Fender VS G&L - Tele and ASAT Tone Comparison!

Fender Tele or G&L ASAT? Which of Leo's Fender's guitar designs do you like the best?
Take a listen to this comprehensive tone test to find out!
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Soli Deo Gloria!

[@waynepayne864]

my man leo fender made a whole ass company everytime he designed a telecaster

[@sEaNoYeAh]

For anyone who sees this there's a very good story behind the G&L ASAT and it's worth looking up. He was pushed back towards making an evolution of the Telecaster and swallowed is pride to create something that appeased players while allowing him to innovate.

[@alm574]

Im a G&L devote switched from Fender years ago. G&L has a fuller tone to my ears. We should all be grateful for Leo and his incredible designs.

[@ralex3697]

Agree but the USA made G&L

[@markperry7655]

Fuller tone. 🤠

[@taoxie258]

nice pun

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Fender was the John Browning of guitars, both geniuses in their fields (and I love both guitars and guns)

[@garyc4019]

@@ralex3697 same pickups

[@empireentertainmentevents1353]

DARRELL.... most people dont appreciate what you did for the guitar playing maniacs world wide..... so I wanna say a big THANK YOU for all your hard work and effort!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad to have you on the channel 👍

[@TheStrataminor]

Actually Dazza does a great job!! (Dazza is Aussie slang for Darrell)..!!

[@haus05]

Agreed

[@lueysixty-six7300]

@@TheStrataminor C'mon Aussie, C'mon, C'mon...! Hahaha.

[@garycrouse1918]

good ol cdn boy to boot ;-)

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

I've wanted to do this comparison for you guys for a LONG time! Enjoy! Tele: imp.i114863.net/MODOY ASAT: imp.i114863.net/rMzMd

[@AlexDD]

Thanks Darell!

[@mrkosmos9421]

I can't believe you just played metal on a Tele!

[@jwuonog]

Thanks for doing this! There aren't many good comparison videos.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😎👍

[@DarkArtsAstrophotography]

If this was a "which guitar sounds better" test, I would have to pick the G&L in most cases. The fuller tone is something that appeals to me more. However, for some of the examples you played, the Tele was the better choice. Those pieces needed that twang and spank that's unique to the Tele. When something calls for a Tele sound, there's nothing else that will get you there quite like a genuine Tele. It's hard to reproduce that classic tone with anything else, even something this similar. That said, with the pickups lowered, the G&L did sound much closer to the Tele. Not exact and not the Tele sound I hear in my head, but it would certainly get you by and still sound great.

[@jdburnsideutube]

Extremely well done comparison. The subtleties of the differences were clearly audible. Perfect.

[@andrewbutcher3391]

Great to hear these side by side Darrell. I love my G&L Asat Classic for me the pickups make a huge difference and make this a much more versatile guitar than the Tele. The tone control can be used to give more variety. A wonderful guitar that I will never part with.

[@moj0ryzin]

I've always admired the build quality of the G&L Asat and Legacy...beautiful maple necks/finishes and, of course as you mention, great pickups/electronics, and tone.

[@gsuderman]

Another great post! Thank-you. Years ago I purchased a USA ASAT with beautiful AAA maple cap and rosewood fingerboard. I absolutely love it but it was a bit dark compared to a tele. Board? Pickups? Pickup Height - I never knew that hack so will investigate. Of my guitar collection this one is an absolute blast to tune and play. The feel of the neck is superb. Fast forward and I picked up a Squier Classic Vibe tele that is amazing. You would never know it wasn't a top dollar guitar if you just played and listened. I tinker and last year upgraded wires, pots, switch and input jack and added a treble bleed circuit. Definitely improved the tone, a lot. I love both guitars and when I pick up the ASAT I love it more until I pick up the CV Tele then I love it more. Long story but thanks, again, for a great channel. Mennos rule!

[@metrostatetacticalicecream6945]

The G&L is a custom guitar, they offer more than just a large palate of colors. You don’t have to settle, you can get the radius, neck shape, finish,tint, and body shape that you want without having to settle for standard telecasters in the same price range. I think this is one of the reasons for their lower resale value. I own several of both and don’t actually think of the ASAT as a telecaster. I think of it more as a T-style guitar that has its own voice.

