G&L
Since 1979
G&L was founded in 1979 by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Dale Hyatt in Fullerton, California—the same city where Leo created the Telecaster and Stratocaster decades earlier. Leo called G&L instruments 'the best I have ever made,' and the brand embodied his final innovations: MFD pickups, the Dual-Fulcrum vibrato, Saddle-Lock bridges, and the PTB tone system. In September 2025, G&L ceased production after parent company BBE Sound dissolved. Fender Musical Instruments acquired G&L's intellectual property and the 'Leo Fender' trademark, making existing G&L guitars increasingly collectible.
47
Years in Business
1M+
Guitars Sold
$15M+
Annual Revenue
Complete G&L Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about G&L guitars.
G&L Price Overview
G&L covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,050
+12% vs last year
eBay Listings
2,600
Active listings
Sold This Month
680
+15% vs last month
Price Range
$250-$5,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
G&L Timeline
G&L Founded by Leo Fender
Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Dale Hyatt founded G&L in Fullerton, California—Leo's final guitar company after Fender and Music Man.
First Models Released
Launched the F-100 series guitars and the L-1000 bass, showcasing Leo's new MFD pickup technology and innovative hardware designs.
ASAT Introduced
Released the ASAT (named after Anti-Satellite weapon) single-cutaway guitar, Leo's refined evolution of his original Telecaster concept.
Legacy Model Debut
Introduced the Legacy—Leo Fender's ultimate refinement of the Stratocaster design with improved tremolo and MFD pickups.
Leo Fender Passes
Leo Fender passed away on March 21, 1991. George Fullerton continued overseeing production to maintain Leo's vision and standards.
BBE Sound Acquisition
BBE Sound Inc. acquired G&L, continuing USA production in the original Fullerton facility with Leo's tooling and processes.
Tribute Series Launched
Introduced the import Tribute series with G&L-designed pickups and hardware, making Leo's innovations accessible at lower prices.
Fullerton Deluxe Series
Launched the Fullerton Deluxe line—USA-made guitars with premium finishes, modern appointments, and Leo's core innovations.
CLF Research Series
Released the CLF Research series, paying homage to Leo's original R&D company name with experimental designs and features.
Production Ceases
G&L ceased operations in September 2025. BBE Sound dissolved in October. Fender acquired G&L's IP and the 'Leo Fender' trademark, ending 46 years of production.
Complete G&L Product Lineup
G&L: Leo Fender's final word in guitar design—'the best instruments I have ever made'
Fullerton Deluxe (USA)
Premium USA-made with Leo's innovations
Leo's refined Tele at ~$1,699-$1,999
Leo's ultimate Strat at ~$1,699-$1,999
MFD-powered single-cut at ~$1,699
Offset design at ~$1,799
Fullerton Standard (USA)
Core USA-made instruments
USA-made at ~$1,399-$1,599
USA-made at ~$1,399-$1,599
USA-made single-cut
CLF Research
Experimental designs honoring Leo's R&D spirit
Modern offset design
Experimental Doheny variant
Boundary-pushing single-cut
Tribute Series (Import)
G&L-designed pickups at accessible prices
Import single-cut at ~$499
Import Strat-style at ~$499
Import offset at ~$499
Import short-scale at ~$449
Bass Guitars
Leo Fender's bass innovations continued
Versatile flagship bass
Leo's Jazz Bass evolution
Split-coil precision bass
Classic single-pickup bass
"G&L: Leo Fender's final word in guitar design—'the best instruments I have ever made'"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
USA G&L Buying Guide
Leo's Final Innovations
USA G&L guitars feature MFD pickups, Dual-Fulcrum vibrato, and Saddle-Lock bridges—innovations Leo developed after selling Fender. These are Leo Fender's ultimate designs
Post-Shutdown Premium
Since G&L ceased production in September 2025, USA-made models are appreciating rapidly. Average prices jumped 12% in the final year alone—expect continued growth
Fullerton Deluxe Sweet Spot
The Fullerton Deluxe series ($1,699-$1,999) represented the best of G&L—premium finishes, modern appointments, and all of Leo's innovations. Now increasingly collectible
Tribute Series Guide
Best Budget Leo Fender
Tribute guitars ($399-$539 used) feature genuine G&L-designed pickups made in the Fullerton factory—the same MFD technology as USA models at a fraction of the price
Import Quality Varies
Made in Indonesia, Tribute guitars offer good quality but require setup. Check neck relief, fret condition, and electronics. Some need fret leveling out of the box
Future Uncertain
With G&L dissolved, the Tribute series future is unclear. Current inventory may be the last produced—consider buying now if you want one at current prices
G&L Collectibility Guide
Leo Fender Era (1979-1991)
Guitars made during Leo Fender's lifetime carry the highest collectible premium. Serial numbers, spec sheets, and original documentation significantly increase value
Shutdown Effect
Production ending in 2025 has created a finite supply of G&L guitars. USA models especially are seeing rapid appreciation—this trend will likely continue
What Fender Ownership Means
Fender now owns G&L's IP and the 'Leo Fender' trademark. Whether they revive the brand or archive it, existing G&L instruments represent a closed chapter in guitar history