Carved top guitars have always held a special place for me. There is just something about the contours of the top that give a guitar a classier look. That is not to say that guitars that are not carved tops don't appeal to me. In fact some of my favorite guitars for sound and pure playability are G&L ASAT models from both the US and Tribute series. What a great guitar it would be if I could just own the ASAT sound and playability with the classy look of a carved top body! Now that would put a smile on my face!

That is exactly what happened at the 2009 Winter NAMM show when we walked into the G&L booth. Hanging on the wall were a few new G&L Tribute models due to be released this year. The guitar that called my name was the "ASAT Special Deluxe Carved Top". A beautiful flame maple top that is available in two finishes (3-Tone Sunburst and Clear Gloss). Both are equally awesome in their visual appeal. Also available in the carved top models are the "L-2000 Carved Top" bass (available in 3-Tone Sunburst with Maple Fretboard and Clear Gloss with Rosewood Fingerboard), and the "L-2500 Carved Top" in Clear Gloss with Rosewood Fingerboard and Satin neck finish.

Something that kind of stood out to me is the fact that G&L Tribute Series guitars have to my knowledge always been copied off of the specs of their US model line. This is the first time that I know of that a G&L model has been introduced directly through the Tribute Series. If these guitars take off the way I think they will, I would look for them to be available in the US Line in the future with far more finish and custom options. They certainly got my attention, and I can't wait to see if I can get one for review in the near future. I just may have a new all time favorite guitar.

Gary Allen