G&L Fullerton Deluxe S-500, Blueburst, Hardshell Case - Used
The S-500 debuted in 1982 as Leo Fender's own evolution of the double-cutaway bolt-on platform he had spent decades refining — his answer to the question of what came after the Stratocaster, built with his own name on the company and no obligation to repeat himself. The S-500's Magnetic Field Design pickups depart meaningfully from a traditional single-coil: a thicker ceramic bar magnet and fewer coil windings create a tighter magnetic field with increased output, delivering a bright, sparkly top end and a robust low end without sacrificing midrange focus or the glassy detail that rolling back the volume and bass controls reveals. The S-500 has its own fully realized tonal identity — related to a Strat, indebted to a Strat, but genuinely its own thing.
The Fullerton Deluxe series bundles the most popular options from G&L's custom order menu into a fixed, in-stock configuration without sacrificing anything in build quality — same shop, same hands, same Plek fret finishing as a full custom build. This one is built on a swamp ash body with the Blueburst finish, and it absolutely shreds. Low action, a mini-toggle expander switch that adds neck+bridge and all-three-pickups modes beyond the standard 5-way, and the Passive Treble and Bass tone circuit that gives you independent high-cut and low-cut control on every pickup position — versatility that a standard tone knob cannot touch. The Leo Fender-designed Dual-Fulcrum vibrato bends up or down with exceptional stability and a silky feel through the aluminum arm.
Condition is Very Good with minor signs of cosmetic use. One blem of note: a small chip under the lower bout of the guitar, visible in the photos. Nothing structural, nothing that affects playability or tone. Comes with the original hardshell case.
- Make: G&L (Fullerton Deluxe Series)
- Model: S-500
- Country of origin: USA (Fullerton, California)
- Body: Swamp ash, double-cutaway, Blueburst finish
- Neck: Hard-rock maple, bolt-on, Modern Classic profile, satin finish
- Neck depth at 1st fret: 0.820"
- Neck depth at 12th fret: 0.870"
- Fingerboard: Maple, 9.5" radius
- Scale length: 25.5"
- Nut width: 1 11/16"
- Frets: 21, medium jumbo, Plek-dressed
- Pickups: 3x G&L MFD single-coils (SSS), individually adjustable pole pieces
- Controls: Master volume, PTB tone (passive treble and bass), 5-way selector, mini-toggle expander switch (neck+bridge / all three)
- Bridge: Dual-Fulcrum vibrato
- Hardware: Chrome
- Weight: 7 lbs 14 oz
- Modifications: None
- Includes: Original hardshell case
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
