G&L ASAT Special Semi Hollow Electric Guitars Overview:

The G&L ASAT Special just might be the quintessential G&L guitar, viewed by many as Leo’s 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.

Features and Specifications:

• Construction: bolt-on
• Scale: 25 1/2″
• Pickups: Leo Fender†-designed jumbo G&L MFD single coils made in Fullerton, California
• Body Wood: Swamp Ash on Premier Finishes, Alder on Standard Finishes
• Neck Wood: Hard-Rock Maple with Maple or Caribbean Rosewood fingerboard
• Neck Profile: G&L Modern Classic with 9 1/2″ radius
• Nut: 100% natural bone
• Freth: 22 medium jumbo, Jescar 57110 18% nickel silver
• Tunning Keys: 12:1 ratio, sealed-back
• Bridge: Leo Fender-designed G&L Saddle-Lock with chrome-plated brass saddles
• Controls: 3-position pickup selector, volume, tone
• Case: deluxe Tolex hardshell