Introducing the new M-Series basses.

When Leo Fender introduced the iconic G&L L-2000 in 1981, the father of the electric bass was ready to disrupt the status quo. The L-Series was revolutionary in ways that truly mattered – flexibility and versatility – and offered an amazing range of tones from a single instrument.

30 years later, the new M-Series basses have built upon that legacy and are ready to reveal a new and improved sonic palate that's a force to be reckoned with.

The Studio is On-Board.
The twin MFD humbuckers have been voiced to take maximum advantage of the new studio-quality 18v preamp system designed by G&L's R&D wizard Paul Gagon. Gagon says: "The new preamp lets you hear the crisp detail and punch of the MFD pickups, the nuance of the strings and the resonance of the wood, all without artificial coloration."

Flexibility is Nothing Without Control.
Building on a solid foundation, the M-Series' intuitive and ergonomic controls unlock a musician's full creative potential. The controls are fit to the hand – a player's design that's rewarding and easy to use. And in place of the original L-spec pickup selector toggles, the M-Series features a pan control to explore the full range of sounds available between the two pickups.

Learn more about the new M-Series basses.

Korina Collection gets taken for a test drive by Guitar Player.

“Classic Tele snap and bite with varying degrees of Gibson-inspired fat midrange and thick lows.” This is just one of the many flattering statements James Nash says while reviewing the G&L Korina Collection in the Holiday 2011 issue of Guitar Player.

The review offers six pages of pics, specs, in-depth commentary and also a video demo (see below) of all three guitars from our Korina collection, including the ASAT Classic Bluesboy, Deluxe II and Junior II.

Click here to download the complete review. And here's a little taste of what Guitar Player had to say:

ASAT Classic Bluesboy
“The combination of vintage neck depth with more modern radius and frets are immensely playable, and the factory PLEK setup is stellar.”

ASAT Deluxe II
“I enjoyed flicking between all three pickup settings without ever feeling the need to tweak an amp or step on a pedal.”

ASAT Junior II (Editors’ Pick!)
“Enormous tone brimming with sparkle and clarity, but with big-time fatness and lower midrange push, and outstanding balance from neck to bridge. What’s not to like?”

Watch James Nash demo the G&L Korina Collection.

Pick The Band™ Ultimate Gear Giveaway
featuring G&L products, going on now through Nov. 14.

Far too often, new and upcoming artists are selected and supported by “suits” with agendas built around the almighty dollar, not the music.

Not anymore.

Pick the Band™ is the first totally online record label run by the fans for the fans. Created as an alternative to the traditional method of signing and promoting bands, Pick the Band is dedicated to preserving the relationship created by the fans and the artists they love by allowing the fans to have a say in how the artist is promoted and marketed. This offers both creative freedoms for the artists as well as the ultimate music experience for the fans.

And going on now through November 14th, fans can win The Ultimate Gear Giveaway simply for voting! The winning fan will receive a stellar prize pack that includes G&L products. Full prize pack includes.

• 4 QSC 1000w K Series powered monitors and covers
• 2 G&L Tribute Series guitars or one G&L Tribute Series bass and one Tribute Series guitar
• 6 BBE Sound effects pedals
• 1 On-Stage Stands Band Package – including 8 mic stands and much more

So if you’re a fan, sign up and start voting at www.PickTheBand.com – the more times you vote, the more chances you have to win. And if you’re a musician, make sure you register your band too. Because we agree that the power should be put in the hands of those who know best, the fans.

G&L Will Ray Clinics in October

The magical mojo of Will Ray is back for more fantastic clinics this month! You can count on Will to blow your mind with his bonzo hooks as well as his intimate knowledge of G&L instruments.

Mark your calendar! Wednesday October 12th at 6pm Route 7 Music 355 Federal Rd. Brookfield, CT (203) 775-6377 Thursday October 13th at 7pm Music Emporium 2641 Jerusalem Ave. North Bellmore, NY (516) 221-4888 Friday October 14th at 7pm Rockland Music Center Kohl's Plaza Mall 234 East Route 59 Nanuet, NY (845) 624-5470

Newsflash: Jon Cain of Journey Loves His New ASAT Classic Bluesboy

Fullerton, Calif., October 7, 2011 - Jon's out on tour with Journey and received his new Bluesboy. He fell in love with it (as did the whole Journey crew) and Jon performed with it the same night.

Read what Jon had to say on his new G&L Featured Artist page!

