The G&L S 500 debuted in 1982 as an evolution of the traditional double-cutaway bolt-on electric, delivering innovations including the Dual-Fulcrum vibrato and Magnetic Field Design single-coil pickups. These MFD pickups deliver a bright and sparkly top end and robust bottom end, all without losing midrange focus. You’ll find plenty of punch in the MFD pickups, but what’s surprising is how glassy and detailed they become as you roll back the volume and bass controls. The latter is a part of the S 500’s PTB (Passive Treble and Bass) system which functions on all three pickups. Plus, the S 500 includes a mini-toggle Expander Switch to allow neck+bridge blend or combining all three pickups together. In a pinch, the neck+bridge combo does a convincing faux ASA Special. The S 500 also features a Dual-Fulcrum vibrato, a work of engineering art which allows bending up or down with unsurpassed stability, while offering a silky feel through its beefy aluminum vibrato arm. The hard-rock maple neck sports an easy-playing satin finish and a 9.5" radius.