Why G&L?
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- čas přidán 9. 09. 2024
- For Guitar Nerds Only!! OK, nerd-curious works too.
In 2018, I visited the G&L Musical Instruments factory in Fullerton, California for the first time. I was immediately won over by the people, the place, the GUITARS of course... and the ever-present spirit of Leo Fender, which seems to permeate every inch of the campus on Fender Avenue (as it should). All guitarists respect the storied G&L brand... but this was different. This was LOVE.
This is the first, and most definitely not the last, of a series of videos about the gear I use to make my music. I’m sure I will come up with a catchy title for the series and other details for future iterations... but for now, here it is: WHY G&L?
Please hit ‘Like’ on the video and ‘Subscribe’ on the channel, and if you want to be notified of future creations, hit the little ‘Bell’ that keeps you up to date!
Thanks so much for checking it out.
Onwardz,
JB
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#gandl #gandlguitars #leofender #georgefullerton #electricguitar
I'm 74 and play Blues both bass and guitar pro. I own many G&L's, I live 14 miles from the factory. G&L is Fender, always will be. Peace Long live G&L
I have a S-500, Asat Bluesboy and a Legacy. For the Build Quality and the price point, you can't find a guitar that compares to these Guitars. Awesome Guitars👍 if you want a Fender, buy a G&L.
Well said!
Do you prefer your Legacy or the S-500?
It really depends. The Legacy is the one for really traditional 50s/60s Strat vibes. S-500 gives you a thicker full-range tone, great with distortion, and feels a bit more like an ‘all in one’ guitar to me. I also love the Comanche; if I could only have one G&L that might be it.
Yup
I visited in 2009 when I took my family to Disneyland. G&L is only like 2 miles from there, so I figured why not? The gate was open and the back bay doors so I pulled up my minivan and proceed to chat with the staff and look at the process. They had no issues with me being there at all. Way smaller than people would imagine and until 2018 it was basically a custom shop with most guitars being built-to-order. It was amazing to spend some time there on Fender Avenue.
I love going to G&L. The smell of sawdust, the room full of ladies winding pickups, Leo Fender's original workshop... magical!
I would use a Disneyland trip only as an excuse to visit g&l !
He's right, G&L pickups are spot on. No reason to change them out.
This video is insane quality. Damn good work
@Zechariah Benton I’ll certainly check that out.
Thanks so much!
I love my G&L ASAT classic Telle. it's a tank. it just feels solid and sturdy and ready for anything.
Cool vid, man. G&Ls rule! I love them. ⚡️🔥⚡️
I bought myself a vintage 1990 Skyhawk and I'm SO in love! It has the 3 saddles on the back and pickups probably made by Leo himself
Thanks for the demos, just picked up a new Comanche USA shipped right from Fender ave, how cool.
I have a March 1982 S-500 (1st month) with Leo’s initials next to inspected by inside the guitar. It’s a lacquer clear over ash with the Skyhawk body shape. And the old school / early MFDs that are rectangular and crinkle coat metal pickguard
Damn that's awesome to have Leo's initials inside!
Dangit! I need more money now! You’re the perfect spokesperson for G&L, anything really. Yes, the enthusiasm IS contagious. Subscribed.
Thanks man!
Nice video. Thanks.
I just recently bought a G&L JB bass. I been a Fender PBass player since 1975. This is my 1st Jazz Bass. So glad I went for the G&L. I'm on a new mission learning the Jazz Bass and G&L made it fun.
Oh, I really Dug that Strat sound. Being I have a few good Tele's and one 1980 Strat, I see I am going to be adding another. 🙂
Awesome video and so true 🤘🔥
Have 2 of them they are great guitars
I hope today's G&Ls are as good as my 1981 G-200, cause that is an amazing instrument, hands down punches above it's weight in every way. Sound, feel, quality, tone, playability, comfort, versatility, and most of all its got the mojo
Rare & Excellent!
Thanks for the post, loved this video and your demo, great playing! Would love to visit there one day, now I can't wait for my S500 custom build to arrive!! Thanks again
Oooh cool! What are the specs?
@@JB_Eckl It's greenburst with a matching headstock, ebony fretboard, pearl block inlays, bound neck, with a saddle lock bridge (never been one for trem) what do you think?
@@dougquaid4745 Sounds incredible. You will love it!