Newsflash: Andrew W.K. Orders Up an ASAT Bass Semi-Hollow

Fullerton, Calif., September 23, 2011 - Andrew W.K. just ordered an ASAT Bass Semi-Hollow in Royal Purple with matching headstock and maple fingerboard. This thing is going to look sweet and we're looking forward to hearing this bass in action. For more on Andrew, check out the Andrew W.K. site.

Steeped in Rock-Guitar History, Ass-Kickingly Modern: The G&L Ascari and Fiorano

G&L’s first-ever set-neck, 3-tuners-to-a-side guitars, inspired by Leo.

Fullerton, Calif., September 19, 2011 - G&L has broken its own mold. The company founded by the man synonymous with bolt-on guitars has introduced its first set-neck, three-tuners-to-a-side instruments, tapping into a deep vein of hard rock with G&L’s characteristic innovation and quality. Introducing the G&L Ascari and Fiorano, part of G&L’s Tribute Series.

The inspiration was a long-lost drawing of G&L founder Leo Fender’s own concept for a 24¾” scale, twin-humbucker, 3-by-3-tuner axe. G&L discovered it two years ago, creativity ensued, and today rock players have two seriously new options. The details:

• Mahogany body with flame maple top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
• 24¾” scale, 22 medium-jumbo frets (Ascari); 25½” scale, 24 frets (Fiorano)
• 12” radius neck, 1-11/16” at nut; modern slim C profile
• TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece; G&L custom-designed humbuckers
• Trans Red or Trans Black bound bodies; comes with G&L gig bag (U.S.)

The Ascari’s shape and specs put it squarely in the long tradition of versatile, expressive rock guitars. The Fiorano’s 25½” scale and 24-fret neck deliver de-tuned heaviness and brutal riffing to go with its more aggressive curves. Each has humbuckers custom-developed by G&L VP of Engineering Paul Gagon. Both guitars deliver a full palette of expressive rock tones.

There’s another back-story: Gagon enlisted long-time friend and former colleague Grover Jackson, founder of Jackson Guitars, to collaborate on the curvaceous bodies and classic headstock. Fittingly, G&L named these striking high-performance guitars after iconic Italian racetracks.

Get the full story.

G&L Will Ray Clinics in April

The magical mojo of Will Ray is back for more fantastic clinics this month! You can count on Will to blow your mind with his bonzo hooks as well as his intimate knowledge of G&L instruments.

Mark your calendar! Monday April 4th at 7pm Steilberg String Instruments 4029 Bardstown Rd Louisville KY, 40218 (502) 491-2337 Tuesday April 5 at 7pm Buddy Rogers Music 1939 W. Galbraith Rd Cincinnati, OH 45239 (513) 931-6780 Wed April 6 at 7pm Uptown Strings 18 North State Street Westerville, OH 43081-2119 (614) 794-2183 Thursday April 7 at 7pm Guitarworks 996 S. State Rd 135 Greenwood, IN 46143 (317) 885-1510 Wednesday April 27 at 7pm Westwood Music 1627 Westwood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 478-4251 Thursday April 28th at 7pm Jim's Music 14061 Newport Ave Tustin, CA 92780 (714) 669-3600

G&L Instruments at NYC's Germano Studios

March 2011 - Five years after shutting the doors on The Hit Factory, arguably the most well known recording studio in the world, Troy Germano is back in NYC after consulting with European studios for a number of years. With his latest trend-setting facility in Noho, Germano Studios, Troy has created a relaxed environment that's attracting many of today's hottest artists.

Germano Studios' client roster includes Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Hudson, Matisyahu, Bruce Springsteen, LeAnn Rimes, Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Beyonce, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and more. Without question, Troy is once again one of the new shining stars in the commercial studio business.

Only The Best At Germano Studios With a sophisticated boutique vibe, all of Troy’s house gear is high-end hip, from G&L instruments and hand-wired amps to the latest SSL Duality mixing desks and plugins including the BBE Sonic Sweet and Stompware. At right: Troy Germano (standing) and Technical Director, Jay Whalen in the Studio 1 Control Room "The G&L additions have strengthened our bass and guitar arsenal at the studios and the clients have already noticed the difference these instruments have made." - Troy Germano
	Germano and G&L: Superior Instruments for Superior Tracks Germano Studios insists on the very best instruments for his clients. That's why Germano Studios has G&L instruments including the G&L ASAT Classic Bluesboy and SB-2 ready for tracking. At left: Troy Germano in Studio 2 Live Room "The addition of the G&L SB-2 and the ASAT Classic Bluesboy have helped the studios on sessions that normally would have rented inferior instruments. On a recent Jamie Squire session, the SB-2 bass helped shape a track's bass line that was unachievable with any other bass on hand at the studios." - Troy Germano "The G&L Bluesboy and the SB-2 bass are both killer instruments with great tone."- Jay Whalen