I owned a G&L 2000 Bass for 23 years and worked in a hotel in New York City for more than 30 years. I have met so man musicians, road managers and sound men who told me that the G&L 2000 is used a lot to record music and those same musicians do not play them live. It's a great instrument but since no famous musicians play them in concert I believe this hurts their resale value. Even the Fender Squire Series will have more resale value than a G&L.

[@Jeymez]

no it's a Telecaster, but a T- Style is basically the same thing. it's just that G&L is not a copy like the others, G&L has more in common with Fender than any other brand, sure there are varing degrees, but both stay true to Leo's legacy. now originally it wasn't Leo's idea to make Stratocasters and Telecasters when he formed G&L, he wanted to come up with some new ideas and shapes, but he never got to see that dream realized. after he died, G&L wanted to do something to honor him, that's when they started making Telecasters and Stratocasters, but to avoid conflict with Fender they had to alter the headstock to some degree. that work for them, now there recognized as Fenders rival.

[@john564holloway]

Must say the ASAT took charge! HUGE difference with the clean/neck comparison with the magnetics raised. Not much difference using the bridge pups when clean or dirty. I prefer the ASAT due to Leo's design of rolling off the twang that Teles are known. I've always been a fan of the warmer tones. Great demo, as usual, Darrell.

[@tenbroeck1958]

Thank you for doing a truly relevant side-by-side comparison, not just plucking any sounds, but playing the kind of licks many rock and country Tele guys play.

[@CaptainRon1913]

Darrell, you always have best, most clear concise comparisons. Thanks for posting this, it's very much appreciated

[@davidwernsing8795]

I liked the G&L pickups more, they sounded more full on the bottom end.

[@jcoulter43]

I agree. I've never been a Tele shape fan even though I own one. The G&L pickups have that extra sound and adjustability that makes me like their tone just a little more. Also, the separate adjustable bridge saddles on the G&L along with the better tuners tips the scale for me too. Great video as always Darrell! You really showed what both guitars are capable of 👏🎸😎

[@ricardorodriguez5549]

Very much so. I swap between a couple of Fenders and a G&L and have to keep an eye on the EQ. The ASAT Tribute I have brings so much more volume and power. That hot signal really makes the OD come alive as well.

[@cesalt2408]

Never would have considered a G&L. This was impressive!

[@HBSuccess]

cesalt I was a hardcore Gibson player - I had a P-bass but never owned a fender 6-string. Got I nto a Top 40 band in 1980 - my buddy who ran a local guitar shop brought me a brand new G&L F-100 with active electronics. - I bought it on the spot and played it for the next 2500+ gigs. Zero personality of its own but can impersonate practically anything on (back then)vinyl. Great guitar - played great, whammy stayed in-tune.

[@anthonyc1883]

@@HBSuccess I'll echo most of your thoughts on the old F-100 guitars, although the two I had were the much more common passive electronics models. Necks were kind of thin, front-to-back if I recall, kind of common for the era and even the first of The Fender vintage reissues from a couple years later had thin necks, nothing like the originals.

[@sonicbridge1944]

@@anthonyc1883 the only downside on the sunburst F-100 I owned was the weight of the mahogany body; as much as my Les Paul. No wonder I had nerve problems in my left hand over the years. Both great guitars, but eventually had to send them downstream for something lighter. Thankfully, I now no longer suffer with tingling and numbness in my fingers.

[@doca9357]

I had an asst tribute with the p 90 style MFD s great sounding, clean at 7, nice overdrive at 10

[@willssonline]

Thanks so much, Darrell, for making the time to compare these guitars. I have love affairs with both brands. Usually with the Tele-style G&L, I’d swap out the pickups for Lollars, but they were Tribute models. I love G&L’s USA ASAT Special. They’re much like you described regarding the pickup sounds, though they come with those wonderful MFD pickups. All in all, I think G&L guitars are vastly underrated instruments whose quality is at least as good as any off-the-shelf guitars out there. Keep up the great work!

