This question I'm sure has been asked, but what they heck!

G&L's are such and animal of thier own it seems it's always going to be a apples and oranges comparison, and when you looks at the apples you got granny smiths and macintosh's. G&L's are not only different from other bases, they are different from each other!

With that being said what are some of the general characteristics and comparisons to other bases.

L2000 and L2K

JB2

SB2

S1

El Torro


I currently play a Fender jazz 60th ann w/ s1 switch and really like it, but I have been really thinking about a G&L fro a long time.

The simplest comparison would start with pickup orientation I guess....
The JB-2 and El Toro have pickups in the Jazz bass position- the El Toros pickups are mini G&L MFD humbuckers (like a really skinny version of the L2000 pickups) and that means that the sound is beastly, the JB-2 has some other companies Jazz pickups and is essentially a G&L Jazz bass. I don't know much about the electronics of either of these- I believe the JB-2 has 2 volumes and a tone.

The SB-1 is like a Precision bass, but the pickup is a G&L split coil MFD- and is beastly as well!

The SB-2 started as a Jazz style bass, with two G&L single coils, but changed at some point into a PJ bass- the P pickup is the same as the SB-1, the J is the same as the original SB-2 (I think!)- the SB-2 only has a volume for each pickup, whereas the SB-1 has 1 volume and 1 tone.

The L2K is another way of saying L2000- these basses have MusicMan style G&L MFD humbuckers but in (sort of ) Jazz bass positions- they are not really comparable to any other bass I know in this regard or in many other regards! The controls on these basses are crazy!- There are many posts about them so I won't bother!

If you like to use the S-1 switch on your Fender, you will probably love any G&L bass equipped with their MFD pickups!

Karl

Greg Gagliano's G & L Reference Pages (http://www.ggjaguar.com/gnl.htm)

Go read up on the models there.

The JB-2 is a dual single coil VVT setup and that is where the Jazz bass comparison ends. It looks nothing like a Jazz. The neck is a 1 1/2 width but but obviously the bass doesn't have the contours of a Jazz or clone. For me I cannot abide the ergonomics of a Jazz clone but love my JB-2.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/spideyjg/JB-2/JB-2001.jpg

The El Toro has similar placed pickups but they are MFD's and humbucking. The ET is a very midrangy beast which actually IMHO sounds best active. The pickups can be put into series and it gets huge. The ET I think has the widest volume swing so is not a flip on the fly bass like the 2K. A discontinued model.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/spideyjg/ElToro002.jpg

The SB-2 is great if you use a P style bass and never roll the tone control off. The bridge pickup adds a fair amount of cut through to the sound. Sounds best with the neck full on and the bridge between 50-80%
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/spideyjg/SB-2/SB-2005.jpg

SB-1 is like the SB-2 but has a tone control. A discontinued model.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/spideyjg/SB-1/SB-1002.jpg

The L2K (L-2000) the ASAT and the 2500's all are similar with the same pickups and switching.

You spend some time and learn what does what, they will cover any thing. Many posts about them to be found.
It can have more low end than you know what to do with. The controls cut only and are magical when rolled a bit back.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/spideyjg/L2K.jpg

Well, that about covers it....

Thanks guys

Major gas attack!

I need to find where i can sit down and play these babys

The El Torro reminds me of my jazz with s1 switch but more grumpy

The SB-2 seems interesting but lacks that p thud

The l2k seems like the best of all worlds

The SB-2 seems interesting but lacks that p thud


The SB-2 will fool you.

Its one of those basses that sounds OK alone, but kicks ass in a live band situation. I've got a 2nd gen SB-2 and walked away from my initial gig with it totally impressed. Spideyjg is 100% correct in his comparison/analysis of the SB-2 -- I think adding some bridge pickup gives the thuddy sound of a P-bass the added bite of a junkyard dog. I love it. Cuts thru the mix like a plasma torch. (By your name, I assume you're playing Rics -- I think Rics are like the SB-2 -- I'm OK with the sound of my 4003 alone, but it really shines in the live mix.)

Put some TI Jazz Flats on an SB-2 and you'll leave your p-bass at home next gig.

The l2k seems like the best of all worlds

The L-2000 (and L-2500) are extremely versatile basses and is good choice if you're gonna only have one.

They sound great active and passive, alone or in the mix, and doesn't matter whether you're picking, slapping, or pulling. It can take a while to find the sound you're looking for, but I'll guarantee you'll enjoy the ride. Again, cut the treble & bass a bit and its something to behold.

Key thing to determine on an L-2k is neck width -- they can vary from a skinny jazz to a broad p-style. Some L-2ks are heavy as well.

Nice thing about the L-2k is that you can get a tribute model; I have a tribute L-2500 and its a fine bass. FWIW, the Trib is my #1 studio bass because it sounds so good passive/both/treb & bass rolled back a bit.

hth.