New Yukon Gold Metallic for G&L USA models

March 2011 - We can't remember how many times we tinkered with the formula to find just the right hue, but when we finally struck gold, we knew it. You see, we had a vision of Yukon Gold just as the hearty miners picked out of the dusty hills of the Yukon Territory in 1897. It had to feel authentic, gutsy, hard-won. One look at Yukon Gold Metallic and you can sense the pioneering American spirit of our forefathers as well as the passion that goes into everything we do here at G&L.

If you'd like to get your hands on a gleaming nugget like this one, ask your G&L dealer for an ASAT Classic in Yukon Gold Metallic with a 1-ply Black pickguard and a Rosewood #1 neck with the new Light Tint Gloss neck finish.

New Tangerine Metallic for G&L USA models

February 2011 - Just one look this Legacy and you can almost taste the flavor bursting from a perfectly ripened tangerine. That's Tangerine Metallic, a delicious new Standard Finish from the crew in Fullerton. Mmmm... we can't get enough of this yummy finish. We posted this photo on the G&L Musical Instruments Facebook page and the response is just as bonzo as with Margarita Metallic!

If you'd like to order an Legacy just like this one, ask for it in Tangerine Metallic, a Pearl pickguard, and a Rosewood #1 neck with the clear satin neck finish. This color combo is also sweet on an S-500, Comanche and more.

New Margarita Metallic for G&L USA models

February 2011 - Check out Margarita Metallic, a delicious new Standard Finish from the G&L crew here on Fender Avenue in Fullerton, California. This SB-2 is sporting the optional satin "frost" top coat, so we call this Margarita Frost. Hey, everyone likes a margarita in a nice frosty glass, right? We sure do. Mmmm... tasty. We posted this photo on the G&L Musical Instruments Facebook page and the response was fantastic!

Want to get an SB-2 just like this one? Ask your G&L dealer for an SB-2 in Margarita Metallic with satin "frost" top coat (or just say "Margarita Frost" like we do), a 1-ply black pickguard, and a quarter-sawn Maple #8 neck with a clear satin neck finish. This color combo is also sweet on a Legacy, S-500, Comanche and more.

Check out Die So Fluid!

You've gotta check out Die So Fluid, a seriously kick-ass trio fronted by a gorgeous but potentially lethal bass player who goes by the name "Grog". This UK-based band is aggressive, powerful and tight, as Grog anchors the wall of sound on her G&L L-2000 while belting out passionate, intense vocals.

Just two days ago Die So Fluid released a new album called 'The World Is Too Big For One Lifetime'. DSF is scheduling a US tour soon, so we'll keep you posted. Check out the video on the Featured Artist page for Die So Fluid.

Above: DSF's new album 'The World Is Too Much For One Lifetime' Left: Grog of DSF with her L-2000

All USA G&L Basses and Guitars now ship with Deluxe Hardshell Tolex Case w/Fitted Interior

Fullerton, Calif., April 22, 2010 - The team at G&L has worked closely with longtime G&L case supplier, G&G Quality Case Co. of Los Angeles, California, to offer specially designed cases for each G&L body style. There are dedicated cases for ASAT guitars, Legacy/S-500/Comanche, F-100, SC-2, L-2000, ASAT Bass and more.

"We wanted to ensure there was no way an instrument could move around inside one of our new cases, so we came up with 'fitted' body pockets designed for each G&L body style" said Steve Grom, G&L Director of Manufacturing, addling "One thing people liked about the molded hardshell cases was the interior insert on the case was formed so it held the body in place to prevent any unwanted movement. Thanks to the support of our friends at G&G Quality Case, we have incorporated that idea into the Deluxe Black Tolex case that people really love."

Learn more about G&G Quality Case Co.

G&L gets it started with Black Eyed Peas and Fergie!

Fullerton, Calif., March 4, 2010 -This sensational tour has a futuristic, space-age theme so the G&L team responded by creating this one-off guitar.  Dubbed   "The Mothership,"  this customized ASAT Bluesboy features a polished aluminum top which complements the Peas' elaborate stage production.

INXS and G&L @ Winter Olympics 2010!