[@seanemmettfullerton]

Wow, thanks Darrell. I appreciate your keen ear for tone. I'm looking at an ASAT Classic G&L -your comments have been a great help :)

[@patriotpizzaman]

The Tele sounds so freaking good in this video! I really love the way you've recorded these two guitars! I'm a Tele guy though not so much a country guy. I'm much more of a rocker and tend to play my Sabbath favs on my Tele, tuned down a whole step through a vintage Rat & a Rivera Quiana with the ninja boost kicked in. Brutal Fuzz off the Tele plugged into the low gain! Having said all that I like the Asat's fuller overall tone a little better. Not in every situation but, by a hair.

[@micheltaillon5833]

so much time spent on editing your vids to give us a perfect a-b comparison. huge kudos to you Darrel!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks MT!

[@anthonyc1883]

michel taillon Agreed. Definitely a pro presentation.

[@JInfinity7]

And don't forget the labor of audio editing required too!

[@tonydinapoli7032]

Thanks Darrell! You answered a lot of questions I have had about G&L guitars in general and specifically about this guitar. Great job as always.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks! Anytime 👍

[@ronnienose8608]

Fender for the cleans and the G&L for gain settings. Thank you for the video.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Anytime!

[@gillesgenete9598]

I agree with you. And Fender for the beauty.

[@wbertie2604]

Sounds about right to me, although the MFDs all the way down and there isn't a lot to choose between them, but the Fender would still have the edge on the cleans.

[@heyou429]

Completely agree. Although lowering the mfd pickups helped the ASAT

[@outsiderdf]

@@gillesgenete9598 You can have an ASAT look exactly the same

[@josephdevera7283]

G&L ASAT is a great guitar, rocking an ASAT bluesboy myself and i love the tone of the bridge MFD pickup. But having never owned an original fender tele ive never had the chance to compare em side by side. Great comparison!

[@ranchmanager9126]

I felt the G&L MDF's seemed more "alive" in that you could almost hear it begging to sustain for days. Other than just the bridge clean on the tele, the MDF's sounded next-level in clarity. Really great video. It totally put a G&L ASAT on my "must have" list. Also I'm going to replace the neck pickup on my Fender with a MDF.

[@radiohead102]

Thanks for the comparison video! Well done, as always.

[@syntaxphi7377]

Great comparison! I always wanted a Tele and chose a G&L in the end (Thinline and with HB neck pickup tho), and I fully agree - it's like the kinky edges have become rounded and the whole guitar sounds a bit warmer - I absolutely love it

[@DavidMorley]

I never lusted for a Tele , because of the brightness. So for me, the Asat is ideal.

[@jimrogers7425]

They're both excellent designs. The Telecaster defined the genre of Country music in ways that are still somewhat prevalent today. It would appear that the ASAT would not necessarily do the same as a stock guitar because that "chicken pickin'" sound would not be present in it, but who knows? Great video, Darrell!

[@joseroca-rey4804]

Thanks! I was waiting for this comparison since you did it with the stratocaster. Very usefull!

[@haus05]

Great video as always Darrell !! I am new to guitar .. played back in high school a bit in the 90's ... picked up bass sometime after that and jammed with buddies just covering classic rock songs ... as of late I've decided to get back into it and teach myself guitar using various sources .. like books and of course "the youtube vortex!" I'm 37 and totally finished with my party days and live a quiet life in the bush... so guitar seems like the perfect avenue to venture up! You post some awesome informative content with little to no bias... one day i want to get that exact tele!!!! 2tone burst maple neck black pick guard but id want it with the 3 brass saddles like a classic look !!! sick guitar !!! the G&L is super nice too!!!! again man awesome videos thanks for putting up quality content and making me want to learn to play again!

[@rsaragosa]

As always great work on your video. I love the information you have shared on the G & L MFD pickups which I never knew about. I really liked the G & L better I have always found Teles to be a bit bitey and the G & L has a more rounder tone. I used to own a G & L ASAT bluesboy and for some crazy reason I got rid of it and now I wish I had it back. I will be getting a G & L in the future for sure but I am leaning towards a S500. Do you own a S500 and if so could you do a demo of that it would be awesome. You seem to make any guitar you play sound good. Keep up the good work.

[@awo1fman]

Kinda depends... most of the time I preferred the G&L, but sometimes the Tele was better. But when you can adjust the G&L to sound more like a Tele, that pushes it more toward the G&L side. Great vid!

