ASAT deluxe vs. Anderson vs. Melancon

[jec]

Hey everybody,
I realize this is quite subjective, but does anyone have the experience to compare these? Is it worth the extra dough to get the Anderson or Melancon? I have a LP-type guild bluesbird right now that I like, but I would really like something closer to a strat scale, probably in a tele-type shape. Thanks in advance for your comments...

jec

 

[blong]

Most will probably disagree, but I would buy a used G&L tele. Read the thread titled, "Where did G&L go wrong?" on this forum. I posted there, also, regarding this matter.

I do believe other makers make very, very high quality instruments. But so does G&L for a much better price. I really dig the G&L's and I think the MFD pups are excellent. Very highly underrated guitars.

Bob

 

[jec]

Thanks blong,

anybody else?

 

[shadco]

I would gladly pay extra for an Anderson if it would raise my abilty to the Level of Mark Goldenberg.

Otherwise I'll stick with the more pedestrian stuff.

 

[Scott Cioe]

I agree with blong.

I have played a ton of G&Ls and the occasional Anderson. While I feel the Andersons are great, I feel the same about G&L and at the greatly reduced price, and ASAT Classic was a no brainer for me.

I have a couple of friends that have owned a bunch of different high end pieces. One stuck with the G&L Legacy and ASAT. The other kept one ASAT and one Suhr Tele style axe.

 

[MichaelK]

O Crystal Ball, I can see how this will end up....

The G&L people will say, "G&L, definitely. G&Ls are so good that it's not worth paying more money."

The Anderson people will say, "Anderson, no doubt. Worth every extra cent."

The Melancon fans will say, "Melancon, for sure. You'll be glad you paid the difference."

Valuable information.

 

[Member 995]

I'd steer you towards the G&L, but I really don't care for the pickups they use in the ASAT Deluxe. Buy a used one and budget for a pickup swap.

Bryan

 

[blong]

I think MichaelK summed up my response more succinctly than I did.

Ultimately I think G&L is high quality, much higher than they are given credit for. You need to try some of each and decide for yourself. Beware of those who tell you one is superior than the other b/c of the name on the headstock. The first time I played an Anderson tele in Austin, TX, I thought it was a joke that they were so highly regarded. I thought the thing was no better than a Peavey or my Highway One tele.

After I played several I realized some felt better than others, all had quality craftsmanship, and were good guitars. I just can't justify the price, personally, when I can get a G&L for a lower price. There are some junky used G&L's b/c of the previous owner's treatment, but a little TLC and they can be great. New ones are phenomenal, in my opinion.

Bob

 

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by MichaelK
O Crystal Ball, I can see how this will end up....

The G&L people will say, "G&L, definitely. G&Ls are so good that it's not worth paying more money."

The Anderson people will say, "Anderson, no doubt. Worth every extra cent."

The Melancon fans will say, "Melancon, for sure. You'll be glad you paid the difference."

Valuable information.

True dat.

But that said, and my being a past Anderson Owner and current Melancon owner (and never G&L owner); you have to play each to get a grasp on what makes them different and then break it down to a value judgement.

In my case, I found the guitars of my dreams with Melancon. He builds them himself, offers more options and gives it the attention you get only from the finest of craftsmen.

Anderson is an extremely high quality small shop that makes incredible guitars.

G&L is a great value; they make great guitars and on the used market they are a steal.

Of the three though, seriously, Melancon is the biggest steal on the used market you'll find. And at prices not much more than you'd pay for a G&L.

In the end, there is no substitute for experience and there is no rhyme or reason to personal taste.

 

[raz]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
[BIn the end, there is no substitute for experience[/B]

Which is why I always keep track of what Scott's up to. He's more experienced than me.

 

[jec]

Speaking of used Melancons, Scott, I'd be glad to take one of your Koa beauties! Although from the sound of it, I'll be waiting for a while.

I have definitely been scoping out the used Mels. At around $1000 used, they are a great deal. However, a U.S. G&L deluxe for around $500-$600 may be hard to pass up.

The problem with the Mel's is that they are so pretty that I'll just have to stand in the corner of the stage all night so it doesn't get dinged.

Thanks for all your comments...

 

[JeffD]

Originally posted by jec
Thanks blong,

anybody else?

I think G&Ls are very good guitars for the money, esp used. I've owned three of them. I've also owned an Anderson, a Suhr, and a Grosh, all of which I bought used. I think they were worth the additional money, at least to me.

 

[AnthonyL]

I've owned all three as well and for the price/quality, Melancon is the hands down winner. You might be surprised when you price out a new Melancon. Call a few dealers, but I'd start with :

Magdon Music
A-Plus guitars
JRs music

FWIW I've owned 3 Andersons, 2 G&Ls and 3 Melancons.

 

[KRosser]

Originally posted by jec
However, a U.S. G&L deluxe for around $500-$600 may be hard to pass up.

You show me one for that price and I wouldn't pass it up either.