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Description

Reviving the innovative spirit of Leo Fender, the G&L SC-2 Electric Guitar is a cherished classic, now reimagined for modern musicians. First introduced in 1982, this guitar quickly became an icon of the New Wave movement, adored by pioneers like Devo's Bob Mothersbaugh. Fast forward to today, the SC-2 makes a triumphant return, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary enhancements that appeal to today's indie-pop and rock genres.

The SC-2's design is a tribute to its roots, featuring a distinctive body profile with generously sculpted arm and back contours for exceptional comfort during long sessions. The repositioned controls allow for seamless adjustments on the fly, making it a versatile instrument for any performance setting. Its compact, lightweight body ensures ease of play whether you're on stage or in the studio.

At the heart of the SC-2's dynamic sound are two G&L large MFD single-coil pickups. The neck pickup delivers a warm, spongy tone with the perfect touch of top-end clarity, while the bridge's over-wound "fat" MFD pickup offers a powerful, smooth vocal presence. This combination provides a broad tonal range, from punchy indie-pop riffs to smooth jazz and jangly country licks.

The neck features G&L's contemporary #1 profile for an easy-playing experience, enhanced by a Gun Oil Tint finish—satin on the back and gloss on the headstock face—reflecting a stylish mid-80's vibe. The SC-2 is not just a nostalgic reissue; it's a forward-thinking instrument designed for today's diverse musical landscape.

Key Features:

  • Distinctive body profile with sculpted contours for comfort
  • Repositioned controls for ease of use
  • G&L large MFD single-coil pickups for versatile sound
  • Contemporary #1 neck profile with Gun Oil Tint finish
  • Lightweight, compact body for ease of play

FAQs

What type of pickups does the G&L SC-2 feature and what tones can I expect?

The G&L SC-2 is equipped with two large rectangular G&L Magnetic Field Design high-output single-coil pickups. These pickups provide a powerful, clear tone suitable for a variety of music styles, with the bridge pickup offering a hotter output for more aggressive sounds.

What is the neck profile of the G&L SC-2 and how does it affect playability?

The G&L SC-2 features a bolt-on rock maple neck with a "C" shape profile, offering a comfortable and familiar feel for most players, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

Is the G&L SC-2 suitable for use with a vibrato system?

Yes, the G&L SC-2 includes a G&L Dual-Fulcrum vibrato bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and stable tuning, ideal for expressive playing.

What kind of wood is used for the body of the G&L SC-2 and how does it impact the sound?

The body of the G&L SC-2 is made from alder wood, which is known for its balanced tone with a good mix of lows, mids, and highs, making it versatile for different music genres.

Does the G&L SC-2 come with a case?

Yes, the G&L SC-2 comes with a deluxe fitted Tolex case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about G&L SC-2.

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the SC-2's weight, noting it is around 7 lbs, comparable to a Les Paul Special or Jaguar.

    Source
  • Polishing the frets quickly enhances playability, making the guitar ready for immediate use.

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Comparisons

  • The SC-2 is described as a blend between a Telecaster and a Les Paul Special, offering a unique tonal range.

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Features and functionality

  • The offset waist design is subtle but enhances comfort despite the lack of body contours.

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  • The original SC-2 models have MFD pickups with fewer winds, resulting in a less hot output than modern versions but offering a distinctive growl/crunch with overdrive.

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Value and pricing

  • The SC-2's rarity, with only about 600 units produced, contributes significantly to its high market value.

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  • The SC-2's rarity is highlighted by its swift market turnover, with owners often surprised at finding one available for sale.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners can set the action very low on the SC-2 without experiencing fret buzz, suggesting excellent neck and fret quality.

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Critic Reviews

Will Ray's Bottom Feeder: 1982 G&L SC-2 - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The G&L SC-2 from the early '80s is a charming throwback with its vintage aesthetics and robust build quality. Its aged cream finish and simple, effective electronics make it a standout for fans of classic designs. The guitar's Magnetic Field Design pickups provide a crisp, slightly lower output, offering a unique sound profile compared to modern ASATs. Despite its strengths, its lightweight body may alter the expected resonance. Overall, it's a solid choice for those seeking a blend of nostalgia and functionality, though it may not satisfy players looking for cutting-edge innovations.

G&L SC-2 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The G&L SC-2 offers a unique spin on the classic Telecaster vibe at a budget-friendly price, making it a great choice for musicians seeking that iconic sound with a twist. Its standout features include G&L-designed single-coil pickups, a robust bridge design, and a comfortable neck with larger frets. While the guitar's aesthetics and body contouring may not win beauty contests, its sound versatility across genres like country, blues, and pop is impressive. However, some might find its small body size and less stylish knobs a downside. Overall, the SC-2 is a solid performer for those who prioritize sound over looks.

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Artist usage

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See how Bob Mothersbaugh uses G&L SC-2

Bob Mothersbaugh

Guitarist

Devo

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"For the live shows, I’m using a ’59 Les Paul reissue—a Gibson Custom Shop instrument modeled after Mike Bloomfield’s guitar. For the new album, I used a 1964 SG and a couple of my G&L SC-2s. The SC-2 is probably my favorite guitar. I was introduced to them when we did the New Traditionalists album. I did an interview then where I mentioned buying a weird guitar called a G&L and how much I liked the tremolo system because it stayed in tune. The day after the interview hit the newsstands, someone from G&L called me and asked, 'Hey, can we endorse you?'"

See how Bob Casale uses G&L SC-2

Bob Casale

Guitarist, Bassist

Devo

...
Verified via reverb.com

Of all the guitars in this feature, the G&L SC-2 is the one I have personal experience with. The SC-2 is all about lightweight, playability, tuning stability and the powerful springy brilliance of the Magnetic Field Design (MFD) pickups. To me, this is Leo Fender’s sleeper guitar design. The SC-2 has DNA from the Mustang, Jaguar, Stratocaster and Telecaster, while retaining its own vibe, feel and sound all together. It is quite simply a stripped down, effortless player and a pure surfy Rock n’ Roll machine. From Devo’s New Traditionalists album onward, Bob 1 can be seen playing both stoptail and tremolo-equipped versions and I imagine that he favored the SC-2 for all the reasons I listed above—and also his affinity for Fender Musicmasters. Oh, and G&L reissued the SC-2 a few years back and they are still made in Fullerton California, dipped in tasty vintage-style finishes that make you want to pick them up and lick them like ice cream bars. Tasty.

See how Chris Spencer uses G&L SC-2

Chris Spencer

Singer, Guitarist

Unsane

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo posted on the official Unsane account, Chris Spencer can be seen plaing a G&L SC-2 in May, 1992.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0PFJ6DLugV/

See how Jacob Hurley uses G&L SC-2

Jacob Hurley

Guitarist

Cojum Dip

...
Verified via Photo

In these two photos, Jacob Hurley can be seen using a modified G&L SC-2 from the 1980s. The bridge pickup has been replaced with an open coil humbucker and is oriented parallel to the bridge rather than at an angle. Additionally, a custom pickguard has been added to the guitar.

Album Usage

The G&L SC-2 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use G&L SC-2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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