G&L Guitars Factory Tour

[NuclearSoda]

I have a G&L Legacy which i traded for my Gibson Les Paul Studio... The guy wanted to trade back after a month or so and i said no because its such a brilliant guitar.. The best guitar i've ever heard or played on... never going to sell it... G&L are an improvment to Fender Inc. they sound way better... 

[alabarb28]

Lets see some Video of the New Korina Series ASAT guitars! Man I want the JR!!

[shootgroundhog]

I've been playing my Comanche for about 3 years now and I still don't want to set it down. I love this thing. It feels as though it were made just for me, the most natural feeling guitar I have ever played. And the tone is absolutely amazing. An American made Comanche isn't cheap, but after playing mine this long I can say that I would gladly give double the price they sell for.

[jamesm5744]

Comparing PRS and G&L is pointless. Both are great, its simply a matter of preference. I have several of both and each and every guitar has faultless build quality.

Tone wise I personally prefare the G&L's but that's probably because they sound so familiar.

My favourite PRS is the Swamp ash special with the 5 way, probably because it has that spank which the others lack a bit.

[XFFCTpunkrowk]

are g&l's expensive ? i can't find prices for europe :d

[Jugglevision]

@XFFCTpunkrowk Compared to other companies of similar quality, they are very cheap. The Standard models run under 1000 US dollars, and the nicer ones range up to 2000 US.

[caulinrocker1]

@XFFCTpunkrowk just find one in any currency than use an internet currency converter to estimate how much it would cost in euros ... the XE converter is accurate to the last dollar ... to find it just google "currency converter" and it should be your second result

[mushroomscouser]

Fuck me that looks like dangerous work....one slip and an arm ot finger is gone! That band saw is fucking scary shit.

[senorchristoph]

I've played $3000 dollar Fender Teles, but none have yet to beat my G&L asat classic. Leo Fender knew what he REALLY wanted in guitars when he created G&L. I don't think i want to go back to regular fender teles. My $500 G&L still has my heart.

[swing8th]

does anyone know what type of finish laquer g&l uses? nitro or poly type?

[MrSkidrowJoe]

Nice CNC machine computer screen. Look at that thing go to town cutting and carving out the body and neck, the "master luthier" doesn't even have to be there till the sanding, buffing comes along. Money well spent when having a "custom shop" model built

[RoxxorBidoune]

I'm about to buy a Strat, at first I was sure to go for a Fender but now I see everybody sayin that G&L are really good guitars, even better than Fender but with a really low price...

What would you guys take between a Fender LoneStar Strat or a G&L Legacy HB Strat ??

[PANICBLADE]

@RoxxorBidoune Legacy deluxe if i could afford it but definitely g&l

[guitarist4everdude]

G&L was paritaly made my leo fender thats y there so good :P

[martznitrox]

g&l are like the very first fenders, only'newer and improved' with better pickups and hardware....my ASAT CLASSIC is a real beuty, and it sigs on it's own...one thing I don't understand though...why is Jerry Cantrell(Alice In Chains) the sole famous guitarist to endorse G&L?I mean,there arwe others too, but ....less'good'...like ,guys from INXS, that dude from Warrant, etc, and yet, Richie Kotzen has a Fender Endorsement???Why??

[DinkyInkyCloudyKinky]

@martznitrox because fender sold his company to a corporation. G&L to my knowledge is still privately owned. And even if it wasn't fender controls like half the market for guitars, there's no way G&L could match the marketing schemes of a company that's been around for so long, regardless of the quality in worksmanship

[akeakami2]

@DinkyInkyCloudyKinky i think g&l is owned by BBE sound now...but i could be wrong

[anon540]

Well that looks more like Fender than Fender. Just wait, CBS will buy them out and ruin them too.

[Daluzmmania89]

G&L's are the most underrated guitars in the world. Leo Fender started this company because he was tired of being on a corporate leash. They are a true incarnation of what he wanted Fenders to be.

[d1lemma91]

G&L actually hold value better than a fender does. And are more highly sought after...

Anyone can get a fender at Sam ash. And don't get me wrong, I have my USA fenders..