[@dt90891]

I like the ASAT mostly. Clear when clean and crunch is nice too. Thanks for adjusting the pickup to show us the tonal difference. Makes a beautiful lead tone too

[@stevec.1802]

You’re presentations are always spot on. 👍🏼 Both guitars are very good. I personally own the ASAT Special and love it, but- you are correct, there’s nothing like a tele. 🎸

[@jasong546]

Great Darrell! I don’t think I have ever heard a tele that didn’t sound good, and I wouldn’t have been able to guess blindfolded because they are so capable. And this is proof that a seemingly simple design is awesome if the player is creative, has skill, and has a good ear for making tunes this way! Like on this one!

[@jasong546]

Also, respectfully, I don’t hear anything much to bright or ice picky with these settings you chose. I put Lollar pups in my T build, and I have to make an effort to get that harshness. Your technique and your great amp keeps me from hearing too much.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Well said!

[@tjnaevans]

Definitely like the sound on the G&L pups I'll have to start searching the resale markets for one sounds great and excellent video!

[@robertcondren3400]

The best comparison video I've seen. The G&L neck pickup is killer but there is nothing quite like the sound of the Fender tele bridge pickup. As for the middle setting, they sound quite similar but since G&L is noise cancelling I guess it is preferable. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@omahajack2049]

Thuis video was help for me deciding between ASAT and Tele. Being a lefty, this was vey helpful, beuz i find it impossible to find either of them in local guitar shops in left handed.

[@EXMORr]

WOW I Love That G&L I Never Thought About Owning a Tele Style Guitar Until Right Now , Thank You , That Was Awesome !!

[@sixfoursoul2538]

Why not, they are both made by the same person, G&l has better hardware, better case, better price .

[@39MercFlathead]

I discovered G&L about 20 years ago. Before that the best Tele I ever had was a MIJ. Once I found G&L I stayed with them. The 3rd time truly was a charm. The one I have never owned was a Z3. I would love to have a semi-hollow ASAT Z3.

[@zazoomatt]

After Much debate you helped me a lot in Getting the G & L ASAT in 2022. Playing is getting FUN AGAIN.

[@DavidRamos-nz4bh]

Thanks! Now I want both! Great demo.

[@J.Burrough]

Both sound great- I liked the G&L sound bit better. It’s got a little something extra. You said it right G&L is more fuller and rounded- more pleasant to my ears. Thanks for this one, helps deciding.✌🏻

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Glad to help!

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

Difficult to tell which guitar is the best. One thing I can tell is the solos are amazing! Great video!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Antonio!

[@lgovantes1]

I just ordered my first G&L based on some reviews and the comments below certainly support my choice... your video also demonstrated the fuller sound of the G&L...Great video comparison. thanks.

[@PhilipTannenbaum]

Wonderful video, could not have been clearer or more concise. Thanks for so much useful info in such a short time.

[@TheRycooder]

I liked them equally for different reasons! Great video again!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks HB!

[@jonanles]

I really thought that they both sounded similar, with the Telecaster being a little warmer on the clean tones and the Asat doing the driven tones slightly better, you really can't go wrong with either one.

[@frankiecalabro2617]

This was very well done.i have a Tele and now must get me a ASAT...sounds so much fuller. Great playing !

[@furoraguitars]

Bro! You did set the bridge pickup lower, and you are my man, you just know what you do. Most of the people throw out statements and comparisons without knowing basic rules. Bless you!

[@kristijanbavrka7677]

Loving the new intro and also guitars

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks KB!

[@DylanTK]

I actually preferred the ASAT in both clean and dirty, which surprised me somewhat as I generally love teles clean. I think something about the G&L sounding a bit more full and less chimey is what did it ...and hilariously at the end of the video you say the exact same thing. so there we go.

[@TheNocturnalEvil]

It has more low mids and kinda darker sound. To be honest it kinda reminds me of a Broadcaster, but it ain't as dark and woody sounding as a Broadcaster. It's sound is somewhere between a Blackguard Tele and a Broadcaster.

[@bradrevland5451]

Definitely more bite on the Tele bridge. That's what it's supposed to do! Brought a smile to my face! Was great to find out about the effect of lowering the pole pieces on the MFD's. Didn't know what direction did what. G&L has over the top workmanship. My S-500 is the finest, most solid feeling guitar I've ever played. Great comparison! Thank you for taking the time to do it!

