G&L 5 string?

LAG · #1 08-07-2007, 05:19 PM

First off, I dig jazz basses.

I would like to try a 5 string G&L or a Tribute bass because I have never played one and am intrigued.

So, is there a 5 string G&L bass that could give me a passive jazz tone?

Assumer · #2 08-07-2007, 09:24 PM

I have always wished they would do a 5 string version of the JB2

LAG · #3 08-08-2007, 06:45 PM

Soooo, I guess the answer is no. No can do?

fourstringbliss · #4 08-11-2007, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAG

First off, I dig jazz basses.

I would like to try a 5 string G&L or a Tribute bass because I have never played one and am intrigued.

So, is there a 5 string G&L bass that could give me a passive jazz tone?

Not really if left stock. The MFD humbuckers on the L2000 and L2500 have more of a midrange focus than Jazz pickups and the sound is going to be thicker because of their design and the fact that they're humbuckers.

However...

I replaced the two-way parallel/series switch with a three-way outer coils/parallel/inner coils switch and the outer coils do sound a lot like a 70's Jazz. When I scoop the EQ on my amp I get a very nice round bass sound. I never really used the series setting and now I have a LOT more tonal variety available. It was a pretty easy wiring job and cost me about $30.

Sometime next month I'm going to be replacing the controls/preamp with an Audere 3ZB preamp which will give me even more tonal options.

DavePlaysBass · #5 08-11-2007, 09:57 PM

If you like jazz basses, you should try a G&L in parallel. It is not a jazz bass, but it can get you in the vintage jazz ball park in a mix pretty well. And you will have nice bottom and cut that can be lacking on a jazz.

There is a simple modification where you replace the two way series / parallel switch with a 3-way switch that gets you coil taps or single coil options. It is in the how to area. It is not exactly a jazz bass but once again is in the ball park. The G&Ls have more muscle and great cut with a vintage Fender like vibe.

I love jazz basses too and my first fiver was a G&L. I sold it to get a Sadowsky which is a fantastic instrument but a G&L Tribute L-2500 is great 5-string for the money.

Dave