Checking Out The G&L Legacy Tribute Series

Hi folks, so finally got round to trying another G&L at the opposite end of the market to the last one. There are things i like, and things i dislike. But at the price they are, its 1000% worth a trip to try one, you may love the way the electronics work and the USA pups you wont get elsewhere in this budget. If you are a big fan of these, id love to hear your thoughts and maybe what i didnt get.
Andertons, Guitarguitar have these new at a very decent price new, but this guitar is currently on my reverb store, links below!
#GL #Tribute #Legacy
My Website: secondnote.co.uk/
My Reverb Shop: reverb.com/uk/shop/gear-depot...
My bandcamp: pauldavis2.bandcamp.com/releases
My facebook: / pauldsmusic

[@johnmarolakos9920]

Excellent display and review of the tonal options with this G&L guitar. Thank you!

[@Paul-D]

Many thanks!

[@brusselssprouts560]

I have one of the first Legacy Tributes sold in UK, in fact it was a distributor's model given to the music shop I bought it from. They have unbranded tuners and haven't failed me in the 12 years I've owned it - it stays way better in tune than the USA Standard Fender Strat I had before it. My luthier (guitar maker and musician since the 1970s) told me not to change them. The nut is plastic, and I am advised the slots are cut perfectly and it would be an unnecessary expense to replace with TUSQ or bone. It didn't come with PTB as it was designed to literally be the latest derivative of the Strat, but I spent 100GBP to add it in as it is great to have on board. It is an awesome guitar that punches well above many more expensive guitars with more expensive mods.

[@nadavmat3032]

It is most professional review on this model. Thankssss !

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for watching

[@russellives6069]

Never had an issue with the tuners, but did have to replace a poorly cut nut. The ptb controls are nothing short of genius. I’ll never have a strat wired any other way. The trem is superior to fender. The fret work is superior to fender. Great guitars for the money.

[@brusselssprouts560]

The nut on mine came from the factory perfectly cut, so maybeyou were unlucky, but I wouldnt let it bother me. I looked at putting a TUSQ nut on my Legacy Tribute a few months back, and my luthier said he would do it but it wasn't necessary so I have left it. I agree with the dual fulcrum trem, and PTB is magical. The only mod I would consider to mine is to have the Z-coil or MFD pups put in, but the pups in it are perfectly fine.

[@Eggu357]

@@brusselssprouts560I got a bad nut and awful tuners on mine, going to get it worked on and it will be a perfect strat

[@selby16]

i dont rate the trem if you play shadows tunes as i do lots the trem is important ,and the screw in trem on a fender you alter the angle of the trem to give you more control, you cannot do that really with a g&L and you cannot get spares any where . So yes the trem arm is crap . But i suppose its crap for my styles of playing , maybe not the case for others you speak as you find

[@1truechamp46]

I played this side by side against a MIM Fender strat, and this is so much better in every way and about half the price

[@Paul-D]

I think it would depend on which fender strat as there is considerable difference between the older ones and player series and RIs etc. But then like you say, its SO much cheaper then a fender strat it would be hard to justify the price difference. For what its worth - the vintage V6 in the video before this one i found to be my favourite of all the cheaper mim strat alternatives.

[@1truechamp46]

@@Paul-D it was a 2019 player. I don't know if they've updated them since then. It's the first G&L I've played, and I'm very impressed. It should be the same price as a Mexican, but I suppose not saying fender reduces the value, although it kind of does say Fender in the headstock. Im definitely going try a US model, see how that compares to the US fender

[@Paul-D]

@@1truechamp46 i think they stayed the same since 2018 tbf. The G&L is great value for sure. And new price like for like between a classic vibe or one of these, its not even close id go for this in a heartbeat.

[@nadavmat3032]

From your demo look like PTB is working great!

