USA ACL LH JTB vs USA S500-JTB — Compare
G&L USA ASAT Classic Lefty Build to Order Guitar Jet Black vs G&L USA S-500 Build to Order Guitar Jet Black
The ASAT Classic is a purpose-built left-handed instrument with dual single-coils optimized for punchy, focused tone in blues and rock, while the S-500 is a right-handed three-pickup design offering greater tonal flexibility through additional pickup combinations and control options. Choose the ASAT if you're a left-handed player seeking classic single-coil character; choose the S-500 if you're right-handed and want maximum sonic versatility.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
G&L USA ASAT Classic Lefty Build to Order Guitar Jet Black
G&L USA S-500 Build to Order Guitar Jet Black
Specs side by side
| G&L USA ASAT Classic Lefty Build to Order Guitar Jet Black | G&L USA S-500 Build to Order Guitar Jet Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,795.00 | $1,795.00 |
| Brand | GnL | GnL |
| Body | Telecaster | Stratocaster |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Maple | Rosewood |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Bridge | Fixed | Tremolo |
| Year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose G&L USA ASAT Classic Lefty Build to Order Guitar Jet Black
- ✓ Left-handed configuration—essential if you play left-handed
- ✓ Dual ASAT pickups deliver signature punchy, articulate tone with clear treble
- ✓ Simplified two-pickup design with focused voicing ideal for blues and rock
- ✓ Boxed-steel bridge with brass saddles ensures solid sustain and precise intonation
Why choose G&L USA S-500 Build to Order Guitar Jet Black
- ✓ Three pickups with reverse-wound middle and 5-position blade selector for extensive tonal range
- ✓ Mini-toggle expander unlocks additional pickup combinations beyond standard switching
- ✓ Dedicated volume, treble, and bass controls allow fine-tuned tone shaping
- ✓ DF vibrato bridge provides smooth pitch modulation with tuning stability
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for someone learning lead vs. rhythm?
Both feature Modern Classic neck profiles suited to lead and rhythm work. The ASAT's simpler two-pickup design keeps lead tone focused and punchy; the S-500's three pickups and expanded controls let you voice rhythm parts thicker and more blended, making it more adaptable across different roles.
Can a right-handed player use the ASAT Classic?
No—the ASAT Classic listed here is specifically a left-handed build to order. The S-500 is right-handed. If you play right-handed, the S-500 is your option.
How different is the tone between these two?
The ASAT delivers a tighter, punchier single-coil tone with woody midrange warmth—ideal for cutting through a mix in blues and rock. The S-500 offers bright, articulate single-coil snap that can blend into thicker voicings via its three pickups, making it more versatile for varied studio work and genre switching.
Which is better for sustain and intonation?
The ASAT's boxed-steel bridge with brass saddles is specifically engineered for solid sustain and precise intonation transfer. The S-500's DF vibrato bridge maintains tuning stability but prioritizes vibrato functionality over a fixed-bridge sustain advantage.