Leo Fender's last guitar company has folded. There seems to be quite a few angles on this, but here is that I think is going to be factual once the smoke clears. G&L went out of business, and subsequently, Fender purchased the intellectual property in order to use the Leo Fender name and likeness. Ironically, Colonel Sanders didn't;t have the right to his own likeness after selling Kentucky Fried Chicken.
From what I have seen so far, I don't get the idea that Fender has any intent to build G&L Guitars. I find it interesting that G&L is so obscure in the guitar (and bass) world and yet the brand was supposedly the most modern line of instruments with his fingerprints.
Fender is great, and bass wise, I have had several Music Man Stingrays and love them. I have also had several of the import Sterling By Music Man and they are nicely done in a great price point. Both of these companies have had strong endorsers on the roster, not to mention that Fender pioneered MANY things in the world of stringed instruments and created some of the most iconic series that live through to this day. Ironically, I never felt persuaded to buy a G&L (US or import). Something just wasn't connecting for me and apparently many other.
I hate to see quality manufacturers of anything go under. Sad for the company and the employees.