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ASAT bass ,some background...

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by quadrogong, Jul 4, 2008.

  1. Jul 4, 2008 #1
    quadrogong

    quadrogong

    Jul 6, 2006
    NYC
    I may wind up choosing between an ASAT,and a couple of other basses on Sunday.

    Never owned a G&L,or even played one..but I know the respect they have amongst players,supposedly Leo's Fender considered G&L his best work,over MM & Fender.

    it looks like it would be a good compliment for my ash/morado J/J which is my main axe.
    I like alot of low end,but a very growly,clean,modern hi-fi sound
    ..full range,not too trad or thumpy.

    The body seems a bit heavy & slab-like to me,not too crazy about the shape,
    but the pu's look massive.. do they sound as massive as they look?

    can u give me a general round-up on it's settings,controls..
    i've read that it's a 3 way switch: off/on/on w bright boost

    Are these known for their bridge sounds,like the MM thing?
    what are some good settings,they're the same as
    L2000's.right?
    according to alot of reviews,it does the P,J or MM thing..all 3.
    neck divey? any feedback,advice or info?

    I see they sell for $1500 new,but most sold $500-700 used..quite a drop in resale.
    this one is a trans green finish,maple board,ash body, tahitian black pearl dots.
    http://www.talkbass.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=96170&d=1215137514
     
  2. Jul 4, 2008 #2
    fish slapper

    fish slapper

    Nov 17, 2005
    Newberg, OR
    I just went through the same thing and ended up on a L2k. A lot of ASAT owners deny the neck dive but I strapped one up in a shop here and it was obvious immediately to me. In my case, that was a deal killer. I have to have that neck up nice and high. Bummer, as I really wanted the kitchy cool of the semi-hollow with the F hole. :bawl:

    Yes, the ASAT and the L2k have the exact same pups and electronics. In case you haven't found it yet, lots of info to be had from users on the G&L forum:

    http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=148
     
  3. Jul 4, 2008 #3
    quadrogong

    quadrogong

    Jul 6, 2006
    NYC
    thank you, I just wonder why they'd repeat themselves with the ASAT ,just for a new body shape?
    to match their guitar line,I guess?
    Are there many contours? it looks very slab-esque to me.
    Although, I have to admit,every big bodied-high mass bass I've owned all sounded huge and warm
     
  4. Jul 4, 2008 #4
    fish slapper

    fish slapper

    Nov 17, 2005
    Newberg, OR
    The ASAT design is actually G&L's attempt to bring the true Tele shape to the bass. I think they've been making them for quite some time and they seem to have a loyal following. But for me it was a lesson in bass body physics. There's a reason for the large upper horn even if its as dumb as a place to hold a strap, its an important one for me.
     
  5. Jul 4, 2008 #5
    Kompressaur

    Kompressaur

    Aug 21, 2006
    My Asat's rear cutaway pulls it in closer than the slab bodied Asat semi hollow I had for a while. For me this made a big difference. they're never going to hang as well as a regular double cutaway but I've never found the dive that bad. I prefer the looks of the binding on the front edge too- I'd actually say mine feels quite slinky and not heavy at all

    I couldnt find a L2000 with the J bass like #8 neck at the time I wanted one and in all honesty I've never ever regretted buying the Asat instead.

    I love the sounds and versatility of this pup/preamp package but I wouldnt say it was full range as in a hi-fi sort of sound. Its darker,woody and organic sounding and dead ballsy but it can do a ton of tones and not any lemons in there either.

    I'd have that clear forest green/maple one in a heartbeat. It looks peachy

    heres some pics of the contours.

    KOmp

    asat1.jpg

    DSC01214.gif

    DSC01215.gif

    DSC01212.gif

    DSC01211.gif
     
  6. Jul 4, 2008 #6
    vroc38

    vroc38

    Jan 5, 2006
    Seattle
    You really have to try on an ASAT for yourself to know whether you'll have a neck dive problem. IMO the player's physique factors in somehow. I don't deny a neck dive problem because there absolutely isn't one for me personally, and it's true for both the solid and semi-hollow ASAT.
     
  7. Jul 5, 2008 #7
    quadrogong

    quadrogong

    Jul 6, 2006
    NYC
    from the back,and contour-wise...she looks a little like a les paul,
    neck diving isn't a biggie for me, yes, you have to spend some energy supporting the neck in these cases,but it never bothered me,my 80's mockingbird is the ultimate neck divey bass,but that never bothered me,if i get a neck i like,spacing,tone..then i'm lucky.
    yours is a real byoot,thanx
     
  8. Jul 5, 2008 #8
    Masher88

    Masher88 Believe in absurdities and you commit atrocities

    May 7, 2005
    Cleveland, OH
    You will not have any problem getting these tones from the G&L's!!!


    Gotta remember...if you are choosing from the ASAT or the L-2000...the neck size is wider on the 2000. It's like a P-bass (unless you find or order one with the custom #8 neck (like I did!))
    Good basses all around. You won't be disappointed!
     
  9. Jul 5, 2008 #9
    quadrogong

    quadrogong

    Jul 6, 2006
    NYC
    thanks Masher.been looking at reviews,website all morning, Sunday I'm going to choose a bass from a friend,I think..in trade.
    The G&L seems to really rock,I like humbuckers,
    I regret selling my Brubaker,it had such tone,man.

    I like to play with a pick sometimes,near the bridge,get some gritty,growly midrange for rock.really dig in..

    .the Sadowsky does it,but It's a Jazz bass at heart,I'd like some other tones..I may just go for it, the ASAT's looks are a bit odd to me,but I'd adapt for the right tone..
    I do require a 1.5 nut,so that's great,