The G&L ASAT Classic 'S' is a factory-modded version of Leo's final word on the traditional single-cutaway bolt-on axe. First created in 2004 by the G&L Custom Creations team, the ASAT Classic 'S' later joined the line as a standard model in 2008.
The basic idea for this kind of arrangement has been long established in the Nashville session player scene, where players often install a Strat middle pickup in the middle position of a Telecaster® and swap the 3-position pickup selector with a 5-way unit.
Back in 2004, The G&L Custom Creations Department dediced to build an instrument similar to the formula adopted by the Nashville guys but with a distinctly G&L flavor with ASAT Classic MFD pickups in place of Alnico Tele pickups, and the S-500 MFD in place of the Strat pickup. The CCD team decided to ice the cake with a push/pull tone pot that functions the same way as the S-500's mini-toggle switch, enabling additional pickup combinations of neck+bridge or all three pickups together for a unique sonic depth that G&L players love.
The "S" designation comes from both internal designation for this instrument, due to its use of the S-500 middle pickup, and "Session" in homage to the origin of this guitar configuration.
Founded by Leo Fender in 1980, G&L USA instruments continue to be made in the historic G&L facility on Fender Avenue in Fullerton, California, the Birthplace of Bolt-on.
SPECIFICATIONS - Model: ASAT Classic "S"
BODY - Body Wood: Alder - Body Finish: Emerald Blue Metallic, Satin "Frost" Top Coat - Bridge: Boxed-Steel with 6 Saddles - Knobs: Knurled Dome-Top Chrome - Pickguard: 3-Ply Tortoise Shell - Trim Parts: Chrome Pickguard Screws - Body Other: Rear Contour
NECK - Neck Profile: Modern Classic - 1-11/16" Nut Width - 1-5/8" String Space - 9.5" Radius - .820" Depth at First Fret (+/- .015" tolerance) - .870" Depth at 12th Fret (+/- .015" tolerance) - Neck Wood: Hard-Rock Maple w/Rosewood Fingerboard - Neck Finish: Satin Clear - Frets: Medium Jumbo - Inlays: White Pearl Face Dots - Nut: Bone - Tuners: G&L Standard