The Lost Leo Fender Guitar Design from 1969 - G&L Factory Tour

[@n8c.rad.823]

About time someone shot a good video about these guys. Worked there for a decade until I went to Suhr (14 years here!) and always had a soft spot for it’s history and level of quality instruments. Was offered a cabinet of blueprints to make room for production equipment and damnit I should’ve accepted them! But alas, didn’t have room for them as I had an apartment at the time. Nice to see Johnny doing well and a shoutout to Malcolm, Timmy P. , Kenny Amon, and the O. G. crew from the 90’s Custom Creations Team. Good times guys! And nice stuff coming out (but not as nice as my custom stuff I made there!) JK. See ya around!!

[@Magic_Man916]

How do you think the quality of G&L compares to Suhr?

[@torbenmeldgaard8112]

Wow - those G&L guys really seem incredibly nice and down to earth. Looking forward to those customs arriving at Andertons. Think I'll rob a bank and get me one :-)

[@evetsnitram8866]

Can't believe the Captain was about a five minute drive from my place!

[@gabrielwareing]

I'm glad you're bring more attention to an often overlooked brand

[@sarcazmo]

Thank you so much for sharing this adventure with us! The pleasure and enthusiasm in your voices and faces is no doubt the same as any of us guitar nerds if given the same opportunity. Quality content as always thank you!

[@Claes_Isacson]

This could actually be the coolest guitar video in the history of mankind...

[@GigginDude]

I totally agree!

[@GuitarosaurusRex]

Agreed.

[@johnnymossville]

You are sitting at ground zero for the electric guitar. I can hardly wrap my head around that. Lee and Pete, that must have been just incredible. Wow!!!!!!

[@jw_au]

Leo Fenders legacy couldn't be in better hands with these guys... great video Andertons!

[@jacoobyslaps]

This is the most fascinating thing I’ve ever seen. I’ve always been curious about Leo’s “forgotten” designs. That Espada is absolutely incredible. I would love to see this thing come into production. I adore G&L and what they’re doing with CLF. I hope to one day visit the facility. Bucket list.

[@kimobos020]

They better have a lock on their door

[@torgo4ever]

You gotta love how calm Pete is as he casually plays a 1-of-1 hand-made custom Leo Fender original design guitar and then Lee , not to be outdone , hand winds his own pickup for a custom shop 1-of-1 .

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

torgo4ever looking forward to hearing how it sounds ☺

[@BRAG450]

I liked seeing the factory, the dude who builds the customs seems cool. Also rad that he wasn't scared to show you anything. In fact he was excited to show you how everything was made.

[@mkilner]

i did the fender factory tour with that dave guy back in 2011, had a great time, now i want to see the g&l factory! 👏🏻😎

[@j_freed]

It's like he races out of the house each morning to come to this job. It looks like a good one!

[@bufferkiller]

Everyone’s enthusiasm and sincerity in this video is inspiring.

[@glenproctor1999]

Utterly, totally wonderful. A magical video even by the standards of you two! Loving the new design too.

[@judehastings2643]

well, 1969 new...

[@vwharman]

17:00 minutes in and this already the best video of all the NAMM coverage from any channel. So cool, nice work y’all.

[@StephenMorganCanada]

This is, by far, the best Andertons video to come out of the NAMM trip. Love it. Can I get the ‘69 Prototype exactly as it is, in prototype form. And a Anderton’s Metal flake ASAT in Canada directly and save on the shipping and exchange rates? I wish. Nice guitars. I bet (hope) this video sells lots of G&L product.

[@marsattacks7071]

This is the best Leo office visit I've seen on youtube. I really liked to see these men enthusiasm while showing us their new colors and that fabulous new Leo guitar of the 20th and 21st centuries ! I will follow its grand arrival on the market ! Thanks to all of you ! From Canada.

[@Slaphitter]

Truly, wonderfully amazing video. Maybe the best you have ever done. Such genuine joy and amazement from the boys, and such deep pride of craftsmanship from the shop. This video made me want a G&L.

[@martymclochlin4836]

I want to get a G&L now just to support these guys. They all were so nice and welcoming.

[@dinein1970]

I regret selling my old S-500. It was an excellent guitar

[@wiseguy9202]

That's what I was thinking. I'd really like that Stout Invader at about 32 minutes in. The superstrat.

[@Santidelaro]

This is probably the most beautiful video you've ever done.

[@TheBigburcie]

Lee's face when he's winding the pickup says "THIS IS SO COOL! ! DON'T BREAK ANYTHING...."

[@blitztim6416]

I'm glad you made it to G&L. Original Fender factory not far from there. New one about 20 miles east. I was lucky enough to work at the old factory in the 70's. Your order looks great.

[@versnellingspookie]

What as it like to work there back then?

