My buddy's shops are directly across the parking lot from G&L. I'm going there tomorrow to pick up some material, and I'll take some pics and see if I can get any more info.
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I've often wondered which one of these CA MI companies would be the first to move to TX.
I don't have much to say other than I'd rather have an affordable USA-made G&L built somewhere other than the original Fullerton factory than have no G&L or only overseas-built G&Ls from a holding company with rights to the Tribute brand. I appreciate that they're built in Leo's factory and still have that link to the past, but that's only a part of their legacy that I think maybe they rely too much on. G&L will always be Leo's legacy.
It hits me more than the rank and file as I worked there while Leo was 30 feet from me, saw him every day and I was the Neck guy, the necks that are considered the Golden years of G&L . I'm proud to have been part of that era. To see G&L come to an end: leaves me only with memories.
If I am Fender, and I've just bought G&L, I'm thinking about the Leo Fender heritage I've just united with his original company.
I'm going to ditch models like the JB and the LB-100. I'm probably going to ditch the Kiloton, too, as it has not a lot to do with St Leo.
For basses, Leo's L-1000, L-2000 and 2nd-gen SB-2 are going to be my core products, but I'm also going to looking at the models designed by him but no longer made.
Given a choice between the Lynx and El Toro, I'd go for the Lynx. Just as the SB-2 is Leo-MFD version of my trad Fender PJ, the Lynx can be the Leo-MFD version of my Fender Jazz. Perhaps I'll make a 5-string version of that, too.
I'm also going to apply to myself to be allowed to use whatever headstock CLF wanted.
I'm going to ditch models like the JB and the LB-100. I'm probably going to ditch the Kiloton, too, as it has not a lot to do with St Leo.
For basses, Leo's L-1000, L-2000 and 2nd-gen SB-2 are going to be my core products, but I'm also going to looking at the models designed by him but no longer made.
Given a choice between the Lynx and El Toro, I'd go for the Lynx. Just as the SB-2 is Leo-MFD version of my trad Fender PJ, the Lynx can be the Leo-MFD version of my Fender Jazz. Perhaps I'll make a 5-string version of that, too.
I'm also going to apply to myself to be allowed to use whatever headstock CLF wanted.
Given Fender's previous rep for making brands disappear that's what I'm concerned about. Much of the G&L's line is direct competition for similar Fender models. Color me watching with interest.
I can see that possibility as well. Either that or Fender adds G&L to their Mod Shop.
And yet larger national dealers are obviously not impacted by that decision. G&L's network of smaller dealers who offered personal service will no doubt be hurt by this if the brand disappears or is greatly curtailed.
Cary Nordstrand should benefit from Steve's presence. Fender also could find him a spot:
Perhaps the Tsunami cable guys need another stand up guy.
Suggest to Steve that he contact Mesa.
Back in the day, I got my friend an interview at, RIC, G&L, and Fender.
John Cruz went to Fender.
Maybe not. I've encountered more than one person who thought the emoji with tears was crying.
I want my G&L's to be built in the US, but don't care about that factory specifically. My .02 is that they'd be much more profitable if they picked up and moved to TX or some state that isn't CA.
Another concerned G&L fan here. I've had three: SB-1 (since traded), Kiloton 5, and L-1000 750. The L1K is probably my favorite bass, only issue is how heavy it is compared to my other five string basses. Hoping all the folks there are fine long-term and that G&L survives and flourishes. They are truly great instruments.
This is definitely bummer news. And I just placed a BTO order a couple weeks ago….Keeping my fingers crossed that things turn around for the company - not for my order, but for the employees. I've been furloughed before and it is devastating.
Love my l-1000 s750s, I have 2 and both are actually 9lbs or less. I think one is 8.75. Snatched it up as soon as I saw that.
Out of curiosity, what are considered G&L's golden years?
I'll be avidly watching these developments, as a fond L-2000 owner and someone who has always appreciated G&L's role in the bass ecosystem as an unassuming maker of practical and well-designed instruments. The suddenness of this is very concerning, and my heart goes out to the folks whose jobs are on the line.
yeah.....and maybe an El Toro (for not unobtanium dollars?)
I would happily sign up for a new El Toro
