Shopping-Help Identify this guitar?

[dirtysteev]

Hi all, first time posting, I am relatively new to G&L's and am shopping ASATs. I came upon this one on the ol' Ebay. I am not well versed in the history or countries of origin of these guitars, but this one has some anomalies that I can't seem to find explanations for. Can anyone solve for the following:
-The location/length of the f-holes looks different than the current models.
-It is bound.
-No country of origin on headstock.
-Wood filler on back of headstock?
-Control knobs/switch knob are strat-style.
-String grommet on rear is a plate, rather than individual grommets.
-Listed as having a 12" radius neck .
Stamp in the neck pocket seems to read 'May 06", possibly another inked-over stamp where the signature is.
Maybe theses are all typical for a particular year/country of origin, any help in identifying this would be much appreciated. Thanks, Steve.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-L-USA-ASAT-Cl ... 4d2ec1213e

[blargfromouterspace]

Hey Steve, welcome.

Everything I see there, with the exception of the knobs and switch tip, is normal.
- Thats where the f-holes always are on a G&L, its quite different to how Fender do it
- Binding is an optional extra on USA models (which this one almost certainly is)
- There isn't a country of origin on the headstock of USA instruments from this period (looks like 2005 in the neck pocket to me). Those from the Tribute series are currently made in Indonesia and it says so on the headstock.
- The wood filler is affectionately known as the 'birth mark', and is where the factory must attach a screw to the neck during the construction process
- Possibly aftermarket knobs, but I seem to remember a couple that had these from the factory. Either way, easily replaced (the ones on there look, IMO stupid)
- The string block on ASAT Classics is a single block, as opposed to Fender style individual ferrules.
- 12" radius is common and standard on many models. There are a few different neck profile options available, but you'd have to trust the seller on this one.

If you like it I see no reason to say not to go for it! Clear orange is a great finish, and the Bluesboy a great guitar.

[dirtysteev]

Thanks for the reply. The differences I was noticing were not between this guitar and fender,s but between this guitar and current G&L models. The F-holes are definitely different now than on this guitar, they look longer now. S.

[KenC]

I don't stay up to speed on the newer G&Ls, but this one looks to be a very clean Bluesboy Semi-Hollow from sometime in the 2000s. The serial number indicates US production no earlier than 1998. The serials changed from the decal to a metal plate a couple of years ago, but I can't remember exactly when that happened.

Either way, easily replaced (the ones on there look, IMO stupid)

+1. Those Fender-style knobs have to go...

Ken