But G&L's are handcrafted works of art

[RelaxNplay64]

the only difference between fender and gand l is that fender is more well known so they hold their value better that's it

[TheJossooo]

how much does an invader costs?

[theshyguitarist]

My G&L is betta than your's...I could teach you but I have to charge.

[PopExpo]

G and L i what fender could've been if Leo didn't sell his company to CBS. CBS ran Fender into the ground.

[megamicron]

Nice work

[Kradoz]

These guitars must sound and feel so good, i want to play one so bad right now...

[TL250Rider]

The People think that G& L is Not Fender

Must listen to AMP Radio Or KIISFM

[oeyesea]

The instruments are works of art too.

[playloud1622]

WOW IS GREAT TO SEE PEOPLE MAKING MOST OF THE WORK ON THE GUITARS NOT ONLY MACHINES CHEERS FROM CHILE

[gunsproof]

i Like G&L Guitars, their more handcrafted

[KevinFL]

The USA G&L's are top of the line. But what gets me is the lousy re-sale on them. I have not handled the Tribute series, so I wont comment on them

[taariqtaariq]

G and L are the best guitars I have ever played.I have been playing for 21 years. My trusty USA 1991 Fender strat plus just sits there now ;-P

[jeemy55]

Stay away.The necks warp.

[jeemy55]

I have 91 Legacy and the neck warped..I am rthe only owner.The factory won't fix it or give me a new neck..they don't care at all..They want something like 750.00 for a new one.This is a rotten company.Don't buy one..cheers

[Twoosy]

@jeemy55 Good God, now I am not the only one, too! The seventh fret highest string developed a buzz with only a dozen hours of playing time. Still pretty frustrated with my Legacy deluxe neck; haven't contacted G&L yet. I paid $150 to have the problematic fret(s) filed. The buzz will reappear if you play it a certain way. Another guitar luthier says the only remedy left is to try different brand of strings.  Uggggh!

[hadd0006]

@Twoosy

I'd also like to help you with your G&L, whether it's the American-made G&L or not, any decent luthier should be able to fix your guitar and $150 is RIDICULOUS, by the way to file a fret, a different brand of strings???? Where do you live I might be able to refer you someone good.

[Twoosy]

@hadd0006 so fond to know of your interest....I live in the SF bay area, Union City, California to be exact. The $150 is downright too much. It was Gryphon Stringed Instruments of Palo Alto, CA near Stanford University. The employees are very good at what they do, but I take the opportunity to go ahead and bad-mouth Richard, the owner.

[Plasterblaster42]

lol at the radio conversation at 5:25.

[joeyb817]

Is this the mexican facility?

[brianwurst1234]

@joeyb817 I hope so. I would like to think if I am paying that much money for a guitar that there would be more hands on building.

[rkc5150]

you should just try one out. best guitar I've owned, so far.  compared to Fender's and Ernie Ball Music Man EVH model, the first one in the 90's.

[brianwurst1234]

I play a PRS. Are they comparable to them as far as quality?

[rkc5150]

I never played a PRS, but I would imagine that it depends on the model. As far as G&L goes, there really is no difference in quality between models... maybe some material differences, but that all are very nice. I would like someday to get a PRS btw...

[SJP444]

Yes... I had 2 MacCarty's and I would say the G&L is just as good in build quality. It is like a strat only MUCH sturdier and a little bigger sounding in the stock pickups.

[Plasterblaster42]

If you play PRS the you would know that these guys don't even come close quality wise.

[Plasterblaster42]

PRS win on quality easy

[h2kmp]

@rkc5150 Leo designed and built all three of these makes.

[kirbiak90ZX]

@rkc5150 Absolutely bro, FOR SuRE!!!!!

[okanemark]

Fullerton, California. U.S.A Original Fender Factory.

[rkc5150]

LMAO!

[jackkemel]

mexican?

[swing8th]

does anyone know if you can actually take a tour of the factory?

[stringmanipulator]

anybody know what kind of lacquer it is that get brushed to the neck in the video, I like that "vintage" yellowish patina ... but am not sure how to get it ... the newer necks from for example fender look and feel much more "plastic" .. btw I love these videos .. thanks .. have a good one //Ken

[seisendsix]

They (G&L) call it Gun Oil Finish. I just ordered a G&L with a yellowish neck.