[@jeffmartin52]

Very nice comparison! I like both equally well and would be happy with either. I have a thin line with P90’s that made me a Tele fan. I was most impressed with the seamless editing at the start of the actual comparison.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Jeff!

[@Shaftdaddy]

ASAT all the way! This vid helped me a lot when I decided to get a tele. I'm not a "telecaster type guy" but I LOVE my ASAT classic and these pick ups. Thanks and keep the vids coming.

[@TedSchoenling]

Dude, I'm in the same boat. I got an ASAT Classic about 7 months ago.. I don't like the tone of my other guitars nearly as much, it has become #1..

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

Just ordered a natural finish asat. Im excited

[@anth1225]

I've been searching on You Tube to hear what the G&L sounded like going for a country sound. It's like nobody on You Tube knows how to play a Tele! This is by far the best video comparison I have seen! Thank you for going for that spank on the Bridge. My blood pressure has dropped watching your video! lol Could you do a review of the G&L Tribute ASAT and comparable Squier versions? I love G&L but after watching your video if I had the money for the Fender and G&L American made I would buy the Tele. It just can't be beat for that twang.

[@philosopher2king]

Great review! I actually through the GL was the sunburst one so I kept thinking that the red "Fender" sounded better! Ha! Being a GL fan I'm glad I couldn't even lie to myself about how good they sound.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

I just bought a G&L tele yesteday HOLYSHIT is this thing amazing blew all the fenders off the map .. I wasnt cheap but worth it

[@DavidRFIT]

To my taste G&L wins hands down.

[@rafaeldohmen8604]

Just picked up my first G&L, asat Deluxe, and it's fabulous. Sold my last Fender a few weeks ago, it's Godin, G&L and luthier custom build for me!

[@per42c42]

So for me, I like the Fender for cleans and G&L for metal but I have to say its interesting you changed the pickup config to try and match the Fender tone. I expect Leo and George were going for something else and not to repeat what they had already done, to further disrupt music again, with a new set of tone and not just copy an earlier products sound. So I would not buy a G&L to try and sound like a Fender, rather I would get one because its something different and I like it for what it is. If I want a Fender [I own several] then I would buy that and if I fancy what G&L do, then I will buy that [I want one]. Great video Darrell, as always ;)

[@tacogladiator7503]

Had to sell most of guitars when I lost my job. Broke my heart but looks like I’ll be getting myself a G&L for Christmas. Sounds awesome and has those cool adjustable pickups.

[@donnythompson408]

Jep Илић did you end up getting a G&L? If so, do you like it? I LOVE my G&L ASAT - and I was a die hard Fender guy for years. 😊

[@Ottophil]

Man not having a job is the best time to have guitars.

[@joshferry3628]

I own both G&L (Strat) and Fender (Tele). I can't decide! Lol these are both awesome.

[@zosojstro]

Been on the fence between these two. In some ways your demo kept me on it😂. Definitely ruled out the squire and tribute versions. Love your playing

[@ross2burr]

Excellent job Darrell ! The ultimate Leo with the ASAT one. He probably knew what He was doing and He did it indeed. For Me ASAT too even if the Fender Tele is the absolute gorgeous standard. You've really helped my choice on G&L at last.

[@EamonnSeoigh]

I liked the history you provided. I have been wanting to pull the trigger on a Telecaster, but held off because there were so many clones, kits, etc to choose from and a video just doesn't provide the real sound they reproduce, however, this comparison clinches it for me. Leo's Asat might be the best fit if I can get the right wood and frets in it. Thanks very much for putting this up!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Glad to help! 😎

[@Lalaland.001]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar How much did your g&L cost, I am looking to get one myself.I ask because I live in Holland and the shipping, tax and customs fee would probably be a deal breaker for me.

[@skillsandskills3028]

beautiful guitars nice video 👌❤ love red color on guitars

[@istvandejesus]

Hi and God bless!!! Is amazing how two instruments can look so similar and still be sooo different. Not to mention that Leo made them both so you would expect them to be the “same” but that is not the case. They are voiced very different. Huge fan of both.