[@markhill9275]

I have the Legacy Tribute. Mine is the burst, not sure what wood,but it is as heavy as my Agile Lp, heavier than my Eastman 59! Tend to agree about the tuners. The neck is really comfortable, and overall great tone.

[@Paul-D]

This one is pretty light tbf, for sure lighter then my mim fenders. I guess weight varies alot with the more affordable guitars, like vintage some are perfect weight and some are boat anchors haha.

[@markhill9275]

@@Paul-D The weight doesn't bother me, it has great sustain, and I'm a fan of the tone controls, but definitely the tuners are 2nd rate!

[@adrian_V99]

Possibly the alder bodies. They sure weighed more.

[@dagguitar51]

Great review, even though I am a lil late. Love the history and pedigree of G&L guitars. I have a Fullerton Legacy that is my goto as well as a Tribute ASAT. My favorite brand hands down for vintage style with modern appointments. Next one on my list is a G&L S500 with the MFD pick-ups, probably one of Leo's last creations. Cheers

[@brusselssprouts560]

Consider the Comanche too. The Z-coil pups are a revelation. The S500 is a high gain beast, and the Commanche is a great all-rounder. The Tribute versions are very affordable.

[@dagguitar51]

@@brusselssprouts560 Thanks man, appreciate the input. Yeah the Commanche is a helluva axe too. 👍

[@vertigofall]

I have one in Fullerton red with maple board. I guess mine is slightly heavy but I don't mind that. Agree about the tuners. The rest is epic though including the pups. Absolutely love the tone on this thing. Pretty amazing for the money.

[@Paul-D]

I mustve got lucky with a light one haha, yeh its for sure worth looking at as it does offer more then other things in its price point, do you find you have to dial in the tones abit more using the PTB system too? It is a cool way to have more voicing in the guitar. Thanks for watching 🤟

[@vertigofall]

@@Paul-D I usually just have both dialled down a small bit. I have a vid on KZbin with just a small demo, about a minute or two and I'm only playing directly into a Roland microcube which gets a great little tone and has got some good likes too. It's amazing what you can get these days in terms of quality. I will change the tuners though. Good stuff matey! Bravo!

[@Paul-D]

@@vertigofall ill check it out, i found myself dialing those back a touch too - i did something right then 😅

[@vertigofall]

@@Paul-D being that you're a bit of a self confessed tuning machine addict what would you recommend putting on my Legacy please if you don't mind suggesting? Definitely need to swap them out. Many thanks.

[@Paul-D]

@@vertigofall im sure they are the same 2 prong fender style ones. They are 40 quid a set a 70 for the locking ones. So id go with them, used them plenty before and they are solid

[@svbarr]

G+L - if you think Leo was a genius (I do) G+L guitars are the ultimate expression of that amazing talent, "voodoo" and that special legacy.

[@Paul-D]

For sure great guitars, years back know i did a green usa asat and it remains one of the top guitars ive ever played. I just didnt really bond with this one from memory

[@jimmytgoose476]

I've just bought one . I haven't weighed it but it's fairly hefty . My tuners seem fine so far but the strings are getting changed pronto . I like it 🙂

[@Paul-D]

it will serve you well :). Im just realllllly funny with tuners its a weird personal obsession haha.

[@jimmytgoose476]

I'm not precious about these things ; i have no qualms when it comes to altering guitars , unlike one of my friends who insists that his guitars remain "factory stock". But then none of my guitars cost over £400 🙂

[@Paul-D]

Me neither, i think all my guitars have atleast 1 bit of tinkering haha

[@crusheverything4449]

Not sure if it still applies, but my Legacy Tribute was assembled in Indonesia with USA-made parts and electronics.

[@selby16]

In a nut shell the legacy sounds great , the neck is great, i have one with high gloss laquer, and i put locking schaller tuners on it and strap locks .But the trem system is Crap ,Better with a screw in trem arm . so thats it no need to watch 5 mins of any videos .

