G and L Tribute

odiemann · August 15th, 2006, 09:43 PM

Mark, JWells and company

Man up and tell me what you know about these things. I know I was confused about them via a dealer. What is the real scoop on the wood and electronics?

furrfurrfurr · August 15th, 2006, 09:51 PM

not sure about the wood but the pups are the same as they use in their USA models.

do not be afraid · August 15th, 2006, 10:31 PM

the wood is "swamp ash" on almost everything, but a few model/color combinations are basswood. the pickups and bridges are american made and are the same ones used on their american models, while the other electronics and hardware are asian replicas of those used on their american models.

jwells393 · August 15th, 2006, 10:46 PM

I have some G&Ls but don't have any Tributes. I just visited the G&L website and was looking at the Tributes. It looks like they've taken my suggestion and done something they should have done from the beginning. If the pictures are correct, the new models no longer say "Tribute" on the headstock but rather "G&L" and the model name. That "Tribute" on the headstock has always made me think of them as something akin to a Squier. They're made in Korea. I think Korean guitar craftmanship is excellent.

Found this picture on Ebay. It one of the newer Tributes with the new logo.

...........................

A definite improvement !

Mark Davis · August 15th, 2006, 10:47 PM

They are good guitars the first batch had pot problems but other than that I havent heard amy major complaints.

cvansickle · August 15th, 2006, 10:56 PM

I bought mine right about this time last year. It's a very good guitar. I have the ASAT Classic Semi-Hollow. It must be the best built Korean guitar available.

The wood, metal hardware and construction are tops. The pickups that came with it are the same as the American made models, but I swapped mine with Duncan Broadcaster and Vintage because I thought the stock pickups sounded too sterile - clear and bright, but not enough twang for what I wanted.

The stock pots, switch and wiring were CRAP, however. I replaced these with an RS Guitarworks kit, featuring Hovland capacitors. With that upgrade, the guitar became perfect.

I shopped all models of Fenders and G&Ls in all the price ranges. I couldn't find anything that played better and sounded better than this G&L Tribute, so I figured why pay more?

harlycarly · August 15th, 2006, 11:16 PM

I have a blue burst ASAT Classic and I've gotta tell you it is a great guitar. Beautiful looks, nice sounding and playing and I have had no issues with electronics thus far. These are made in Korea and I have heard that they are made at a G&L factory over there, not by some generic manufacturer. Mine has brass saddles, nice finish, decent wood, MOTS pickguard. The fit and finish was excellent, and the frets are done right, unlike so many new Fenders I pick up at a store to check out. And yes, the "Tribute" is now in very small letters on the headstock under G&L. I am still blown away everytime I play it, and I even hate to add that sorry old "for the money" because it really isn't needed. Compare one to a brand new Fender, regardless of country of manufacture. I think you'll be impressed.

lostpick · August 15th, 2006, 11:34 PM

the highway One sounded like there was a blanket
over the amp compared to the G and L....
G and L = clear and articulate guitar....
some guys think it lacks personality...
but an ASAT is on my wishlist....
8.5 radius...the ole PRS trick???
a scale nobody else does...
correct me if I am wrong on the radius
but those necks are COMFY

Tool user · August 16th, 2006, 12:58 AM

9" radius on the ASATs, 12" on everything else.

sneakyjapan · August 16th, 2006, 04:34 AM

my ASAT is MIJ... we don`t see the MIK line in this city.

roadkillbill · August 16th, 2006, 07:38 AM

+1 to all the positive statements made so far..I love mine--it's a tele shaped guitar, but that's where it ends. It's got a different heft, a unique feeling neck (my fret ends could have been finished a little more completely, IMO), and the best sounding tele pickups I've ever heard, though they're definitely not 'vintage' sounding.

I'm particularly impressed with the pots on mine..better control and tone variances than I have on any other guitar I own. I'm not sure why others have problems with theirs.

Mine's got the huge TRIBUTE across the headstock, but I'll live with it..it's a keeper, and a great guitar to round out a tele collection.