Fullerton, Calif., March 2, 2010 - Kirk Pengilly of INXS plays his G&L S-500 at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics (click on image below):

The G&L S-500 in Spanish Copper Metallic with tortoise shell pickguard, black pickup covers and knobs, rosewood fingerboard with satin neck finish. 

Congratulations to Jerry Cantrell and Alice In Chains

Fullerton, Calif., February 24, 2010 - Guitar World Magazine's 16th Annual Readers Poll Results have been announced:

Best Rock Guitarist :  Jerry Cantrell

Best Rock Album:  Alice in Chains "Black Gives Way to Blue"

All of us at BBE Sound and G&L Musical Instruments congratulate Jerry Cantrell and Alice in Chains
on these great results in the GW Reader's Poll.

G&L USA Rampage Jerry Cantrell Signature Guitars Now in Full Production!

Fullerton, Calif., February 12, 2010 -

G&L Musical Instruments to introduce
JERRY CANTRELL "BLUE DRESS" LIMITED EDITION GUITAR
Jerry Cantrell to appear at G&L booth on Friday to meet fans.

Fullerton, Calif., January 14, 2010 - G&L Musical Instruments is pleased to introduce the new Rampage Jerry Cantrell "Blue Dress" guitar (MSRP $6,600) at the NAMM tradeshow (booth #4690). Available in March, the limited edition guitar features graphics based on those Cantrell applied to his favorite 1984 G&L Rampage, which has been a part of Cantrell's signature sound for his entire professional career.

Cantrell's newest incarnation features a soft maple body, quarter-sawn maple/ebony neck, Floyd Rose locking nut, Kahler 2230 brass tremolo and is available in the original ivory or black finishes and sports a single humbucker hand-wound by Motor City Pickups. The "Blue Dress" Limited Edition is visually distinguished by body graphics designed to Cantrell's exact specifications, including the iconic image of the "Blue Dress" girl which was originally featured in a vintage issue of "Oui" magazine, plus a specially numbered neck plate laser-etched with the "Blue Dress" girl. Cantrell will personally autograph the back side of the headstock of every "Blue Dress" guitar.

Several distinctive accessories accompany the "Blue Dress" Limited Edition, including a black flight case stenciled with "Jerry Cantrell" on both sides, a Jerry Cantrell-designed Red Monkey leather strap, Schaller strap locks, one dozen Dunlop "Jerry Cantrell" picks, a spare set of Dunlop strings, G&L Custom Creations Certificate of Authenticity, plus a second Certificate of Authenticity by the original artist who created the "Blue Dress" girl.

Jerry Cantrell is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for his work with Alice in Chains, who first made a name for themselves with the hit song "Man in the Box". Alice in Chains reemerged in 2009 with a new singer, William DuVall, and have released their first full-length studio album in 14 years, called Black Gives Way to Blue.

On Friday, January 15, Jerry Cantrell will be available at 3:00 PM at the G&L booth (#4690 Hall "C"). Also available for viewing will be Cantrell's original G&L Rampage, which will be on display next to the Rampage Jerry Cantrell "Blue Dress".

G&L Musical Instruments to introduce its first-ever
Guitar Amplifier and Effects pedals at the winter NAMM show

Fullerton, Calif., January 14, 2010 - G&L Musical Instruments is pleased to introduce two new guitar effects pedals, the "Double Barrel" and the "Buckshot", and the all-tube combo guitar amp called the "Whipper Snapper" at the NAMM show (booth #4690).

The Double Barrel (MSRP $215) is a variable-boost pedal which offers up to 30dB of clean boost, with Gain control and variable Lo and Hi controls which enable the player to restrict lows from becoming boomy and highs from getting too bright. The Buckshot (MSRP $199) is a natural overdrive pedal with Gain, Tone and Volume controls, and is designed to enhance an amplifier's tonal identity rather than mask it. Both pedals will be available in March and feature black Bakelite knobs, military-grade PCBs, 1% tolerance resistors, true-hardwire bypass, hand-wired potentiometers, jacks and switches, as well as a five-year limited warranty.

The Whipper Snapper (MSRP $1999) is a medium-powered all-tube combo amp capable of producing a wide range of clean and overdriven tones. Available in April, the Whipper Snapper is based on a late 1950s 5E3 circuit. G&L has modified this classic design to accommodate the needs of today's players looking for a portable yet flexible amp. The Whipper Snapper is right at home in almost any situation, from practice and rehearsals to recording and live performances.

