G&L 2500

[fuzzurin]

I'm looking for a new bass, as someone at my school took my bass out of its case in the band room and broke the headstock. I'm unsure as to whether I'm going to be looking at the Tribute series or the USA series, as it depends on whether or not my school's insurance will pay me for the broken bass.

But, to the point! I have always owned four string basses, and have never really had the opportunity to get comfortable playing a five string. However, I feel that it would be worth it to have a five string in my arsenal (especially a G&L). The other bass I own (the one that wasn't broken) is a four string Spector Legend Custom.

I've played a G&L 2000 before and loved the feeling and tone of it. I know that the G&L 2500 will sound fantastic, but will it also be a good way to get started on a five string?

Also, is the difference between the USA series and the Tribute series so great that you would always recommend the USA over the Tribute?

Thanks for the help.

[ttmnky]

I think that the difference between the USA and Tribute versions are simply the fit and finish, as well as the ability to order the bass to "your specs" with the USA version.

From what I've read, the electronics and hardware are pretty much the same on both versions. Please correct me if I'm wrong though

[brucehum]

The pickups are the same, but the preamp changes.

I am also going for a G&L 2500 as my first 5 stringer. Just waiting for it to get to my shop.

[Mick Markey]

In defense of the Tributes, they are outstanding instruments for the money...you can hardly beat them for their price range...

However...owning a good solid used Fullerton made bass just gives it that extra something...a good American made bass trumps an Asian made bass any day, and has for decades ! A used one can be had for little more than a Tribute, if you are patient.

I'd say, keep your eye out for a good clean used USA made bass, and you will be happy for life.

If you don't have any issue with them being made offshore, then a Tribute is, indeed, a really good bass for the money.

As far as fivers go, I made the switch very reluctantly about seven years ago...now, I hardly touch the four bangers ! The switch was relatively quick and painless, but playing a four messes me up now!! Beware !!

[Brae006]

I have both basses. Started with the L2000 Tribute and liked it enough that when a year-old L2500 Tribute turned up on Craigslist I bought that one too.

For the music my band is currently playing I actually find the five-string often allows a tighter fingering.

I agree with the last poster, switching back and forth gets confusing. I was going to use the four-string at home and gig with the five-string. But once I am comfortable with a fingering that uses the B-string going back to the four doesn't work.