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front G&L Tribute S-500 Electric Guitar Blue Burst
G&L Tribute S-500 Electric Guitar Blue Burst
 
The G&L S•500™ debuted in 1982 as Leo’s own evolution of the traditional double-cutaway bolt-on axe, delivering innovations including the Dual-Fulcrum™ vibrato and Magnetic Field Design™ single-coil pickups, each designed by Leo Fender† himself. These MFD™ pickups deliver a bright and sparkly top end and robust bottom end, all without losing midrange focus.
You’ll find plenty of punch in the MFD pickups, but what’s surprising is how glassy and detailed they become as you roll back the volume and bass controls, the latter a part of the S•500’s PTB™ (Passive Treble and Bass)* system which functions on all three pickups. What’s more, the G&L Tribute® Series S•500 includes a push-pull Expander Switch** on the treble pot to allow neck+bridge or all three pickups together. In a pinch, the neck+bridge combo does a convincing faux ASAT™ Special. Talk about versatile!
 
The new G&L Tribute Series S•500 features one of Leo’s favorite pairings: the power of MFD pickups mellowed by the high porosity of a nato body. Making the most of this delicious combo is Leo’s Dual-Fulcrum vibrato, a work of engineering art which allows bending up or down with unsurpassed stability, while offering a silky feel through its beefy aluminum vibrato arm.
Leo’s forward-looking spirit is clearly reflected in the S•500, a guitar he designed for players who share that spirit. And now, it’s available at a price within reach of every working musician. Once you play a G&L Tribute Series, you’ll never look back.

G&L Tribute S-500 Electric Guitar Blue Burst

$799.99Price

  • G&L Tribute S-500 Electric Guitar Blue Burst

    CONSTRUCTION: bolt-on
    SCALE: 25 1/2"
    PICKUPS: Leo Fender†-designed G&L MFD™ single coils made in Fullerton, California
    BODY WOOD: Mahogany
    NECK WOOD: Hard-Rock Maple with Rosewood fingerboard
    NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 5/8"NECK RADIUS: 12"
    NECK PROFILE: medium C
    FRETS: 22 medium jumbo, nickel
    TUNING KEYS: 18:1 ratio, sealed-backBRIDGE: Leo Fender-designed G&L Dual-Fulcrum™ vibrato
    CONTROLS: 5-position pickup selector, volume, treble, bass (PTB™ system), push/pull expander on treble pot enabling additional pickup combinations of neck+bridge or all three pickups together.

  • G&L Guitars has ceased operations, and Fender has acquired its intellectual property, including the G&L trademark and the "Leo Fender" brand. The closure and acquisition of the company, founded by Leo Fender, reportedly occurred in late September 2025, with employees laid off and the Fullerton facility being cleared out. It is speculated that Fender will likely absorb the G&L name and machinery for their own use. 

    • Closure of operations: G&L has shut down its operations, which began in mid-September 2025, and the Fullerton facility is being cleared out.
    • Fender acquisition: Fender has reportedly acquired G&L's intellectual property, including the trademark and the "Leo Fender" name.
    • Future uncertainty: The future of the G&L brand is unclear, with speculation suggesting that Fender may use the acquired assets for custom shop work or limited editions.
    • End of an era: The closure marks the end of G&L as a standalone guitar-making company, which was founded by Leo Fender in 1979. 
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