[@blitztim6416]

@@versnellingspookie Oh it was fun. I was young and green. I knew the name and the instruments of course, but didn't really understand how fortunate I was at the time. I worked night sanding necks. I ended up going back to college.

[@jonbarwick5946]

Ever get a chance to hit the paint booth Tim?? That’s so cool to have been involved in a company with so much heritage.

[@blitztim6416]

@@jonbarwick5946 We were just outside of the paint booth. I got a peek. Of course we got the necks and bodies right after they were ready for sanding and buffing.

[@TheElrondo]

WoW. Not only my hair stood up. One of the best vids ever.

[@Releasethebats123]

World of Warcraft?! Jk lol I agree. This is the best guitar video on youtube I've ever seen!

[@j_freed]

The grain on that guitar neck you are sanding also stood up? Seriously, guitar eye candy. If they play half as good as they look... 💥 💨 they seem SO much better than Fender who kind of embarrass themselves with quality level for price. If you got the bucks, ehh might as well do it right and then she's a keeper.

[@barstowporter]

Amazing......truly a classic must see for folks into the electric guitar.

[@ehodovic]

Someone straightened my truss rod

[@timfireblade]

The 3+3 hum cancelling pickup design is essentially the same as the Precision Bass pickup. Loved this episode, feels like you've travelled back in time.

[@dialysistechtipstricks8634]

timfireblade Ever seen a G&L Comanche? My #1 and sounds great.

[@themaninthesuitcase]

I'm looking at that pickup winder and it's a sewing machine motor and a counter. Very simple and practical way to build one! Loved the tour, does make it fell like any one could get started building.

[@rahzark]

I hope the G&L guys are digitising and cataloging everything, can you imagine if there was a fire or something like that?

[@arando4359]

rahzark I’m sure they at least have copies of most of it

[@LostMyMojo100]

Oh God, don't even think that!!!

[@alanscharrer5255]

Absolutely love videops like this with a look behind the curtain and back in history. Again, Mr Fender decades ahead of everyone and G+L, rather than Fender, truly pays homage to a genius and follows the breadcrumbs to the future

[@MrEstpas71]

Wow guys! You've managed to make an even better video than your usual vids! I really enjoyed this one! Thumbs up!!

[@BillyPolaris]

This is the best video you guys have ever done. More like this! Explore the history of our instrument. Find these rooms, show us these rooms!!!

[@szczerzo]

Everytime I see how G&L guitars are made I'm amazed by the price they put on them.

[@akc5150]

Got to say... Never mind the NAMM bo**ocks........ THE best, most insightful, entertaining Vid I've seen in a LOOOOOONG time!! Watching people who love doing what they do is the best thing ever! The excitement on the guys face when he knows hes about to show you something so cool... The excitement of a guy seeing something so unique... No wonder Andertons is NUMBER 1!!!! Great guys at G&L who actually 'get it'...... Combine that with The Captain and the LEG-END that IS Pete The Hoare (JK)...... Good times!

[@keithblair6644]

Such a awesome video. I would have had chill bumbs for days after. You guys got to experience the eighth wonder. Love you guys! Thanks for taking us along on such a sacred tour.

[@frankkat111]

Best video you guys have done. I know what you mean about walking into Leo's office. I stopped at the door, looked in and got goosebumps straight away. Saw it on the Friday morning of NAMM. Bought a Doheny V12 in Burst from the show through the Australian distributor Jack's Music. Now my Comanche has some G & L company. We bumped into each other at the Victory Amplification Booth as well Lee. Thanks to you, Pete and Mick I now have my new Facebook profile picture.

[@brianarguello7576]

I am infinitely more Inclined to buy a G&L guitar now. Good stuff!

[@Zeinzu2]

You guys will probably never read this...BUUUUT. I've been wanting to just say that you've FINALLY made NAMM watchable from home. And this video, for me, has really hit it out of the park. I live in Akron Ohio and I swear to GOD when I get the money, I'm buying something from Andertons. Get home safe!

[@andertons]

Cheers man!!

[@austinhawkins5426]

Ayyyeee man, I live in Kent Ohio!!

[@jackclark1356]

This is unbelievably amazing. This is one of the best videos I've ever seen👍

[@lance134679]

I like everything about this video - the nostalgia, the shape of the new guitar, the design of the built-in preamp.

[@lances6512]

Even more respect to those gents and ladies at G&L. So classy! Speechless.

[@lances6512]

Every guitar they make is Custom Shop.

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

This video has sold me on G&L. Those metal flake finishes are amazing and the passion displayed by these folks is intoxicating.

[@graemero5532]

Thanks Andertons. Best video I've watched for ages. Even prouder G&L owner now.

[@sinnersdwarf7138]

kids in a candy shop 😂 great video 🤘

[@mdavis2703]

This is the best video. Can't believe what I'm seeing.

