works everytime. Got a G&L Asat classic deluxe USA w locking tuners in metallic tangerine w matching headstock for $1000. Just said “got 1k cash. It’s what I can come up with but I’d come right now and take really good care of it.” N then ya get a mint guitar for bout 1/2 retail. If not less.
@@jacobmcvay123sad but true, g&l have resale value nor guarantee, most local listings are reposted since no one really buys them
@@jacobmcvay123this is so true! Just recently got a Fullerton deluxe asat special for $560.
Odd that you guys did the whole video and didn't mention the PTB system. It's something that's pretty unique to G&L, and honestly, it's a pretty useful feature. The ability to dial out some bass is really useful on boomy amps or even in some situations with the MFD pickups. Would've also liked to see you cover the S500 and the ASAT special (with the Jazzmaster-like wide range MFD pickups).
Reverend guitars has something similar.
@@themikeaustin reverends filter doesn't cut as much bass, compare the caps on the schematics. And g&ls been doing this for years yet every good demo misses this, while every terrible sounding one doesn't. Drives me wild as an affictionado
The mini switch on the the Comanche gives you the neck and bridge in positions 1 and 5,all 3 pups in positions 2 and 4 then just the middle pup in position 3. The controls are vol.,treble cut and bass cut.
Marissa Paternoster of 'Screaming Females' always uses them. She's my favorite guitarist.
She owns two of them and that is all she plays. She is a killer player though.
Yep S-500s, a black one and a natural wood one that she has had since she was a girl.
She is an amazing guitarist and in my top 3 of all time. I go to see this band every time they are within a few hour drive of me.
I bought a first year G&L SB-1 bass when Leo was still walking the floors of the G&L shop / factory. Awesome bass.
About 20 years ago I bought a sunburst G&L S-500 with the big MFD pickups. Since 1965 I have gone though many Strats and strat style guitars, but I haven't had the desire for another similar style guitar since. It is still in mint condition. My death metal playing grandson calls it my "jazz guitar" when he asks to play it. These are fantastic feeling guitars (like top of the line custom shop work) and the pickups sound like high output P90s. Some people say the big MFDs are noisy, but I haven't had that experience in a 90 year old house. I play it through an Ashdown Peacemaker 40 or a Roland 80 Cube into a 2x12 Vintage 30 cab. It also sounds great through my Oahu Sunshine amp (by Valco) from the 50s. Some day I would like to save the money to add an ASAT with the big MFDs, but until then I have the BEST of one iconic style of electric guitar. The third time was certainly a charm for George and Leo.
How do you keep a guitar over 20 years old mint ? My USA S500 is three years old, needs a refret and has finger / wear marks all over the edges of the neck. These things are for playing not looking at. I hope there's nothing stopping you from playing yours.
@@tdunster2011 I take care of my instruments and I have lots: guitars, basses, dobros, steel guitars, violins, mandolins, keys, drums. But when it comes to strat style guitars the g&l is the best. Right now I'm into a Cordoba GK Pro, a Les Paul Slash & a Fender Dual Pro steel guitar.. That's how they stay mint.
39MercFlathead I can't understand how you can rate a guitar so highly that's effectively never been played in 20 years. If it was that good you'd play it more. Regardless of how many other instruments you own. If it's a 3 bolt S500 sell it too me and I'll show it the good times it deserves :0) - or give it to your grandson to enjoy,
I've got a Custom Shop '61 Candy Apple Red Fender Stratocaster and a 1991 G&L Commemorative Leo Fender 1909-1991 ASAT Classic. The G&L leaves the Strat behind, it has a beautiful maple neck and she plays so well. Such a beautiful guitar.
That blue tele with the f-hole is just incredible.
Gotta love an ASAT Bluesboy.
Have a G&L Legacy I had special made. I have played Stratocasters most of my life and have owned some of the nicest deluxe strats and the G&L is in a league of its own. Still own a 62 reissue Strat and love it but doesn’t play nearly as good as the Legacy. Really have admired Leo and George for not giving up and their contribution to the electric guitar. Awesome!!
