The G&L ASAT Special features G&L's signature large Magnetic Field Design (MFD) pickups. They've got the enhanced mojo of a Telecaster® with flavors of Strat® and Jazzmaster® mixed in. With a classic look, the ASAT Special is a deceptively versatile and modern guitar wrapped in a classic transparent blonde finish
G&L Saddle Lock Bridge (set screw on the side locks the saddles together for better sustain)
Volume and Tone Control, 3-way switch
Plek® Laser Guided fret finishing
G&L deluxe tolex hardshell case
Made in Fullerton, CA
The G&L large MFD (magnetic field design) pickup is a wonder of power, clarity, response and tone. Developed by Leo Fender at G&L, the MFD has the touch sensitivity, dynamics and slightly scooped midrange of great vintage single coils, but with much greater tonal flexibility and output. The neck pickup has a glassy quality that is clean and articulate with a nice slightly hollow Strat tone on the upper frets. But it's broad frequency response and strong low end makes it very versatile, and it can easily mimic a rounder Tele or even a Jazzmaster-ish vibe. Roll off the tone control, and it takes on a warmer character, without losing note definition and clarity. The MFD is not just different, it's a real improvement; and the ASAT large MFD is one of the sweetest and most versatile neck pickups available in any guitar. Paired with Swamp Ash, it not only looks good, but sounds great too. The slightly scooped midrange and sweet top end that Swamp Ash imparts pairs nicely with the robust nature of the MFD's.
The bridge pickup has plenty of jangle and twang without being too sharp, and is great for clean, crisp rhythm playing. It's very much like a traditional Tele® pickup -- maybe even more so than their ASAT Classic bridge pickup -- but with a top end sweetness that most Tele pickups lack. While not voiced for hard rock, the bridge has plenty of output, and a with a good pedal produces a sparkly crunch that is great for roots music or a little Tom Petty. There is a lot of high end content on tap, so rolling off the tone control a bit yields a thicker, warmer sounding tone. Both pickups together create that familiar twang and cluck that you'd expect, but with a sweetness and shimmer that keeps it from getting too bright or tiring. Pickers will love this position, and so will rhythm guitarists and fans of California rock like the Byrds and Eagles.
For fans of the old Classic C neck this guitar is a great find. We love the mildly chunky profile of the Classic C, and it provides great palm support in the upper frets. While the G&L Modern Classic is most common, we still love the G&L #1 neck profile and the satin finish makes it smooth as butter up and down the neck. Indian Rosewood is an upgrade now due to ecological restrictions but to us it's well worth it for the look and feel.
Often overshadowed by the more traditional looking ASAT Classic, the G&L ASAT Special has its own unique vibe that provides a catalogue of classic single coil tones with the fidelity and output that modern players expect. Combined with G&L's exceptional build quality, fit and finish and you have a unique USA value with custom shop looks and feel.
We are an authorized G&L Premier dealer located in Bellingham, Massachusetts, and this is a new guitar with all tags, tools, paperwork and certificates. We have over 40 G&L’s in stock at all times, and please feel free to browse our other listings, or contact us for information on a custom order.
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