The G&L name is synonymous with quality and tone, and the made-in-the-USA Whipper Snapper continues that legacy by sporting premium components. It delivers with its modified 5E3 circuit hand-wired on a vintage-type eyelet board, supporting a pair of J&J 12AX7 preamp tubes (may be substituted with 12AT7 for lower-gain sound), GZ34 rectifier tube which provides natural compression or "sag", and a pair of J&J 6V6 output tubes. Making the most of the sonic possibilities are treble and bass knobs plus volume with pull-bright feature, while superb tone emanates from the Whipper Snapper's 12" Jensen P-12Q speaker, loaded into a solid pine finger-jointed cabinet for warmth and unmatched dynamics.

Tim McGraw Plays his G&L ASAT on Jay Leno

Fullerton, Calif., October 29, 2009 - Whether you're a country music fan or not, chances are you've heard of Tim McGraw.  With three Grammy awards and 11 CMAs, we're proud that McGraw's G&L ASAT Classic has been with him every step of the way!

On Tuesday, McGraw appeared on the Jay Leno show, and we have the clip right here (click on image below):

Jerry's Kid: G&L Tribute Rampage Jerry Cantrell Signature
Guitar World Magazine, October 2009

When George Fullerton and Leo Fender established G&L Musical Instruments in 1980 (G&L stands for George & Leo), Leo stated that his goal was to make "the best instruments I have ever made" - quite an ambition for the man behind such legendary instruments as the Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster. G&L produced not only refined versions of the guitars developed for Leo's other company but also bold new models, like the radical pointy shaped Interceptor and the fun-and-funky SC-2.

One of the coolest early G&L guitars was the Rampage, which was also one of the first commercially produced models to capitalize on Eddie Van Halen's stripped-down "Frankenstein" design. It featured a single humbucker mounted near the bridge, a solitary volume control and a locking Kahler tremolo. G&L made only a few hundred Rampage guitars between 1984 and 1988, the year in which it discontinued the model.

Thanks to devoted Rampage player Jerry Cantrell, the model has enjoyed cult status ever since Alice in Chains stepped into the spotlight in 1990. With the exception of a limited run of 70 models in 2000, Rampage guitars have been very hard to come by for many years. G&L finally succumbed to demand this summer by introducing the highly affordable Tribute Rampage Jerry Cantrell Signature model as well as a U.S.-built version that costs about three times as much.

FEATURES

Although some Rampage guitars built in the Eighties feature bodies made of ash or poplar, the Tribute Rampage has a soft maple body, which matches the materials used for Jerry's original guitar. The body shape remains identical to the previous version as well, resembling that of a Strat but with a narrower waist, rounder lower bout and deeper waist contour, and the input jack is conveniently mounted on the side.

The 25 1/2 inch scale neck is carved to a thin, flat profile, but thanks to its quarter-sawn hard-rock maple construction and ebony fingerboard (an upgrade to the original version's rosewood or maple fingerboards) it's exceptionally solid and stable. The 13 3/4 inch radius also provides a fast, flat feel, while 22 tall medium-profile frets offer plenty of heavy metal to dig into when bending notes, fretting power chords or flying into hyperspeed.

Despite its low price, the Tribute Rampage has several features rarely found on guitars that cost under $1,000. The hardware is finished in classy black chrome, which perfectly complements the black or ivory finish options. The pickup is custom wound to Jerry's specifications and is constructed with Alnico V magnets. Instead of the ubiquitous licensed Floyd Rose tremolo system, the Tribute Rampage is equipped with a recessed Kahler 4300 X-Trem tremolo and Floyd Rose locking nut. Even the tuners offer above-average specs, providing an 18:1 ratio for dead-accurate tuning.

PERFORMANCE

Even with it's barebones single humbucker plus volume control design, the Tribute Rampage is a very versatile guitar that provides tones ideal for most styles of hard rock. Because the pickup "floats" in a mounting ring (a la vintage Gibson), its tone is warmer and mellower than it would be if it were mounted directly to the body, and this in turn helps tame some of the brightness normally associated with maple body materials. String attack is crisp and articulate, and frequency response is well balanced, with high notes sharing almost equal "weight" with bass notes, allowing players to shift from low-end riffs to squealing leads without needing to compensate with a volume pedal or compressor. For a maple body guitar with an ebony neck, the Rampage has a tone that's full, rich and resonant, with none of the twangy bass or icepick treble you'd expect.

