Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $589
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "G&L Tribute ASAT Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The G&L Tribute ASAT Special is a captivating nod to Leo Fender's innovative spirit, wrapped in a sleek, solid body electric guitar design. Originally launched in 1985, this model has earned its place as a quintessential G&L guitar, recognized for its blend of classic charm and modern versatility. Inspired by Fender's early creations, the ASAT Special features jumbo single-coil Magnetic Field Design pickups, offering a unique tonal palette that sets it apart from the crowd. These pickups deliver a punchy bottom end and a sparkling top end, reminiscent of P-90s or Jazzmaster pickups, yet with their own distinctive voice.
A key highlight of the ASAT Special is Leo Fender's Saddle-Lock bridge, a revolutionary design that ensures optimal string energy transfer to the body, enhancing resonance and sustain. Whether you're chasing the twangy tones of country, the searing leads of blues, or the smooth textures of jazz, this guitar is your versatile companion. Choose between a Swamp Ash body for a bright and articulate attack or a Mahogany body for a rich, mellow tone that embodies the classic '80s G&L sound.
With a blend of historical significance and cutting-edge design, the G&L Tribute ASAT Special is more than just a guitar—it's a tribute to a legacy of innovation.
Key Features:
- Jumbo single-coil Magnetic Field Design pickups
- Saddle-Lock bridge for enhanced resonance
- Swamp Ash or Mahogany body options
- Versatile tonal range suitable for various genres
Product specs
| Brand | G&L |
| Model | Tribute Series ASAT Special with Maple Fretboard, Tribute Series ASAT Special with Rosewood Fretboard |
| Finish | Blueburst, Gloss Black, Irish Ale, Natural, Surf Green, Tobacco Sunburst |
| Year | 2010 - 2025 |
| Made In | Indonesia |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Poplar |
| Body Shape | T-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Top-Load |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Natural, Red, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 9.5" |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What kind of pickups does the G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst use?
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The G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst features G&L's large MFD (Magnetic Field Design) single-coil pickups, known for their high output and clarity, providing a versatile tone suitable for various music genres.
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Is the G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable playability, quality build, and versatile sound, making it an excellent choice for players at any skill level.
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What is the neck profile of the G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst?
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The G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst features a medium C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for players who prefer a balanced grip.
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What is the body material of the G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst?
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The body of the G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst is made from poplar, a tonewood known for its light weight and balanced tonal characteristics.
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Does the G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst come with a maple or rosewood fretboard?
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The G&L Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst is available with either a maple or rosewood fretboard, allowing players to choose based on their preference for feel and tone.
Reviews
PROS
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Twangy, bright tone surpasses traditional Telecasters for a unique sound experience
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Innovative bridge design enhances resonance and sound stability
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MFD pickups provide exceptional clarity, depth, and versatility across genres
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Chunky, comfortable neck allows for better grip and playability
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High-quality build and components at an affordable price point
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American-made quality in bridge and pickups, even on the Tribute series
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Impressive tonal range with volume and tone adjustments
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Offers a "Tele" feel but with distinct and enhanced capabilities
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Exceptional fit and finish, comparable to more expensive guitars
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Acclaimed by users as a standout within the G&L lineup
CONS
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Extremely bright tone may not suit all preferences
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Slightly heavier body, which may affect playability for some
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about G&L Tribute ASAT Special.
Comparisons
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The Legacy model is likened to a vintage Strat, whereas the S-500 offers a modern sound with a switch for all pickups, providing a louder, meatier output.
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The Paul Gagon-designed humbucker in the Tribute Bluesboy differs from the Seth Lover in the American version, affecting tonal warmth and output.
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The Comanche's three unique Z-coil pickups are noted for their versatility, ideal for players seeking to explore new sounds or define their own tone.
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Some older models, like those from early 2000s South Korea, are noted for a flatter 12" radius and wider necks compared to newer Tributes.
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Tribute ASAT Special Blueburst offers better tonal possibilities than Mexican Fender Strats due to the inclusion of global treble and bass knobs and a neck-bridge pickup switch.
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Setup and maintenance
Build quality
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Some owners note that Indonesian-made models are heavier, attributed to the type of wood used, such as swamp ash, compared to lighter American models.
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The G&L Tribute ASAT has a thicker poly finish that can appear brittle over time, especially on edges and corners.
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The Tribute line uses the same USA-made MFD pickups as the mainline G&L models, offering unique tonal characteristics not found in other budget lines.
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Features and functionality
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The tremolo system on the Tribute models allows for upward bending, offering more expressive playing but requires careful handling as it can go sharp easily.
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The S-500's switch to activate all three pickups simultaneously offers a unique feature not commonly found in similar guitars.
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The G&L ASAT Special's high-output pickups may take some getting used to for players accustomed to standard output levels.
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User experience
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Owners often highlight the enjoyment of playing their G&L Tribute ASAT, describing it as an excellent playing experience with no regrets on the purchase.
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Despite the quality, some newer Tribute models may feel heavier and have less refined fit and finish, particularly in fretwork, compared to older models.
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Owners appreciate the Tribute guitars for not carrying a "brand-name surcharge," providing excellent value without compromising on quality.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
125
Underrated - Pickups are amazing
I've actually owned two of these, at different times. For cheaper guitars, the entire G&L lineup is really high-quality. I've had an ASAT Classic as well as a Legacy, and out of the three, I think I love the Special the most, since the Special has really unique and great-sounding pickups.
Genre Usage
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