G&L ASAT Solidbody Electric Sunburst, 2002

The G&L ASAT appeared from 1986 to at least late 2002, not long after this Sunburst Maple Neck example was built and improved on Leo’s early designs.

When Leo Fender sold his company to CBS in late 1994, he agreed to not compete for ten years. This led to the foundation of both MusicMan, where Leo quitely created designs, but ultimately to G&L – George (Fullerton) and Leo (Fender). MusicMan guitars products appearing in 1974, and G&L was formed in 1979.

Taking very clear cues from the classic and proven 1950’s designs, the G&L ASAT looks like an ‘improved’ Telecaster. Notably, the ‘Hard Tail’ bridge addresses a number of vibration issues by adding a set screw to the treble side of the bridge housing. This set screw pushes against the saddles, so that once the saddles are properly adjusted, they lock in place. As well, the larger single coil ‘MFD’ or ‘Modified Field Design’ pickups are Leo’s design, combing ceramic under-coil magnets with soft iron adjustable magnets for each string.

Here is G&L on the MFD Pickup:

“By contrast, traditional Alnico type pickups, such as used in the Legacy model, use non-adjustable Alnico pole pieces leaving the only adjustment being pickup height. The Magnetic Field Design has this adjustment, but further offers individual adjustment of each pole piece, letting the player effectively adjust the output of each string on each pickup.

Magnetic Field Design yield about twice the output per wind, making the pickup quieter while allowing a greater overall output. The sound of Magnetic Field pickups is slightly warmer with a broader frequency response.”

This all original example was built at the G&L plant in Fullerton, California during the second half of 2002- both the neck heel and the body’s neck pocket are dated with 2002; the neck pocket is clearly ‘5 Sept 2002’. It is in very good condition with only the slightest wear, and comes with the original molded hard shell case. The Certificate of Authenticity, warranty cards and original bill of sale are included in in the case.