With its flat radius, flat and thin neck profile, and big, meaty frets, the Rampage plays like a shredder's fantasy. The ebony fingerboard is so smoothly polished that it almost feels like it's coated with a glossy finish. The volume control is perfectly situated for performing swells and volume adjustments with the right-hand pinkie, but it can get in the way when executing overly aggressive downstrokes. Fortunately, the volume pot delivers more than ample resistance so you don't have to worry about inadvertently cutting off the volume.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The G&L Tribute Rampage offers exceptional value for guitarists seeking an ax in the under-$1,000 price range. While its features may be as stripped down as it gets, the quality of the components and construction is hard to beat.

G&L on MySpace

Fullerton, Calif.,September 17, 2009 - G&L can now be found on the social media network, MySpace.

myspace.com/glguitars  

Through hardly any effort on our part, our MySpace account has quickly accumulated over 1,100 "friends"!  Come check us out for updates, blogs, networking, and regularly updated "guitar porn." 

Keep checking in as we expand our social media network, and spread the word about G&L!

US Congressman Ed Royce Visits G&L Factory

U.S. Congressman Ed Royce, Representative of the 40th District of California, visited G&L Musical Instruments for a factory tour and discussion with key staff regarding the import/export aspect of the guitar trade, including the purchase and importation of maple wood products from Canada.

"The current economic downturn has affected all kinds of businesses, and though musical instruments represent a small component of the US manufacturing base, it's good to know that we have local representatives in Washington who are listening to manufacturers both large and small that are in the trenches, fighting to keep jobs in the USA." said David McLaren, Executive Vice President of G&L Musical Instruments. "Rep. Royce was sympathetic to our challenges, and promised to use the information he gained from his visit in his work as the ranking member of the Terrorism, Nonproliferation and trade Subcommittee."

During the factory tour, Royce was introduced to the craftspeople and staff, many of whom have been with G&L since Leo Fender founded the business.

Rep. Royce and G&L's Steve Grom in Leo Fender's Lab

G&L Supports the Effort to Save the Historical Fox Theater in Fullerton, CA

G&L Musical Instruments, based in Fullerton, CA, is supporting this community?s effort to save a major entertainment landmark in Southern California, The Fullerton Fox Theater.

The company has donated a Fullerton-made G&L Comanche electric guitar to the "Save the Fox Theater" project, and will be featured in a live auction on Saturday, June 23rd with proceeds going toward bringing the majestic Fox Theatre back to life.

For over eighty years, the Fox Theatre has been a dominant feature in the heart of the downtown Fullerton business district, located four miles north of Disneyland and 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Until its close in 1987, the Fox remained the entertainment center for millions of North Orange County residents. The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation believes that the theatre can once again become a vital part of the community that will bring prestige, culture, visitors and revenue to the city.

The two men responsible for the creation of G&L guitars and basses, Leo Fender and George Fullerton have their business, family and creative roots closely tied to this part of Orange County. The first G&L instruments were produced in 1980 in a series of industrial buildings owned by Leo and located on Fender Avenue, where the company continues to operate today.

"Fullerton is the birthplace of the solid body electric guitar, and as the only guitar manufacturer still located in Fullerton, we feel honored to support this important project which will enhance our community" stated Steve Grom, Director of Manufacturing at G&L (also a long-time Fullerton resident). "Almost all of the G&L workforce lives in or near Fullerton, so the lives of our people will be enriched with the renewal of the Fullerton Fox Theatre."

G&L guitars and basses are the final creations of Leo Fender, the man credited with revolutionizing the sound of rock and roll music. In the city of Fullerton, however, Leo Fender played broader role, as his businesses and products contributed greatly to the prosperity and recognition of the city. In his time, Leo and his employees frequented the Fox Theater, and surely he would be proud that the people of G&L continue to support this iconic landmark which has long been at the heart of the Fullerton community.

For more information on all G&L products visit www.glguitars.com. For more information about the Save the Fox Theater project, visit www.foxfullerton.org.

From left to right: Rep. Ed Royce, Marie Royce, and G&L winner, Bill Salpaka.

LAYNE CHANGE
ALICE IN CHAINS AT WORK ON NEW ALBUM WITH NEW SINGER

by Greg Watermann
As published in Guitar World Magazine, May 2009, p. 25

It's been seven years since Alice in Chains frontman Layne Staley died of a drug overdose and twice as many since the group released its last studio album. After reuniting three years ago at a benefit for victims of the January 2005 tsunami in Indonesia, the Seattle group's surviving members began touring again with new member, singer-guitarist William DuVall. ln October 2008, they entered Dave Grohl's Studio 606 in Los Angeles with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush), where they recorded 18 tracks for an as-yet-untitled new album due this summer.