Yes it's 50-cycle hum in Europe - our mains power is at 50 Hz, US mains power is at 60 Hz. The hum is because the AC current flowing around all over the place creates an electromagnetic field that the pickups pick up (that's their job!). Humbuckers do pick this 'hum' up, but the two coils pick it up in opposite polarities and it cancels out. Presumably, those z-stagger pickups are actually two separate pickups - just like a humbucker - except that rather than each pickup covering all six strings, each one only covers three.
Is this similar to what's going on with a P Bass pickup?
@@ChrisFranklyn - it looks like it, yes. Fender describe the p-bass pickup set (which is two separate objects) as a "split-coil humbucker", which would fit with that being the same as this. The wiring diagram shows the two coils wired in series, just like they are on a PAF-style pickup. So, almost certainly yes.
Nailed it!
Proud owner of a 1992 G&L L-2000 here... Simply love that bass!!!
The toggle switch on the Comanche gives you access to the other pickup combinations that you don’t get with a conventional 5-way switch on its own: i.e. it allows you to access bridge and neck pickups together and all three pickups on at the same time. I believe if you’re in position 1 or 5 and you switch in that switch that gives you bridge and neck together and if you’re in position 2 or 4 and activate the switch it gives you all pickups on. In position 3 (middle pickup) it doesn’t do anything.
This is something that G&L seem to do quite a lot... I have a three pickup ASAT which has the same switching activated by a push-pull pot rather than a separate toggle.
I think the s500 has the same configuration too
Exactly!
I've got a Carvin/Kiesel pickguard (and pickups) in my American Standard Strat, has the same switch/feature, pretty handy.
I believe Leo took what he had learned from the P-Bass pickup and used it in the Z pickups.
You guys seemed really baffled by those split coil pickups on the comanche . Basses have had split coil pickups to cancel hum for... well, the late 50's when Fender replaced the single coil on the P bass with the now iconic split coil.
I will say though, I've never seen them on a guitar before, and it looks and sounds pretty awesome!
I was thinking that they reminded me of P bass pickups.
FWIW - I bought an F100e (active) around 1980 on impulse. A friend who ran a local guitar shop cornered me with “have I got just the thing for you” I traded some stuff in for it and never looked back. was playing top40 covers at the time 6x/week and needed a guitar that could parrot a Strat, a Les Paul, etc etc. Played about 2500 4-hr bar gigs on that guitar and still have it. So under-appreciated, everything G&L does is better fit and finish than the equiv Fender. The trem system is flawless - I punished it and never had any tuning problems.
All great guitars. The Comanche stole the show ! Fantastic sounding pups.
Have had my G&L Asat Classic for years, great guitar. People don't know that the original machines used to make fenders in the 50's and 60;s were bought by George and are used at the G&L factory still today. They also plek their instruments for the American made guitars.
I have several US G&L's. Makes me happy to see Andertons slinging them now. Still made on Fender Avenue here in Fullerton. @19:49 that is not an ASAT Special - it's the ASAT Classic with regular sized MFD's - the Special has jumbo MFD's that are similar to Jazzmaster pickups. MFD's are ceramic as well which likely adds to the warmth. The PTB system on the Legacy/S-500/Commanche is something that should be on every guitar.
Back in the early 80s I was just a punk kid looking to buy my first guitar, thought I wanted a fender strat. but then the salesperson shows me the G&L F100 Series 1, and been playing that out and in and didn't understand then the gem I had acquired. Hearing 40 years later the G&L is considered a collectors item makes me smile. I would never sell it no matter, its like... part of me now. But I smile since even punk kids sometimes get lucky.
Sound Like Alice In Chains BY busting the bank maybe? cos andertons are now stocking G&L which was not done last time?
and hopefully they'll get the £700+ G&L Rampage
They've got the Jerry Cantrell signature Rampage on the website.
I've been begging for that video for a very long time now. I'm glad someone else shares my obsession with his playing and absolutely HUGE sound
I'm going to pull the trigger and get the rampage
Do it! I have one and it is incredible! The tone is out of this world and it feels amazing to play AIC stuff on it!
@@linnet12dd Go for it! Post a video of it if possible
I've got 35 guitars, amongst them a Comanche and a Asat Korina. They are my best instruments, they feel and sound 'complete', mature and very warm. They hold their tuning (no locking tuners needed) and don't mind traveling. Can't reccomend them enough!
