FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

S-500s were most commonly made with ash bodies, especially after 1983, but some were made with maple bodies such as the one shown here. In general, all G&L Magnetic Field Design (MFD) pickups produce an exceptional tone when coupled to a maple body. Structurally, the only notable difference is the change to the bi-cut neck in early 1983. In 1984, the size of the big headstock was reduced. From 1984 onward, the S-500 remained unaltered until the introduction of the S-500 Signature model.  

  
 Body: Solid; 2-piece maple

 Finish: White, nitrocellulose lacquer

 Neck: 2-piece maple, bolt-on

 Fingerboard: Ebony; pearloid dot markers

 Number of Frets: 22

 Pickguard: Black crinkle powder coated aluminum

 Bridge: G&L Dual Fulcrum vibrato, chrome

 Nut: Plastic

 Tuners: Schaller Mini, chrome

 Pickups: Three, G&L Magnetic Field Design single coil with adjustable pole pieces

 Controls: Master volume, treble, and bass, 5-way pickup selector

 Scale Length: 25 1/2 inches

 Neck Width at Nut: 1 5/8 inches

 Body Width at Lower Bout: 12 7/8 inches

 Body Depth: 1 5/8 inches

 Weight: 7.9 lb