[offplanetfilms]

My fave guitar company by far. I own two USA made G&L's and I dream of owning MORE!

[Tomas9308]

G&L is always on top.... they always do it for me.... (that´s what she said)

[ArgentinianTraceur]

Shit, just realized the factory must be at maximum 15 minutes away from my house XD

[InBeliefRepair]

Doesn't it crack you up when people believe that G&L is a Fender copy company? Always get a good laugh when they talk highly of Leo Fender, than bash on G&L.

[wesclev83]

I have no knowledge of G&l but everyone says their good, so do you know any history

[CedarViewQH]

George Fullerton and Leo Fender (G&L) started this company when they sold Fender to CBS they have been making top notch instruments since the mid 70's. You can also look them up on Google, I used to have a G&L Rampage but lost it to a pawn shop (had to pay the bills) wish I could find it, would give anything to have it back. Had a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder put in the neck and it was Red any one know where it is?

[TheBillStickers]

@InBeliefRepair I know LMFAO...

It's also kinda hilarious that G & L in many ways is better than Fender, yet Fender is the better known, better favoured company. Although, in some respects, that's a good thing; means G & L doesn't have to deal with the disadvantages of being in the limelight.

[ToothyGus]

@InBeliefRepair I used to think the same until i played a G&L and got blown away

[aigmeyer]

@InBeliefRepair Yeah, G&L's are more legitimate fenders than fender

[disolvedboi]

@InBeliefRepair Doesn't it crack you up when people don't know the difference between "Then" and "Than"?

[MalchikBlue]

@disolvedboi Oh, hai Larry Thomas!

[amphimandaalso]

born in cali, allways lived in cali, going to continue to buy guitars built by fellow californians... besides, the G&L gtrs are absolutely incredible... " Rest in Peace Mr. Fullerton".

[dangsxgomez]

I agree with alembicbassguy on overseas mfctrng. I own sub-brands of Fender & Spector, They do tweak the basses enough to distinguish the 2. My Spector Legend has narrower string spacing than USA models. I've never played a Tribute but I doubt that they would use the same pickups/preamp and hardware as on their Indonesian models...or do they? Anyone know? My opinion is to buy the foreign brands and just swap pickups/electronics with the USA stuff. Too bad they don't make an Indonesian ASAT Bass!

[t0nyxgq]

The pick ups are the same as the USA models.

[walela1952]

You know why guitars are made over seas!!! Americans wont work !!!!! They stand around more than they produce and demand to be paid for what they dont do,no work ethic at all!!! we have to live with it for now,its the baby boomers kids sorry drug addicted zero,s!!!!!!

[ElDopa420]

I own 4 G&L's. I feel that they're the best you can get pretty much at any price. The 2 Legacy's (2001's) have more birdseye than you can believe. One is built to '57 specs w/ a tobacco sunburst finish, the other --built like a Mary Kaye. The ASAT Classic also is loaded with birdseye and I bought it used. The best might be the '81 F-100 Series II because I love the pre-amp & electronics. I have to agree that the customer service can be fucked up though. Once it was great. Second time --awful.

[oldphoque]

I love these guitars but the customer support is horrendous. Gretsch, I got a live person right on. G&L, I got voice mail. On line purchases take longer than International. This company is screwed up now. Just my experiece. Great guitars, poor support.

[oldphoque]

Don`t purchase from their website. They are flakey and your ground order may never arrive. My experience after more than 15 days with a 4 day ground. If you don`t need parts you can`t get on the street, avoid this site.

[alembicbassguy]

Personally I dont think it matters where an instrument is made anymore - the quality of Indonesian built G&L guitars is astounding!

Does it really matter if an American or Indonesian is operating a CNC router machine?

The end result is fantastic sounding reasonably priced high quality instruments!

Its a no-brainer!

[pecoyamada]

Amen,

Unless the Indonesian is a slave or a child, which is the most probable thing...

[alembicbassguy]

Well from what I can see the good old US of A doesnt exactly have a great track record when it comes to slavery - just think native American tribes and Africans etc etc.