"This is probably the hardest I've ever worked on a record," says guitarist Jerry Cantrell, in the midst of mixing. "Nick is the kind of guy that likes to try everything. I like recording that way - different amps, different mikes, different drum sounds, different guitars. We've put a lot of time and care into those tones.

Despite some experimentation, Cantrell has stuck with his core gear: Bogner and Marshall amps, a few Les Pauls, and two G&L Rampage guitars. "Those two guitars still are the ones that I use the most," he says of the latter, now hard-to-find instruments. "I've been working with G&L far the last two years to do a reissue guitar, based on that model with a couple of mods I've made. I think that guitar's going to be coming out sometime this year."

Cantrell, who sings more on this album than on previous AIC records, promises a "bone-crushingly heavy" record that is true to the band's legacy. "Losing Layne is a tremendous loss, no doubt about it," he says. "To move through all of that stuff and to be okay with where we're heading, that's a statement of belief in the new material. If it sucked, or if it was fucking weird or felt like it was a cash-in or something like that, we wouldn't do it. That's not how we're wired."

G&L MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS APPOINTS STEVE GROM DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING

Grom Brings Strong Quality Control Experience to G&L Factory

Fullerton, Calif., February 23, 2009 – G&L Musical Instruments announced today that Steve Grom has joined the company as Director of Manufacturing. Based in Fullerton, CA, Grom will work closely with G&L and BBE Sound’s management team to develop and manufacture fine musical instruments.

&Ldquo;G&L was founded in 1980 by the legendary Leo Fender, and has continued to build upon its reputation for creating superior electric guitars and basses” said David McLaren, Executive Vice President. &Ldquo;We focus on continuous improvement of both the instruments and customer support, and Steve has an ideal blend of technical excellence and passion for the instruments.”

Grom brings 30 years of experience in the musical instrument industry, with diverse experience in sales, marketing, manufacturing and quality assurance. For the past 15 years, he was Vice President of Quality Assurance for Fender Musical Instruments and all of their divisions. He also held key positions at Gibson Guitars, Rhodes Keyboards, and the CBS Musical Instruments Division. A musician at heart, Grom holds a BA degree in music from UCLA and played guitar in a touring rock band for ten years before settling into the guitar manufacturing industry.

&Ldquo;I’m truly thrilled to be at G&L and to have an office right next to Leo’s original lab. Just knowing the level of genius that came out of that little area is truly amazing,” said Grom. &Ldquo;I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to take G&L to new levels of quality, customer satisfaction and success.”

G&L MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS' GENE ENGLEHART PASSES

Fullerton, Calif., February 19, 2009 – It is with deep regret that we must announce the passing of one of G&L’s family members, Gene Engelhart. In July 2008, the day after the G&L Open House, Gene suffered a heart attack which left him in a coma until he passed away yesterday. When we first heard the news about his heart attack, it was hard to imagine that just the day before, Gene had been at the top of his game, proudly showing our Open House guests how he puts the finishing touches on G&Ls. Though we’d hoped he would pull through, as time passed it became clear that it was unlikely we’d ever see our Gene back at work. We would like to think that Gene is now in a place where he is happily rocking out and filling Leo in on what’s been happening at his company. Gene joined us in March of 1979, working in the woodshop building necks, and he went on to hold various key positions within the company, including being one of the pioneers of the Custom Creations Department. Most of us remember Gene working at his bench, leaning over one guitar after another, adding the finishing touches and tweaks that make G&L instruments great. We’ll miss hearing him putting instruments through their paces, and more often than not, giving us all a performance that could only come from his hands. His passion for guitar building, music, muscle cars and, believe it or not, cooking, were things we loved about Gene. Who else could pull off wicked riffs on the guitar he had just completed, while treating us to amazing dishes worthy of a five-star restaurant? Aside from his family at G&L, Gene will be missed by his wife Susane, son Anwar, and daughter Leah.

G&L MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS' PHYLLIS FENDER TO ACCEPT POSTHUMOUS TECHNICAL GRAMMY AWARD
Clarence “Leo” Fender considered one of the 20th century’s most influential figures in the development of electric instruments

Fullerton, Calif.,February 05, 2009 – Clarence "Leo" Fender will receive the Technical GRAMMY® Award at a special invitation-only ceremony to be held during GRAMMY Week on Saturday, Feb. 7, and a formal acknowledgment will be made during the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, which will be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, and broadcast live at 8 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network. As this is a posthumous award, Mrs. Phyllis Fender, Honorary Chairman of G&L Musical Instruments, will accept this award in his honor.

