G&L ASAT Classic Custom Semi-Hollow

2004 model with the F-hole. Beautifully crafted- just oozes with craftsmanship. The neck is the standard size- which is a little chunky. The finish is beautiful, but sometimes can get a little sticky when you sweat. However, you'd have to really throw this guitar around to make even a dent. Swamp ash with a maple neck. Comes with a custom case that is just as impressive as the guitar.

Sounds full, balanced and very hot. The pups are the standard magnetic pups- which are hot and give great definition and clarity. Great variety between the neck and bridge. Sounds amazing for pop, country, rock- also records really and plays great live.

See above.

You'd really have to trash this guitar to make a dent- as sturdy as they come. Again you can see as well as hear the craftsmanship on these guitars.

I believe it came with a 10 year warranty. Haven't dealt with them.

Best tele on the market- do yourself a favor and buy one. You will not regret it. The only thing I would suggest is to play one before you buy to try out the neck size- as the necks on G&Ls can really vary. The only downside to these guitars is that they have horrible resale value for some reason. I think that'll change over the years. The Broadcasters and earlier models are really starting to become desirable.

This guitar is a 2005 G & L Classic Custom Semi-Hollow, made in the U.S. without the F-hole. Ash body, transparent orange finish, birdseye maple neck with the satin finish, non-locking sealed tuners, and natural wood binding. The pickups are the large MFD pickup in the neck postion and the traditional-sized MFD pickup in the bridge. This guitar also has the traditional Tele-style bridge. Standard 1 volume, 1 tone controls and 3-postion blade pickup selector switch. Came with standard rectangular molded hardshell case. Has the standard "features" of the old workhorse Telecaster with the addition of the magnetic field pickups. It's all I really need but nothing fancy so I'll give it an 8.

I play a wide variety of styles--pop, surf, rockabilly, garage, and some country twang. Given the range of sounds these MFD pickups produce, the ASAT is quite versatile and balanced. A bandmate recently purchased a similar ASAT, but with the two larger MFD pickups and I was impressed from the get-go. GREAT sound. The bridge is bright and clear without being too thin and the neck is similar to a P-90 but a little fuller and more even. Great balance across all of the strings. They really respond to dynamic playing styles--picking, fingerpicking, and jazz chording. Without a doubt a TEN.

I purchased this guitar used on eBay but it's like new. I had to adjust the string height a little bit--perhaps because I live in the southwest and the guitar came from Missouri, who knows? Otherwise the intonation was right on. Pretty good fit and finish. The finish on the body is beautiful--no flaws to speak of and mirror-like. The neck is a satin finish and feels fine, however it feels a little different from the Fender satin neck finish--just a little more tack in the feel--but this is a very subtle differentiation. The pick guard cutout for the neck pickup is not quite perfect. The frets are nicely dressed with no rough spots. The nut has apparently been replaced by the previous owner or his guitar tech. I'll rate this category at a 7 because at the premium price these guitars go for it should ALL be perfect. It's great but not perfect.

Like most Telecaster, I'm sure this guitar will hold up just fine. Having the hollow chambers, I'm not sure of its fragility if it were to suffer a heavy impact. I have no idea how thick the top is relative to the chamber. Everything seems pretty solid. The strap buttons are substantial and seem well-anchored. I might risk playing without a backup but it's never a good idea. I'll give it an 8 due to the hollow chamber unknowns.

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I've been playing close to 30 years. I've owned over 50 guitars thus far, mostly Gibsons and Fenders. I'm trying to settle on just a couple and find something that will make me happy for years to come. I think I have found that guitar in this ASAT. I REALLY appreciate the light weight of this guitar as well. I know I will appreciate it very much at the next gig. I love my American Deluxe Strat and my on 80's Squier Tele but my shoulder does not. The guitar has a great sound as well, cuts through the band mix and looks pretty to boot. A real winner and I'm quite impressed with G & L as a result. If you love Telecasters and have a bit more money to spend, you should do yourself a favor and check one of these out. If I lost this guitar, I would cry. Then I would sell an organ or something and find another as quickly as possible! Pricey, yes. Worth it? Most definitely.