[@joerobinson6199]

Hmm remember Lee said this would be a guitar he would be interested in when Rob asked him what would your choice be of your next guitar? He said a custom G&L. Must’ve known they’d be visiting.

[@noeticflatulence]

Thank you, thank you! Love the history, design, and fabrication.

[@Killstrike6660]

Leo Fender is my hero, I would love to visit this place, some day I will own a G&L Doheney. But I’m not worthy at the moment. Maybe when I grow up😁

[@slimjimmypage]

I will be buying an Espada. That is glorious.

[@theldun1]

The G&L boys basically gave you guys the keys to the kingdom. Great vid!!

[@wlawnsldj]

Andertons G&L Custom Pickup make it happen.

[@garyallington201]

You should know what guitar the Captain Special PUP is in but not tell any purchaser until the deal is done

[@brianlyall]

Nailed it. Educational and Entertaining at the same time. Shows how how committed your company is to music.

[@samiam5557]

Wow what a cool tour, Leo's office is like a mueseam!

[@tywatkins6451]

This is my favorite video ya'll have ever put on the internets!! Glorious!

[@jimdeeds]

This may well be the best video on KZbin! Love it. Gonna get me a G&L Anderton guitar.

[@AldeanLeger]

I was hoping for some jibber jabber about their quatersawn necks. I love my ASAT!!! Wish they'd make a 24" jaguar type thing

[@RedRose4711]

What a fantastic video...just excellent!

[@dmthandmade5674]

Lees face sitting in that chair. I know that feeling. I remember going to the Granada Studio tour with school and I sat in Hitchcock's chair.

[@samringwald]

What soulless monster downvoted this magical video?

[@brianlyall]

They play Gibson?

[@Niven42]

24 people need their fenders dented.

[@christiaandemarezoyens4720]

Obviously a soulless monster as you very well defined him!

[@DarekLachowski]

This is soooo good!!! Thank you guys, awesome as always!

[@j_freed]

I like how unpretentious this fellow is, it's like he's having a gathering at his house and showing people around, making them comfortable. Paul Reed Smith would never be this cool, and nothing against him (or even the super boring Chris Martin.) Also, holy G.A.S. Batman! I have a budget for a Beretta or a Smith Jackson, and I definitely could do a GL Floyd Superstrat or a Z3 through these guys. I have a feeling the quality is less run of the mill than Fender, and more customizable. Gimme a orange metallic... nice.

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

I wanted to be offended you guys weren't grinning enough, but I've never seen either one of you grin like that, so now I can't be offended lol Get me off the internet!

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

Yes actually, I was jumping up and down when he said he loves Pete's playing.

[@DavidMorales008]

Dear Captain Lee, please upload a video of what I am going to affectionately call your G& L dirty dozen once they have arrived at Andertons.

[@abemcbeard6290]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Fantastic look into Leo’s life of working and thinking of the best guitars.

[@bernhardrohrer9593]

Pete needs a guitar in Deep Purple

[@sonicgli]

This was SO EPIC! Well done, fellas!

[@ant-onemusic444]

i'm buying one as soon as they're out, whatever the price, nice add worked perfectly

[@bluesoverlord]

I got to meet Leo when I was a teenager and he was at Music Man. I brought a cardboard cutout of a guitar I designed and he sat with me and gave me pointers of what would work and what wouldn’t. Employees came back from lunch and laughed at me and my face must have fallen because Leo said, “don’t mind them, they don’t have any imagination...you stick with this.” That was a great day! And I did eventually become a hobby luthier. Leo was definitely the dreamer. My dad took me to meet Paul Gagon too (who he would bike with On PCH I believe) when it became G&L and (BBE is associated with it too), and he was the nicest guy. Got a beautiful Legacy from him and it is a superb guitar. I recently got a spalted maple Dohene and it’s the prettiest guitar I own...and sustain to die for. I love G&L. Going to buy this new one when it comes out. I’m a long ways from Huntington Beach these days.....I didn’t know how lucky I was then.

[@petethegreekre]

Leo's working space should become a museum. I imagine this tour has touched the hearts of many guitar lovers watching.

[@anvil777]

So cool that you guys got to see the factory. Also loving the new model.

[@edwinstovall3334]

Thanks for that walk around Leo Fender's office and workshop. It does give a little look into the mind of the man. Also, I saw SO MUCH STUFF I wanted to get my HANDS on!😎

[@MrMalq]

This is a beautiful beautiful video. You are very lucky guys to see Leo’s magic den. Thank you so much for putting every second of this up for us all to see.

[@thehunterstudios]

I can't like this video enough. So cool. Love the metal flake

[@wheresridgeville1]

I'm a bit disappointed. I googled The Rhode and nothing came up.