Do you like the Comanche, ASAT or Legacy better?
sweet mother of god the sound of that blue telecaster is just amazing.
Someone else said this in the comments but I wanted to add to it. As musicians, most of us are always selling gear on the usual (Reverb/eBay/Gumtree) sites to fund our next guitar/amp/modeller and I agree that that market would not favour the G&L like it would Fender. If this is your first guitar maybe look at a Fender but if you are adding to your collection G&L is a no brainer.
I’ve had three G&L guitars! My first was an ultra rare 83 G200 with back routed controls. George Gruhn later reported that there were only 12 of those... Crap! Then I got my 1982 L-2000E active bass which I still own. Bought it new in 1990. It hung on the Music store wall for 8 years!!! I later purchased a 98 Asat III, Asat with Strat style pickup configuration. Loved that guitar but the neck was very thin so I traded it. Still have my bass though! Always loved G&L! Been with them from their beginning days thank to a small town music store that gave them a shot! Thanks for the great review! They are highly underrated! Especially the basses!
I love that you are doing this. I am a G&L fan. I decided long ago that I did not want a Fender mostly because everyone and their mother's uncle has one. But I did want an example of most types of guitars, particularly a Strat and a Tele, so ergo I wanted a Fender. How do I get a Fender when I don't want a Fender? Then I discovered G&L. Then I learned their story! G&L is the perfect answer for me! I have a Comanche and an ASAT (both Indo but great sounding and a little luthier work on the ASAT really made it fantastic!) I want G&L to grow and succeed, so thank you for supporting that!
I really want a Doheny.
Oh and just for everyone to knows, G&L has locking tuners. They are drop-ins on American made G&L guitars and will fit Indonesian guitars with a small screw hole mod. The G&L trem has good stability but the locking tuners will naturally increase that (as on mast any trem equipped guitar.)
Years ago i just wanted to hear Rob, but lately the Captains play is so tasteful!
Cheers to both.
Neglected to mention that the dual fulcrum bridge is a floating bridge. I don't think all your viewers would assume this. It stays in tune better than any floating bridge I've tried.
The G&L Guitars are probably the most underrated brand out there and used ones sell in the US in $300-400 range that's a LOT of guitar for the price. The only caveat is they don't hold their price the way USA fenders do so I would get a used one. Big thanks to you guys for a great review and a bit of the history behind these superb instruments.
Tributes made in Indonesia sell for 300 to 400, not the Usa made ones.
The mini toggle allows neck/bridge or all three pickups to be used. And with the Z coils the bottom three poles are reverse wound to the top three poles which cancels most of the hum. All in all the Comanche is an extremely versatile guitar. I was lucky enough to find one they built for the NAMM show.
the fretboard on that green start lee's holding is effing beautiful
I’d never heard of G&L until I fell in love with Alice In Chains all over again a few months ago, and discovered that Jerry Cantrell has used one for years. Now, it is my life’s goal to buy his signature model. Thanks for the awesome video guys, as always! 🤘
Andy of ProGuitarShop always played a G&L
"I'm playing a G&L legacy into a 65 amps soho"
Derek Zurovetz Engraved in (dear) memory.
The memoriessss
ProGaiuitarShop was an early retailer of G&L. Sadly, they no longer sell guitars and may not even be in business...
@@themikeaustin They don't exist anymore, their founder died (very sad). Andy now has his own channel at Reverb's.
The electric 12 was the last guitar that Leo designed for fender, that had split z like coils didn’t it. Leo never stopped trying to make things better. That natural Comanche is lovely!
That blue thinline looked AMAZING.
No doubt, I want to know the spec's on that one in particular.....
G&L’s have been under represented in the US for years! The players who love them really do love them, myself included but to the larger world they are still fairly unknown. I don’t know how much better guitars can be made, but those are great. Thanks for taking a risk, and with all of the videos thanks for posting them!!
I lost it when Rob put his mug away
The trick is to try find the mug in our other videos...
I own a 1982 L-2000E and a 1981 L-1000. They're the best built production line basses I've ever played.
The Asat Deluxe and Rampage are great instruments!
