hubberjub said:
... but they don't hold their value very well. They are a great buy used.
Sorry, but I have to agree and disagree on that point, hub.
First. they're a great buy, period.
True, as far as standardized limited run production models like this one that go to market new based on special pricing:
ASAT Classic Limited Run Model
Models like this fare about as well as standard USA Fenders in terms of percentage of MSRP. My local G&L dealer had a run of Legacy's like this that went new for $799. One came back on a trade about a year later and went 2nd hand for $650.
Custom order models like that orange Bluesboy are another matter. They hold value better than say, a Fender American Vintage Series 62 ReIssue Strat that hits the street new at about $1,400 -$1,500 and then sells used 6 months later for $1,000. But even that's a standard production model, nothing custom about it.
That e-bay seller also seems a bit slimy to me in his representation. Here he's got a customized ASAT Special at a BIN price. I know for a FACT that unless G&L raised the option prices within the last 4 weeks, he's inflated the list pricing on a couple of the options, and thus jacked the MSRP up higher than actual price.
ASAT Special custom order
Aeolian is another fretter here who knows a lot more about G&L's, is active in the G&L discussion board for I think 10 years, and I'd be interested in what light he might shed on this issue.