G&L Legacy

[scgmhawk]

I was browsing the web and found a G&L Legacy Standard selling for $899 new. I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with G&L in general and this guitar in particular? I've never really seen any bad reviews of G&L. Made in the USA. Sounds like a good deal for a Strat. I read some reviews of it. The only difference, apparently between this and the Legacy that sells for $1275 is that it's a 3 piece alder body versus a 2 piece. I'm honestly not sure what that difference would mean to the quality/tone of a guitar. Any insight on that point would be appreciated as well. Here's the link I found: http://www.pedalgeek.com/cgi-bin/new_shop.cgi?config=&uid=rQIbJwAA1235664582&command=link--gl-ls-vwrwc

 

[Spudman]

G&L is good stuff and holds it's value. Price wise that blows a new MIA Strat out of the water. I know you'd like it if you get it. Everything is done first class on them and quality control is very high. It's going to sound pretty much like a good Strat with a smooth tremolo and a satin neck that is a delight to play.

 

[aeolian]

I own a G&L guitar and also a bass, so I know a little about the instruments. I do believe the Standard is essentially a regular Legacy but with painted headstock. It comes with a gig bag instead of a case which a normal Legacy would come with.

The thing to know is that G&L makes both alnico and ceramic pickups. The Legacy has alnico pickups which is like a traditional Strat. The other G&L strat-shaped guitars mostly come with ceramic pickups, e.g. s500. The ceramic pickups are supposed to be higher output, and more hi-fi sounding. The alnicos should have more quack. Legacys have a different tone control system than a Strat. Strats come with 2 tone controls, one for the neck and one for the middle pickup, each is a high frequency cut control. The Legacy comes also with 2 tone controls but they control input from all 3 pickups. The other difference is that the 2 tone controls have different functions: one is a high frequency cut and the other is a low frequency cut, so you have more control over the overall frequency band of the guitar. My G&L guitar has ceramic pickups.

 

[hubberjub]

That looks like a great deal for a new USA G&L. I own two USA Strats and consider the USA G&L line to be superior. The matching headstock is a nice touch too.

 

[scgmhawk]

Yea, I'm thinking it's a pretty good deal. The challenge will be finding a store that carries it. This model seems to be hardly be available on line even. I'm not sure I even want another "strat" type, but I'm adding this to my list of definite possibilities!

 

[just strum]

It sounds like a good deal. Wingsdad is very knowledgeable when it comes to G&L and I'm sure that when he signs on he will provide some good information for you.

 

[wingsdad]

Thanks for the setup, Strummy

2 years ago, my dealer got a batch of 3 each of these red, white and blue Legacy models; they were run like that to cut costs and put them in dealers' hands at great street price, about 25% lower than usual...because G&L's are most often custom-ordered by dealers one or 2 pieces at a time, unless G&L produces a preset special edition limited quantity run. At that time, he blew them out new at $799 each.

Aeolian knows his G&L's, too, and everything he said about the Legacy, especially about its 'PTB' (Passive Treble & Bass) tone control system -- which, with the G&L pickups, IMHO, set a Legacy a class above any Standard, conventionally factory-wired SSS USA Fender Strat would have been what I would have said if I wasn't stuck here on the Left Coast, always late to the USA parties...

I'll also go +1+ on the G&L dual-fulcrum trem system; I had a Comanche (now Rocket's...unless he flipped it) and that trem is just...well...it stays in tune...OK?

scgmhawk: if you jones for a really good strat, then you won't be disappointed with one of these.:AOK:

 

[scgmhawk]

I had emailed Pedalgeek (the link I posted) to find out more about the model and when they'd be in stock, since they showed as being backordered. Well, the model's been discontinued! No more. I was wondering why I hadn't seen a new USA G&L for under a grand before!

 

[wingsdad]

... Well, the model's been discontinued! ...

I wondered about that...if G&L had done another special run like that since he got them last time, I'm certain he would've grabbed some. Those $799'ers with the great G&L gigbag flew out the store in about a month...I've only seen one of them (in white) come back on a trade, last summer, and it found a new home in a hurry for $700 or so.

A used but fairly new stock alder bodied Legacy in excellent shape should go for around $700 - $800 w/ OHSC depending on the market you're buying it in. If it's got any factory custom options (premier finish on swamp ash, gloss gun-oil tint neck the most common) add about 50-60% of the total MSRP's of the options to that.

+1 Spudman's and hubberjub's comments, IMHO, a new USA Legacy from a dealer puts a comparably configured USA Fender Strat to shame at a price that won't be too far from the Fender's...and if it's a tad more, bear in mind that the G&L is virtually a custom-shop guitar because they're typically made-to-order per the dealer.

Pawling, eh? Any dealers in Poughkeepsie or Beacon or Danbury? White Plains is a hike...

Here's a link to G&L's highest-volume retailer, Buffalo Brothers, out here north of San Diego. Their service & shipping is 2nd to none. Check out their upgrade trade-in policy; is so cool it's stupid: http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/gAndL.html

 

[Rocket]

I'll also go +1+ on the G&L dual-fulcrum trem system; I had a Comanche (now Rocket's...unless he flipped it) and that trem is just...well...it stays in tune...OK?

I still have it.
I don't play it, and it's up for grabs if anyone wants to cover my cost for it.

 

[Duff]

G and L

I have a n '07 Tribute ASAT semi hollow tele with USA pups w swamp ash quilted maple top and mahogany back with maple fretboard. Beautiful import G and L.

The place I got it might have one of those you are looking for. They don't sell that many G and L's.

No affln, the places name is Robert M. Sides, in Williamsport, Pa., and I'm sure they ship and they have good prices and do some matching. I looked at some of the strats and don't believe they were really expensive.

It's worth googling the place for their website. Ask for Chris.
Good luck. Let us know what you find.

Duffy
Winfield, Pa.

 

[hagarfreak33]

My old G&L Legacy was the best guitar I ever owned-and most expensive--great guitar.:master:

 

[oldguy]

That was a great looking guitar.

I have to ask, tho............why were you mic'ing the bike seat??