Rich Rice · August 16th, 2006, 10:01 AM

I think they are a very good value, and really nice guitars. Still don't like the headstock, but that's a matter of personal taste. :)

harlycarly · August 16th, 2006, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadkillbill

+1 to all the positive statements made so far..I love mine--it's a tele shaped guitar, but that's where it ends. It's got a different heft, a unique feeling neck (my fret ends could have been finished a little more completely, IMO), and the best sounding tele pickups I've ever heard, though they're definitely not 'vintage' sounding.

I'm particularly impressed with the pots on mine..better control and tone variances than I have on any other guitar I own. I'm not sure why others have problems with theirs.

Mine's got the huge TRIBUTE across the headstock, but I'll live with it..it's a keeper, and a great guitar to round out a tele collection.

I'm curious, Bill. DO you have a classic or a special?

roadkillbill · August 16th, 2006, 08:46 PM

Harlycarly, I've got a classic, at least that's all it says on the headstock to distiguish it. It's sunburst, rosewood neck. I remember reading a lot about them when I bought it, but have forgotten what was 'special' about the special at this point..was it something to do with the quality of the wood on models where the grain shows through?

roadkillbill · August 16th, 2006, 09:06 PM

All right, I just checked the website..the special's got the big surface mounted rectangular pickups. I've always wondered if they sound more or less like the regular tele style ones, but have never been crazy about the way they look.

drjordan · August 16th, 2006, 09:40 PM

I'll chime in with more praises of the Tribute line. All I have played have been great guitars. Anything with "G&L" on the headstock is second to none, IMO.

I hadn't heard until this thread about the Tribute's headstock change. I've wanted a Tribute Asat Special Semi-Hollow and Tribute Legacy for some time now. The superficial side of me had an issue with Tribute written in big bold letters on the headstock.

Now I, superficial side and all, am really going to be GASing for a new Tribute.

harlycarly · August 16th, 2006, 09:45 PM

The Special does have those larger soapbar-like pickups, but to my ears are less traditional tele sounding, hotter for a more rocking sound. To me, the classic has a more tele like tone. I'm not knocking the MFDs on the special, just a different type of sound. I have both and love 'em for different reasons, but feel that the classic is close to that "classic" tele tone.

GLad others here like 'em too.

Sqwerl · August 16th, 2006, 09:57 PM

I have a 96 ASAT Special thats really nice. All white, and slick as butter. Great guitar .

zombywoof · August 16th, 2006, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadkillbill

All right, I just checked the website..the special's got the big surface mounted rectangular pickups. I've always wondered if they sound more or less like the regular tele style ones, but have never been crazy about the way they look.

Yup, the ASAT Classic, which was first made in 1989, has the two traditional Tele size MFD pups.

The ASAT line was started in 1986. The ASAT Special was introduced in 1992All that distinguished it from the ASAT was its chrome hardware and white pup covers. The Special designation was later dropped.

Those soapbar MFD pickups are really very nice if you give them a chance. They can move from some serious twang with the bridge pup to beefy P-90 like tones with the neck pickup. The bottom line is if Leo had not sold the company, you would have Tele's today with the three-bolt microtilt necks and the MFD pickups (and in my opinion, gotta agree with Rich here, a much nicer headtock than that which adorns the G&L)

Rich Rice · August 16th, 2006, 11:18 PM

I really like the sound of the MFD pickups. My son has had several G&L's, and I always thought they sounded great. His girlfriend's brother has one that's really nice, too.

johnny guitar · August 17th, 2006, 01:03 AM

I recently sold an ASAT and and ASAT Tribute, both of which I loved. The only reason I sold is it became apparent to me that the 1-5/8" nut width is too narrow on a slim neck for me. The MFD pups are magical. The ASAT sounded better than the Tribute, no question. There was that extra depth to the sound that you get from better guitars, though I have no idea whence it comes. The Trib sounded a little two-dimensional compared to the ASAT. The Trib still sounded GREAT, though. The Trib was much heavier than my ASAT, and to me that was the most apparent difference in terms of materials. The Tribs are great values, but I think used ASATs are even better values.

odiemann · August 17th, 2006, 10:26 AM

Thanks all for the great responses. I think the ASAT Tribute is well regarded here. I will keep that in mind for futrure reference.

