The G&L ASAT, an acronym
taken from the military’s anti-satellite missile, was the offspring of
the Broadcaster. The earliest
ASATs (1986 to mid-1987) retained many Broadcaster features such as
the black chrome
tuners, 1-ply black plastic pickguard, large metal string retainer, and
serif
style logo. However, the
maple body was used infrequently after 1987. Three fingerboard options
were
offered on the early ASATs: rosewood, maple, and ebony; with
three curvature options: 7.5-inch, 12-inch, and 25-inch. In addition, from 1986
through 1988, the ASAT was available with a Leo
Fender Fine Tuner Vibrato or a Kahler Vibrato.
Artists who endorsed ASATs include John Jorgensen and Will Ray of The
Hellecasters. The guitar shown here is a very example from the
first full month
of production after the name changed from
Broadcaster to ASAT.
G&L
ASAT (April 1986)
Body: Solid; 2-piece maple
Finish:
Sunburst, nitrocellulose
lacquer
Neck:
2-piece maple,
bolt-on
Fingerboard:
Ebony; pearloid dot markers
Number
of Frets: 22
Pickguard:
Single ply black plastic
Bridge:
G&L Locktight, black crinkle powder coat
Nut:
Plastic
Tuners: Schaller
M6, black chrome
Pickups:
Two, G&L
Magnetic Field Design single coil with adjustable pole pieces
Controls:
Master volume, master tone, 3-way pickup selector switch
Scale
Length:
25 1/2 inches
Neck
Width at Nut: 1 5/8 inches
Body
Width at Lower Bout: 12 5/8 inches
Body
Depth: 1 5/8
inches
Weight:
8.8 lb