And, of course every US citizen is an equal arent they? Well not if you live in New Orleans during and after a hurricane.

Back to the point though - guitar building factories dont use cheap labour in US plants do they?!?!?!?! No, course not.

[oldphoque]

As noted to me, all parts are the same. That does not help for trade in value. But no, there is no difference in sound or otherwise. I bought a Comanche tribute and it sounds the same as an american I test drove.

[oldphoque]

Just don`t try to get parts garb or customer support from G&L. And don`t buy anything from their website. They get amnesia, charge your card and play dumb. Transfer you alot and such.

[macdaddylorenzo]

To me there's an ERNORMOUS difference. I'd rather keep the money in my city, country, or at least continent.

And since manufacturing jobs have been leaving the US in droves in the past few decades, I'm proud to support the american factory worker who does a great job.

If manufacturing keeps on leaving North America, or the Western World for that matter, where will our independence be? I've got nothing against other countries, I just think it's intelligent to keep some independence.

[NewOscarGuy]

Opps, I meant Tribute not legacy =P

I cant wait for my US Invader to come in...

[robisponja]

eu como Técnico de segurança fico com ódio de ve-loas trabalhando sem preteção adequada...

ainda bem que usam mascaras...

[prosongs]

Not made like they used to be made. Bridges aren't even made in America either. They really can't say they are "Made in America" anymore. Sad. I used to love this company until they started working with Korea.

[NewOscarGuy]

you do know they have G&L USA and G&L Legacy, the legacies are the only ones made in Korea for people who cant afford a $2000 guitar.

[prosongs]

Yep, I made parts for G&L for years. The USA aren't all USA sad to say.

[rjinterr]

I think you mean G&L Tribute. The legacy is an actual model

[offplanetfilms]

More machines around than there used to be, but they're still fantastic "handmade" guitars! (I use my George Fullerton model for soundtrack work)

[natomfschkali]

koreran necks usa

[CooleyCoolenson]

i know everyone has their personal preferences, but are G&L basses more versatile than Warwick?

[TheVictimsX]

yeah

[nerdyforhalo95]

i personaly think G and L is a copy off of fender. i no its the same guy and all but its a wanna be fender, there outragious priced to

g and l is just like gibson in my opinion, they both make good guitars but are not worth it for the money but there not there best guitars either

[Excop95]

You are an absolute idiot. Do some research before typing away.

[redwings1720]

G&L is basically higher quality/better made fenders

[Amulius]

My Tribute G&L ASAT Classic Is better than every single Fender Tele i have ever played. And it was only 500$, compared to the teles i played which were around 1,500.

[powergroove420]

yeah I have a tribute ASAT with p90s and it plays like a dream only thing I would change are the pickups.

[Amulius]

@powergroove420 really? I like the pickups on mine.They are single coil, so they do buzz, however, when you're actually playing it the full warm sound you get out of it is top notch .. that's just my personal opinion about the pickups.

[Amulius]

@powergroove420 Nevermind, i neglected to pay attention to the p90 pickups you mentioned.. i have different pickups than you.. standard G&L MFD SC ASAT Classic pickups.

[Alembicplyr]

@Amulius: If you feel it played better, than that's good, however, comparing prices for an american vs an import, isn't called for.

[Amulius]

@Alembicplyr Of course - I was referring simply to the quality of a Tribute G&L ASAT vs American Fender Tele, and I believe the quality in a Tribute G&L blows the standard American tele out of the water, as long as you get a good one... Which is sometimes hard to find since tributes were made out of the country, and thus they aren't quite as consistent... But the one I have is significantly better - the reason being the Bridge and the Pickups. Those 2 things make a HUGE difference in the guitar.

[Jugglevision]

@nerdyforhalo95 G&L are cheaper than fender

[Ilenalyd]

Im looking for someone to price and buy my 1988 G&L SC-3 contact me please

[sol4all]

G&L for life. I could have got anything and I chose my s-500 custom made. Love it! Got a video review of that playing thru my dr z CHeck it out G & L lovers Unite~

Peace~

Sõl~

[TheChangeling9]

bring back the sb1!

