Climax Bass Info

GaryLC · #1 03-02-2009, 07:05 AM

What can you folks tell me about the G&L Climax bass? Was it just an earlier version of the L1500? Likes, dislikes?

**craigb** · #2 03-02-2009, 08:32 AM

Yep, earlier version of the L-1500 w/a single MFD in the "stingray sweetspot".

The body is a touch thinner than most L-series, the edges are a bit less rounded, default is #6 neck w/1.5" nut width. Some are series/single-coil switched instead of series/parallel. They have a funky semi-circular route on the back of the body around the neck joint:

The ones I've had were very noisy in active mode and I only ever used passive (I think I fixed that on one with a chip swap for the preamp). IMO get a sound the L-series can't get exactly (pickup placement has that effect). My first impression when I get one is always "these basses have enough low end to make me happy" but I eventually let them go for something with a neck pickup (L2K, SB2, JB2) but that's a personal preference thing. Someday I hope to pick one up again to add to my skinny necked G&L setup (L2K, SB2, JB2 . . . + Climax)

lmfreeman9 · #3 03-03-2009, 07:04 AM

Are there any Climax basses witht he old lawsuit headstock?

quickervicar · #4 03-03-2009, 07:33 AM

My only experience with one was in a local music store. I thought I'd love it. I didn't. I needed the neck pickup for more grunt without changing EQ settings on the amp. I'd like to try one again....my opinion will probably be different.

Mick Markey · #5 03-03-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmfreeman9

Are there any Climax basses with the old lawsuit headstock?

Definitely not...they weren't in the line up until well after the headstock change.

chunkstyle · #6 03-03-2009, 10:48 AM

speaking of Climax basses...

which one of you (lucky b****rds) got the clear green one with the maple neck from the 'bay?

quickervicar · #7 03-03-2009, 12:47 PM

Ooohhh!! Pretty!

GaryLC · #8 03-03-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunkstyle

speaking of Climax basses...

which one of you (lucky b****rds) got the clear green one with the maple neck from the 'bay?

That would be me......I bought it before knowing anything about them! She just looked so purdy. I have an L1500 and really enjoy it, so figured I couldn't lose!

chunkstyle · #9 03-03-2009, 02:58 PM

oh man... well done, sir.

one thing you might want to check... i think that the jack on a Climax has no bearing on the battery life. normally when you unplug an active bass, the battery is disconnected. i think for someone reason the battery on a Climax is always on and battery life isn't nearly as long as expected.

again, tho. WOW! Gorgeous bass.

GaryLC · #10 03-03-2009, 03:02 PM

Thanks, Chunkster!!

I think everyone needs a Climax now & then!

Carl Johnson · #11 05-22-2009, 09:17 PM

I still have one that I got like 20 years ago when they where new. Sexy instrument. Heavy thing to wear all night but it played well.

Not sure about the battery being on all the time; needs new battery about once a year.

Only use it now if my main axe is broke, my kids jam on it though...

spideyjg · #12 05-22-2009, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Johnson

Not sure about the battery being on all the time; needs new battery about once a year.

I'm qualified enough to say without a doubt mine was on all the time. Sucked about 4X as much current as other G&Ls 200 as opposed to 50 microamps I think.

Jim

Templar · #13 05-22-2009, 11:45 PM

Hey Sean, remember this one? Like you, I simply could not bond with its harsh electronics. Too bad, 'cos it was a great 8lb player with a slick paint job to boot. (sigh)