Help choosing between USA and Tribute G&L

brucehum · #1 12-23-2008, 10:27 AM

Hello all,

I'm thinking about getting a G&L. Almost surely the 2000.

I read that the difference between the Tribute and USA is mainly:
*USA are hand made, Tribute are more industrial.
*USA finishes are better. Even so, Tribute finishes are great.
*USA woods are better.

But they are almost the same in:
*USA and Tribute hardware is the same.
*Tone is the same.

(note: maybe some of the points are wrong, please enlighten me.)

So, basically, it seems any G&L is a great bass!!!

I'm in Europe, and it is much easier to get the Tribute than the USA. Even in online shops, they usually have 1 or 2 USA, and a nice wide selection of Tributes.

For the price of an USA G&L 2000, I could get a Tribute 2000, a Tribute 2500 AND an ASAT Tribute!!

fearceol · #2 12-23-2008, 11:40 AM

The points of similarity/difference you quote above are correct. Another thing to note is that the Tribs come in only one neck size (1.75" at nut ), while you have a choice of neck sizes with the USA G&L. I don't own a USA model, but I have two Tribs (L2000 and JB2 ). The p/ups and electronics on the Tribs are the same as the USA's

Bottom line IMO : If you can afford the USA then go for it ! Having said that, if you opt for the Trib. you definitely wont be disappointed.

I'm also in Europe and I find that ebay always have a fairly good selection of USA G&L's.

T'CharleS · #3 12-23-2008, 11:59 AM

You can find those Japanese ASAT tributes in Europe ??

Where? I'm dying to get me a slim-neck 2K tribute !

Pretty please...

Ken Baker · #4 12-23-2008, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brucehum

But they are almost the same in:
*USA and Tribute hardware is the same.
*Tone is the same.

I believe they may have standardized the bridge, but all other hardware is actually different.

On the electronics side, the pickups are the same but everything else is different. Functionally, however, the electronics are the same.

The tone will be essentially the same, allowing for wood density and resonance differences.

Ken...

brucehum · #5 12-23-2008, 03:07 PM

About the ASAT Tribute: my mistake, I thought it was a tribute, but it is the USA ASAT (musik-productiv). Sorry.

wyleeboxer · #6 12-23-2008, 03:45 PM

Ive been doing some comparisons between my USA L2000 and Trib L2000. The Trib is actually lighter but has the wider neck, no big.. but the sound from the USA just has a certain special quality or something that I cant put a finger on, just fuller and more alive. The pups are the same, but the pre and electronics are not and do not have the quality feel toggles, pots, etc.. either, of course spliting hairs here. The Tribs are great and if it wasnt my back up it would be my main axe!

DavePlaysBass · #7 12-23-2008, 08:28 PM

I helped a bass playing buddy find his way over to G&L. He played my Tribute L2K for a month and decided to buy himself a new Tribute L2.5K. I just played it over the weekend. It plays and feels better than either of the US G&Ls I have owned. It really go me Jones-in for another L2500.

bhen · #8 12-24-2008, 03:19 AM

I used to live quite near you, in Barcelona, and know how ridiculously high the list prices in Spain are. Due to the high prices I couldn't find a single G&L bass in any of the dozen or so music shops I went to!

The prices are slightly better in Germany, and I saw a very nice USA L-2000 here in Munich a few weeks ago. I think it was around 1200.- euros. Flights to Munich can be had quite cheap (Condor etc.), and it's always worth a visit...

Also, you can check German eBay (ebay.de) where there are great deals from time to time. A very nice USA JB-2 went for 630.- and an older USA L-2000 for 590.- in recent weeks. I tried to sell my 2008 USA SB-2 on there with a Buy-it-now price of 945.- a few weeks ago and failed. I'd be happy to ship this to Spain and could make you a great TB-only deal if you're interested.

johnnyz · #9 12-24-2008, 09:22 AM

One other factor you might consider is resale value. The USA models hold or have an increase in value and are a better investment.

prsbass · #10 12-24-2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyz

One other factor you might consider is resale value. The USA models hold or have an increase in value and are a better investment.

I was going to say the same thing. So +1

joyboy52 · #11 12-24-2008, 07:28 PM

I am a fortunate owner of 2 beautiful US made G&L Basses, an ASAT and a 1505. I also have a newer Tribute L2500. I can't keep my hands off the Tribute. Out of town, so can't post pics, Ken.

OtterOnBass · #12 12-24-2008, 08:31 PM

When I bought my tribute I played a US and a tribute model in the store and thought the US sounded better. Then I found out it was because the store's tribute was a basswood version (the black paint model), not the swamp ash like the US version. I ended up finding a clearance sale I couldn't resist and have been satisfied with the swamp ash tribute. When I bought my G&L (korean era tribute) the electronics were the same as the US version, but you'll have to check the website to see if this has changed. The tuners seem lighter-weight than the US model, but if I don't bump them in the bag they stay in tune.

DavePlaysBass · #13 12-24-2008, 10:51 PM

The Tributes are shielded and the pickups are grounded. I am not sure if they are doing that with the recent US models. The older ones where not shielded or grounded.

brucehum · #14 12-25-2008, 11:29 AM

Nice info all, thanks.

I contacted my local shop, and they said they didn't have G&Ls because even if they are great guitars and basses, they don't sell. But, thus said, they are bringing in some G&Ls from USA february or march.

They'll be more expensive than online, but as I see it, if I get one of them from the shop, I'll be helping G&L a bit here in Barcelona, and of course, also a local shop vs a super mall store online.