2016 G&L ASAT Classic S, thoughts?

[ToddinTX]

I am looking at a black 2016 model and will link below. Thinking of trading for it at a local shop. I have played it and generally liked the tone though have not spent a ton of time with it. Some questions:

1) Am I correct that this guitar would be American made?

2) What body wood is likely? Ash or Alder? Something else?

3) General thoughts on this verses and MIM Nashville?

4) Likes and dislikes about these? I like to play a range of music but include some typical Waylon Jennings type stuff in it.

G&L ASAT Classic S 2016 Black https://reverb.com/item/26064909-g-...ontent=26064909-g-l-asat-classic-s-2016-black

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[EsquireOK]

1. Yes

2. Alder on a black finish, unless special ordered with ash (or another wood)

3. Better quality guitar in every way (in general)

4. The pickups are in between Fender single coils and P-90s in tone. Great, IMO. But don't expect Fender tones or Gibson tones. MFDs are incredible sounding pickups IMO. But expect some different amp settings and a slight technique adjustment.

You need to look at the factory build specifications; they will list all the specs. The specs sheet should be included, along with the COA, in the original hardshell case, in a G&L envelope. It lists all the specs. If you don't have all of these original things (case and paperwork), then ding the street value of the guitar by $250 or more. That's what it will cost you to replace them and have them shipped to you. The good thing is that you can replace them, though. You buy from the G&L Website shop.

2016 should have the 9 1/2" radius and medium jumbos. 12" was standard radius for decades, but I believe they went to 9 1/2" as their standard radius (a highly welcome change IMO) in 2015 or 2016. In the '80s, they usually used 7 1/2" radius.

 

[John C]

Agree with @EsquireOK on all counts. While some say G&Ls are on par with Fender Custom Shop I won't go quite that far, but the ones I've had were pretty much on par with Fender's top-of-the-line production models like the American Deluxe/American Elite/American Ultra range.

As this is a 2016 you really do need to look at the spec sheet - at that time all G&Ls were ordered-to-spec (with either the dealer setting the specs or a customer setting the specs). Most of the specs have "defaults" - for example by 2016 the "default" neck was their "Modern Classic" shape, which is essentially G&L's version of Fender's "Modern C" neck that you would find on American Standards or American Specials/American Performers (C-shaped, 1 11/16" nut width, .820" at the first fret, and .870" at the 12th fret) - but they have something like 9 different neck shapes available, and some shapes have 1 5/8" nut width, some have 1 11/16" nut width, and at least one has a 1 3/4" nut width. Plus all 9 shapes can be had with either 7.5" radius, 9.5" radius, or 12" radius.

 

[EsquireOK]

^ FWIW, even though each G&L has the ability to be custom spec'd (and has for decades), it isn't common that the necks are ordered with any options. Most dealers just order the standard neck and fret specs – which are extremely ho-hum IMO (I like V necks, thick necks, lots of radius, skinny frets). Even on a G&L that was ordered with a fancy finish, fancy woods, binding, matching head, etc., it is exceptionally rare to find anything other than the typical neck profile, radius and frets. Dealers tend to reserve special profile and fret selections for retail customers who specifically ask for them.

But as I mentioned before, at some point around 2015 or 2016, the "standard" neck specs did change. They finally got rid of that godawful Gibson radius, thank goodness. I passed on many a G&L over the preceding decades because of their flat-ass necks and giant frets.

 

[AndyPanda]

Just to toss out a much less expensive alternative - I have been extremely impressed with the Tribute series. I picked up a Tribute ASAT Special for a really low price and I don't feel like I'm giving up anything compared to if I'd gone USA built. The Tributes have the same hardware and pickups as the USA. This one is a two pickup model but the video gives a really good idea of how MFD pickups sound:

 

[John C]

^ FWIW, even though each G&L has the ability to be custom spec'd (and has for decades), it isn't common that the necks are ordered with any options. Most dealers just order the standard neck and fret specs – which are extremely ho-hum IMO (I like V necks, thick necks, lots of radius, skinny frets). Even on a G&L that was ordered with a fancy finish, fancy woods, binding, matching head, etc., it is exceptionally rare to find anything other than the typical neck profile, radius and frets. Dealers tend to reserve special profile and fret selections for retail customers who specifically ask for them.

But as I mentioned before, at some point around 2015 or 2016, the "standard" neck specs did change. They finally got rid of that godawful Gibson radius, thank goodness. I passed on many a G&L over the preceding decades because of their flat-ass necks and giant frets.

Correct - G&L always has a "default"/"standard" neck shape - which has changed several times over the decades. Early on they just had 2 options (12" radius or 7.5" radius); over the years they've added more and more options, plus the general shape changed as well. And just to make things more confusing until 2015 they would always call the "standard" neck the "#1" neck.

By the late 90s the "#1" neck was 1 5/8" nut width, .820" first fret/.870" 12th fret, C-shape, and 12" radius; the #1 neck was standard on Strat-shaped models (except for the Floyd Rose-equipped models), the ASAT Deluxe, and any ASAT with a factory Bigsby; and they had a #2 neck that was the same dimensions but with a 7.5" radius that was standard on ASAT Specials and ASAT Classics (and all their variations - unless they had the Bigsby).

Around 2004 the standard neck was the "#1" neck, which was a 1 5/8" nut width, 12" radius, and .830" first fret/.960" 12th fret C-shaped neck, and it's standard on all models except for the Floyd Rose equipped models.

In roughly July 2015 G&L renames the necks (names instead of numbers) and add the 9.5" radius option. The standard becomes the "Modern Classic", which is 1 11/16" nut width, 9.5" radius, .820" first fret/,870" 12th fret C-shaped neck.

 

[ToddinTX]

I don't believe this tele has any paperwork with it. So, based on what you see, general thoughts? I am going to assume Alder and as for the neck it plays well, so I'm not too concerned about the specifics. Would you think $1100 or thereabouts is a good price? And any general thoughts on these S types is appreciated!

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[EsquireOK]

I don't believe this tele has any paperwork with it. So, based on what you see, general thoughts? I am going to assume Alder and as for the neck it plays well, so I'm not too concerned about the specifics. Would you think $1100 or thereabouts is a good price? And any general thoughts on these S types is appreciated!

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Too high IMO. It should be a sub-$1000 guitar with missing paperwork. G&Ls are not that expensive to begin with, in the grand scheme of things. And they lose value on the used market like a mofo, even in mint condition. Add in missing stuff, and they lose even more.

G&Ls are $700 to $800 guitars, real world going value in local sales, around here, all day long on Craig's List. At a shop, with overhead, figure maybe $100 or $200 more...but be sure to subtract for the missing paperwork. Replacing a build sheet and COA (which you definitely should do) costs about $70 total.

I'd pay $730 for it, myself, out the door (i.e. after tax). But I'm not that into the ASAT Classic S design. I might pay a bill or a bill fifty more if I was.

The ASAT Classic S is an ASAT Classic with an S-500 pickup in the middle, and a five way switch.

 

[That Cal Webway]

Hv had 2 ASAT Specials thru the yrs.

Bridge pup is too bright... yes w tone adjusted too.
always felt they need to move that pup forward 1/4" or so.

(clean player here)

 

[John C]

Too high IMO. It should be a sub-$1000 guitar with missing paperwork. G&Ls are not that expensive to begin with, in the grand scheme of things. And they lose value on the used market like a mofo, even in mint condition. Add in missing stuff, and they lose even more.

G&Ls are $700 to $800 guitars, real world going value in local sales, around here, all day long on Craig's List. At a shop, with overhead, figure maybe $100 or $200 more...but be sure to subtract for the missing paperwork. Replacing a build sheet and COA (which you definitely should do) costs about $70 total.

I'd pay $730 for it, myself, out the door (i.e. after tax). But I'm not that into the ASAT Classic S design. I might pay a bill or a bill fifty more if I was.

The ASAT Classic S is an ASAT Classic with an S-500 pickup in the middle, and a five way switch.

G&L has had some large price increases lately - I think a basic ASAT Classic S like this one would have been $1,600 MAP as it really doesn't appear to have any options that would have an upcharge other than the tortoise shell pickguard (which would be like a $15-$30 upcharge).

But I agree that their price increases haven't resulted in higher used prices as of yet and @EsquireOK's assessment is correct - for someone who is into the design $830-$850 would be a reasonable price (including taxes and shipping if not local to the store).

 

[Tall-Fir]

Toddin TX, I’m interested if you went ahead with the purchase of the black Classic S.

I know it’s been a while since anyone has posted on this thread.

That is a wonderful guitar. My only concern would be whether or not you play well and/or can get used to a guitar with the middle pickup. The reason I say that is because I own a Classic S and sometimes I feel the middle pickup hinders my right hand a bit. That is strictly a personal Thing between you and the guitar.

For anyone to conclude he/she can score that guitar from a dealer for anywhere under $1000 is ridiculous. I say if you want it, get it. I have my reasons which I need not go into right now, so I’ll wait until you post with the action you may have taken regarding a purchase.

 

[Tall-Fir]

 

[chris m.]

MFD pickups have their own tone. If you like it, great, if you don't, not so much...
if I were you I would try to figure out whether you love the MFD sound or not.

 

[superjam144]

Bump, anyone else have one? Thoughts? Pics?

 

[50hz]

I had an ASAT classic for a short time that I sadly had to return due to shipping damage. But in the couple of days I had it I was able to dial in multiple usable tones. Fit and finish was every bit as good as CS or AV52. Sound, like many have already noted, was different. I mostly play on the neck pickup so I'm not overly concerned with the twang and such, so it wasn't an issue. I had one with an amber tint neck that had beautiful birdseye figuring. I'm actively looking for another with similar spec.

Idk if this was helpful but I guess I'd just say I'd never concern myself with quality of the US models. I'd be more concerned that the price is a bit ambitious and yes, resale value is not as high.

Also, the current MIM Nashville is a lot of guitar for the money.