23:45 probably my favorite chappers and the captain moments when he lets loose on the gain and then "Probably a bit too much gain there" lol
To all you friends across the pond: buy G&L. You will NOT be disappointed.
I purchased my new G&L L-1000 in 1982 and it’s still going strong. Every thing about it is nearly perfect (except cosmetically cuz it’s been play A LOT).
My G&L is the best guitar I've ever had. That's not hyperbole. It really is the best guitar I have ever had.
I was reacting to the tone of the Comanche early on and was glad to see Chappers give it some love. The Captain's chops took on something new as well. That guitar has a certain smokey chime that might require a different mix of guitars and amps to really stand out...Oh and what is going on with that 2nd switch is in the 2 & 4 position it gives you the 1st and 3rd pickup. It might give you all three somewhere else, not sure.
Is it just me or the mic for the intro in the store is a binaural ? If is it, I think it's a good attention to detail for the video quality guys ! Always very good content
It did sound a little different yeah. They usually have both of them sound from your left and right through panning* prbly, but this sounded a little different
I welcome the change too. The panning is enjoyable.
Personally I found the panning a little extreme. Considering they were standing next to each other through headphones it was a little weird.
I worked at the Fullerton Ca Fender compound in '73 when I was 18. It was just after Leo sold to CBS. I own a '17 FSR HSS Strat. G&L Tele might be next. Great stuff guys!
@14:29 How funny wouldn't it have been if Pete had jumped in to the shot and started playing... :)
G&L basses are particularly impressive. I have an L2500 and it can do anything. Top-notch build quality, intuitive electronics, fantastic tone! Also worth noting - amazing paint options! The best transitions in the burst finishes that I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning!
If u want to sell these, have pete and chris buck demo them
They should really have Pete demo all guitars no matter the manufacturer. He's the best player Andertons have at their disposal by miles.
Every time they have a coffee cup "break" or "disappearing" gag it cracks me up.
Best instruments Ive ever played!
That U2 album joke had me on the floor... ir was so seamlessly delivered
Can we have a demo of these done by Pete please :-)
Recently bought a Legacy. I chose the neck and body woods, the finish, the pickguard type and color, the nut type, locking tuners, the neck radius, the knob style, and the type of frets. Total cost: $1249, including a G&G case and shipping. For what is essentially a custom-shop guitar.
Starting in the store again, nice:)
Own 3 USA G&L basses (2 L2Ks fretted and fretless & LB100) and after owning many basses, including 4 Musicmans, for me G&L is one of the best kept secrets in the guitar industry. It's not so much how they sound when your jamming at home alone, but when your onstage with a whole team of musicians (especially in a Worship setting) is when they really shine. They just have a cut and presence that sits very well in the mix. All 3 of my basses are seasoned veterans and they all have held up very well over the years. They'll always be my Go-to basses and if i'm on the market for a new bass, they'll be the first I look to.
when lee picks up a guitar i always expect him to play that same lick lol
I'm a Brit with a Strat (Am Sp), a Tele (Am Std), a Casino, a Dot-335, & a G&L Tribute ASAT Bluesboy (Semi-Hollow, like the one Rob demos at 17:15). The G&L, which I picked up earlier this year, is easily my favourite. Tele at the bridge, Gretsch in the middle, Gibson at the neck. And the neck is to die for. Fabulous guitar.
And the Tribute series all use the same pots & pickups as the MIA G&Ls. :)
C'mon Cap'n use the MFD equipped S500s and maybe an ASAT Special
Ted Schoenling the s500 is a fucking MONSTER, I love mine....... What a versatile instrument....
I walked into a guitar shop on Hilton Head island in the states (turned out to be a G&L dealer) looking for a used Telecaster. I walked out with a G&L ASAT (Baja Green 2017) USA with a black case for a grand. It is easily one of my best guitars. This is like a commercial video but I like how it is presented and the nuggets that are offered are all true. Long time watcher first time poster. Thanks for all the videos guys!
