Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,999

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$400

$1001+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active is a tribute to Leo Fender's innovative spirit, blending a vintage design with modern enhancements. This solid body electric guitar boasts a Saddle-Lock bridge, ensuring exceptional sustain and resonance by channeling string energy directly into the body. Crafted from lightweight alder, the guitar offers a balanced tonal response across its six strings.

At the heart of the Espada HH Active are two powerful humbuckers, paired with a versatile active preamp system. This system features a 3-way switch allowing you to choose between passive, active, and high-frequency boost settings, offering a wide array of tonal possibilities. The guitar's control setup is further enhanced with parallel/split/series options, allowing for intricate sound sculpting.

The neck, made from hard rock maple and topped with Caribbean rosewood, provides a smooth playing experience, particularly in the upper registers, thanks to its 9.5-inch radius. Whether you're delivering chime-filled chords at the neck or driving rhythms at the bridge, the G&L AW4368C and AS4255C humbuckers deliver clarity and articulation.

With its combination of vintage charm and modern versatility, the G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active is perfect for musicians seeking a guitar that resonates with history yet embraces the future.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight alder body
  • Hard rock maple neck with Caribbean rosewood fingerboard
  • Saddle-Lock bridge for increased sustain
  • G&L AW4368C and AS4255C humbuckers
  • Active preamp with passive, active, and treble boost settings
  • Parallel/split/series switch for tonal versatility
  • Kluson tuning machines for enhanced stability

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Espada
Body Material Alder
Neck Material Hard-rock Maple
Neck Shape Modern Classic
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Material Caribbean Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay White Pearl Blocks
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece G&L Saddle-Lock Bridge
Tuners Kluson tuning keys
Neck Pickup G&L AS4255C Humbucker
Bridge Pickup G&L AW4368C Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x treble control, 1 x bass control
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch, Series/Parallel/Split Switch, Preamp Switch
Strings D'addario
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active?

The G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active features a Modern Classic neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip for players who enjoy a balanced feel between traditional and contemporary neck shapes.

What kind of tones can I expect from the G&L Espada HH Active's pickups?

The G&L AS4255C and AW4368C humbuckers provide a versatile tonal range, from warm, full-bodied sounds to bright, articulate tones, making it suitable for various music genres.

Is the G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active is well-suited for advanced players, offering a range of tonal options and high-quality construction that supports complex playing styles.

How does the Series/Parallel/Split switch on the Espada HH Active affect the sound?

The Series/Parallel/Split switch allows players to toggle between different wiring configurations, offering a variety of tonal options from thick and powerful series tones to bright and clear split tones.

What is the primary body material of the G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active?

The body of the G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active is made from alder, known for its balanced tone and resonance, contributing to the guitar's overall sound quality.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active.

Comparisons

  • Tribute uses zinc bridge saddles; Fullerton models use brass. Brass saddle upgrade available for $39 from G&L site improves tone.

    Source
  • Tribute Comanche quality is surprisingly close to US models, offering a cost-effective option at roughly one-third the price of Fullerton.

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  • Some view the Espada HH as a strong alternative to the Doheny V12 due to its design and feature set.

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Build quality

  • Tribute series wiring and pots differ from US models, potentially affecting tonal consistency and reliability.

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Use cases and applications

  • The PTB system on G&L models, including the Espada HH Active, receives praise for its tonal versatility.

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Features and functionality

  • The Espada HH Active is noted to likely share its active circuit with the G&L L2000 bass, known for its excellent sound and feel.

    Source
  • There is a desire for more color choices, suggesting current options may be limited for some buyers.

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User experience

  • Custom Shop Espada models are in production, with some users anticipating their arrival, indicating high demand and interest.

    Source

Critic Reviews

“It was waiting patiently for decades, kind of like lost tapes from an artist”: The Espada HH and Espada HH Active are G&L’s latest “dual-humbucker” takes on Leo Fender’s gorgeous long lost late-1960’s blueprints | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The G&L CLF Research Espada HH Active revives Leo Fender's lost '60s design with a modern twist, featuring dual-humbuckers that expand its tonal range. Its ergonomic build makes for comfortable playing, while the maple neck and rosewood fingerboard promise smooth navigation. The active model's preamp offers versatile sound-shaping, enhancing clarity and brightness without overwhelming. However, the neck humbucker can sound a bit boomy, but adjusting the bass control quickly resolves this. Overall, these guitars blend classic and contemporary elements, offering a compelling choice for diverse musical needs.

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