G&L glory years?

[mntngrown]

Hi, I own 1 G&L, (early 2000's JB-2), and will pick up my 2nd , (90's L-2000), tomorrow. I have not noticed any preference on the G&L forum for specific years of production. As a dumb kid I sold 50's P-bass and 60's J-bass, but don't see any such
preference for G&L, except for out of production models. Has quality control been consistent to this day? Or is a 90's L-2000 better than a brand spankin new one from Musicians Friend? Thanks

[lmfreeman9]

Don't shoot me, but IMHO, I prefer the vintage ones. (I also prefer vintage basses in general) But, at least to me the pre '85 or so SB-2's, L-1000's and L-2000's I have played have a much warmer, thicker tone and that is what I like.

I have 2 - '83 SB-2's - which have 2 single coil pickups like a jazz bass and no pickguard and are much underrated. (I recently a/b'd one with a '79 Fender Jazz and it compared well.) I also have an '81 L-2000 which is BOSS. They are great values and great basses.
On the rare occasion I find new G&L's in a shop. (This weekend was such an occasion) I play them all and do like them better than almost every other new bass on the market. But I am dissappointed by the tone which is too bright for me. Maybe I should try them with flats.

Also, I like the idea that Leo Fender made these instruments. I once called the factory for a $2 battery cover in the mid '80's and the man himself answered the phone, with the humility of a clerk. I also much prefer the original lawsuit headstock.

[skortch]

Originally Posted by lmfreeman9

Also, I like the idea that Leo Fender made these instruments. I once called the factory for a $2 battery cover in the mid '80's and the man himself answered the phone, with the humility of a clerk. I also much prefer the original lawsuit headstock.

Wow, that would have been incredible to talk to Leo himself!

I really love my new MIA L2500. With my old basses I found I needed to keep putting on fresh strings to get the presence I wanted, whereas the G&L is almost too bright and alive sounding. I think as the strings wear out some more I might like it even better, or maybe I'll try some flats next.

I too really like the lawsuit headstock of the early basses. I think I'll have to pick one up off of Ebay some day to experience one of the classics - if they sound even better than my current bass I'll be amazed. Wish I could find a used one locally but they aren't very plentiful around here...

[Jimtoonz]

I really like the six-bolt construction of the later models. My L-2500s both feel solid enough that you would think you could use them as sledgehammers.

[TomB]

I have a 1980 L-1000 #B001397, as well as a 2001 JB-2, #CLF24537. One of the very cool things I believe about G&L is that their quality has not declined at all over the years. The new ones I see have the same super qualities I first fell in love with in 1980, and they have not tinkered with a successful design from year to year either. I don't think my early one is better in any respect except how the tone has mellowed and deepened over the years... and that I'm sure is a function of time. They were, and are, great quality instruments, IMO.

[mntngrown]

Thanks for the opinions guys. Tom my Jb-2 is CLF21742, I think. super light and fast. My old ham hands are not quite right for it though. My new used L-2000 is about a 94-95 and I was surprised at the weight difference. What a beast, but it plays great and has kick a__ tone varieties. It's clear finish and probably swamp ash so heavier than the alder JB-2. I grew up in the 60's playing Mr. Fender's guitars and basses, and these are the best IMHO.

[4Mal]

IMO - the G&L factories are putting out some of the best production basses out there today. The originals were hit and miss. Lot's and lot's of good ones no doubt but there were some dog's too. Tonally I don't see a lot of difference in passive mode when comparing circuit to circuit. The new basses are darned good IMO.

I would consider G&L's 'glory years' to be forthcoming - they've never achieve the kind of market success they deserve.

[heymelbs]

IMO, I'm not so sure that G&L is the best marketing name. Name recognition is key in any many industries and IMO (again) G&L is hard to remember. Love my L2000 - that's for sure!!!

[sunbeast]

I think there is a certain "worn-in" comfort that old G&Ls and vintage instruments will have in general. As far as noticeable differences- the vintage ones had top-loaded controls rather than rear-loaded, lawsuit Fender-ish headstock vs. the eye-gouger, sticky gloss-finished necks vs. satin (I had my '82 L2Ke neck sanded down and oiled pretty soon after buying it), some now-unavailable (or scarcely available) different woods- Mahogany, Maple, Poplar bodies and Ebony fretboards, very unpredictable neck profiles- I've played some vintage G&Ls with baseball bat type necks and some with skinny fast necks- try before you buy! The older vintage had traditionally loaded truss rod cavities vs. the later Bi-cut necks (and whatever they use now!), older pickups (at least as far as L2000s) seem to be a little darker sounding, as do the older preamps.
I'd say that newer ones are great in the sense that they are FAIRLY consistent sound and playability wise, but I'd still take the right vintage one anyday cause it just feels "right"! (emphasis on "the right vintage one"- there are duds to be had, for sure!)

Karl

[mntngrown]

Thanks for sharing your experience Karl et al.