Skip Navigation Website Accessibility
UpFront Guitars and Music LLC

Tues-Thur 12-6pm
Fri 10-6pm
Sat 10-4pm
508-657-1817
Gift Certificates Available-click here!

 
 Why UpFront?  |  Contact Us  |  View Cart  Family owned and operated
Voted Best in Music 2023!!Voted Best in Music 2023!! Thank you!
 


G&L Doheny 3-Tone Sunburst Frost 2022 Electric w/ Hardshell Case *Authorized Dealer*

Introduced a few years back, the G&L Doheny has become a solid favorite in the G&L lineup. Inspired by the famous SoCal Surfer Beach, this guitar is the evolution of Leo's offset design. With its own 21-fret Modern Classic neck, specially developed Magnetic Field Design (MFD) pickups and their precision Dual Fulcrum Vibrato, the Doheny is not a copy but pure G&L. With the optional block inlay fret markers, Rosewood fretboard, and understated Sunburst Frost finish, the Doheny has a classic look with a modern twist.

Pricing reflects new 2024 MAP pricing

This custom-ordered G&L Doheny features:

  • 3-Tone Sunburst Satin "Frost" on Alder, 8.4 pounds
  • 3-ply Tortoise Shell pickguard
  • Modern Classic neck, 9.5" radius, 1-11/16 nut width
  • Satin finish hard rock maple neck
  • Indian Rosewood fretboard
  • Pearl Block inlays
  • Medium jumbo frets
  • G&L Locking tuners
  • G&L Dual Fulcrum Vibrato
  • G&L MFD Formvar wound wide bobbin neck pickup
  • G&L MFD Formvar wound wide bobbin bridge pickup
  • 3-position toggle selector, volume, treble, bass
  • G&L Gig Bag
  • Made in Fullerton, CA

Leo Fender developed the Jazzmaster around 1959 as the top-line guitar in the Fender catalog. In terms of going after the "jazz" market it was flop, and the somewhat fussy bridge and signal-robbing rhythm circuit were innovative, if not particularly practical. So when G&L finally tackled the offset design they did it the G&L way, with the type of improvements that Leo Fender pioneered at G&L.

The big deal of course are the new pickups, a wide bobbin version of the Magnetic Field design. The low resistance coil and strong ceramic magnet has greater output than a conventional single coil, but without sounding like a "hot" pickup. In short they have all the hallmarks of the MFD design: Strong output, exceptional clarity, note separation, and touch sensitivity. The neck pickup has ample, bouncy low end and a top end that is clear but not sharp. Dare we say...jazzy. Using the passive bass and treble controls, and you can get anything from warm lush rhythm to spanky funk. For sake of comparison, the Doheny MFD is brighter and more percussive than the ASAT Classic, but fuller and not as scooped as the ASAT Special.

The bridge pickup is "surf-ish", but certainly more full and less twangy than a true Jazzmaster pickup. It's got the right flavors, but won't wear you down. It's naturally brighter than the neck pickup, and we remind you to work those tone controls to sample the full range a capabilities. Like the neck pickup, the top end has an inherent sweetness that makes it shimmer when strummed broadly. Both pickups together are a luscious combination of warmth and chime, and bring out some of the best qualities of the MFD design.

Pedal performance is a strong suit to the Doheny, and the broad frequency response and ample output of the JM style MFD's bring out the best from both distortion and modulation effects. Using both our trusty Lovepedal Kalamazoo and JAM Tubedreamer 88, we got great crunch that is packed with harmonic detail and devoid of harshness or jagged peaks. This is an offset you can really rock with.

Another big departure from the original Jazzmaster is G&L's Dual Fulcrum vibrato. While this may be a deal-breaker for diehard JM fans, it works great and can alter pitch both up and downward, and reliably return to tune. The block inlays give it a dressy look, and we always opt for true Rosewood over the standard Caribbean Rosewood (for both looks and feel).

The Doheny is not a rehash of some other G&L, and Large Jazz MFD's have their own character that lends themselves easily to Pop, Rock and Funk. Plus they love pedals, so rockers can get in the game too. G&L's PTB controls work great with these pickups, and there is a big payoff in exploring the range of tonal options.

The Doheny is another example of G&L respecting tradition, but making it better and more usable (as Leo would have wanted it). They say insanity is doing the same thing an expecting a different result. The Doheny is not the same thing.