@@JB_Eckl
Just to let you know it arrived a few days ago and the music store which I ordered it from informed me that the neck fit and finish were absolutely diabolical, the Frets were sticking out, the nut was not even glued in properly and the binding looked stained and rough. I specified an ebony fretboard with block inlays and binding that would have meant a bit more attention to detail, in this case it had the opposite effect!
To say I am bitterly disappointed is an understatement. The order was already delayed 5 months on the day I was expecting it to add insult to injury.
Just now awaiting to hear what was discussed between the dealer (in the uk) and g&l.
This has seriously knocked my confidence in their build quality, its hard to believe this passed the quality control and was shipped, just glad the dealership told me rather than try and get their tech to put it right and rejected it.
Seriously thinking about a Kenny wayne shepherd strat now or just sticking to my Les Paul.
Just thought you may want to know, I don't think I am ginger to wait another year considering I have almost $2.5k or about £2.100 already paid upfront.
Thanks again for the video, makes it even more depressing watching now.
Loving it!!! Cool edits 😉
Damn, JB.
There's some sweet tones and groovy clips here -)
I have a US ASAT classic and it’s one of the finest instruments I’ve played, the pickups sound incredible, so clear and beautiful, the neck has a p90
Really enjoyed this video! I bought an ASAT last month (after wanting one for years), and I'm so happy.
Which one did you get?
@@JB_Eckl ASAT Classic Semi-Hollow (so light compared to my Fender Tele)
@@haymakersboston My favorite!
I've always loved G&L because for me the company always embodied Leo Fender's creative imagination unleashed. He was no longer hampered by the corporate malarky of CBS. Also, pickups are big, big deal for me, and G&L pickups are some of the finest pickups ever produced. Leo always wanted to pioneer, to keep it fresh. I wish I still had my Fallout, but I will get another along with an ASAT and more of their fine instruments. Their offsets and strat designs are amazing.
I've still got a few Fender Teles, but my Fullerton Deluxe ASAT Classic made me LOVE the Tele!
Later, I got a USA Legacy HSS in trade. Last thing I thought I needed was yet another Strat, but of course my Legacy is absolutely amazing and does everything well.
They both absolutely reek of exceptional quality.
I love my S500, you get an awesome palette of sounds while playing with tone and volume controls on the S500 which are nothing like a strat. Not talking about using a tube (pre)amp (heaven), but just plug it in anything and you're already blown away with how it sounds.... (Nothing like a strat where I cry when I have to plug directly in the mixing console).
One of the best-kept secrets in the guitar world.
You had me at “this requires a bagel”
I have a 96 honeyburst Ash Legacy Special. The blade pickups are great, but I swapped them out for Duncan single-coil sized 59s and JBs (the Jr's) and a Silver Lace Sensor in the middle and out of phase with the buckers. That thing screams!!! The neck/bridge and 3 pick up combos are awesome and the TBP had become and indispensable part of my playing. I'll never part with it.
You rock dude!!
Rocking a keffiyeh and a G&L. My kind of dude!
QUALITY BABY
I just got my hands on a Tribute S-500. It's the first Strat style guitar I've really bonded with.
I bought a new G&L Legacy Special in ~1997. I have been very satisfied with it.
Walked into a friends cousins music store in '81 ( i was 16) to leave w a guitar and saw the G&L f-100. Strat w humuckers and a whammy bar, Leo's new creation!? Still have it and every player who plays it wants it. If your a Leo fan or a Les Paul fan read the book "The Birth of Loud".. Learn about the "arms(loud)" race going on and the competition back then. Leo(kinda genius) was more of a fan than a business man.. wish there more of those. world be a better place.
Thanks, JB, and hello from our new channel! 🙏
One of my absolute favorite guitars is my '87 SuperHawk.
I've never laid hands on one of those!
I git an Asat here a few months back its all I have played since
Nice one brotha - this is the enthusiasm I have been preaching to all my friends about G&L for years since I got my first ASAT Special. Jumbo MFDs FTW 🤘
There’s no going back! I’m a sucker for the G&Ls.
My CLF Doheny V12 is the best sounding and playing guitar I have ever owned or played. Beats them all, names taken but not mentioned!- so versatile and so well crafted.
Great video, love your other stuff. Learned the funky parts. You ought to do lesson tutorials. Got great stuff. G&L are great guitars. I have a one or three
Noice! I wonder if these have made their way north yet. L&M here I come.