[TL250Rider]

This the Plant On Fnder Avenue in Fullerton California?

[carltonluke]

Ive a huge collection of rare and valuable guitars which Im very lucky to have and I can tell ye one thing, G&L USA guitars are better than any production Fender or Gibson that Ive come accross or have owned. They are as good as if not better than custom shop versions of both that maybe cost three to five times as much. PS Just bought the new hollowbody legacy, wow!

[johnniapplec]

wow taht is hte first telecaster i saw at the end that i actually felt like wanting to get ......

[bizthin]

I appreciate the vid, but some voice-over narration blurbs would help keep us tracking and break up the monotony of the the shop noise.

I'm a big Gear Heads fan!

[zepled112]

i own a custom usa legacy you wont see it any wear

[wanabe014]

now I know how to make guitars!!

[davo171]

I got a brand new S-500 for 150 bux or craigs list! One pot was bad, and the guy unloaded it. He got family that works at G&L. Truly a great guitar, that Im just getting to know. Says the fullerton plant is haunted by Leo's ghost!

Also says they will going out of business soon...

[ibnzs520]

i got a 2008 lespaul standard for 200 because of a paint defect on a batch of them

[loudlester]

R u sure its not a Tribute S-500.

G&L going out of business I doubt it!

[loudlester]

G&L w/ gigbags are probably Tributes not the USA models huge huge difference!

[davo171]

I got a brand new S-500 w/gigbag for 15

[ten8goa]

These are REAL Fender guitars.

[TL250Rider]

Is this at Fender St Plant in Fullerton California. I saw Cheep versions at a Pawn Shop Not made in California USA

Leo Fender RIP Keep up the work George Fullerton

[kep67]

That was a cool vid.  Makes me appreciate my S-500 much more. Nice hand work.

[MillsApparatus]

Two people seem to having a little tiff around 3:30.

[helloeverybody305406]

my dad works for that company

[surfco]

G&L and Fender are great electric guitars!

Both of them created by Leo Fender and the other guy that I don't remember his name... Oh yeah! The great Mr George Fullerton.

[LukeNewb]

I have 100 G & L guitars.

[madvillebirdman]

why are you here?

[LukeNewb]

because i need 101

[kotzen081]

lol! classic

[LoKi6922]

What do guys mean, 'not hand made'?

Almost half of the vid is a guy sanding and shaping the body of the guitar BY HAND.

Do any of you realize the amount of time it would take to sand a Strat body into that shape using sand paper and a block? It would be impossible.

G&L is more hands on than PRS. All of PRS body shaping and sanding is done by machine.

No 2 guitars are identical in carve from G&L. Go to the factory and take the tour and you'll see how much is actually done by hand.

[killemall1983]

but the main part is cut out using cncs. anyone can sand it smooth after the main shape is cut out. its still not hand made. hand made is you using a bandsaw to cut it out, then using a router to flush trim to final shape, the sand then rout again.

[RatPacker2k8]

No, hand made would mean using your hand to break the wood into shape, preferably using karate-chops or brute force... then polishing with naked palms.. Give me a break..

[SunnyCool]

wow that's amazing!

[kotzen081]

lol a student actually thought hand made ment that once lol

i had to explain to her its just hands and tools no machines or computers what so ever

[sir60man70]

I have 5 G&L's. They do pay attention to details. They have a very hand's-on method of production. As far as handmade goes...what does it matter if wood is cut by a electric saw or hand-saw?

[warpigs020]

I have six G&L guitars and one G&L bass and I love everyone of them. Each one is special and unique in its own way. These instruments are only handmade where they need to be hand made and it's the quality control that really effects how great these instruments are.

[kotzen081]

exactly! you can buy two for the same guitars but their's always going to be some sort of individuality with in them (oh sHit i sound like a hipy lol)

but yeah i agree with you thats why when i get a a guitar i'd rather get the one im trying out not that same model or what ever thats in the back of the shop

[wwllyywwmmppss]

P.S. I do love me some G&L's (invaders and asats espicially)!!!!!

