G&L Nighthawk

The Nighthawk, on a superficial level, is just a slightly modified Strat--but if you've ever played one for any length of time, you realize it's much, much more. Strat-styled solid body (mine was painted glossy black) with three single coils, five-way switch, one volume/two tone knobs. This guitar had the only tremolo I've ever been satisfied with. Stayed in tune no matter how I tortured it (and in those days I did). Maple neck with ebony fretboard. It had the best tone of any guitar I've ever owned, and the only guitar (out of half a dozen sold) I regret selling.

I play Texas Roadhouse music (heavy blues+rock+outlaw county=Texas Roadhouse) and this guitar was very well suited for all those styles. I played it both straight and slide and it always responded well to all the nuances of my playing. As I said before, this was the best sounding guitar I've ever owned--rich, full and spanky all at the same time. I could get any sound out of it that I wanted. Good variety (as any three-pickup axe would give you) of sound; from thick to bright, it would do it all, and do it in a rich, textured manner. I don't know what the pickups were, but I wish I could get my hands on some now--they were perfect.

I bought this one used, so I don't know about factory set-up.
Everything was adjusted well, no flaws in routing, construction, etc.

I tortured this axe extensively and it always took it without complaint. The finish was black, so it showed any and all dust, finger smears, and scratches, but it always buffed out beautifully. I used it without backup all the time without reservation.

I've dealt with G&L only as a fan and "used" customer, not as a "new guitar" customer and they were always helpful above and beyond what a person could expect. I called them about the age and history of another guitar (G&L F-100 Series II), and they sent me a lot of info and brochures, etc. related to their products--not just new stuff propaganda, but data about their old instruments, too. I can't say enough about how good they treated me.

I've played for 16 years; I own a US-made 62RI Stratocaster, a Mexican Telecaster (that I converted to an Esquire), a G&L F-100; in the past I've had various Fenders and G&Ls. THIS IS THE ONLY GUITAR I REGRET SELLING, but it fell victim to the mortgage payment blues. I am currently on the prowl for another one, but since there were only a few hundred made, I'm going to have to look hard.
I would compare this axe to anything I've ever owned or played--and it would win out.

1983 Nighthawk Cost $700.00 New
I have owned over 200 Gibsons,Fenders,Ect...and all the G7l's including the Broadcaster....The Nighthawk is top quality....as all of Leo's guitars are...but the pickups that were only issued on the Nighthawk are something else. I have over 20 amps....some not to swift...but the Nighthawk burns a trail that sounds wonderful in the worst of them. I don't know what they did to get the sound that these pickups produce...but it is unmatched by any others in my book.You can play any style music....bar none.
I have a Black Nighthawk and a Red Nighthawk...Both have Ebony fretboards on a solid maple neck.One has a Schaller Fine Tunner bridge..the other has the standard G&L blade type tremolo bridge that never fails to return to the original pitch. You havn't played Leo's best till you play a Nighthawk.......WOW

As far as style...You can play it all....I wouldn't depend on anything else.....or would want to.

The Intonation is right on....the action is so low the weight of your finger alone will just about fret it......FAST action to say thr least.

Mine are over 20 years old and still look like new...not even any noticable fret wear They show no wear anywhere....look like they were bought last week.

Warranty??? For what......They never have a problem.

I have been pick'n a Lead Guitar in all styles that you can think of for over 50 years.....God Bless Leo Fender