The 2025 G&L Custom Shop S-500 RMC in Cadmium Orange is a bold, modern expression of Leo Fender’s forward-thinking designs, brought to life through the impeccable craftsmanship of G&L’s top-tier Custom Shop. Blending cutting-edge tone with boutique aesthetics and premium appointments, this S-500 is far more than a traditional S-style guitar—it’s a high-performance instrument that pays homage to its roots while confidently pushing boundaries.

At the heart of this S-500 is an alder body, a tonewood beloved for its balanced resonance and classic snap. The body is finished in a striking Cadmium Orange, giving it a vivid, eye-catching presence on stage or in the studio. Sculpted with both front and rear contours, the guitar sits comfortably against the player’s body, enhancing ergonomics for long sessions or live sets. A 3-ply mint/black/mint pickguard adds a subtle vintage flair that contrasts beautifully against the vibrant body, while gold hardware, including knurled dome-top gold knobs, lends an upscale and refined finish to the overall aesthetic.

The neck is nothing short of Custom Shop excellence. Crafted from quartersawn 3A flame roasted maple, it not only delivers striking visual appeal but also improved stability and resonance. The satin clear finish offers a smooth, fast playing surface, while the matching body-color headstock ties the instrument’s visual elements together seamlessly. Topped with an ebony fretboard bound in white, adorned with abalone face dots, the neck profile is a G&L Classic Plus C with a comfortable 9.5" radius, 1 11/16" nut width, and a taper that measures .830" at the 1st fret to .960" at the 12th fret. The result is a neck that feels substantial yet effortlessly playable. Medium jumbo frets and a Graph Tech nut round out the playing surface with smooth action and tuning stability.

Electronics are where the S-500 steps confidently into its own voice. Loaded with G&L’s Magnetic Field Design (MFD) S-500 pickups, this guitar offers more output and clarity than standard single coils, along with a broader frequency range. The middle pickup is reverse wound to ensure hum-canceling in positions 2 and 4. The control layout includes a five-way blade selector, along with volume, treble, and bass controls—thanks to G&L’s PTB (Passive Treble and Bass) tone system. The addition of a push/pull expander opens up even more tonal combinations, allowing for neck+bridge and all-pickup-on options not normally found on traditional S-style wiring.

On the hardware side, the G&L Saddle Lock bridge ensures superior resonance transfer and tuning stability, a staple of Leo’s later innovations. Paired with G&L Standard tuners, the setup is rock solid, delivering consistent performance whether you’re on stage or in the studio.

The 2025 G&L Custom Shop S-500 RMC in Cadmium Orange is more than a showstopper—it’s a masterfully built instrument for players who demand top-tier tone, modern flexibility, and custom-shop class. It comes housed in a Custom Shop Deluxe Gig Bag, offering premium protection and portability worthy of an instrument of this caliber. This S-500 is not just another high-end guitar—it’s a statement piece with serious sonic chops.