Superb and extremely rare early 1987 G&L ASAT, built in Fullerton, California, under Leo Fender’s direct supervision.
This early post-Broadcaster model features unique Broadcaster-style specs, including a rare, flamed maple body, ebony fingerboard, and original black hardware.
G&L (George & Leo) was founded in 1979 by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Dale Hyatt—the same trio that revolutionized the electric guitar industry decades earlier at Fender and later at Music Man. After selling Fender Musical Instruments to CBS in 1965, Leo continued to innovate, determined to refine his classic designs. At G&L, he combined the timeless aesthetics of his earlier instruments with groundbreaking technical improvements, including the Magnetic Field Design (MFD) pickups and the Dual-Fulcrum Vibrato.
These instruments were built in the original Fender Avenue factory in Fullerton—the same location where many of Leo’s earliest creations came to life.
By the mid-1980s, G&L guitars had earned a reputation for their exceptional build quality and tone. The ASAT, introduced as an evolution of the Broadcaster model, represented Leo’s final iteration of his legendary single-cut design. ASAT actually comes from “Anti-Satellite”, a reference to ASAT missiles (Anti-SATellite weapons). The early 1987 example offered here captures that pivotal moment when G&L transitioned from the Broadcaster name to the now-iconic ASAT designation.
Factory CTS potentiometers stamped 137 8610 (CTS from 10ᵗʰ week of 1986) and 137 8416 (CTS from 16th week of 1984). Equipped with the original CRL 3-way switch, untouched soldering, and factory wiring throughout — no modifications, 100% original.
The factory nitro finish shows beautiful, authentic vintage checking — a true natural relic from nearly 40 years of aging.
Everything is 100% original, including the Leo Fender factory sticker (“Manufactured by Leo Fender”), still intact.
Also includes the original factory tape marked “Body 13 Dec 1986 / Neck 23 Jan 1987”, confirming the original Fullerton neck/body pairing.
No repairs, no replaced parts.
Perfectly balanced for an early Fullerton ASAT, with exceptional resonance and sustain.
Sold with its original G&G hard case (Fullerton era) — black tolex, black interior.
A genuine piece of G&L history, showcasing the DNA of Leo Fender’s final designs.
Condition: Excellent vintage. Light honest wear, original frets in great shape. Fully functional.
One of the rarest early G&L ASATs from the first post-Broadcaster generation.
Few examples combine flamed maple, ebony board, and factory black hardware — a configuration nearly impossible to find today in original condition.
A true Fullerton-era collector’s piece from the final years of Leo Fender craftsmanship.
Specifications
• Year: 1987
• Serial number: G020117
• Body: Flamed maple, Sunburst nitro finish dated DEC 19 1986
• Neck: Maple with ebony fingerboard dated JAN 23 1987
• Hardware: Original black
• Pickups: G&L MFD single coils
• Finish: Original nitrocellulose, naturally aged
• Weight: 3.8 kg / 8 lbs 6 oz
• Case: Original hard case