My guitar collection - G&L
Inspired by ‘The Rembrandt’, G&L started to build Signature models in late-1988. Although it took until the January 15, 1990 price list for these models to be listed, the public was made aware of their existence through the brochure/catalog issued in late-1988. Its covers displays a closeup of an ASAT Signature looking similar to this guitar, at least when ‘Char’ came fresh of the line: swamp ash body in Natural Gloss finish, black Leo Fender signature decal on the upper bass bout, Locktight (Saddle-Lock) bridge, white enameled aluminum pickguard, 2 Jumbo Magnetic Field Design (MFD) pickups with black covers, hard-rock maple #2 neck with a 7½” rosewood fingerboard, and G&L branded Schaller closed tuning machines. Note that with the ASAT Signature, G&L introduced all chrome hardware on this model whereas the ASAT, shown to the right, still has the traditional all black hardware. While lacking a signature, the current ASAT Special is still a strong seller in G&L’s lineup with more information found at:
ASAT Signature ‘Char’
The story behind this guitar
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Before it was added to this collection, I had been aware of ‘Char’ for the better part of a decade if not longer. Previously owned by Jason Hieb, aka Katefan on the Guitars by Leo (GbL) website, it spend most of its life in the company of ‘Keef‘, another storied guitar. Its looks are due to a traumatic experience. A fire almost destroyed it. After having been saved from the ashes, it rose up like a phoenix under the capable hands of Mike Lull. Mike, who sadly passed away on February 12, 2020, was known for building some fabulous basses. But it should not be overlooked what an incredible repairman this luthier was. Soot was removed where possible and molten plastic parts thrown out. But what could be saved stayed on. For instance, all but 2 of the tuning machines are missing their cover which had popped off due to the heat. Amazingly enough, both Jumbo MFD pickups came through pretty much unscathed. So did the wiring harness which has some relevance in itself. During 1990, G&L started using the same ASAT Classic wiring harness on the ASAT and ASAT Signature. Most notably, the 6.8kΩ resistor on the tone pot was removed clearly still present here. Given its date stamps, this guitar must have been finished late-April/early-May 1990 whereas George Fullerton drew up this schematic on July 26, 1990, showing the ASAT Classic wiring harness on an ASAT. This provides an interval of about 3 month in which the transition might have taken place. And thus makes ‘Char’ one among the last to have the old harness. Jason has always claimed she is one of the best sounding guitars he has come across. When I picked it up, his friend said the same. And they are right. When looking for it, the split in the neck is detectable but when playing you do not notice. One of the most soulful guitars which inspired me to play many songs by ‘The Meters’. Yum.
The story behind this guitar
1990
G025988
MAR 20 1990
DEC 20 1989