It sounded to me like the entire way through you were trying not to say, “If you have a grand these are a better guitar than a Fender”. For business reasons of course you can’t come out and say that - this is a promotional channel after all not an independent review site - and some people may be after the sound of a specific pickup, but it does seem to be the case that Leo-designed guitars made in the original Fender factory by some of the original employees in small numbers are good. Like, you know, those Leo-designed guitars made in the original Fender factory by those same employees in small numbers used to be.
nah, Lee has come out and said what's a good value and what's not and promoted some products over others that were more a expensive price many times on this channel.
He came as close as he could to saying that, without actually saying it
I own several because I think that they are as good as it gets basically. Beautiful and their sound is wonderful. They are built to last a lifetime. They are the real deal ! They are the most underrated guitars 🎸 in the World ! You just can’t make a mistake No may which one you get ! They should be more than a Fender !
A high end G&L will kill any fender in my opinion. People just love the fender name
Agree.
Its the headstock. If it had a Pre-CBS fender headstock. No one bat an eye
I bought a brand new 1995 G&L Legacy Special back in, well, 1995. It has the original 3 bolt neck, rosewood fretboard, and the rail humbuckers that came standard on it. Sperzel locking tuners. The Floating Vibrato stays in tune. I remember having one of my sons friend over who was a real heavy metal guy and he poohed poohed it... Until he plugged it into my Musicman RD65, clicked on the Boss Heavy Metal Pedal and found he could play everything a lot better and get those strong sounds that he loved so well. ... He just sort of stared at me with a blank look as his misconceptions fell away..... I still own and play it....
"M.F.D...Mother F'n Dense Pickups..." - Rob Chapman
Coenie Ackermann yeah he was in the middle possitive with a low gain fuzz and it was brittle as FUCK
Finally. I really hope G&L starts getting the recognition they deserve. Quality and tone are superior.
I have USA G&L strat, love it to death. It gets no respect...untill people here it and play it then it is a different story
G and L is a great brand. Fender gives you a warts and all style of instrument. G and L makes improvements imho. The bridge and saddles are superior. They stay in tune better. The finishes are great also. They feel and sound different to a Fender
Next time G&L basses? They're offer so much versatility for the money.
The extra toggle switch on the comanche "resets" the 5-way switch as follows:
Positions 1 and 5: neck and bridge
Positions 2 and 4: all three pickups
Position 2: middle pickup.
G&L versus Fender blindfold challenge?
that's difficult because the G&L has treble and base tone controls, both labeled tone, so easy to confuse with Fender treble roll off for the two pickups. wide range of tones available. And you can dial in a Strat tone, but from the tone at the start of the video, maybe not that easy for the Captain HaHa
you could build a machine that wraps pickups with a little variation to it. Just add a little noise to the position of the wire/robot-hand as it wraps. Old machines probably didn’t have enough articulation for this... eh?
I went to the Andertons store and Lee touched me in a funny place. I said 'Please, Mr Andertons, don't touch my f-hole!' and he replied 'Take it, pretty boy!' I didn't want to make a fuss about it in the store, bought a fuzz pedal instead and went home.
Show me on this guitar where Mr Anderton touched you!
Anonymous #MeToo
Did he insert his jack?
😲😲😲😲
He fiddled my knobs and tickled my neck.
Thanks Rob, I thought the Comanche was an afterthought. Nope, it’s a beast.
I like g&ls more than fender for everything except resale value
if you buy used however ;-) . . .
But you'll never want to sell it anyway lol
Yeah, they are a buy to keep guitar
Which makes them the best value second hand guitars.
people just dont know any better i will never understand the reason why they dont keep value like fender
A mate of mine bought a G&L back from the USA at the back end of the 90's. It's definitely a nuffin' fancy sort of machine but in the absolute best way possible. Very familiar, very comfortable and absolutely solid. One of the most tour-suitable guitars I've ever seen.
I think I have payed andertons in youtube adds enough to get one of them is guitars
I worked for John McClaren in Huntington beach back in 89, till 92. It was G and L and BBE Sound. Awesome company, and great products! The 24 k Anniversary guitar is so sick!!
Based on cosmetics and feel, the comfort cut on the back of the G&L is a nicety most Telecasters don’t have. And it makes sense the headstock isn’t identical because of Fender trademark, but the Tele head always looked to me like a deformed foot. I’m glad the G&L isn’t styled like that
Thanks again, guys, and hello from our new channel! 🙏 #glguitars