[@adrian_V99]

Amazing tones from this G&L. Definitely a contender vs the Classic Vibe series.

[@Paul-D]

Absolutely, id take the G&L for sure.

[@1truechamp46]

This is better than a MIM Fender and a CV in my.opinion

[@LightSnackProductions]

@@1truechamp46 it's better than any modern strat in my opinion

[@edlicari3909]

@@1truechamp46 totally agree!!!!

[@Indobiker61]

I got one for cheap 2e hand it realy plays wel. Has a solid block on the trem system right from the factory. Like the sound a lot😊😂😊

[@miguelangel_guitar]

Between this one and the Sterling CT50, which one do you preffer ? I like the fact that you can control the bass and the treble on this one but I kind of like more the sterling ct30 and ct50...

[@Paul-D]

I think this guitar would win over the CT30, but the CT50 is another jump in my opinion. I still haven't decided if i prefer the older run CT50s to the newer roasted maple ones though haa

[@davekochanski8756]

I've just got this in the natural finish with black pick guard , same as an ibanez strat I had in the 80s, got it delivered last Saturday and flew out to Turkey on Sunday!! So haven't really played it properly, but the first thing I noticed is the neck is pretty flat .not sure if it's staying,...

[@Paul-D]

Flat as in radius wise?

[@davekochanski8756]

@@Paul-D yeah I think so , it's only early days though .. see how it pans out . 👍

[@Paul-D]

Radius is weird tbf. I have a classic player with a 12" radius and it feels amazing and i jump between that and my 60s RI all the time easy. But yet some guitars i play with a 9.5 or 10 feel so flat i cant play chords on them properly. I think the thing is as guitar players we are so sensitive to the smallest little things - hence why we are prepared to pay 3 or 4 times as much for something that in reality is maybe 10% better haha. Thanks for watching anyways

[@davekochanski8756]

@@Paul-D its all between the ears eh !! 😄😄👍👍

[@MaTTheWish]

Great demonstration of the controls. I think i like that bass, teble system. You still digging the guitar?

[@Paul-D]

Its clever way of going about the controls for sure and useful. I didnt really love the guitar despite it being a great instrument, just one of those things that happen sometimes - sometimes theres no logic haha.

[@MaTTheWish]

@@Paul-D gotcha, thanks, I had a g and l Tele and I sold it. Just didn't fall in love with it. Good demo though! Peace

[@nadavmat3032]

Did you play on same model but with HSS? if in HSS you split to singel the bridge sound as in SSS?

[@Paul-D]

I havent done it on film but have played many HSS strats and G&Ls. And the single coil bridge sound is never the same. I could be a little bias in that i dont like HSS though haha. I much prefer to have a strat type be SSS and then use another guitar for humbuckers.

[@bluesdawg8014]

I would buy a used G&L Legacy made in USA instead of a Tribute. If you look around you can pick one up for $600. Better in every way. Los Angeles

[@Paul-D]

Yeh that is a hell of a deal for sure

[@vasdaris]

mine has a bone nut. I'm pretty sure because the action was terrible so i had to work on it. I also don't see a reason to change the tunes although i've seen better. Tone is great anyways

[@Paul-D]

There isnt really a set reason, im just really funny with tuners. In the same way some people appreciate a certain colour or finish, i really like a great set of machine heads haha

[@ian2armannduccio]

Did you say light?? I've got one in the same colour, called an s500 and it's absurdly heavy at 10lb 12oz.

[@Paul-D]

I think the S500 is the next model up from this one. Although thats one of the factors that varies wildly on budget guitars. This one was very light, another one could be really heavy. Alot like the vintage JHS guitars.

[@NicholasANappiNick]

The ones I played way yo heavy🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@brusselssprouts560]

Probably ash and not poplar. Mine is ash and I agree, but with a thick strap on I don't notice. It doesn't neck dive either which helps when playing it imho.