Yep! This Canadian's been enjoying George and Leo goodness since 2014, with a SB-2T (special with an added tone pot). Its a bass that growls, thumps and zoinks (add a bit more of that bridge single Mother F D!), whatever you need to hold the band together, and it plays like liquid. DR PureBlues were made for this bass. And I ordered my bass just as I wanted it. Who does that for you? G&L.
Lovely video! I've been interested in giving them a try, I've never played one.
I always liked the distinctive LOGO of the s 500, but don't seem to be on all of them?
Thanks for that. I have a Fallout.
Ive been rocking G&Ls since the early 90s. I own... 6 as of now. I use to own 8 but tough financial times = me having to sell a few. My favorites are my 1981 F-100 and 1982 S-500. Thanks for the video and maybe people will understand what a G&L is now. Im shocked when people who dont know Leo was involved with G&L say "Strat rip off". HAHA Leo ripping himself off ey ? lol. But the guitars that G&L made and make imho are MUCH better than Fenders.
Years ago, I bought an 80s S-500 on eBay - which back then, was more like the modern-day Skyhawk shape. I could tell from the ad that some rocket scientist decided to put a Kahler on it - but it was cheap, and I was already a fan of G&L (I owned a Tribute ASAT Special and wanted a USA model). What I didn't realize until it arrived was that the pickup covers said "Seymour Duncan" on them. I was so mad, and eventually let it go as it was pretty unimpressive (likely due to the boneheaded mods), using the money from the sale to by a 1999 USA ASAT Classic, which I still own and cherish - the best T-style guitar I've ever played. I also have a Tribute Legacy that is really amazing for an import "value" series guitar. I'm not sure I'll ever buy another Fender-branded Strat or Tele. REALLY want an Espada with the split-coil pickups.
I'd love to tour the shop. Jealous.
i love my legacy maybe i will get an american s 500 white
We need more “ on the street Jb” ;)
I’ve played many guitars both good and bad by many guitar makers. I’ve played bad Fenders, I’ve played bad Gibsons, etc. etc. I’ve never played a bad G&L. I’ve owned 4 and recently sold one, but it was still a good one, the other three just made it unnecessary.
I get it. When you see the factory and the way they’re made, it’s very hand-on, small batch, personal. The attention to detail is pretty incredible. I’m up to 7 or 8 at this point… yikes
G&L early 1980s SC-3 here! 😎🎸
And you didn’t even mention the locking fixed bridge, and the floating bridge, both of which are an improvement over the fender designs.
JB, you’re a bad influence! 😂 I just got back from Sweetwater (3 hours one way). I wouldn’t have considered a G & L, but because of this video I checked them out. I was also looking at Charvel, but the ruby red Fullerton Deluxe Legacy HB was a clear winner. It is now in my den establishing dominance over the other guitars in the pack.
Sorry! Hahaha
Leo was genius, but he didn’t know how perfect he got it right the first time. He was more of an amp guy
I think he was a restless soul, a true tinkerer who couldn’t stop innovating.
Like to get one tele with a chunky net.
I lived so close to the factory for years and I never went there :(
It’s a special place. I’ll probably do a whole video over there on of these days.
I hoped to hear Comanche. Could you kindly make a review?
czcams.com/video/4fmRBM2MneA/video.html
@@JB_Eckl The best review of Comanche ever! I even decided to buy Comanche instead of Fender American strat. Love that fat tone and also like the way you show it!
@@user-bh3rp5kh3j It’s such a killer guitar. Z-coils are the best-kept secret in the pickup world.
Cold neck. Warm arms.
It’s American baddassery
Superior playability, tones, quality and value. Just cant beat them for guitars and basses. Period.
While the legacy, S-500, and ASAT are just strats and teles with better pickups, The Doheny, Espada, and Skyhawk are an evolution of those old fender designs. Bought a Fallout tribute and was blown away by the build quality. Took the plunge and picked up an Espada and it is an unbelievable guitar and the price is an insane bargain.
Better pickups, electronics, and bridges as well. So no, not really the traditional other than looks. The bass and treble tone roll offs across the line make it pretty much not very Fender like unless you want it to be, and that was the point. A guitar that actually can be shaped to the tone you want, and mod on the fly again to another completely different sound.
