The G&L ASAT is one of the most consistently overlooked Tele-style guitars on the used market. Designed by Leo Fender after Fender itself, it’s less a copy than a continuation and a refinement. And it’s one that often gets ignored simply because the headstock says G&L instead of Fender.
That disconnect is where the value lives.
What it is
A Tele-style solidbody developed by Leo Fender in his final company, G&L, founded in 1979 in Fullerton, California.
- Bolt-on construction, 25.5″ scale
- Made in USA (Fullerton) and overseas (Tribute series)
- A range of pickup configurations
- Often fitted with Leo Fender’s later MFD (Magnetic Field Design) pickups
MFD pickups use a ceramic magnet with adjustable pole pieces, allowing more control over output and string balance than traditional designs.
Why it’s a sleeper
The ASAT sits in an odd place in the market. It’s tied directly to Leo Fender, built to a high standard, and widely respected by players, but it lacks the brand mythology (and pricing) of Fender itself.
That creates a consistent gap between quality and resale value.
- USA models often sell for less than comparable Fender USA guitars
- Tribute models are among the best values in the import market
- Build quality is consistently strong across eras
- Less collector demand keeps prices stable
This is very much a player’s Tele not a collector’s.
Key variants
Rather than separate models, think of these as flavors of the same platform.
ASAT Classic
The most traditional version. Two single coils, with the familiar Tele layout and feel.
ASAT Bluesboy
Neck humbucker + bridge single coil. Warmer, more versatile, less “pure” Tele.
ASAT Special
Large MFD pickups that look a bit like P90s. Hotter, fuller, and more modern sounding.
(Tribute versions mirror most of these configurations.)
How it sounds
This is where the ASAT diverges from a traditional Tele.
MFD pickups tend to be:
- clearer and more powerful than vintage-style single coils
- more adjustable (string-to-string balance)
- slightly more hi-fi and less compressed
They can be brighter and hotter than expected, especially to players used to traditional alnico Tele pickups.
The result is a Tele-style guitar that can cut hard in a mix but also push into thicker, more modern tones.
What to look for
- USA vs Tribute: both are good; USA models have higher-end materials and finishing
- Original pickups: worth keeping—MFDs are a big part of the identity
- Setup matters: these guitars respond well to proper pickup height adjustment
Condition tends to be less of a concern than with vintage guitars. These are working instruments.
Pricing (used market)
- Tribute series: ~$350–600
- USA models: ~$900–1,500 depending on condition and specs
Prices are generally stable because they’re not heavily driven by collector demand.
Why it’s for you
- You want a Tele-style guitar without paying Fender premiums
- You value playability and function over brand identity
- You’re open to slightly more modern tone and feel
Why it’s not
- You want a vintage-correct Tele experience
- You’re buying with resale or collectibility in mind
- You strongly prefer traditional Alnico Tele pickups
Final note
The ASAT is one of those guitars that tends to win people over in person. It may not have the immediate pull of a Fender on the wall, but it’s often the one players end up taking home.