FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

In 1988, G&L gave its entire model line a cosmetic makeover. Like the Skyhawk, the S-500 received a Stratocaster-style pickguard and slightly recontoured body for a more traditional look. The ebony fingerboard option was changed to rosewood, though a fretted maple neck was still available. The headstock was changed from the "oversize" G&L double curve design to a smaller shape that was used on some Interceptors as well. This headstock shape was adopted as the standard for all models by BBE after its acquisition of G&L in 1992 until late 1997 when the shape was again modified. The revised S-500 was also fitted with an "expander switch," as found on the Comanche V, which allowed the bridge and neck pickups to be used in tandem. The S-500 was officially available as a Signature model only in 1991, though some were made as early as 1989. After the BBE takeover many G&L models were discontinued, but the S-500 made the cut and remains in the G&L line to this day. According to G&L's production logs, the S-500 Signature shown here was made for display at the 1991 Winter NAMM show. It sports a vibrato lock which was a relatively uncommon feature offered as an option on G&Ls from 1988-91.

 Body:  Solid; 2-piece ash

 Finish:  Natural, nitrocellulose lacquer

 Neck:  2-piece maple, bolt-on

 Fingerboard:  Rosewood; white pearloid dot markers

 Number of Frets:  22

 Pickguard:  White-black-white plastic laminate

 Bridge:  G&L Dual Fulcrum Vibrato with Trem-Lock

 Nut:  Plastic

 Tuners:  Sperzel Trim-Lok, satin chrome

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

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

 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:  n/a