G&L USA S-500 Build to Order Guitar Jet Black
Description
G&L USA S-500 Build to Order Guitar Jet Black
This unplayed USA-made Build to Order S-500 sits perfectly in hand with the balanced, responsive feel that defines G&L's modern classic neck profile—a comfortable 1 11/16" nut width with 9.5" radius that flows naturally for both lead work and chord playing. The Jet Black finish over alder body paired with a hard-rock maple neck finished in gloss vintage tint plays as refined as it looks on stage. Factory-set and gig-ready straight out of the box, this custom build typically retails for $2400, representing substantial value for a USA-made G&L in like-new condition.
Playability & Construction
The Modern Classic neck profile measures 1 11/16" at the nut with 1 5/8" string spacing and a 9.5" radius, tapering from .820" depth at the first fret to .870" at the 12th for ergonomic hand positioning that supports extended sessions and dynamic playing. Medium-jumbo nickel frets on hard-rock maple with a matching fingerboard and bone nut ensure stable intonation and consistent fret wear, while black face dots provide clear position markers on the gloss vintage tint finish for fast navigation under stage lights.
Tone & Electronics
Three G&L MFD S-500 single-coil pickups (with reverse-wound middle) feed into a 5-position blade selector with dedicated volume, treble, and bass controls plus a mini-toggle expander for additional pickup combinations, giving you substantial tonal range from bright and articulate single-coil snap to thick, blended voicings for any playing style. The DF vibrato bridge maintains tuning stability through hours of gigging while allowing smooth pitch modulation for expressive playing.
Key Features
- USA-made Build to Order construction with factory setup and tuning
- Alder body with Jet Black finish
- Hard-rock maple neck with matching fingerboard, gloss vintage tint
- Modern Classic neck profile: 1 11/16" nut width, 1 5/8" string spacing, 9.5" radius
- Neck dimensions: .820" depth at first fret, .870" at 12th fret
- Bone nut and medium-jumbo frets
- Three G&L MFD S-500 single-coil pickups (middle reverse-wound)
- 5-position blade selector with volume, treble, bass, and mini-toggle expander
- DF vibrato bridge with chrome hardware
- 3-ply white pearl pickguard with chrome screws
- G&L standard tuners
- Includes deluxe gig bag; TKL hard shell case available
This unplayed, factory-fresh instrument delivers the refinement and tonal flexibility G&L is known for at a significant savings from standard retail pricing.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The G&L USA S-500 is a factory-fresh, Build to Order Stratocaster-style instrument that pairs a responsive Modern Classic neck (1 11/16" nut, 9.5" radius) with three MFD single-coil pickups and flexible onboard controls for everything from bright, snappy lead tones to thick, blended voicings. Built in the USA with alder body, hard-rock maple neck, and medium-jumbo frets, it's road-ready out of the box and suits intermediate to professional players working in rock, blues, and indie styles. At significant savings from its $2400 retail, this unplayed build delivers the balanced playability and tonal range that defines modern G&L guitars—a reliable stage and studio workhorse.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Indie
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the neck profile and nut width on this S-500?
The Modern Classic neck measures 1 11/16" at the nut with a 9.5" radius, tapering from .820" depth at the first fret to .870" at the 12th for balanced lead and chord comfort. String spacing is 1 5/8".
What pickup and control options does it have?
Three G&L MFD S-500 single-coil pickups (middle reverse-wound) route through a 5-position blade selector, dedicated volume, treble, and bass controls, plus a mini-toggle expander for additional pickup combinations, giving you access to bright snap through thick, blended voicings.
Is this guitar suitable for metal or high-gain styles?
No; the G&L S-500 is designed for rock, blues, indie, and studio work where single-coil character and tonal flexibility shine. Its bright, articulate voice and balanced responsiveness are best suited to those styles, not metal or djent.
What comes with this guitar?
The guitar includes a deluxe gig bag; a TKL hard shell case is available separately. It arrives factory-set and unplayed, ready to play out of the box.
How does the S-500 compare to other high-end single-coil guitars?
The S-500 offers comparable quality to the Fender American Professional Stratocaster and Suhr Classic S, with USA construction, medium-jumbo frets, and responsive onboard tone shaping. It delivers balanced playability and tonal range at a significant savings from its $2400 retail price.
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