G&L

collapse expand iconDescription

The G&L ASAT Special just might be the quintessential G&L guitar, viewed by many as Leo' ultimate single-cutaway. Back in 1985, Leo Fender launched this model under the G&L Broadcaster name, which prompted a response from Fred Gretsch of Gretsch Guitars over the name just as it had thirty-five years earlier. History buffs will recall that the Broadkaster name is owned by Gretsch, and once again, a Broadcaster from Leo was required to have its name changed. This time around, the name became "ASAT" which is US military shorthand for an "Anti-Satellite" missile.

The ASAT Special, as the model became known, features jumbo single-coil Magnetic Field Design pickups, each with a narrow bobbin aperture for a coil which is shallow yet wide. In this regard, an MFD jumbo single coil is similar to a P-90 or Jazzmaster pickup, yet the MFD principle provides a punchier bottom end and brighter top end sparkling with harmonics. Leo further departed with the past with the addition of his innovative Saddle-Lock bridge which transfers string energy right into the body end-grain for an incredibly resonant instrument. The result is one of the most versatile guitars ever, serving up ballsy twang to searing blues to smooth jazz tones. The semi-hollow Swamp Ash body on this version brings a certain hi-fi quality to the tone, softening the attack and slightly scooping the mids for accentuated highs and lows.
G&L ASAT Special Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Greenburst
G&L ASAT Special Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Greenburst

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Bolt-on construction
  • 25-1/2" scale
  • Leo Fender-designed G&L MFD single coils
  • Semi-Hollow Swamp Ash
  • Hard-Rock Maple with Rosewood fingerboard
  • G&L C-shaped neck with 12" radius and 1 5/8" nut-width
  • 100% natural bone nut
  • 22 medium jumbo frets, nickel, Plek dressed
  • 12:1 ratio, sealed-back tuners
  • Leo Fender-designed G&L Saddle-Lock with chrome-plated brass saddles
  • 3-position pickup selector, volume, tone
  • G&G deluxe Tolex case