Z G&L Fallout Andromeda Maple Neck

The USA-made G&L Fallout is packed with high quality features and upgrades:

• Andromeda black finish on Alder, 7.2 pounds
• G&L 'Slim C' neck profile - 25.5" scale with 12" fingerboard radius
• Maple fretboard
• Satin vintage tint neck finish
• G&L split and drilled tuners
• Medium jumbo frets
• 3-ply tortoiseshell pickguard
• G&L P-90 neck pickup
• G&L AW4368C humbucker bridge pickup - Chrome cover
• Hefty G&L Saddle-Lock bridge
• 3-way pickup switch
• Volume and tone controls
• Pull tone control to split bridge pickup
• Delux tolex hardshell case

G&L's Andromeda finish is a more sparkly version of their popular Galaxy Black from a few years back. But this particular guitar is an intergalactic explosion that sparkles more than any other example we've had in the shop. Andromeda is a interesting finish that manages to stand out without looking garish. But about the guitar.....

Developed by Gibson in the late 40's, the P-90 is known for punchy tone and chunky mids. It was standard on the Les Paul and many jazz models up until the introduction of the PAF. Sadly, P-90's get a bad rap for being dark and one-dimensional, but that's more a function of trying to make them "hot". Not a problem here; and with a mid-6K DC resistance G&L's P-90 has both excellent clarity, a smooth top end, and more meat around the notes than Fender-style single coil. Given some overdrive, the P-90 thickens up and takes on a somewhat creamy tone, but without the woody or mushy feel that you sometimes get with a humbucker. We are fans of P-90's, and this particular version deserves a spot in your guitar lineup. It's a great pickup for when you want "more" but without sacrificing detail.

We chose the optional AW4368C covered humbucker for this build, and it's become one of our favorites. With larger gauge wire and fewer windings than the standard AW4470 open-coil pickup, it's got slightly less output, and more balanced response with less midrange emphasis. The chrome cover also adds a slight amount of high frequency attenuation for a smoother top end. While open-coil pickups are often the choice for getting more snap out of a set neck guitar, with a bolt-on longer scale you've got all the attack and definition you need. We dig it: It's got plenty of mid-frequencies to rock your favorite pedal, but cleans up great with plenty of detail and sweetness.

Both pickups together produce the bell-like clean rhythm tones often associated with this combination. The sound is Tele like, but a little fatter with slightly less edge. Percussive and snappy without being fatiguing, it's got a bit of Gretsch or Rickenbacker twang that works well for country, roots rock and lush rhythm strumming. For lighter moments you can pull the tone control for leaner and cleaner split bridge setting that blends well with neck pickup, or by itself it does a credible job for crisp rhythm and picking.

The standard neck on the Fallout is G&L's 'Slim C' profile. It has a flat-ish 12" radius, and a 1 5/8" nut width that was standard on all G&L's for years. Similar to a USA Fender, it's great for players that prefer a slimmer feel, or those who simply like being able to really wrap around the neck or play complex licks in upper register.

The G&L Fallout gives players a serious alternative to the typical choices for high quality electric guitars. By combining these two famous pickup styles you get a fresh sonic option that gives you an alternative voice in a sea of sameness.