G&L S-500 vs. Legacy Comparison

"What is the difference in tone between the Legacy and the S-500?" This is one of the most frequent questions we hear from guitarists. Steve Grom, Director of Manufacturing at the G&L factory in Fullerton, California, demonstrates both models back-to-back through a Fender Blues DeVille and an Audix i5 mic held by an Audix CabGrabber.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• G&L
• Legacy
• S-500
• S500
• Alnico
• MFD
• Magnetic
• Field
• Design
• electric
• guitar
• Leo
• Fender
• George
• Fullerton
• Audix
• i5
• CabGrabber
• Blues
• DeVille

[ArtDonna84]

Thank you very much for your response. I own a Tribute Asat Special and a USA S-500 Deluxe maple top and Fenders. I can honestly tell you that despite some criticism about G&L being the stepchild of Leo, that if he had lived longer, I believe G&L would have taken the world by storm. They are second to none in quality and workmanship and tone. Thank you again.

[GandLGuitars]

@ArtDonna84 LOL, the stepchild of Leo? Never heard that before, but some folks might not like that Leo himself said that G&Ls are the best instruments he ever made. We're not about world domination, we're into making instruments that people love. - Dave

[ArtDonna84]

I read a comment on the G&L difference between a tribute and USA made model, that they are constructed of the SAME MATERIAL but the only difference is that the tributes are machine made where the USA are hand man. TRUE??? BTW: You've done an excellent job in this video of explanation and comparison of the two. Thank you very much

[GandLGuitars]

@ArtDonna84 Both USA and Tribute Series use a combination of machine work and hand work, and much of the materials are indeed of the same origin. For example, the Swamp Ash body in the Tribute Series is from the US, same as Swamp Ash we have on the US models. We don't skimp on the Tribute Series. On the US models, there is a higher grade of craftsmanship, from fine shaping to the Plek fret leveling. Our US facility is essentially a custom shop with a huge range of options. - Dave

[Brizraen]

Nice comparison, but I have a few questions. How does the S-500's MFD pickups compare to the Legacy Special Dual Blade pickups? How well do the pickups handle distortion (Legacy Alnico pickups included)?

[GandLGuitars]

@Brizraen These are all different flavors, so what works for one taste might not turn on someone else. That said, the Legacy pickups are essentially late '50s Strat. If vintage is your vibe, this is it. The S-500 is more progressive, more bottom and top, more output. It's meatier, "better" in my mind if I'm cranking it. By your question, though, I'd go for the Legacy Special's blades. We spec them to get a lot more single coil chime than other blade types, but still fat and quiet. - Dave

[Gooleevoo]

am i the only one who actually likes the G&L headstock?

[redandblue269]

G&l guitars is Not Well represented In France.

But i just find one s500 in a french guitar shop. G&l are very Well built and sound amazing. The S500 has more character than a simple strat. It gives pure clean sound and sound better than a fender custom shop in crunch and lead sound.

You can have strat and tele sound in the same guitar.

[pntblnguitarists]

You have made my life stressful. I want them both.

[oDnetworkPrAnZao]

i like s500

[BloodyBrain4]

That cannot be overstated. G&Ls are not cookie cutter guitars. It's a very "human" company; they'll do whatever they can to get you what you want. I have needed things on occasion, and all I had to do was drive down to Fullerton and get them. Try doing that with Fender or Gibson if you are just Joe Blow. Ha! G&L has stayed true to Leo Fender's old-fashioned business practices for the most part. My one complaint is lack of nitro finishes and lack of dealers w good stock on hand.

[BloodyBrain4]

Good video. I love your company so much. Such great customer service.

For me, the Legacy wins in every position except middle+neck.

I wish you made the Rustic series without the relic work, or at least did it with a lighter touch. I prefer the feel of nitro finishes.

[sgsg1212]

Damn, dude.  Just play the fricking guitars already.

[90sthomas]

How does the whammy sound on them?