[@Krullmatic]

Does it have full sized pots? I was thinking about pulling the trigger on one, but with the body being thinner, and the pickups sound generic and sterile , I'm thinking I'm gonna pass. I realize that I could put new pickups in it, but that would take awhile. I don't want to buy a guitar that I would have to upgrade immediately. I guess I could save for about another month to buy the Fender Player that I want. Thank you for the awesome review.

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for watching, it does but they are alpha pots not CTS. Pots are literally 5 quid or so though and are much more affordable to sort out. Pots should be the least concern when shopping on more budget guitars. Hardware, pickups, looks, feel are top priorites.

[@Krullmatic]

@@Paul-D This is true. Even small pots, and Alpha pots work. You're right. Fit and finish, hardware, and electronics, like pickups etc. are definitely more important!

[@Infiniteaxk]

Should be bone nut on those, it shouldn’t be plastic there according to the specs of their new range actually!

[@jimmytgoose476]

If mine has a bone nut it's going in the bin .

[@Infiniteaxk]

Well it’s a shame to be your guitar in this case 😄 every guitar deserves high quality parts!

[@nadavmat3032]

Did you have option to play on g&l tribute fallout?

[@Paul-D]

haven't tried one, Im sure the quality is the same as this one though - I just dont like the fallout body shape personally

[@nadavmat3032]

my question - when you play on this guitar as you play on acoustic guitar with free strumming what is best position ? 2 or 4 or other ?

[@Paul-D]

Not entirely sure i know what you mean but if you mean for like strumming chords i would tend to just dial the volume back abit on position 3, 4 or 5. If that helps any.

[@nadavmat3032]

@@Paul-D it help! thanks

[@EM-km8em]

Are the pick ups alnico? Im looking for that fat 50’s tone

[@Paul-D]

If you mean the fender fat 50s pickups? These dont sound like those, they are alnico V but different sort of sound

[@alexgochman6654]

My question why we need knob on guitar?

[@Paul-D]

me or the controls

[@alexgochman6654]

Do you think that quality of legace better than vintage v6?

[@Paul-D]

Out of the box definitely. But as a guitar once you have it set up and to your liking id say they were equal. May even find the vintage cheaper to get aswell

[@anmolsingh9025]

if you can find vintage brand v6 reissue with classic specs(alder wood) and you think playability suits you then vintage Uk is a better product and slightly cheaper price point.

[@Paul-D]

Someone didnt watch the end of video 😏😏

[@anmolsingh9025]

@@Paul-D thanks, yep now I have and do notice text. Having said that v6 comes in a few variations in poplar and ash body so need to check before one buys. Also qa can be inconsistent especially with setup. Try before you buy. I am unsure if you tried lemondrop from vintage. I bought it 10 years ago and I can't tell tonal difference between gibson and lemondrop except in middle position (due to reverse wired pickup position). Incredible value.

[@Paul-D]

@@anmolsingh9025 hahaa its all good nobody watches the whole thing haha. I jave quite alot of vids on vintage and always said same as you just did 🤟😁

[@dustybeers]

Can anyone explain the difference between the Tribute Legacy and the Tribute S-500 models?

[@Paul-D]

In a nutshell the legacy series is a little closer to a traditional strat and S500 is more the straight G&L forward take on a strat. It gets a little confusing as times gone on little things have changed here and there on both models. Truth is though, there is NO substitute to getting out there and beings hands on with as many different guitars as you possibly can, reading paper specs is only one small part of knowing a guitar.

[@dustybeers]

@@Paul-D Well put. Thanks! My local GC is about the only place to go hands on. Unfortunately, no G&Ls of any type to check out.

[@johnmoore9654]

Every g and l review or video I've seen, nobody shows what it can do for hard rock heavy metal. Is g and l a guitar for pussies? Asking for a me

[@Paul-D]

Hahaha fair one. I guess most people dont do metal on normal Fender strat reviews either. It can do it.... but.... why lol.