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VIEW FULL LIVE VERSION : G&L Tribby L-2500 Fretless Conversion


RocketMusic
07-28-2008, 11:52 AM
We recently undertook a pretty cool project here at Rocket Music. My biz partner Danny is the in-house repair tech, and he did all of this work.

A friend of ours in Norway wanted a fretless L-2500, but he wanted to pay closer to the Tribute price... so for a nominal fee, we agreed to modify this lovely Tribby L-2500 that we had in stock.

Here's the bass in it's original condition (fretted and tuned B-E-A-D-G):
http://www.rocketmusic.net/images/1951.jpg

Then Danny went to work on it, pulling out the frets:
http://www.rocketmusic.net/images/AllFretsOut.jpg

Then Danny filled the fret slots, re-levelled the fretboard, and started applying coats of spar urethane.

http://www.rocketmusic.net/images/FirstCoat.jpg

After the fretboard finish cured, Danny levelled and polished it so it's a lovely high gloss now. The last thing he did was cut a new bone note so that the bass is now tuned E-A-D-G-C.

So here's the BEFORE
http://www.rocketmusic.net/images/1951.jpg

And here's the AFTER:
http://www.rocketmusic.net/images/GLFL-Final.jpg

Now that we know just how much work is involved in a project like this, we would charge a bit more. If anyone is interested in having this done to a bass or guitar, we'll charge $250 for the labor. And if you're not local, you'd also have to pay shipping both ways.

But I dare say it's worth it. I've been setting the bass up this morning, and I just can't put it down. Sounds great, plays great, looks great... I'll be sad to see it go, but go it must today.

Mytola
07-28-2008, 11:59 AM
Oh god... that last pic... I actually scared the bejeezus out of one of the cats with a loud "WHOAH!" :p

Personally, I actually think that fingerboard with the dots looks better than any of the options on the US ones. Can't wait to play it, Greg! :hyper:

RocketMusic
07-28-2008, 12:08 PM
Hah, I didn't even have a chance to PM you about it :)

We've got to polish the body a bit, but I hope we're able to ship it off to you today. Worst case, it will ship tomorrow.

It's a little confusing to play at first, but I found that I was able to dial in my intonation after about 30 minutes of playing it.

Mytola
07-28-2008, 12:27 PM
Haha, I saw you were online and about to post a thread, so I wasn't surprised when this thread showed up.

Sounds good, Greg! Should be an easy transition for me, I would think. I started playing bass on a unlined fretless, and I am familiar with the neck, tuning and controls. I love those G&L basses, and a fretless one will undoubtedly sound and play good! :)

Derek_L
07-28-2008, 09:17 PM
As strange as it sounds I shivered when I saw that last picture, maybe its the cold but man that bass looks amazing.

RocketMusic
07-29-2008, 05:57 PM
I guess it is winter down your way, eh? Balmy and 85 here :)

zorza
05-26-2009, 06:11 PM
Tribby means Tribute?

RocketMusic
05-26-2009, 06:16 PM
Yes, indeed!