[@aaronsidman4674]

I was considering buying the ASAT but now I think I will keep saving my pennies til I can buy the Tele that I have always dreamed about. Nothing sounds like a Tele!... I love the neck on that Fender you were playing in the video. Beautiful guitar! Thanks for the inspiration you are a great Musician.

[@MrTPF1]

They both sounded great. The Fender sounded brighter on the clean tests, but the ASAT sounded fuller and better to my ears on the distorted tests. Since I play humbuckers and a distorted amp, the ASAT is my pick.

[@tenbroeck1958]

I play a lot of Jazz and Country, but I'm always a rocker at heart, so it's a toss-up for me!! Screw it, I'm buying some joe barden pickups for my Tele, until I get some extra cash for a G&L!!

[@plane_guy6051]

@@tenbroeck1958 -- If you read this, look into the DiMarzio Pre-B1. I had one long ago and it was amazing

[@collinputney2018]

I honestly feel that regular old telecasters (not ones upgraded to have humbuckers or single coil sized humbuckers) are very under utilized in heavy metal. I mean, yeah, you have guys like John 5 or Jim Root who rip on teles but they use high output humbuckers in theirs. Everyone always thinks twang when they hear the phrase “tele pickups.” But what I hear is tightness, and a bright, cutting lead tone. And with players like Jerry Cantrell and John Baizley from Baroness ripping it up on G&L’s (and partially this video) I am currently in the process of getting an ASAT. For metal. Great video as always, Darrell. Keep it up!

[@DavidRFIT]

interesting point of view.

[@BenRobsonMusic]

I think some of the first Wintersun album was recorded using a Tokai telecaster copy. The single coil bite/twang definitely has some unique uses in metal.

[@billkoetting5197]

Darrell I watch all your comparison [which are always an honest appraisal and that is exactly what your viewers are looking for] and mod vids. You are Da Man. To me personally, if you want a Fender Custom Shop Fender, buy a G&L and save some money. Personally saving up for an S 500!

[@phil36310]

Two distinctive guitars each one with its own 'character'. Beautiful instruments depending on the style one wants to play. I have both and the only difference is the + play ability of the G&L. But choice is a personal matter regarding the sound colors and the choice of strings is also to take in account. There is simply not the one better than the other. Thanks for sharing!

[@tcpfeff]

Both great. I’m a G&L fan, but I own fenders also. Neither are better, personal choices, G&L is a upgraded version of Leo’s dream. Both legends

[@dsparda87]

I like the ASAT G&L guitars are amazing

[@goonrick]

I love them both, but the G&L is more versatile. Great to see the D string pole raised. I find the response on that string in particular to be weak on the vast majority of pickup sets (and modify pickups to accommodate). Great comparison!

[@fenderbender9922]

I had to watch/ listen to this several times. I liked the G&L neck pup and Fender bridge. The G&L just seemed to have more of the note in the sound. Hard to put into words. Thanks for a great show! I never miss it!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks for watching FB!

[@jeffruebens8355]

They sounded quite similar to me, and by adjusting the amp, tone knob, and pickup heights you could probably get them even closer. Used the G&L is a lot less. For looks, I prefer all black with a black pick guard that extends down around the volume and tone knobs. For a cheap kit or used one, I would also reshape the body to more like a Les Paul, and thinner at the belly and forearm areas like a Strat or SG.

[@cybernautsterranautsandast2151]

The G&L won. That said, I bought an Indonesian G&L in swamp ash natural. The neck pup was just like the Tele lipstick and sounded great. The bridge pup however did not have the pole pieces like the one in the video. And it was shrill to a fault. The American G&Ls are super and I wouldn't change a thing on one if I had one. But since the Indonesian one was a nice piece of swamp ash, I installed the Fishman Fluence Greg Koch "Gristle Tone" signature system for Telecaster in the G&L. I also modded it with Sperzel locking tuners and put on a Babicz full contact bridge. There is a slight impediment around the input jack from the Fender to the G&L which I needed help with from a technician. The Fishman includes a replacement jack which has both the guitar output jack and a USB mini to recharge the battery built in to the switch-plate. Not a big deal but it required angular holes to seat the jack. The switch plate looks the same except for a button which switches from "black pickguard early Tele voicing to white pickguard higher output 60's Tele voicing. FWIW, I don't think the Babicz was worth the trouble or price and the ash tray with the brass barrels is plenty fine. I played along with Darell's solos and am pleased that my modded Indo G&L competes well. As technician at Guitar Center with over 30 years of experience said mine was the best sounding Tele/ASAT to come into the shop in a long time. He's retired since. Thanks Darrell

