Any long time users care to share some insight?

DayoftheGreek · #1 06-05-2008, 12:48 AM

Hey TB,

I am currently starting to look around for my next bass. I don't have as much money as I would like to be able to devote to bass playing so making a decision on getting a bass is a huge deal for me. One of the basses that "calls" to me on a regular basis are the L2000 Tributes. Its beautiful, sounds great, and is reasonably affordable. I love the tonal options and the feel of the bass. I have played my share of basses (there is a nice bass shop within walking distance of my college) but I keep coming back to the G&L's. If I have a good year of school in terms of bass playing and grades, I want to treat myself to one.

However, I wanted to know about you long times users. Has the bass held up well? Have you still liked it and used it as much as you did originally? I know all basses can get old after a while, but did anything start to get glaringly annoying in time? How do your band members feel about the tone of the bass in a band setting?

Thats about all I can think up right now,

Thanks!

FidgetStone · #2 06-05-2008, 05:58 PM

My G&Ls are American made but the pickups are the same as Tributes and I still love the tonal variety and grunt I get.

I play in a contemporary praise band and we are not allowed to use amps on stage. I am able to dial in the sound that each song calls for right from the bass without a using a preamp with tone controls. I just plug into a standard DI box and our sound man LOVES the G&L tone. He doesn't even have to EQ the sound. He just adjusts the volume.

I would think that a Tribute L-2000 would be a great choice.

DayoftheGreek · #3 06-06-2008, 11:16 PM

Thanks a lot for the reply! Its great to hear good things from the sound guy end, because I love the tone I get out of the Genz Benz gear I always play them through. Can't argue with good results on both ends!

Anyone else? I know lots of you guys own G&L's... this is the G&L forum.

dogbass · #4 06-07-2008, 12:12 AM

The tone of G&L basses (USA and Tribute) in "the mix" is one of the things that make them stand out. They cut through like no other. You will find loads of interesting options as you experiment with p/u selection, series/parallel, passive/active/treble boost switches, and tone cut-only controls. The Tribute electronics are the same as US version, which are pretty good. I can't speak to the Tribute's G&L "licensed" tuners long-term, but other than that I think you'll be quite happy !

Wwolof · #5 06-07-2008, 02:27 AM

Give it a burl, Shirl!

fearceol · #6 06-07-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FidgetStone

I would think that a Tribute L-2000 would be a great choice.

+1. You might also like to check out the Trib. JB2. I got one recently and cant decide which I like better, that or my Trib L 2000. Different beasts but equally nice IMO.

OtterOnBass · #7 06-07-2008, 03:54 PM

You'll love a tribute L2000 (or L2500 5-string like I have). The tonal variety from the MFD pickups and electronics are fantastic. I flick a couple switches from roots rock to contemporary worship to modern rock. It's passive and active, with tone controls in both modes. I have a clear wood finish, so it fits in everywhere, classy to country. Make sure you get the premium wood version (i.e. swamp ash) of the tribute - I played the other (it only comes in black now) and didn't like the difference.

I had a problem with the G string detuning in the gig bag. It was fine because I expected it to be out of tune. I later intonated the strings, and screwed in the screw that connects each string's bridge piece, and it hasn't moved since.

I also play through a Genz, and between the two I can fashion all kinds of useful tones.

Take your time in looking, I watched and waited, bookmarking online stores and classifieds I ended finding a clearance and spent less than the price of a used one.

DayoftheGreek · #8 06-09-2008, 07:08 PM

I will certainly keep looking at more basses. I always like to over-shop when I spend any decent sum of money. However, I don't know if I will be ordering it online. Its a hassle, IMO. There is a shop on campus that carries the G&L's and if I end up getting one, I will most likely be getting it from there. In the mean time, I will keep playing every bass I can get my hands on!

Thanks for the info everyone!

fcappi · #9 06-11-2008, 09:35 AM

Go with the Tribute you can play it for years and move up to a US model if you need to.
I have the JB2 because I like the Jazz type neck but would not hesitate to grab an sb2 or a L2000. Just a great value especially used there is a jb2 trib and an sb2 in the for sale area really good prices. Check out the Ed Friedland's review of the L2000 Trib on you tube. You will be sold

coop · #10 06-11-2008, 10:28 AM

I bought my Tribute L-2500 in late 2003. It still sounds great and looks almost new. Actually, this one has the best tone of any G&Ls I've owned (15 +/- , I forget). I had to change the pots, but that's about it.

My advice is go for it.

Tribute is on the left.

fcappi · #11 06-11-2008, 10:55 AM

Love the Green Sparkle metal-flake L2500!

Wwolof · #12 06-11-2008, 04:24 PM

Dammit, fcappi, I have one of that group of 12 also!

Wwolof · #13 06-11-2008, 04:25 PM

Also, I want one of those sparkly ones!

DayoftheGreek · #14 06-11-2008, 10:31 PM

Thanks for helping me want this bass even more!

I really need to hold off buying it until the money is right. This is going to be rough.

Can anyone tell me if they make a translucent orange version of the L-2000 Tributes? That would be the only color that would make be rethink blue burst.

Wwolof · #15 06-12-2008, 01:14 AM

Sorry matey, your choices are

Black
3-Tone Sunburst
Amber
Blueburst
Natural Gloss