[@LittleShayman]

Everybody's so excited that even I'm excited.

[@ryanhurley8170]

Fantastic video, Lee & Pete! G&Ls are incredible. Thanks!

[@robertclarkguitar]

Damn. I want to hear that pup. I'm planning on hand winding a bunch. Mad in USA. In my apmt. Lol

[@EventHorizonPrdctns]

This could either suck or be the most epic thing ever

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Thank you for the ride along, amazing, Jeff in LA USA

[@Colesy110]

Man, how much do I want to go to Andertons and try every single G&L now?

[@A14b19]

Lovely program you made guys . you're getting better. love watching always . And you're smile says it all🤗😎

[@peterdebad1]

Thank you for the factory tour. Amazing man and a great legacy! Thanks again!

[@stevenwillie2782]

Huanacaxtle. That's the wood. Parota is the same wood, but different regions in Mexico call it different words for the same thing. I'm no wood expert, but the tree is called Huanacaxtle, pronounced wanna-coxt-lay. I felt obligated to comment since I lived on my boat in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, Mexico for 7-8 years. We've sold the cursed boat and bought a house in the adjoining town, Bucerias. I'm actually looking for a 3 meter by 1 meter slab of Huanacaxtle/ Parota right now to build a couple of desks from, it's beautiful wood.

[@tonyhayek1086]

I’ve never seen these guys more excited, you can’t blame them this is absolute rock ‘n’ roll history

[@juanimuller]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen in a while. Leo’s history, prototypes, guitar building and a lot of cool guitars yet to be reviewed. This is awesome!!!

[@kevinmorris7722]

One of the best videos you've done. Love seeing all of the story and building. Plus you two got to play some.... Super cool...

[@JKM395]

That was the coolest video I've seen in quite some time. I'm glad you got to do it, and I'm more glad you got to share it with us. What an amazing place! (Lee is NEVER going to get all that metal flake off his hands.)

[@drillers45]

Thank you, that was the best.

[@tjzambonischwartz]

This was tremendously cool. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. So much history. I grew up surrounded by Fender history because my dad was the head of FMIC's pro audio division in the nineties, so as a kid I got to hang out at Fender's headquarters in Scottsdale and met people like Bill Schultz and John Page. Hell, I even got to hold the original Blackie! But THIS is a whole other level of deep history. As a hardcore Fender nerd, getting to see this deep into Leo Fender's personal history and creative process is a rare treat and a half.

[@rexsolomon6325]

I am buying that G&L Espada when it comes out! I want it exactly as that prototype is in this video - headstock and all, as a tribute from one inventor to another. LOL my PRS singlecut hollow body 2 will be jealous.

[@robertevans9050]

THANK YOU! YOU CAN'T IMAGINE HOW MUCH THAT MEANT!

[@alnomuraphotography]

It is so interesting to see so many of the photographs I took of Leo and George and also the guitars for the dealer sheets on the walls. I did the photography with Leo, George and Dale in the later days of G&L. During this period, I also worked with Don Randall of Randall Instruments. The photo of Leo at his bench with his magnifying visor was one of my favorites. I still have the transparencies from that shoot.

[@gcvrsa]

Wow, the Espada might just be my favorite Leo Fender design ever. I love the shape of the body. I think I'd prefer the regular G&L headstock, though. The electronics and pickups sound great, and I prefer a two-pickup design. I really want a blue metalflake Espada, now.

[@inthestudy]

Back in 2008, I bought my second 2003 Jagmaster. Jazzmaster body and neck, Silver Sparkle finish, black scratchplate, two point trem and a pair of humbuckers. Great guitar. Unfortunately, one of the pickups was broken, so I fitted it with a Duncan, and wired it for series-parallel switching. So yeah. That new Doheny, with a sparkle finish, two point trem, black scratchplate, and two humbuckers with series-parallel switching? That's right. I was doing it before it was cool. YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[@sixstringsensei6673]

32:08 I want that Invader. I saw it up close at Namm. The Stout fade is gorgeous

[@gazzy_burns]

Andertons should order some USA built Dohenys and some of the USA basses.

[@samborley7523]

I can only imagine how jealous Chappers is.

[@knedy]

*"The Lost Leo Fender Guitar Design from 1969" is at **12:44** in.*

[@wolfwarren6376]

This is so very excellent. I cannot wait to see what comes of this instrument.

[@gordontubbs]

Fender is still a great brand today, but it's cool to see Leo's legacy and vision for the electric guitar manifest in G&L and (for amps) Ernie Ball Music Man. The guy was a genius.

[@gabrielcairns7050]

Those Asats are so gaudy! I want all 12.

[@Margilio5150]

Captain never stopped smiling, great video

[@tritonusseitan6601]

This made me very happy today.

[@edwinykim]

Tritonus Seitan l