G&L USA S-500 Build to Order Guitar Jet Black
Out of stock
- SKU
- USA S500-JTB
- Color
- Black
Description
G&L USA S-500 Build to Order Guitar Jet Black
This unplayed USA-made Build to Order S-500 is a studio workhorse that captures the balanced, responsive character defining G&L's modern classic neck profile—a comfortable 1 11/16" nut width with 9.5" radius suited to everything from tight rhythm tracking to expressive lead takes. The Jet Black finish over alder body paired with a hard-rock maple neck finished in gloss vintage tint creates an instrument that records as cleanly as it plays. Factory-set and ready for tracking, this custom build typically retails for $2400, representing substantial value for a USA-made G&L in like-new condition.
Playability & Construction for Session Work
The Modern Classic neck profile measures 1 11/16" at the nut with 1 5/8" string spacing and a 9.5" radius, tapering from .820" depth at the first fret to .870" at the 12th for ergonomic hand positioning during extended recording sessions. Medium-jumbo nickel frets on hard-rock maple with a matching fingerboard and bone nut ensure stable intonation across takes and consistent fret wear, while black face dots provide clear position markers on the gloss vintage tint finish for confident navigation under studio lights.
Tone & Electronics for Mix-Ready Recording
Three G&L MFD S-500 single-coil pickups (with reverse-wound middle) feed into a 5-position blade selector with dedicated volume, treble, and bass controls plus a mini-toggle expander for additional pickup combinations, delivering substantial tonal range from bright and articulate single-coil definition to thick, blended voicings that sit naturally in dense mixes. The DF vibrato bridge maintains tuning stability across multiple takes while allowing smooth pitch modulation for expressive overdubs.
Key Features
- USA-made Build to Order construction with factory setup and tuning
- Alder body with Jet Black finish
- Hard-rock maple neck with matching fingerboard, gloss vintage tint
- Modern Classic neck profile: 1 11/16" nut width, 1 5/8" string spacing, 9.5" radius
- Neck dimensions: .820" depth at first fret, .870" at 12th fret
- Bone nut and medium-jumbo frets
- Three G&L MFD S-500 single-coil pickups (middle reverse-wound)
- 5-position blade selector with volume, treble, bass, and mini-toggle expander
- DF vibrato bridge with chrome hardware
- 3-ply white pearl pickguard with chrome screws
- G&L standard tuners
- Includes deluxe gig bag; TKL hard shell case available
This unplayed, factory-fresh instrument delivers the refinement and tonal flexibility G&L is known for at a significant savings from standard retail pricing.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The G&L USA S-500 is a USA-made Build to Order single-coil platform engineered for tonal flexibility in the studio: three reverse-wound-middle MFD pickups feed into a 5-way blade selector plus mini-toggle expander and dedicated treble/bass controls, letting you dial everything from articulate, bright snap to thick, blended textures. The stable hard-rock maple neck and bone nut ensure consistent intonation across sessions, while the responsive 9.5" radius and Modern Classic profile keep both fingerstyle and pick work comfortable during long recording days. Factory-set and unplayed, it arrives ready to track and mix, offering serious tonal range at a strong value for a USA-made instrument.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Indie
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the neck profile and nut width on this S-500?
The Modern Classic neck measures 1 11/16" at the nut with a 9.5" radius, tapering from .820" depth at the first fret to .870" at the 12th for balanced lead and chord comfort. String spacing is 1 5/8".
What pickup and control options does it have?
Three G&L MFD S-500 single-coil pickups (middle reverse-wound) route through a 5-position blade selector, dedicated volume, treble, and bass controls, plus a mini-toggle expander for additional pickup combinations, giving you access to bright snap through thick, blended voicings.
Is this guitar suitable for metal or high-gain styles?
No; the G&L S-500 is designed for rock, blues, indie, and studio work where single-coil character and tonal flexibility shine. Its bright, articulate voice and balanced responsiveness are best suited to those styles, not metal or djent.
What comes with this guitar?
The guitar includes a deluxe gig bag; a TKL hard shell case is available separately. It arrives factory-set and unplayed, ready to play out of the box.
How does the S-500 compare to other high-end single-coil guitars?
The S-500 offers comparable quality to the Fender American Professional Stratocaster and Suhr Classic S, with USA construction, medium-jumbo frets, and responsive onboard tone shaping. It delivers balanced playability and tonal range at a significant savings from its $2400 retail price.
Compare With
Similar Guitars
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.