{"product_id":"gl-tribute-asat-classic-gig-bag-used","title":"G\u0026L Tribute ASAT Classic with G\u0026L Gig Bag (USED)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Introduction of the G\u0026amp;L Tribute ASAT Classic in Korea (2003)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Launch of the Tribute ASAT Classic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first year G\u0026amp;L built the \u003cstrong\u003eTribute ASAT Classic\u003c\/strong\u003e in Korea was \u003cstrong\u003e2003\u003c\/strong\u003e. This year marked the official global launch of the Tribute Series , which was introduced to provide a more affordable alternative to their USA-built instruments while maintaining high-quality standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey Characteristics of the 2003 Korean Production\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe transition to Korean manufacturing was a strategic move from Japanese production, which G\u0026amp;L leadership at the time, specifically Dave McLaren, noted had become too expensive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturing Partnership:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eThe guitars were produced by \u003cstrong\u003eCort\u003c\/strong\u003e in South Korea. This factory was chosen for its ability to meet G\u0026amp;L’s rigorous quality demands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBranding (The \"Tribute by G\u0026amp;L\" Logo):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eThe first run of Korean models featured a distinct headstock logo where the word \u003cstrong\u003e\"Tribute\"\u003c\/strong\u003e was significantly larger than the G\u0026amp;L logo. This was a deliberate attempt to differentiate the import line from the US line, though G\u0026amp;L eventually reverted to a more subtle \"Tribute\" label due to mixed consumer feedback .\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-End Hardware:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eDespite being an import line, the 2003 ASAT Classic used \u003cstrong\u003eFullerton-made Magnetic Field Design (MFD)\u003c\/strong\u003e pickups, the same used in the US models. The bridge featured six brass barrel saddles specifically modeled after the US ASAT Classic bridge .\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuality Assurance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eMany of these early Korean units were shipped to the G\u0026amp;L factory in Fullerton, California , for final setup and quality inspection before being sent to dealers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy 2003 is Notable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore 2003, there were limited runs of \"Tribute\" branded guitars made in Japan and even some very early production in Indonesia. However, 2003 is widely recognized as the definitive \"Year One\" for the Korean Tribute series that players often seek out today for their perceived superior build quality compared to later mass-market iterations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"G\u0026L","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45960508309738,"sku":"210000023107","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0531\/7246\/9933\/files\/gl-tribute-asat-classic-red-electric-guitar-front.jpg?v=1774653328","url":"https:\/\/mojosmusic.com\/products\/gl-tribute-asat-classic-gig-bag-used","provider":"Mojo's Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}