
Posted on Oct 26 2007 01:19 PM
I picked up one of the Tribute Legacy models on closeout from Buffalo Bros. Guitars earlier this year and have been 100% impressed - so much so that I'd say the Tribute line are just about the best value going for guitars under $500 or so.
Swamp ash body, great construction, fit and finish, decent hardware and great feel.
The biggest thing they have over other guitars in this price range - particularly Fenders - is that the pickups are USA pickups and sound absolutely fantastic!
Also, the Legacy has a couple key things that make it much better than a strat, in my opinion. First is the vibrato system - it's much beefier and has a more solid feel than a strat's, plus there is a tiny set screw for the trem arm tension, so you can tighten it down to where the arm stays where you put it, rather than do the limp dangle thing. Very nice for quick vibrato grabs. I've also found it to be very stable, tuning-wise. And I prefer the Tribute's vibrato to that on the USA Legacies, which have a more severe bend in the arm, causing it to stick out further from the body of the guitar.
The other reason is the tone controls - I never understood why strats had the two tone pots wired like they do. G&Ls use one tone for treble, the second for bass, and it's awesome. Made a believer out of me, as you have a much wider tonal range to work with.
I played a USA-made Legacy in a store - in surf green, no less - and was completely impressed, especially as someone who's never really gotten on with strat-style guitars. I took a gamble on buying the Tribute from Buffalo Bros, and am an avowed convert to G&L. Fantastic guitars at any price, and especially for what you pay on the Tribute models.
For my money, it's the best choice for a surf guitarist that's just starting out, or someone who wants a quality backup or strat-style tone without spending a ton of cash.
Also, I'm not huge on looks, but the 3-tone sunburst mine came in was very well done.
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