[@DucksDeLucks]

Probably was going deaf (-;

[@TedSchoenling]

you gotta make sure to get the right model. G&L used to build a ASAT Legacy which will have a more Fendery spec pickup, and the ASAT Classic that has the MFD

[@Guitar_Smasher]

Those magnetic field pickups sound fuller and have more presence. They do lack "twang," though! I prefer the G&L.

[@bambostarla6259]

Usually I just like one guitar, but this time I liked the G&L for riffing and the tele for solos!

[@kujo8509]

dude great video, I enjoy the history lesson in the beginning a lot.

[@estebangranados4949]

recently you could pickup the asat classic discounted to 850$, with only 2 color options, but a fender of the same level cost twice ...

[@jdburnsideutube]

Again, great comparison. I’m curious to know how close the ASAT can come to the Tele by not only lowering the pickups, but by tweaking the EQ. I think scooping the mids a little and pushing a bit around 2K might get very close. Probably easier to get the ASAT to sound like the Tele than vice versa.

[@joermnyc]

Some say just lower the volume and tone knob a little and it will sound more like a Tele. G&L also now have ASATs with AlNiCo pickups instead of the MFDs too.

[@brendanoneill1466]

Both are great. I have owned both and loved both. It really is up to your rig and what you are playing.

[@r.miller4810]

I have a Fender Telecaster, but I also love the G&L ASAT. It's definitely on my list.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Nice demo, Darrell. As is usually the case, the differences are most obvious with a clean tone. For me, the Fender wins the clean sound comparison... it's very chimey and transparent. The G&L has a kind of mid-range bark that, while not unpleasant, does not scream 'Tele'. On the other hand, I think the G&L takes it for the heavier sounds... it's fuller & richer. So, there you are... as it often goes, it's a tossup based on what you like and what you'll play.

[@jonneziengs]

I was scrolling through the comments to find this. Thnx. I agree.

[@adrianguggisberg3656]

@@jonneziengs You can set the G&L to sound more brittle and thin like a tele by taking the volume back to 6 or seven. If you want your instrument to sound like a tele and only like a tele at every given setting, you should definitely get a tele. The G&L will give you a broader range of sound, if you're confident enough to sound different.

[@plane_guy6051]

First off, GREAT video and EXCELLENT playing! I totally agreed with this dude though. The Tele has a really nice twang that the G&L just doesn't have. I suspect it's just the bridge pickup and nothing more. I owned a Tele long time ago and replaced the bridge PU with a DiMarzio Pre-B1 and holy crap, did that bugger sing! While I liked the Tele pickup, it used to feedback in a really bad squealy way which the DiMarzio totally fixed. It retained the best of the Fender but was just better all around. But my point being that I think the bridge pickup is key on a Tele. Maybe adjusting the poles on the G&L as Darrel says would give you best of both worlds. Both guitars are nice though.

[@joesasser4421]

ASAT! However, never saw George Harrison MBE with an ASAT. He had a Music Man on his studio wall, we’ll hope that was a Leo

[@THE_Secular_Conservative]

This video is one of the reasons I bought an Asat over a Squier telecaster and I don't regret it the least bit. I am in love with my Indonesian G&L Asat classic semi hollowbody "tele". $ 595 (original price is 700) brand new, I added hipshot locking tuners, a Graphtech Tusq nut, and replaced the original knobs with indicator knobs; this instrument is amazing. Way more versatile then I ever imagined! It doesn't have quite the vintage twang that I suspect an original Fender Telecaster would have but the MFD pickups make it extremely versatile. U can go from pristine cleans and blues grit to thrash metal with a roll of the volume knob and click of the foot. The ASAT is very responsive to the volume and tone controls so be aware if u plan to buy. This is the reason I replaced the original volume and tone knobs with indicator knobs

[@NickelbackSavedRocknRoll]

I’m a huge Tele fan and my fav is my ASAT w/ a p-90 in the bridge. That thing is so versatile!