He looks like he would scream MO POWAH while talking about a toyota supra
I don’t know what that means, but hell yeah MO POWAH!!
Try to resell one!
I'm not selling them, I'm playing them! I think I get your point though
I wouldn't...THAT good
If you could only have one guitar for the rest of your life, would you buy a Legacy or an S-500?
If I didn’t have a good humbucker guitar around and wanted one guitar to do it all, S-500. If I had a Les Paul or a 335 or something already, Legacy for the contrast.
@@JB_Eckl thanks man, appreciate your opinion. I’ve been going back and forth for a while. I’ve never owned a strat style guitar, so I’m leaning towards the Legacy for those classic tones but we’ll see. Those MFD’s do sound great, just not sure if they’ll have the clarity I’m looking for. I do like the warmth of their tones though.
What’s your main guitar?
@@JB_Eckl right now I’m primarily playing acoustic , so it’s a Martin GPC 11. But when I was in a band I played an Epiphone Les Paul primarily with Seymour Duncan 59’s.
I hate that I'm shallow about headstocks. If I weren't, I would have a Heritage and a G&L. But I am, so I don't. LOL
Yeah. All it took for me was to play them a bit and then I got converted. I liked the necks better, the pickups, the controls, the vibrato. I was like ‘headstock, schmedstock.’
Player Plus Strat color style lol
Which? The orange?
I own a G&L Bass and love it. I would not own a G&L guitar. They are IMHO too heavy, aesthetically lacking headstock, hardware and pups among other things. The weight does provide some resonance that people like, and I do to - to a point. Much of that resonance comes at the expense of the nice pop that good wood offers. There’s more to good sound than resonance. And they are pricey for something that doesn’t really overwhelm me to begin with. People always seem to be preaching there awesomeness as though it’s a secret. I think they are well made guitars but not my thang. I do love my bass though. Oddly it’s the lightest G&L I have played.
Interesting assessment. I’ve played a ton of G&Ls over the past few years and would definitely not describe them as uniformly ‘heavy.’ My Comanche is made of empress wood and is the lightest electric guitar I own.
As far as the headstock and hardware go… to each their own I guess, but ‘I would not own a G&L guitar’ does seem a little extreme.
@@JB_Eckl“I’ve played a TON of G&L guitars...” lol I’m not alone in finding G&Ls heavy, in any event it’s just my personal observation. Of course I can’t speak for everyone else’s experience - just my own. I can understand why people love them - as I said I have a G&L Bass that is light alder and a 2 piece maple neck with Rosewood fingerboard. I love it and it does not suffer from the aesthetic issues that I find in their guitars. I have a Fender Baja 60s Tele that provides everything that I want need and desire in a Telecaster. Nice alder body maple neck and Rosewood (pre Pau ferro) fingerboard S-1 switching system and killer pickups and I paid $550. The build quality is excellent, sounds fantastic and looks great. That’s why I can’t own a G&L guitar. Not that they are not cool fine guitars - I just don’t have a need for one - I can get everything I need without sacrificing anything, and at a price that’s much cheaper. Even if I didn’t have the Fender Baja - my feelings would be the same.
@@killereverb3928 All good man. And I admit, I've thought about sticking an S-1 switch in one of these...
@@JB_Eckl If you wanna get your T-Bone Walker on I don’t think you can go wrong with the S-1 Switching System. It provides that perfect nasally tone that’s a fair approximation of an ES-150! I like it anyway. Cheers!
Well, people are not going to risk buying an off-brand simply because you play well.
The risk is too high.
So all the millions of CZcams videos out there really only work for established brands or for cheap brands.
It's really too bad you couldn't actually get valuable information from a CZcams video. But of course the value of free information is always useless.
Off-brand?
Try buying a shitty Fender... well I did, and now I will never go back after experiencing G&L
Please ask someone how to pronounce “chutzpah” properly.
Ack! I knew someone would notice. Come on man, what about the guitars?
Yeah- it’s not pronounced with a “sh” sound. More like “huutspah” lol 😂
I thought that Music man was the last incarnation. Good quality but boy that headstock is ugly !
Haha. Well, the G&L bug is a real thing… once it hits, and you really start getting into the pickups and stuff, the headstock takes on a different meaning. My favorite one of theirs is the fatter one on the Doheny.
@@JB_Eckl 🤝👍
It's just one Jew after another.
Whatever that means
nah