Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,937

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "G&L CLF Research S-500". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The G&L CLF Research S-500 is a harmonious blend of past and present, paying homage to the legendary designs of Leo Fender while introducing modern innovations that elevate its performance. This solid body electric guitar is crafted with an okoume body, providing a resonant foundation that pairs beautifully with a hard-rock maple neck and a smooth Caribbean rosewood fingerboard. The standout feature of the S-500 is its trio of Magnetic Field Design (MFD) pickups, which are renowned for their ability to deliver a spectrum of tones—from sparkling highs to deep, punchy lows. These pickups offer a unique combination of enhanced output and classic single-coil clarity, making it a versatile choice for any guitarist.

The S-500 is equipped with a groundbreaking Dual-Fulcrum vibrato system, providing exceptional tuning stability and expressive pitch control. This is complemented by the innovative PTB (Passive Treble and Bass) tone system that allows you to fine-tune high and low frequencies independently, offering a palette of tonal possibilities. From crystal-clear cleans to gritty overdrives, the S-500 adapts to your musical nuances with precision.

The vintage aesthetic is completed with touches like the crinkle powder-coated aluminum pickguard and an iconic headstock design, making it a true classic brought to modern standards. Whether you're exploring complex soundscapes or maintaining a simple groove, the G&L CLF Research S-500 stands ready to enhance your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Okoume body with a hard-rock maple neck and Caribbean rosewood fingerboard
  • Magnetic Field Design (MFD) single-coil pickups for versatile tones
  • Dual-Fulcrum vibrato system for smooth and stable performance
  • PTB (Passive Treble and Bass) tone controls for precise sound shaping
  • 22 medium-jumbo frets on a 9.5-inch radius neck for comfortable playability
  • Vintage-inspired design with modern playability and sound innovation

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape CLF Research S-500
Body Material Okoume
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Hard Rock Maple
Neck Shape Modern Classic
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Material Caribbean Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay White Dots
Number of Frets 22, Medium Jumbo, Nickel
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece G&L Dual-Fulcrum Vibrato
Tuners Kluson
Neck Pickup Leo Fender-designed G&L MFD Single-coil
Middle Pickup Leo Fender-designed G&L MFD Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Leo Fender-designed G&L MFD Single-coil
Controls 1 x master volume, 2-band EQ
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch, 1 x mini-toggle (coil-expander)
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What type of pickups does the G&L CLF Research S-500 use?

The G&L CLF Research S-500 features Leo Fender-designed G&L MFD single-coil pickups in the neck, middle, and bridge positions, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

How does the G&L CLF Research S-500's neck profile affect playability?

The guitar features a Modern Classic neck profile, offering a comfortable grip and easy access to all 22 frets, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing styles.

What is the function of the mini-toggle switch on the G&L CLF Research S-500?

The mini-toggle switch on the G&L CLF Research S-500 acts as a coil-expander, allowing you to enhance the tonal range by adding more pickup combinations, thus expanding the guitar's versatility.

Is the G&L CLF Research S-500 suitable for gigging musicians?

Yes, the G&L CLF Research S-500 is well-suited for gigging musicians, thanks to its robust construction, versatile tone options, and reliable G&L Dual-Fulcrum Vibrato system that ensures stable tuning.

What materials are used in the construction of the G&L CLF Research S-500's body and neck?

The body of the G&L CLF Research S-500 is made from Okoume, providing a balanced tonal response, while the neck is crafted from Hard Rock Maple, known for its durability and smooth playability.

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 S-500.

Features and functionality

  • The G&L S-500 uses Passive Treble and Bass circuitry instead of traditional tone knobs, acting like a mini-EQ for versatile sound shaping.

    Source
  • The auxiliary switch on the S-500 allows the neck pickup to be always on, enabling unique combinations like Neck+Bridge and Neck+Bridge+Middle.

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  • The S-500 features a distinct headstock design, differing slightly from traditional Fender models, adding a unique visual element.

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  • The PTB tone controls on the S-500 allow for a wide range of sounds, offering versatility that can deviate from traditional Fender tones when fully open.

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Build quality

  • The natural wood binding on the body offers a sharp edge, distinct from the typical rounded Stratocaster design, enhancing the visual appeal and finish.

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User experience

  • Owners praise the MFD pickups for detailed sound and clarity, making each note in a chord discernible even to non-musicians.

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  • The slim C neck is highlighted for its comfort, particularly for players who prefer smaller necks over beefy D necks found on LPs.

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  • An experienced guitarist claims the S-500 outperforms all other guitars they've owned over 15 years, highlighting its quality even for seasoned players.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to Fender, G&L is seen as "Fenders on steroids," with improvements Leo Fender couldn't implement at Fender.

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  • The G&L Tribute S-500 is seen as a solid alternative to the Telecaster, particularly when the latter is out of stock, despite personal preferences for tele styles.

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  • The G&L Tribute S-500 is often compared to Mexican Fenders, with many suggesting it matches or surpasses them in quality, particularly due to identical pickups as the American models.

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Setup and maintenance

  • All USA models feature Plek’d frets by default, ensuring low action without fret buzz, contributing to smooth playability.

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Value and pricing

  • The G&L Tribute S-500 is available at a reduced price of $500 USD, making it a compelling option compared to lower-quality budget guitars.

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  • Occasionally, G&L Tribute S-500 guitars are available for as low as $300 during special sales, making them an exceptional deal compared to regular pricing.

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Use cases and applications

  • While not sounding identical to a Fender, the S-500's tone controls enable it to cover a broad spectrum of musical styles, appealing to players seeking versatility.

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Critic Reviews

G&L's new CLF Research S-500 is a fan-inspired “retro-futurist dream” that blends original designs with contemporary appointments | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The G&L CLF Research S-500 is a blend of retro aesthetics and modern innovation, channeling Leo Fender's legacy with features like Magnetic Field Design pickups and a dual fulcrum vibrato system. The modifications offer a "softer, sparklier sound" while maintaining strength. Designed with fan input, it boasts a sleek look with a three-ply black pickguard and machined knobs. However, with a price tag of $1,999, players might weigh its unique features against more budget-friendly options. Overall, it's a solid choice for those craving a distinctive, Fender-inspired instrument, but the cost could be a deterrent for some.

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