[delliman]

i abit disapointed ive 3 gnls i thaught theywere hand made the only hand work i seen was lacquren the neck.nd i paid big euros for them all

[ImThEkOoLeStYeA]

who cares as long as it sounds good

[smashthemirror727990]

I can see what you mean. What I think they're saying though, is compared to other guitar manufacturers they're handmade. In a knock-off company for instance, the whole process is automated rather than real people shaping them. Did you read that book that G. Fullerton wrote called "Guitars from George & Leo"? It details the whole factory and departments as well as provides a detailed history. You'd really appreciate G&L more after reading it (not that you don't already appreciate them lol).

[delliman]

hey thanks man yea great guitarbut i dont know shit apout production.cheers

[wwllyywwmmppss]

theres no such thing as a "hand made guitar", you have to use tools. Cnc or a hand saw - still tools. Suhr, Tom anderson, Vigier, Prs, Hetitage, Fender, Jackson, Peavey, Schecter, etc... ALL USE CNC LIKE THIS. (Leo would have in the 50's if he could have)

[Maffu1973]

How do you think they make us fenders and gibsons?

[faqyaself]

are you from the stoneage or are you a fucking amish?

[mitchrich6]

well there isn't really such thing as handmade because it would take quite a while to make a guitar with your bare hands (no tools). also as far as guitars go this is quite close to hand made.

[gtrtech13]

i MAKE MY OWN GUITARS IN THE UK BY HAND FROM BLOCKS OF WOOD, HAND CARVED, HAND ROUTED, THE WHOLE LOT EXCEPT THE PICKUPS AND HARDWARE.SO HANDMADES DO EXIST.

[kotzen081]

you know their is cap button no need to sound angry

and yes Handmade guitars do exist look at the Japaneses Esp acoustics their under another name(i cant remeber its B something Gomen Nihon wakarimasusen)their all hand made

but yeah Mitchrich is right

with High Demands they cant waste time and people who dont understand what gets put into making a guitar,so they build factory's

suddenly it becomes more about quintiles then quality thats why i dont like any fenders made from the mid 90s so on

[wjm123]

Kotzen, what you have said is partially right. With machinery comes precision that human hands couldn't replicate. So at some point, these machinese produce better quality guitar in terms of precision, but for other im not sure haha.

[kotzen081]

oh yeah thats true but the machines aren't the ones who do the Fine finishes that stuff is still done by people a machine can do all that but of course that costs money

seems like the factory-well some factory(not all) made guitars the necks get warped faster for some reason regardless of the care taker

ive seen people who baby their guitar and have like big bows in their necks im like "wtf!" lol

[Vaegar]

Not to mention that with proper forestry practices, you can regenerage stands of ash and alder, maple and mahogony. It's really the clearcutting of old growth that has been the problem in North America.

[anthonykeidis45]

man I have A G&l will ray telecaster and I coulnt of made a beter but musicly in my life

[mindbodylightsound10]

was that an L 2000 or 2500 bass body being countoured at 2:00?? Love it, the L 2000 fretless is my main axe.

[jillyjo]

I love guitars but who's re-planting the trees that we are using, how many forrests are left, we are raping this planet, one day soon there will be nothing left.

[GuitarGearHeads]

If wood was only used for valued added products such as guitars then we wouldn't have a problem. 1 tree will employ a lot of people if you are making guitars out of it.

[laundrybasketguy]

Hippies should be replanting the trees instead of complaining.

[islefullofnoises]

Guitar making is the least of our lumber usage problems, except for perhaps toothpicks.

[hifijohn]

very interesting video i love how stuff is made but it should have some sort of naration or music.

[jimmyoc00]

the G&L Legacy will blow away just about any Strat this side of 1974.check it out they are awesome..

[mazdtr54]

what are you think? the G&L legacy is better than the fender american strat?

[blinkdude182]

YES IT IS! i have a legacy with 2 humbuckers and it is the BEST frickin guitar in the world.

[bellyeye]

as used by Charles Normal of Frank Black and Guards of Metropolis.

[guitarfan007]

Me Too !!

[Yngwie811]

i want some!

[Eddidaz]

Interesting. Bit of music might be nice instead of the sound of sanding.