Any difference in a Korean vs Indonesian Tribute Bass

Gilc · #1 05-08-2007, 04:30 PM

I am in the market for a G&L Bass. As a beginner it is only the tribute line I could consider at this time. I am finding that along with all the other decisions, I know I want an L2000, you have to choose natural or sunburst both look awsome, the neck either rose wood or maple. I know I want 1.75 width neck, but now i find there are models made previouly in korea and now current models are made in indonesia. I am thinking that the information that I have been reading that convinced me this is the best bass for the money was the korean built and was just wondering if anyone has had experience with the indonesian built instrumets. I just want to make sure I am getting what I have read such great reviews and specs. If anyone can make recomendation on neck material or even how well the finish on the naturals vs sunburst holds up that would be appreciated. Thanks

sunbeast · #2 05-08-2007, 06:04 PM

My assumption is that the quality will be pretty much identical between the Korean and Indonesian Tributes- they just recently moved their Tribute operations to Indonesia. One thing that changed is that alot of the newer Tributes seem to have Basswood bodies- that's not necessarily bad, some people like 'em and some don't. It is a cheaper wood though, which tends to earn it a bad reputation...

Having only played one Tribute in my life (a Korean one), I'll leave it at that! By the way, the Tribute L2500 I played felt fantastic- and would have cost me half the price of my US L2500.

Karl

lug · #3 05-09-2007, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunbeast

My assumption is that the quality will be pretty much identical between the Korean and Indonesian Tributes- they just recently moved their Tribute operations to Indonesia. One thing that changed is that alot of the newer Tributes seem to have Basswood bodies- that's not necessarily bad, some people like 'em and some don't. It is a cheaper wood though, which tends to earn it a bad reputation...

Having only played one Tribute in my life (a Korean one), I'll leave it at that! By the way, the Tribute L2500 I played felt fantastic- and would have cost me half the price of my US L2500.

Karl

The Tribs were always basswood unless you ordered a Premium Trib which are Ash. Originally, they were around $20 more if I remember correctly.

goatrider · #4 05-09-2007, 07:26 AM

All I can say is that I have a Korean Tribute, and it is the balls. Haven't played an Indonesian one yet.

Youngspanion · #5 05-09-2007, 03:30 PM

As I understand it, the material was already from Indonesia and was shipped to Korea. The experts seem to think that the Indonesian instruments are 100% compatable to the Koreans. The labor is less expensive and the electronics are still the same. Basswood is pretty light and that is a plus. I dont think that the tone is affected too much but there are more enlightend people that would differ.

PSPookie · #6 05-11-2007, 08:38 AM

I recently picked up an Indoneisan Tribute SB-2 (basswood body). I can't find anything wrong with it. It sounds great & it didn't break the bank.

Gilc · #7 05-11-2007, 11:14 AM

thanks for the info, I have foud a korean made in sunburst with maple fret board, that I am sure will please, although, I have no experience with the maple fret board, if all choices were available, would likely have gone with rose wood, but I am excitedly waiting for it to be delivered. thanks again for ht input.