The SB-2 seems interesting but lacks that p thud


Leave the neck pickup alone on and it will out thump a P all day long. Now if you use a P with the tone rolled all the way down and that is the thump you mean, then yeah the SB-2 won't do it stock.

However you can add a stacked control to give a VVT setup on it.

Jim

Leave the neck pickup alone on and it will out thump a P all day long. Now if you use a P with the tone rolled all the way down and that is the thump you mean, then yeah the SB-2 won't do it stock.

However you can add a stacked control to give a VVT setup on it.

Jim


What is a stacked control and a VVT setup?

The SB-2 will fool you.

Its one of those basses that sounds OK alone, but kicks ass in a live band situation. I've got a 2nd gen SB-2 and walked away from my initial gig with it totally impressed. Spideyjg is 100% correct in his comparison/analysis of the SB-2 -- I think adding some bridge pickup gives the thuddy sound of a P-bass the added bite of a junkyard dog. I love it. Cuts thru the mix like a plasma torch. (By your name, I assume you're playing Rics -- I think Rics are like the SB-2 -- I'm OK with the sound of my 4003 alone, but it really shines in the live mix.)

I guess I have to hear this thing really grasp the tone. It sounds like a rick meets P.

What is a stacked control and a VVT setup?

Stacked controls are 2 pots "stacked" on each other so you have 2 controls in one space. VVT is Volume, Volume, Tone. Shorthand for describing stuff. the SB-2 is VV with just a volume control for each pickup.

The only recording I know of using an SB-2 is The Iron Maidens. Wanda uses her SB-2 exclusively for The Iron Maidens gigs.

Demo page of their site.... (http://www.theironmaidens.com/demo/demo.html)

Live Aces high clip
Aces High link..... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkNAPJocNC8)

Jim

I guess I have to hear this thing really grasp the tone. It sounds like a rick meets P.

Yeah, that's actually pretty close. Also, the SB-2 can get a nice, fat P-tone if you use only the neck p/u @ 80%. Play over the neck joint & your notes will blossom like an old Precision.

It seems all these basses have that edgy tone and cut when you need it , which model sounds the hugest, beefist, and has thud above and beyond the rest? L2000? SB-2? others?

ASAT & L2k will destroy anything else. (they share all the hardware) The SB-2 is the easiest to master the electronics circuit. If a Stingray is a 9.5 in grunt, then the SB-2 would be around an 8. My ASAT & L2k are both scoring a 10. I cannot imagine a bass that can do more. There may be "sweeter" sounding basses. Some may be smoother. These are not bad traits. But no other bass will cut & grind like an active G&L.

Another great feature that rarely gets talked about: the harder you dig, the grittier they sound. They don't get harsh and raspy. Nor do they fuzz out when pushed. My right hand was meant for rock (which is not a good thing, most of the time :scowl: ) and I tend to dig in. Hard. When you need to really cut through, just grind away.

thread swerve:
what 21 tubes are you talkin' 'bout there vicar?

My right hand was meant for rock .


Thanks for the info!

I love that line!

In fact I may put it in my sigline

Another great feature that rarely gets talked about: the harder you dig, the grittier they sound. They don't get harsh and raspy. Nor do they fuzz out when pushed. My right hand was meant for rock (which is not a good thing, most of the time :scowl: ) and I tend to dig in. Hard. When you need to really cut through, just grind away.

Great description that is absoluetely true. Some active basses start to clip when you dig in too hard. These don't and that I love too.

Note on passive use of 2xxxx series basses:
Gigged the new 2500L last night...man, what a sweet axe.
A tad of relief added to the neck, raise the saddles a tad.
I've been playing with running my L2xxxx's passive. Never tried that, and I gotta say, I'm really digging it...roll the treble to about 80, the bass to about 60, and use the single/dual coil, and bass as "volume controls,"....kinda. Pretty neat.

thread swerve:
what 21 tubes are you talkin' 'bout there vicar?

Swervin' back at you! My current signal chain:

-G&L of choice

-Alembic F-1X preamp

-SWR Interstellar overdrive

-Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+

-Eden David D-410XLT

I like it. Sometimes the swell is hard to tame on the SWR but that is easily (if a bit tedious) fixed. As far as amplification, I have no desire to change anything. And that is very much against my nature!

Note on passive use of 2xxxx series basses:
Gigged the new 2500L last night...man, what a sweet axe.
A tad of relief added to the neck, raise the saddles a tad.
I've been playing with running my L2xxxx's passive. Never tried that, and I gotta say, I'm really digging it...roll the treble to about 80, the bass to about 60, and use the single/dual coil, and bass as "volume controls,"....kinda. Pretty neat.



How "vintagey" tonewize does this bass get? I am getting excited reading these reviews.

Ahhh, I get it now. I was trying to fgiure which bit if kit had 21 tubes in it;)
I've recently got a MusicMan HD150, just 5 tubes in it. That trans-orange 2500L sounds flippin huuuge thru it;)

How "vintagey" tonewize does this bass get? I am getting excited reading these reviews.