[@cathytai]

Honestly, being a Tele lover, when I heard the ASAT for the first time I almost cried. I mean, I just bought a couple nice (not MIA, though) - used Fender MIJs, a Tele and Strat. I was loving my new toys so much and then I clicked this video - I'd been expecting for the Tele to waltz off with the prize, but the first ASAT notes took my breath away and I was chastened. Well, I can always save my $$$ for a nice used ASAT - Right? Just let me sell a kidney and a spleen, first, to finance this....

[@lazvt8469]

I had a Strat American Std, then the Deluxe...sold them both eventually. Got a G&L S-500 6 months ago for $550 (SW. Dem0) and was blown away with the pups and switching options. Some say the MFD's push towards P90's...I tend to agree.

[@samlelowitch]

I like ’em both. Maybe the Fender gets the slight edge in terms of the tone I prefer. It would never occur to me to use a Tele for hard rock or metal, but you made it work!

[@WilliamBurnettPhotography]

Sam Elowitch it occurred to the Beatles to use a reel for hard rock/metal. Helter Skelter is arguably the first true heavy metal song or at least in the first 4 or 5 and that is pure tele.

[@Starshepherd]

Jimmy Page, Keith Richards (almost exclusively), David Gilmour, Pete Townsend, Clapton all played, or still play, Tele's. Stairway To Heaven's solo was played on a Tele. It's an extremely versatile guitar.

[@Jakethysnake93]

Search playing metal on a telecaster on youtube and be amazed

[@samlelowitch]

​I don’t doubt that. When I say “it would never occur to me,” I don’t mean to imply that it’s impossible or anything.

[@hermanmelville3871]

Pepper Keenan has played some metal on Tele’s.

[@ransombaggins9301]

Gotta go with the ASAT. Both are awesome, but there’s just “more” there with the G&L. If you perceive a little more twang from the Fender, that’s where height adjustments, amp adjustments, and various effects can get the job done in most cases. Can’t go wrong either way though. Great video.

[@isaacjohnson.]

Very well done Darrell. Great comparison.

[@strong_voice_of_truth]

The G&L is definitely more harmonically rich and full sounding, but when you pick up a Tele, you expect to get some of that cutting biting edge. I'm not sure that rounding those rough edges is actually an improvement. If I wanted that fuller sound, I'd pick up another guitar and plug it in. Different horses for different courses. On the other hand, I've never heard a Tele on high gain that sounded as sweet and grungy and full as that G&L did!

[@vectorx777]

Yes! I completely agree. While I love the way G&L's sound there is something to be said about a sweet Fender Telecaster tone. Just classic. And yes the Telecaster sounds righteous with high gain. Even using it for Metal they have that sharp bite and you can still hear the twang through the crunch. It's so sweet!

[@amosdriedger8972]

Kinda makes me wish now that I hadn’t just sold my G&L. Definitely wish I’d known about that dropping the bridge pup to get more twang

[@jamesdiehl8690]

I love them too! I like fact that they aren't stuck with Fender builds. The fingerboard radius for example. Fender 9, or 71/2, G&L 12 w/modern C, different tuners, different pickups, etc... More comfortable to play, especially lead.

[@adamgriffin139]

Thank you! Always wanted a Tele but came across the G&L a few years back and have just been waiting to get my hands on an ASAT to see if there are any benefits to the alternative. You've just made up my mind. I'm going G&L!

[@davidgooley1544]

Asat was cleaner and richer while having more gain. I loved the sound and how versatile it was.

[@brianstacy4229]

Been seeing a lot of G&L related videos recently. Sound wise, subtle difference to me between basically the same guitar.

[@TheAndyMaan]

I would say I preferred the twangy sound of the Tele for the cleaner sounds but once it starts to get more dirty I think the ASAT starts to shine, sounded a bit fatter and less high end. Thanks for the cool comparison, great playing too

[@mikem668]

Recently bought an ASAT, beautifully made guitar. Wonderful tones. I also own a 70s Telecaster, which a professional musician friend of mine wanted to buy because it DIDN'T sound like a Tele. And the 50th Anniversary Tele, which I never had them rewire and sounds different again. So I'm in Telecaster hell. Because I prefer your Telecaster. Thanks. Great video.