Originally designed by Leo Fender in the late 1960s, the Espada was an innovative two-pickup guitar concept nearly completed before being shelved in 1969. Decades later, with Leo's original blueprints and R&D materials, the McLaren brothers revived the design, blending vintage inspiration with modern performance.
The current Espada features updated split-coil pickups using Leo's Magnetic Field Design, enhanced with a series/parallel switch for tonal versatility. It also includes Leo's Saddle Lock bridge for improved string energy transfer and a modern G&L Micro Preamp with three output modes—passive, buffered, and high-frequency boost. Rounding out the design are always-on PTB tone controls, staying true to Leo's vision while offering modern flexibility.
Condition Notes:
Body: Non-original pickguard. A few light scratches and a couple of tiny dings throughout.
Brand:
G&L
Model:
Custom Shop CLF Research Espada
Year:
2021
Serial:
CS2101008
Color:
Ice Tea Burst
Weight:
7.75 lbs
Strings:
D'Addario
NECK
Neck Type: Bolt-On
Frets: 21
Scale Length: 25.5"
Neck Material: Roasted Maple
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Neck Finish: Satin
BODY
Body Type: Solid
Body Wood(s): Top - Quilted Maple, Back - Okoume
Binding Color: N/A
Bridge Type: Fixed
Pickguard Color: 3-Ply Black
ELECTRONICS
Total Pickups: 2
Pickup Configuration: HH
Wiring: Active/Passive
Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, 3-Position Toggle Selector, Tri-Tone Active/Passive System
INCLUDES:
Spec Sheet, Certificate of Authenticity, Custom Shop Deluxe Black Hardshell Case
Disclaimer: You are not buying a setup, you are buying an instrument. This means that the setups we perform on instruments for sale are intended to inspect and ensure proper function of various aspects of the instruments. Customer-based setups are personal and no two players will require the same setups measurements.
