Classic single-cutaway design with dual jumbo single-coils
The G&L ASAT Special just might be the quintessential G&L guitar, viewed by many as the ultimate single-cutaway. Back in 1985, this model was launched under the G&L Broadcaster name, which prompted a response from Fred Gretsch of Gretsch Guitars over the name as Broadkaster is owned by Gretsch. The name then 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, but the MFD principle provides a punchier bottom end and brighter top end that sparkles with harmonics. 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 ASAT Special is one of the most versatile guitars ever, serving up everything from ballsy twang to searing blues and smooth jazz tones.
Specifications
Body
- Body Type: Single Cutaway Solid Body
- Body wood: Swamp ash or alder
- Neck shape: Modern Classic
- Neck wood: Maple
- Joint: Bolt-on
- Scale length: 25.5"
- Truss rod: Standard
- Neck finish: Satin
- Material: Maple or rosewood
- Radius: 9.5"
- Fret size: Medium-jumbo
- Number of frets: 22
- Inlays: Dot
- Nut material: Bone
- Configuration: SS
- Neck: Proprietary Humbucker
- Bridge: Proprietary Single Coil
- Control layout: Master volume, Master tone
- Pickup switch: 3-Way
- Bridge type: Fixed Bridge
- Tailpiece: String thru body
- Tuning machines: Sealed High-ratio
- Color: Nickel
- Number of strings: 6 String
- Case: Gig Bag
- Orientation: Right-handed
- Country of Origin: United States
Features
- Swamp ash or alder body
- Bolt-on maple neck with Modern Classic profile
- Maple or Caribbean rosewood fingerboard
- Dual jumbo G&L MFD single-coil pickups