Perfect vintage sounds in passive mode. Roll of some extra treble and your there...

Vintagey....hmmmm....think "bigger than a P bass, with a little more edge.'' You can solo the neck pup, roll treble off a tad, and put flats on and get close, but if you reeeeallly gotta have the P with flats sound, you maybe oughta get a P....
This is not a slam, I have 7 (?, I think) G&L's, but the classic Jamerson Motown P sound is it's own thing, and if you gotta have that thing, pure and true, a 2xxxx G&L ain't quite it.
They are a wonderful thing tho, and G&L do (did) make P bass, and still make the SB2...


How "vintagey" tonewize does this bass get? I am getting excited reading these reviews.

My Tribute L2K runs through a MusicMan HD130/Hartke XL410 at rehearsal; I have an Ampeg B100R for jobs. The MM/H rig weighs in at 144 lb; the Ampeg's 65. The Ampeg has a line out so I just plug into a channel on the board and let the PA blow 'em away without having to haul the heavy artillery around.

Ahhh, I get it now. I was trying to fgiure which bit if kit had 21 tubes in it;)
I've recently got a MusicMan HD150, just 5 tubes in it. That trans-orange 2500L sounds flippin huuuge thru it;)


MusicMans (MusicMen?) get a bad rap. Our front man had a head that sounded really, really good. SS preamp and tube output section. Nice & crunchy, but you had to push it a bit to get there.

If 5 tubes get you what you want, no need to go any further IMO. What I love about my rig is the fact that it will still crunch a bit at 90db instead of 120db. I also run everything EQ'd flat and there is still a wonderful warm glow to whatever I play (and I need all the flattering I can get). Heck, my Modulus Sweetspot 5 even sounds warm & crisp through it. :eek:

More thread swerve: the HD 150 has an ss front end...so, there is no crunch, or at least no crunch you'd want;) But it does have huuuuge clean headroom, with tube warmth in the power section. I like it a lot, so far. It's a reaallly big 150 watts. I'll gig it tomorrow, with a G&L but of course, and report back if anyone cares;)

the classic Jamerson Motown P sound is it's own thing, and if you gotta have that thing, pure and true, a 2xxxx G&L ain't quite it.
They are a wonderful thing tho, and G&L do (did) make P bass, and still make the SB2...


FWIW, I did jazz & theatrical gigs through college with my ASAT for the brighter sounds and my SB-2 w/ flats (not brite-flats) for the thudding numbers. Those flats nailed the thud but seemed to put a fair amount more tension on my neck. (that is, the SB-2's neck)

the HD 150 has an ss front end...so, there is no crunch, or at least no crunch you'd want;)
I should clarify--my bandmate ran his hot but clean and got a great crunch by running a Frantone HepCat in front of it. Delicious!

But it does have huuuuge clean headroom, with tube warmth in the power section.

That is the problem (if you want to call it that) with my Mesa's power section. It sounds best when you're actually making it work which is tough to do at indoor gigs. A 150W tube head would work better for many applications. You may be on to something there.

;)...


A 150W tube head would work better for many applications. You may be on to something there.

Vintagey....hmmmm....think "bigger than a P bass, with a little more edge.'' You can solo the neck pup, roll treble off a tad, and put flats on and get close, but if you reeeeallly gotta have the P with flats sound, you maybe oughta get a P....
This is not a slam, I have 7 (?, I think) G&L's, but the classic Jamerson Motown P sound is it's own thing, and if you gotta have that thing, pure and true, a 2xxxx G&L ain't quite it.
They are a wonderful thing tho, and G&L do (did) make P bass, and still make the SB2...


OK, it gets oldschool when it needs to or edgy when it has to. VERY VERY versitle, I love it! I will one day own a L2000!

One thing that all USA G&L's share in common is beautiful and rock solid finishes !

Another General G&L Characteristic is that they kick a**!

I'm gonna try and not sound really stupid on this, so here goes. I have the L2000 Tribute Premium, are the pickups active? Or are they both active and passive? Also, is the preamp active? Or does the preamp make the pickups active/passive? I've always been confused about this. So how about some help on this. Thanks :help: :help:

I'm gonna try and not sound really stupid on this, so here goes. I have the L2000 Tribute Premium, are the pickups active? Or are they both active and passive? Also, is the preamp active? Or does the preamp make the pickups active/passive? I've always been confused about this. So how about some help on this. Thanks :help: :help:

The pickups are passive. The active/ passive switch on G&Ls just turns the active preamp on or off....the preamp on G&Ls is a little different than most bass active preamps, as it doesn't have any tone controls- it just boosts the signal and tends to add a little frequency response (especially high end). The bass and treble controls on G&Ls are completely passive- the treble control is the same as a tone knob on most basses, and the bass control is similar- it is cut only and can be used in either active or passive mode.

Karl

Thanks SUNBEAST, your reply really cleared up alot of cobwebs in the old brain. Don't ya just love that G&L sound? :D :bassist: