G&L Doheny, Side-by-Side (now complete!)

[Homeless Blueless]

Thank you Sirspens for such a fantastic contribution!

[Sauerkraut]

This is such a good thread. Thank you!

I'd just like to point out that, for me, the rattling noise caused by the awful bridge design on the AV65 (like at 1:51 in your recording) is a drawback. Once you start noticing it, it's impossible to 'unhear'. Besides taking care of that problem, I think that changing the bridge with a more stable design also alters the sound a little and makes it a slightly more useful guitar overall.

[sirspens]

I'd just like to point out that, for me, the rattling noise caused by the awful bridge design on the AV65 (like at 1:51 in your recording) is a drawback...

I had a Mastery bridge on my AV65 while making these recordings.

That said, there is a buzzing sound in the Doheny Tribute recording that is absolutely bridge buzz. But I haven't spent any time setting these guitars up, yet. They are pretty good, but not perfect.

[BoringPostcards]

Really appreciate the effort that went into this.
Everybody seems quite pleased about their Dohenys and I hear they're selling much better than anticipated.
Glad to see G&L get the attention they deserve. People are finally realizing that Leo Fender never stopped making good stuff and the company is in good hands. One look at CLF Research's posts on social media and forums will show you that the people who run the place are very respectful of Leo and George's vision.
They hint around about Skyhawks and Cavaliers a lot lately. Hope they actually reissue these. Gorgeous designs.

Fender feels more and more like the brand name on a pair of sneakers as time goes on.

[Sauerkraut]

I'd just like to point out that, for me, the rattling noise caused by the awful bridge design on the AV65 (like at 1:51 in your recording) is a drawback...

I had a Mastery bridge on my AV65 while making these recordings.

Guess it's fret buzz then?

[sirspens]

I'd just like to point out that, for me, the rattling noise caused by the awful bridge design on the AV65 (like at 1:51 in your recording) is a drawback...

I had a Mastery bridge on my AV65 while making these recordings.

Guess it's fret buzz then?

Haha. Yep. But from me moving my finger after landing in an uncomfortable position.

[ryonious]

No worries about explaining things geometrically, haha. I work in an architecture school, so I am surrounded by people like you.
I just read that Kevin Shields supposedly replaced/extended the arm on the trem so that it was longer and looser, so perhaps your diagram might look a little different were we using his exact guitar. Nevertheless, your images were super helpful in thinking about trem/vibrato systems as a whole and were great for finally helping me understand just why MBV has always used JMs. The floating trem really is unique in its position and harmonic quality.
I will be buying a guitar in the next few weeks and was leaning towards the Doheny, but now you've got me conflicted about the Squier JMJM again haha

[sirspens]

I will be buying a guitar in the next few weeks and was leaning towards the Doheny, but now you've got me conflicted about the Squier JMJM again haha

Haha. Sorry about that. They are both good choices. If you are playing live, the JMJM is lighter, unless you are going custom empress wood with the Doheny.

[JamesSGBrown]

Played 3 tributes the other day. I prefer the feel of the maple but the sound of the rosewood. Great great guitars. Dual tone controls are very versatile. Def on my want list

[fendertweed]

Great reviews, thanks. Outstanding.

I have numerous G&Ls, though haven't tried a Doheny yet.

I have a JMJM (a $400 used mint find) nd a Danocaster offset (spectacular) and had a '66 CS JM that the Dano edged out of the house.

I love the G&L trem compared to Fender's, will be interested to see if it's in the way for my playing style.

Thanks again for the useful info.

[Embenny]

Man, this is such a fantastic thread and such an awesome resource for the community. Thanks so much for putting it together!

I`ve been wanting a G&L with the Jumbo MFDs for a while now. I`m debating putting them in into a jag or JM body so that I can get the offset vibrato with it. The two-point trem is the only part of the Doheny I don`t like...and not because it`s a bad bridge. It`s superior to any strat bridge Fender has ever put out, it`s just not the action I want for a vibrato.

[sirspens]

Man, this is such a fantastic thread and such an awesome resource for the community. Thanks so much for putting it together!

I`ve been wanting a G&L with the Jumbo MFDs for a while now. I`m debating putting them in into a jag or JM body so that I can get the offset vibrato with it. The two-point trem is the only part of the Doheny I don`t like...and not because it`s a bad bridge. It`s superior to any strat bridge Fender has ever put out, it`s just not the action I want for a vibrato.

I am designing my own version of an "offset G&L", based loosely on the SC2 and will have the jumbo MFD pickups. I am back and forth and whether I want to go fender floating vibrato or more G&L with a saddle lock bridge.

[Embenny]

I am designing my own version of an "offset G&L", based loosely on the SC2 and will have the jumbo MFD pickups. I am back and forth and whether I want to go fender floating vibrato or more G&L with a saddle lock bridge.

Nice!! An offset SC2 would be exactly the guitar I'd be looking for right now! Saddle lock is the way I'd go if I wanted a hardtail, but floating vibrato is what I'd personally prefer.

Who's making the body?

[Maggieo]

This thread is a treasure. Maybe it should be pinned to the top?

[sirspens]

I am designing my own version of an "offset G&L", based loosely on the SC2 and will have the jumbo MFD pickups. I am back and forth and whether I want to go fender floating vibrato or more G&L with a saddle lock bridge.

Nice!! An offset SC2 would be exactly the guitar I'd be looking for right now! Saddle lock is the way I'd go if I wanted a hardtail, but floating vibrato is what I'd personally prefer.

Who's making the body?

Most likely going to have Deed Poll do it. First I have to find a neck so I can finish the design. I've been holding out to find an actual G&L neck that isn't from an ASAT.