How well does G&L work with rock music?

(b)Assman · #1 07-13-2008, 01:51 PM

I've got a Schecter Omen 4 string but am not satisfied with the soapbars and I need to upgrade anyways. Wanting to get a G&L Tribute L-2000 and have been shopping around for new basses for months now and that's what I've narrowed it down to.

So my question is, does it sound alright with rock music? I'm not playing jazz, slap, funk etc etc. I use a lot of effects as well.

Thanks

Ken Baker · #2 07-13-2008, 02:32 PM

An L-2000 will do anything you want, from soft & sweet acoustic backing to biting off the heads in the front row. It's an incredibly versatile instrument. Just don't expect it to cop a P or J - that ain't gonna happen.

Ken...

(b)Assman · #3 07-13-2008, 05:50 PM

Hrmm if the sound can't be described as a P or J then how would you describe it? :P

Forgive my ignorance

cbass1 · #4 07-13-2008, 06:05 PM

this is my l2k straight to the board, I think it sounds great in a rock setting,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYhudJ3tUQk

(b)Assman · #5 07-13-2008, 06:17 PM

you meant to post a beer commercial right?

sunbeast · #6 07-13-2008, 06:38 PM

I think the L2000 sounds are ideal for rock. It has a really thick and punchy sound that cuts through a mix like nothing else I've ever owned. Most basses I've owned in the past could either do thick or cutting really well, but the L2000 really owns on both fronts to my ears!

Karl

lovenotfear · #7 07-13-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunbeast

I think the L2000 sounds are ideal for rock. It has a really thick and punchy sound that cuts through a mix like nothing else I've ever owned. Most basses I've owned in the past could either do thick or cutting really well, but the L2000 really owns on both fronts to my ears!

Karl

it kills at rock, easily one of the best basses for rock you can get

*smb · #8 07-13-2008, 07:19 PM

The bassist from Fu Manchu has used them on their recent albums - give their songs a listen. They have great tone.

wld3 · #9 07-13-2008, 07:25 PM

FWIW: Staind bassist Johnny April plays G&L. link

Spiritfield · #10 07-13-2008, 07:32 PM

G&L's won't work for rock.....

Ken Baker · #11 07-13-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (b)Assman

Hrmm if the sound can't be described as a P or J then how would you describe it? :P

Forgive my ignorance

Not to come off as flip, but it sounds like an L-2000. They really have their own voice that is unlike anything else except possible a Sterling, which is similar sounding.

Play one and you'll know.

Ken...

(b)Assman · #12 07-13-2008, 08:39 PM

well there's no testing for this I gotta order one online :P

1 shot one kill

cbass1 · #13 07-13-2008, 09:37 PM

yeah it is a commercial we did a few months back.

metron · #14 07-14-2008, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (b)Assman

So my question is, does it sound alright with rock music? I'm not playing jazz, slap, funk etc etc. I use a lot of effects as well.

In one word: yes. In three words: it sure will.

Only thing to watch out for is that G&Ls typically have a lot of output. If you are not used to that then you may overdrive the inputs of your effects. Just use the volume knob if it is an issue. I never play my G&Ls turned all the way up, just dont need to.

Nedmundo · #15 07-14-2008, 06:24 AM

I think all G&L basses with MFD pickups are killer for rock, and IMO the L-series basses are a good choice for anyone who uses lots of effects. The hot, clear, full-range humbucking signal is ideal for that purpose. My L-1500 became my primary stage bass in my last band partly for that reason.

AlEebee · #16 07-17-2008, 03:40 PM

I have an old 4+1 L2500 and for classic rock it is great. Good solid bass tone with a nice bite on tap. Sits in the mix at gigs brilliantly

KsPiNeSh · #17 07-17-2008, 03:51 PM

I play in a metal/prog project and a hard rock project and my L-2000 kills in both. My tone is very snappy and pairs nicely with my Warwick.

lug · #18 07-18-2008, 08:22 AM

My take on the L2000 is that it's very agressive by nature and you have to play with it to calm it down. I think it and the Stingray, though a bit different in sound, are 2 of the best "rock" basses around.

lovenotfear · #19 07-18-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lug

My take on the L2000 is that it's very agressive by nature and you have to play with it to calm it down. I think it and the Stingray, though a bit different in sound, are 2 of the best "rock" basses around.

what i did to tame mine just slightly was lower the pickups, i twisted eack screw 4 turns down on the pickups, put dr low riders on it, and i noticed the volume on the g string was a little low, so i got an alan wrench and raised the pole pices for the g string, 4 pole's in total becuse it is a humbucker, i raised them just a little over half a turn, and now it sounds even more smoother, and or growly, but with less peaking of the signal esp. when in series mode, i hope this helps i just took off the stock ghs strings last night, and put on the dr low riders, and those strings raised it to a whole new level in clairity, and even though the b string was tight, it got even tighter with the dr strings, i got piano clarity now, and if it buzzes with the new strings, just raise the sadles slightly, till the buzz goes away, every time your raise a saddle play each fret on that string going up the whole neck and if every fret does not buzz, you are in buisness.

Nedmundo · #20 07-18-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovenotfear

what i did to tame mine just slightly was lower the pickups, i twisted eack screw 4 turns down on the pickups, put dr low riders on it, and i noticed the volume on the g string was a little low, so i got an alan wrench and raised the pole pices for the g string, 4 pole's in total becuse it is a humbucker, i raised them just a little over half a turn, and now it sounds even more smoother, and or growly, but with less peaking of the signal esp. when in series mode, i hope this helps i just took off the stock ghs strings last night, and put on the dr low riders, and those strings raised it to a whole new level in clairity, and even though the b string was tight, it got even tighter with the dr strings, i got piano clarity now, and if it buzzes with the new strings, just raise the sadles slightly, till the buzz goes away, every time your raise a saddle play each fret on that string going up the whole neck and if every fret does not buzz, you are in buisness.

I just did the same string swap on my L-1500, dumping the Boomers and installing Lo-Riders. Man, what a difference! They are just excellent on this bass. They bring out the clarity and growl of the MFD, but aren't harsh at all. And the lower tension makes playing easier too. (I had to get used to it though.) I can't wait to try a set on my SB-2.

Also, you make good points about adjusting the MFD's properly. I've spent lots of time adjusting the pickup height and polepieces for proper balance, and I adjusted the poles under the D and A strings when I switched to the Lo-Riders.