"Many of us in the world of music owe Leo Fender a debt of gratitude,” said John C. McLaren, Chairman and CEO of BBE Sound and G&L Musical Instruments. &Ldquo;G&L is honored to carry on Leo Fender’s legacy, and is privileged to be part of an industry that recognizes greatness.”

&Ldquo;My husband would be humbled by this award,” said Phyllis Fender. &Ldquo;He would also be delighted to hear today’s great musicians enjoying the fruits of his labor. Above all else, Leo loved to bring joy to the hearts of his fans. This would really make him smile!”

Clarence "Leo" Fender founded the Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company in 1946 and later founded Music Man and G&L Musical Products (G&L Guitars). Often cited as one of the influential figures in the development of electric instruments of the 20th century, Fender designed the first commercially successful solidbody electric guitar, the Telecaster, the modern electric bass, and introduced one of the most famed of all electric guitars — the Stratocaster. All Fender-designed guitars and amps have since become powerful cultural icons recognized in every corner of the world, and today they continue to dominate popular music.

About The Recording Academy
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

Phyllis Fender (5th from the left) onstage with winners of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Awards as she accepts a Technical Grammy on behalf of Leo Fender.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Marcy Marxer

G&L Musical Instruments DONATES ASAT CLASSIC GUITAR TO CENTURY 21 DISCOVERY CHARITY AUCTION

Fullerton, Calif., November 19, 2008—G&L Musical Instruments donated an ASAT Classic electric guitar yesterday to the Century 21 Discovery Charity Auction.  Originally designed by Leo Fender himself, the ASAT Classic features a Louisiana Swamp Ash body with Butterscotch Blonde finish, a Canadian Maple neck with hand-rubbed gun-oil tint, and a variety of features, including the patented Magnetic Field Design® pickups, all of which contributes to this guitar’s rich and soulful tone.

Each year Century 21 Discovery has a charity dinner and silent auction to benefit various charities. Last night’s event, which marks the 14th year of the auction, raised approximately $18,000.  Century 21 will be forwarding 50% of this year’s proceeds to Roseann Longtin, a Discovery agent who is battling leukemia.  The balance will be forwarded to CHOC, Crittenton Services for Children & Families, Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Services, North Orange County ROP and St. Jude Memorial Foundation.

THE LEGENDARY SC-2 RETURNS

Fullerton, Calif., August 1, 2008 - It’s been more than 20 years since G&L made the SC-2, though its popularity is getting stronger each year.   It’s a perfect time for a comeback:   G&L is proud to announce that the SC-2 is back and better than ever!

Background

Introduced in 1982, the SC-2’s distinctive shape and tone resonated with the New Wave movement, and pioneers like Devo’s Bob Mothersbaugh immediately embraced Leo’s latest creation    It was pure Leo genius:   fresh, forward-looking, and fun.

Though the &Lsquo;80s New Wave movement gave way to glam rock, which gave way to the grunge movement in the &Lsquo;90s, what comes around goes around.   Today’s indie-pop musicians are increasingly embracing the aesthetic of early &Lsquo;80s New Wave scene; evolving it with the edginess that today’s indie scene grew up with.   The SC-2 was perfect for its time as well as today’s direction, and consequently vintage SC-2s have been growing in value as gigging musicians and collectors alike are discovering – or rediscovering – one of Leo’s coolest guitars.

Evo LEO tion

Leo demanded that G&L designs continue to improve, and we think he’d be pleased with the latest axe to emerge from Fender Avenue.   This is no reissue, as the new SC-2 has evolved to meet the needs and tastes of today’s musician.   The distinctive body profile is faithful to the original, but now features G&L’s generously sculpted arm and back contours for added comfort as well as repositioned controls for ease of use.   The result is a light, compact body that just feels great, whether hanging on a strap or strumming in a chair.

Things have evolved up top, too, with a neck featuring our easy-playing contemporary #1 profile, capped with the stylish mid-80’s G&L headstock shape incorporating G&L’s trademark &Ldquo;hook” design.   What’s more, this neck blends a vintage vibe with modern playability with its Gun Oil Tint finished with satin on the back and gloss on the headstock face.

Versatility