What are the differences between a G&L and a Jazz bass in tone? What are the differences between a tribute G&L and an American made one (other than the production locations)?

I recently picked up a Geddy Jazz and I love it, but I also would like something that is a little "smoother" in tone. Is a G&L it? I never have played one but I hear people rave about them so I was just wondering.

Thanks
J

It's hard to explain without hearing for yourself. glguitars.com has some sound clips, you should definitely check them out. But failing that...

G&L basses have different tones on each model, but if I were to describe the things I find them to have in common, and different from your typical Jazz bass for instance, it's these things:

They run pretty hot, output-wise, either in active or passive mode. I believe it's the pickups that do it.
You might indeed describe the G&L version of the Jazz-bass tone to be somewhat "smoother" than the Fender tone, but it's a matter of opinion. I think it's a little "meatier" than the Fender tone. A lot of people describe Fenders as sounding "punchy" and "thin". Obviously there are different styles of G&L basses, but I think in general the G&Ls have more range on either end - more lows and more highs than you would get out of a Fender, but otherwise it's comparable.
According to many who have tested them, the Tributes and the mainline G&Ls are very difficult to tell apart by sound. The only difference is in the body wood and the fabricating process, and of course, where they are made. The pickups and electronics are the same.
I've been borrowing a G&L L2000, American-made, and it's a RIGHTEOUS bass. If I could describe the sound I'm getting out of it, I would describe it as "classy" and "balanced." It is an incredibly versatile bass, one that can either stick out front or provide solid support. I get a P-bass kind of tone out of the forward pickup that I think is actually better than a real P-bass.

FWIW, I sold a GL Jazz to fund a purchase of a G&L SB-2. To me, the SB-2 simply blows the GLJ out of the water. I cannot stop playing my SB-2. I love it.

Thanks guys for the feedback. I may need to investigate a little further. I love my Geddy dont get me wrong, but as most know, the pu output is a little low and the highs, to me, are on the thin side.

I love the growl and the feel of this bass, so I wont be parting with this anytime soon, but I think after 20 years of playing, I am starting to gravitate toward the deeper sounding basses. Maybe Ill just pick up a Wal or two and see how it goes?

:D

I like to describe my Jazz bass as very "throaty", while the G&Ls (L1505, L2500) have more "guts". There are about a million adjectives to use ... but the bottom line is my Jazz and G&Ls are quite different sounding, both in and out of a mix. It is also tricky to have them back each other up ... I have to use a SansAmp DI to even up the sound between the two. The G&Ls are way, way hotter .. even in passive.

The G&Ls are way, way hotter .. even in passive.

Yeah, I don't think this can be overstated. If you're accustomed to playing a Jazz with single-coil pickups, the sheer difference in level is gonna be remarkable enough to make your re-evaluate your preamp setup.