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G&L Fullerton Deluxe ASAT Classic Alnico Butterscotch
The G&L Fullerton Deluxe series is a selection of tastefully outfitted guitars that are an "off the shelf" alternative to their build-to-order process. With included options such as swamp ash bodies, tinted necks and body contours, they are also an excellent value in a premium USA-made guitar. This particular ASAT Classic Alnico is a great example of the Fullerton Deluxe line, and for the more traditionally inclined player, features their own in-house Alnico pickups.
This G&L ASAT Classic Alnico features:
- Butterscotch finish on Swamp Ash, 8.0 pounds
- G&L Modern Classic maple neck
- Maple fretboard, 9.5" radius,1-11/16 nut width
- .830" deep first fret, .870" at the 12th
- Medium jumbo frets
- 1-ply black pickguard
- G&L Alnico “ashtray” bridge pickup assembly
- G&L Alnico neck pickup
- Volume and tone controls
- Schaller split and drilled tuners
- Plek laser guided fret finishing
- Deluxe G&L gig bag
- Made in Fullerton, CA
Over the past couple years, G&L has continued to build on the Fullerton Deluxe series, allowing prospective G&L customers to choose a nicely appointed G&L guitar without potentially waiting for a build time. For 2020 they've held the prices but have made two changes: The necks are now satin finish instead of gloss, and the tolex case has been replaced by a gig. We think the satin neck is a big win, as many players just don't like the feel of a gloss neck. And regarding the gig bag, it's of good quality and many players today appreciate the lighter weight and portability. Just don't stack amps on it. Now about those pickups...
The original Tele® neck pickups was meant to mimic a bass guitar tone. If you've played a true "vintage" neck pickup, they sound as is if you are playing under a pillow. Over time they have gotten progressively cleaner, but getting the right mix of output, clarity, and tone is a tricky balance. But G&L did a nice job creating a blend of all three characteristics. Like all Tele pickups, it's got a slightly compressed attack, but a nice round tone and good clarity with none of the high end murkiness of lesser pickups. Don't expect the glassy punch of a Strat®, as the ASAT Alnico neck pickup thrives on producing smooth round tones that are well suited to rhythm or soulful lead work. Adding some distortion produced interesting results: The neck pickup responds with a crisp crunchy character that does not get all soft and mushy. Certainly more suited to mid-gain tones than all-out crunch, once you apply a little muscle there is plenty of soul on tap.
The ASAT Alnico bridge pickup is also a very faithful rendition of this classic design: Bright, twangy, and impeccably clear. It's not overly icy even with the tone control full up. Once again, choosing mild amounts of overdrive provides a very dimensional sound with lots of sparkly high end content that does not get overly sharp or edgy. It's great for roots rock, and Tom Petty or Wallflower fans will find a lot of reasons to pick up this guitar.
The combination of both both pickups produces some of the best sounds the ASAT Alnico has to offer: Bright and twangy, with plenty of pop, and wonderful string-to-string definition. The high end is clear, but not to the point of being fatiguing over time. And for rhythm it's articulate and jangly in the best tradition of The Byrds or again Tom Petty. If you squint, you can hear some Rickenbacker in there but without the quirky neck and big body.
Playing-wise, all Fullerton Deluxe guitars come with their Modern Classic neck, which is their "Slim C" profile with a wider 1-11/16" nut and 9.5" radius. It's just the ticket for those looking for a traditional Fender feel, and since it's release in 2015 has proven to be extremely popular. The additional width helps eliminate string fall off and the Plek® finished frets are very consistent with no dips, high spots or fret-outs.
While this guitar can certainly hold its own at a gig, it's touch sensitivity and expressive nature also makes it a natural for recording and session work. We'd probably always play it with a little gain, as the textures and overtones are rich and very habit forming. For the player who loves the workmanship, feel and playing dynamics of a G&L, but wants the classic sound of vintage style Alnico pickups, the Fullerton Deluxe ASAT Classic Alnico is an excellent choice.