G&L Tribute L-2500 Pots and switch issues

[dbillow]

I just bought a Trib L-2500 and the pots and I think the active/passive/boost switch is bad. The bass pot especially is toast, so I ordered the new Tribute series pots from G&L. I have two questions:
1.) does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom before I get the soldering iron out for replacing the POTs?
2.) the Active/Passive switch is supposed to have three settings but only the first two seem to work. The third setting for "boost" seems to have no effect. On my other Tribute L-2000 you can tell a difference in this setting. Anyone have a suggestion for fixing this? I ordered the three position replacement switch as well for Tribs.

Thanks

[Ken Baker]

Originally Posted by dbillow

I just bought a Trib L-2500 and the pots and I think the active/passive/boost switch is bad. The bass pot especially is toast, so I ordered the new Tribute series pots from G&L. I have two questions:
1.) does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom before I get the soldering iron out for replacing the POTs?

Make pencil notes. Draw pictures. It's really busy in the cavity, so don't trust your memory unless it's photographic.

2.) the Active/Passive switch is supposed to have three settings but only the first two seem to work. The third setting for "boost" seems to have no effect. On my other Tribute L-2000 you can tell a difference in this setting. Anyone have a suggestion for fixing this? I ordered the three position replacement switch as well for Tribs.

Replace it - it might be bad.

Note; and it's really important: I have an L-2000 wiring diagram floating around the net. It's probably here too. It is from a late-model USA L-2000. It has never been proofed against any of the imported L series basses. While the circuit in that drawing is probably similar to the Tribute circuit, it is NOT to be trusted for that bass! If you have this drawwing and are considering using it for your project, please don't. Just make your own notes.

Thanks!

Ken...

[dbillow]

Thanks Ken. I did see a wiring diagram and printed it, not sure if it was yours but will take your advice and map out the wiring on paper that is in this bass now.

[sailri]

I'd like to do a follow up - my L-2000 Tribute has similar issues. Louder in passive mode than either active mode.

1. On the G&L site, they say the replacement pots for the US Models are:
"Potentiometers for US Made G&L instruments with solid shafts are used with knurled metal knobs, such as used on S-500 and all ASAT guitars and all active basses such as L-2000. All solid shaft pots are original CTS brand. Select from the resistance values below. If you're not sure which you need, see the rear of the pot you want to replace to find the value printed or stamped there."

2. The replacements for the Tributes are:
"Mighty Might brand Long Split-Shaft potentiometer for G&L Tribute L2000 and L2500 model basses. Select from the resistance values below. If you're not sure which you need, see the rear of the pot you want to replace to find the value printed or stamped there. For Tribute models only. Not for USA made instruments."

If I'm replacing the pots on a Tribute - should I consider an "upgrade" to the CTS models?
I'm sure I'd need new knobs, but are there are any other considerations?
Is it worth it?
Are both common enough that I should just have the local luthier put in what he'd recommend?

[Ken Baker]

Originally Posted by sailri

I'd like to do a follow up - my L-2000 Tribute has similar issues. Louder in passive mode than either active mode.

Check the battery and its connections (including the jack, which is the switch). Might also be a problem with the preamp itself. Let me know if it turns out there's a problem with the jack.

If I'm replacing the pots on a Tribute - should I consider an "upgrade" to the CTS models?

I don't think I'd go to the trouble or expense. The values are the same, it's just that the knobs are different and you'd have to buy the USA knobs.

I'm sure I'd need new knobs, but are there are any other considerations?
Is it worth it?

You would indeed need the USA knobs. I can't think of any other "gotchas". Worth it? IMHO, no.

Are both common enough that I should just have the local luthier put in what he'd recommend?

As far as the pots go, the volume and treble are common to the electric guitar/bass field. The bass pot is less so. If you want to have your luthier do the work, it would probably be a good idea to supply him/her with the parts needed.

Ken...

[sailri]

I'll be purchasing the Mighty Might pots for the Tribute from G&L too, like the original poster did.

What a great forum!

Bill

[dbillow]

I tried to attach a wiring "diagram" - not a schematic - that the G&L support tech sent me. Very helpful but does anyone know where to buy these capacitors? I can't find the right ones yet and am concerned I will damage the originals in the bass now. Thanks

[Ken Baker]

Look for a good electronics shop that carries NTE components. Radio Shack doesn't count.

Ken...