August 15th, 2006, 09:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
odiemann Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Denver Age: 41 Posts: 1,406	G and L Tribute Mark, JWells and company Man up and tell me what you know about these things. I know I was confused about them via a dealer. What is the real scoop on the wood and electronics?

August 15th, 2006, 10:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,211 101 Photos	I have some G&Ls but don't have any Tributes. I just visited the G&L website and was looking at the Tributes. It looks like they've taken my suggestion and done something they should have done from the beginning. If the pictures are correct, the new models no longer say "Tribute" on the headstock but rather "G&L" and the model name. That "Tribute" on the headstock has always made me think of them as something akin to a Squier. They're made in Korea. I think Korean guitar craftmanship is excellent. Found this picture on Ebay. It one of the newer Tributes with the new logo. ........................... A definite improvement ! __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

August 15th, 2006, 10:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,745	They are good guitars the first batch had pot problems but other than that I havent heard amy major complaints. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

August 15th, 2006, 10:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
cvansickle Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA USA Posts: 741 5 Photos	I bought mine right about this time last year. It's a very good guitar. I have the ASAT Classic Semi-Hollow. It must be the best built Korean guitar available. The wood, metal hardware and construction are tops. The pickups that came with it are the same as the American made models, but I swapped mine with Duncan Broadcaster and Vintage because I thought the stock pickups sounded too sterile - clear and bright, but not enough twang for what I wanted. The stock pots, switch and wiring were CRAP, however. I replaced these with an RS Guitarworks kit, featuring Hovland capacitors. With that upgrade, the guitar became perfect. I shopped all models of Fenders and G&Ls in all the price ranges. I couldn't find anything that played better and sounded better than this G&L Tribute, so I figured why pay more? __________________ Death Or Glory - Who Dares Wins!

August 15th, 2006, 11:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
harlycarly Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Republik of Vermont Posts: 650	My Tribute I have a blue burst ASAT Classic and I've gotta tell you it is a great guitar. Beautiful looks, nice sounding and playing and I have had no issues with electronics thus far. These are made in Korea and I have heard that they are made at a G&L factory over there, not by some generic manufacturer. Mine has brass saddles, nice finish, decent wood, MOTS pickguard. The fit and finish was excellent, and the frets are done right, unlike so many new Fenders I pick up at a store to check out. And yes, the "Tribute" is now in very small letters on the headstock under G&L. I am still blown away everytime I play it, and I even hate to add that sorry old "for the money" because it really isn't needed. Compare one to a brand new Fender, regardless of country of manufacture. I think you'll be impressed.

August 15th, 2006, 09:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
furrfurrfurr Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South of Heaven Posts: 2,441	not sure about the wood but the pups are the same as they use in their USA models.

August 15th, 2006, 10:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
do not be afraid Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: temple terrace, florida Age: 20 Posts: 448	the wood is "swamp ash" on almost everything, but a few model/color combinations are basswood. the pickups and bridges are american made and are the same ones used on their american models, while the other electronics and hardware are asian replicas of those used on their american models.

August 15th, 2006, 11:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
lostpick Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Staten Island, NYC Posts: 1,005	I played a Tribute Strat against a Highway One... the highway One sounded like there was a blanket over the amp compared to the G and L.... G and L = clear and articulate guitar.... some guys think it lacks personality... but an ASAT is on my wishlist.... 8.5 radius...the ole PRS trick??? a scale nobody else does... correct me if I am wrong on the radius but those necks are COMFY

August 16th, 2006, 12:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
Tool user TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 67 7 Photos	9" radius on the ASATs, 12" on everything else.

August 16th, 2006, 04:34 AM	#10 (permalink)
sneakyjapan Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: nippon Posts: 2,471 3 Photos	my ASAT is MIJ... we don`t see the MIK line in this city. __________________ quasi mojo

August 16th, 2006, 07:38 AM	#11 (permalink)
roadkillbill Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Va. Posts: 580	+1 to all the positive statements made so far..I love mine--it's a tele shaped guitar, but that's where it ends. It's got a different heft, a unique feeling neck (my fret ends could have been finished a little more completely, IMO), and the best sounding tele pickups I've ever heard, though they're definitely not 'vintage' sounding. I'm particularly impressed with the pots on mine..better control and tone variances than I have on any other guitar I own. I'm not sure why others have problems with theirs. Mine's got the huge TRIBUTE across the headstock, but I'll live with it..it's a keeper, and a great guitar to round out a tele collection. __________________ It's all right now, in fact, it's a gas..

