In my previous blog post, I raved about MIM Fender guitars. However, I would be remiss if I didn't also bring attention to G&L Guitars. Those who have followed me over the past few years know I love G&L instruments. For those who don't know much about G&L, it was founded by Leo Fender - the same genius who brought us the famed Fender line of guitars, basses, and amps. The 'L' in G&L stands for Leo. The 'G' stands for his business partner George Fullerton. In my opinion, I believe that G&L guitars are every bit as good as Fender guitars. I own a G&L Legacy, which looks and functions just like a Fender Stratocaster, or 'Strat' for short. I have a often said that the Legacy sounds more like a Strat than a Strat does. It's a really great sounding and playing instrument! Even the luthier (guitar tech/builder) that I took it to for a recent fret dressing praised the guitar for how well it played and sounded, and it's high quality construction. It leads me to believe he doesn't work on a lot of G&L's - a) because most people buy Fenders and Gibsons, and/or b) because G&L's are just such great, reliable guitars that they don't need much repair or maintenance. Whatever the case may be, G&L's have proven themselves to be solid, high quality instruments that measure up to, if not beyond more popular brands. Leo Fender was quoted as saying that G&L guitars are the best guitars he's ever made, and with G&L, he corrected mistakes he made on his Fender line. And if you follow G&L on social media, you'll see the innovative stuff they come up with as far as designs, colors, and pickups.
A few years ago, I had a G&L Bluesboy, which is a T-style guitar ("T-style" means Telecaster shape, a guitar that Leo Fender invented/developed). But unlike your standard issue T-style guitar, the Bluesboy comes with either a humbucker or P-90 pickup for the neck position. Mine had a humbucker, and it became my main guitar for a couple years touring with Brandon Santini. However, I sadly had to sell it due to financial hardship. It broke my heart but I saw no other way to get what I needed. That's just life sometimes, I guess. Still, I was determined to get another G&L at some point, and thanks to my awesome wife, she got me that Legacy as an early Christmas present one year...one that I had my eye on for a long time at Martin Music in Memphis, TN.
All this has led me to have quite an affinity for G&L guitars. They sound great, they play great, they look great, and if you're the type that likes to go off the beaten path, they're a fantastic alternative to the widely popular Fender line of guitars...and they often cost less than Fenders. As well, G&L has a line of more budget friendly guitars called "Tribute Series", which are made in Indonesia but have the same pickups and electronics as the American G&L's. Neither Fender's "Squier" line or Gibson's "Epiphone" line can make that claim. So that's one big advantage G&L has over both of them. Check out the links below to check out G&L's wesbite for yourself, as well as some Youtube links to G&L. Thanks for stopping by and God Bless!
Review of Fender Telecaster vs G&L ASAT