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by **blue4u** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:50 pm

I'm thinking of playing Santa this holiday and puttin' this under the Christmas tree...as a personal gift for all my "good" behavior this year

Anyone have thoughts, opinions or experiences with this model??

2000 G&L S-500

by **Charvelguy** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:31 pm

Its a tribute, while it is a G&L, its not solely USA made...Indochina on that. Stamped on back of headstock. Not bad instruments, but for the money, I'd go and play it in person. I'd also do some cash talkin on that. I'm sure there's at least a 50 to 100 you could shave down on the price off that amount. The quality control is likely strict for G&L and the materials for that are quite nice...most are not with a pretty birdseye neck as such.,..still, I'd go by what my impressions are from where they're made in person. They have a few on eBay too.

by **meesh** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:46 pm

Well - G&L are personally my favorite guitars hands down but I have to agree with Charvel to at least play it ir an an identical model in the case that these tribute series are outsourced.

Pootertunes · by **pooterpatty** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:48 pm

What Charvelguy said. Definitely wanna play it before buying, like any Strat.

As far as your "good behavior" goes.....well we all know the truth about that don't we hmmmmm..?

by **blue4u** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:36 pm

Actually this one is USA made in Fullterton, CA. It's used so it's priced same as a "Tribute" is new. I've been looking into it today, checked the serial number, etc.. I played it yesterday and it was one of the most balanced instruments I've ever played! The neck is quilted maple, has locking sperzel tuners, graphite nut and string tree and all parts are USA as well. These sell (without the quilted neck upgrade) on eBay for around 700 bucks so it's a decent deal.

All said, it does not have that "vintage" Strat sound to it. More of a modern Strat tone but VERY versatile with clear punchy tones in all positions. This was not what I was going for but it's starting to win me over....damnit!!!!

by **meesh** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:27 pm

Damn I miss my old sunburst Fullerton Special Legacy....but if you played it and it's legit and sounds good my vote is do it! Those guitars are still so incredibly versatile and great to play.

When i get the dough for another guitar i really want another G&L strat style so I might be a bit biased

by **blue4u** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:33 pm

meesh wrote:Damn I miss my old sunburst Fullerton Special Legacy....but if you played it and it's legit and sounds good my vote is do it! Those guitars are still so incredibly versatile and great to play.

And very well underrated IMO!! I was surprised at this guitar. It seems to pick up right where the Fender Strat left off with improvements to the tremolo, intonation, noiseless pickups, balance, and option to add the bridge pickup in any combination including all 3 pups at once! Cool!!

If anyone is interested in these guitars check out a couple videos of this model, the G&L S-500 (USA made version):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhrcYQpLOZM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YGmdEULciw

Anyway, I'm one hour away from sealing the deal so wish me luck guys

by **meesh** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:47 pm

I agree with you on all points Rich. Looking forward to hearing it in action.

by **blue4u** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:00 pm

Here's another video that shows off the tone of this instrument: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el2JgGIjreI&NR=1

Man, you guys...I may have just converted to G&L. I've always been a Fender guy but then again...it was Leo Fender's company after all

Definitely check these guitars out if/when you get a chance

by **meesh** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 3:56 am

Way to go man...no need to convince me but glad you saw the light

. They really are the best Fenders for any Fender lovers.

My Riffworld · by **GuitarSlinger** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:41 am

Great find! I love it when people get out of the norm of the F*****'s and G*****'s. Hey there's alot of great stuff out there beyond the mass produced giants.

by **Charvelguy** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:38 am

lol, I thought you weren't going to buy it 'couse it didn't have a strat sound!
Well congrats!
If you want to change the sound, the base instrument is quality and you like its playability.. just clap in another pickup or set of pups and you got a different guitar.
Alot of guys have various pickguards wired up for interchangeability as long as it fits the route. I have a number of differently configured strat pickguards myself- just 11 screws and a couple solder joints away from a new guitar.

My Riffworld · by **GuitarSlinger** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:18 am

Add a molex connector if you want to do constant switching.

by **Charvelguy** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:48 am

hey, thats a great idea! Taking the emg thing one more step. thanks!

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