August 16th, 2006, 10:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
Rich Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In a dream world.. Just ask my wife. Age: 53 Posts: 2,555 11 Photos	I think they are a very good value, and really nice guitars. Still don't like the headstock, but that's a matter of personal taste. :) __________________ Please visit my website! If you are driven to play, you will find a way.

August 16th, 2006, 08:46 PM	#14 (permalink)
roadkillbill Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Va. Posts: 580	Harlycarly, I've got a classic, at least that's all it says on the headstock to distiguish it. It's sunburst, rosewood neck. I remember reading a lot about them when I bought it, but have forgotten what was 'special' about the special at this point..was it something to do with the quality of the wood on models where the grain shows through? __________________ It's all right now, in fact, it's a gas..

August 16th, 2006, 09:06 PM	#15 (permalink)
roadkillbill Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Va. Posts: 580	All right, I just checked the website..the special's got the big surface mounted rectangular pickups. I've always wondered if they sound more or less like the regular tele style ones, but have never been crazy about the way they look. __________________ It's all right now, in fact, it's a gas..

August 16th, 2006, 09:40 PM	#16 (permalink)
drjordan Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Oxford, GA Age: 27 Posts: 154	I'll chime in with more praises of the Tribute line. All I have played have been great guitars. Anything with "G&L" on the headstock is second to none, IMO. I hadn't heard until this thread about the Tribute's headstock change. I've wanted a Tribute Asat Special Semi-Hollow and Tribute Legacy for some time now. The superficial side of me had an issue with Tribute written in big bold letters on the headstock. Now I, superficial side and all, am really going to be GASing for a new Tribute.

August 16th, 2006, 09:45 PM	#17 (permalink)
harlycarly Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Republik of Vermont Posts: 650	ASAT Special The Special does have those larger soapbar-like pickups, but to my ears are less traditional tele sounding, hotter for a more rocking sound. To me, the classic has a more tele like tone. I'm not knocking the MFDs on the special, just a different type of sound. I have both and love 'em for different reasons, but feel that the classic is close to that "classic" tele tone. GLad others here like 'em too.

August 16th, 2006, 09:57 PM	#18 (permalink)
Sqwerl TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Charleston SC USA Posts: 99	I have a 96 ASAT Special thats really nice. All white, and slick as butter. Great guitar . __________________ "Twang is in the ear of the beholder"

August 16th, 2006, 11:18 PM	#20 (permalink)
Rich Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In a dream world.. Just ask my wife. Age: 53 Posts: 2,555 11 Photos	I really like the sound of the MFD pickups. My son has had several G&L's, and I always thought they sounded great. His girlfriend's brother has one that's really nice, too. __________________ Please visit my website! If you are driven to play, you will find a way.

August 17th, 2006, 01:03 AM	#21 (permalink)
johnny guitar Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago NW burb Age: 45 Posts: 202	I recently sold an ASAT and and ASAT Tribute, both of which I loved. The only reason I sold is it became apparent to me that the 1-5/8" nut width is too narrow on a slim neck for me. The MFD pups are magical. The ASAT sounded better than the Tribute, no question. There was that extra depth to the sound that you get from better guitars, though I have no idea whence it comes. The Trib sounded a little two-dimensional compared to the ASAT. The Trib still sounded GREAT, though. The Trib was much heavier than my ASAT, and to me that was the most apparent difference in terms of materials. The Tribs are great values, but I think used ASATs are even better values. __________________ Enjoy it while you have it.... Last edited by johnny guitar; August 17th, 2006 at 10:57 AM.

August 17th, 2006, 10:26 AM	#22 (permalink)
odiemann Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Denver Age: 41 Posts: 1,406	Thanks all for the great responses. I think the ASAT Tribute is well regarded here. I will keep that in mind for futrure reference.