G&L Invader XL

Custom ordered from Buffalo Bros Guitars in 2003. It took a whopping 6 mos to get this guitar on special order, but I was happy with the end result. It's your basic G&L Invader (Super Strat) with dual humbuckers (59 neck, JB bridge), Original Floyd Rose, one-piece ash body with birds-eye maple neck ("C" profile) and ebony fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets. Controls are master vol, tone, 3 way selector, and coil split mini toggle. It was a beautiful blueburst finish with chrome hardware. I'll give it a 10 for features because it was a custom order and exactly what I wanted.

Typical "strat on steriods" sound you get from a humbucker/floyd equipted guitar. Has a nice full sound with a nice bright distortion from the bridge pu. Clean sound in good in both positions but has that classic bluesy bass tone from the neck pu. With the coil splitter engaged the guitar gets a nice twangy tele sound from the middle (both pu's engaged). I would have to say that the coil split makes this a very versatile guitar going from classic strat, to tele, to crunch/LP style distortion very easily. I'd put it right up there with any older (pre-95) PRS CE model.

The set-up from the factory was not ideal. Not sure if this was because of the temperature changes during shipping or not but the neck needed a little truss rod adjusting to clear up some buzz and the trem was not quite level when in standard tuning. Other than that, everything was good. This guitar is made of highly figured swamp ash and it was a solid 1 pc body so it resonates very well. Some G&Ls have 2 or 3 pc bodies so I was glad to see mine wasn't.

I don't see any issues with durabilty. Seems as solid as a rock. I have 5 electrics so I'd always use a backup in case I broke a string.

Never dealt with G&L. Buffalo Bros was very helpful in keeping me informed of the progress of the order.

I've been playing on and off for about 13 years now. I've owned 10+ different guitars over the years from various Charvel, Gibsons, Fenders, Heritage, G&L, Carvin, Jackson, Yamaha. My main axe is a Heritage c/o '59 "Les Paul" but this one will get plenty of playing time as well. I also have a custom Warmoth strat, Yamaha SA2100 (a very good Gibson ES335 copy), a custom made Randy Rhoades Polka Dot Flying V, a Yamaha Compass Acoustic, and a Crafter 12 string. I play through a Flextone III Plus Combo with a Carvin Legacy 2X12 cab. I also have a Carvin vintage 16w combo, a few BOSS pedals and a Bad Horsey Wah. If this guitar were stolen I'd look for another one. Doubt I'd have the patience to wait another 6 months for a custom one. I considered various other guitars before buying this one including the Ibanez JS 1000, Carvin Bolt, PRS CE, etc. I'm very happy with this guitar and highly recommend it.

Purchased in April 2003. Guitar features a clear orange finish over a Swamp Ash body. One volume and tone knob, a three way pickup selector and a coil switch for both humbuckers. This model has two humbuckers bound to the body and just a breath taking finish. Guitar has a Floyd and a maple birdseye neck and fretboard. The neck has a nice satin finish.

Now here comes the fun! Other than changing the bridge pickup right away the guitar sounds amazing. The guitar had a couple of scratches on the back of the body that I was not happy about but I decided to live with them due to how this guitar sounded. I replaced the bridge pickup from a Duncan JB to a Duncan Distortion. The neck pickup came stock woth a Duncan 59. The neck plays fast and is simply breath taking. Nice birdseye maple neck and board. My only complaint upon buying this brand new with a few scrathces even though I find that normal unless you get something from the factory is that the Floyd is a Licensed version. I contact G&L about it becuase this model on their site has an original. I will see what they are willing to do.

I had the guitar set up right away and it plays like a dream. Like I said above this is why I kept this baby. This is by far the best sounding and playing axe I have ever bought! The guitar had just a few minor flaws that I will have to live with.

Great guitar I am sure it will hold up nicely.

I just got the guitar but so far every call or email I have sent G&L has been answered quickly.

Overall I would give this guitar a 10, but I can't. It was shipped to me from Oklahoma and I was originally shocked at a few minor defects. When I say defects I am talking about a scratch here and there. Bobby at Oklahoma Vintage Guitar offered to refund it ASAP. I decided to keep it because it plays like a dream. I hope I don't regret my decision! But this guitar is simply a plessure to play. Bobby from Oklahoma Vintage Guitars has been great and sure knows the meaning of CUSTOMER SERVICE!