I'd appreciate some help choosing a G&L Tribute bass...

Torhaa · #1 02-19-2008, 04:41 PM

I've been trying to read me up on everything I can on the Tributes on this forum, but I can't seem to find specific answers on my questions... Thought I'd be better off starting a thread about it..

I play the guitar, but I have been intrigued by owning a bass as of lately.. I really like the warm and deep but defined bass tones that Stefan Lessard from the Dave Matthews Band and Adam Clayton (especially on U2's 'Pop') achieve. However I would love to be able to try my hand at slapping so it would be nice to have something that wouldn't be too bad for that either..

I've been eyeing the L-2000, but perhaps the JB-2 could fit the bill..? Any thoughts on this is greatly appreciated.

The following questions are some of the side on this topic, so it might be I'll make another thread(s) on that.. Anyway..

For simplicity, economical considerations and portability, I've been thinking about using a POD (e.g. a guitar POD with the Bass expansion pack). I don't think I'll tweak much on it. I am mainly after something to shape the basic bass sound that can go straight into a PA. I might be using the on-board compressor too. I don't think I'll be using fuzzes and delays and such.. But it looks simple and neat, and if it's all right to dial in a couple of good tones in it, it would perhaps be perfect.

Also, I am not so educated on flats and roundwounds strings. Are flats easier on the fingers? Based on the sonical territory I'm looking for, what would you recommend?

Thanks all for your time.

plankspanker13 · #2 02-19-2008, 06:32 PM

A JB-2 or SB-2 with flats (yes, they are easier on the fingers) ought to meet your needs easily enough. If you become more of a tone fiend, or choose bass as the primary instrument, then the L2000 might be worth considering. I would steer you towards the JB-2 even further, since it has intuitive vol/vol/tone controls. The SB-2 has a pair of volume pots, with no tone knob, and might not be as intuitive for a self-professed non-bassist to tweak the tones on.

4Mal · #3 02-19-2008, 07:59 PM

... a couple of thoughts.

1. Ping TB user Mytola. Henrik is in Norway and has a Tribute L2000 and I think maybe another Tribute - not sure about the second.

2. Slap wants round wounds. Most music doen't want slap however... G&L's seem to love Thomastic Infeld Super Alloy's (round wounds) and Jazz Flats (uh, flat wounds - Hey it's Mr Obvious!)

In my stable 3 out of 4 basses are equipped with Super Alloys, the fourth has Jazz Flats.

3. Adam Clayton plays a J or a Lakland J copy...

4. The L2000 is one of the most flexible basses on the planet. If I were picking the Desert Island 4 string - it would be an L2000 (and of course the generator to allow me to plug it in and make some noise.)

If you're aiming at 1 bass - the L2K would be it. If you see a stable, developing, then maybe a J copy and an SB-2 and an L2K ... might as well just start with the L2K and see what happens.

JMDT · #4 02-19-2008, 09:44 PM

Torhaa · #5 02-20-2008, 03:09 PM

Thanks for your replies..

I see you, plankspanker and 4Mal, have two different approaches (or that's what I indirectly interpret), recommending either the JB-2 or the L-2000 as the first bass.. Should I understand this such that this is really a choice of subtle differences, considering my wishes for the bass? Or are there major differences between the two that would affect my wants..?

p0k · #6 02-20-2008, 04:13 PM

if you want a jazzz bass get the JB-2...if you want more versatility, get the L-2000

plankspanker13 · #7 02-20-2008, 05:48 PM

My advice was based on the statement that the thread-starter is a guitarrist first and foremost. For those who do not see bass as a primary instrument, then a passive axe is the likely way to go. 4mal offers equally valid advice, but from a different perspective more akin to bass being the primary instrument that you play.

Nedmundo · #8 02-20-2008, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torhaa

Thanks for your replies..

I see you, plankspanker and 4Mal, have two different approaches (or that's what I indirectly interpret), recommending either the JB-2 or the L-2000 as the first bass.. Should I understand this such that this is really a choice of subtle differences, considering my wishes for the bass? Or are there major differences between the two that would affect my wants..?

I don't think the differences are subtle. The L-2000's MFD humbuckers sound very different from J-type single coil pickups. They have more output, and a fatter sound overall, but of course the L-2000's controls allow lots of tone sculpting.

Personally, I'd start with a J-bass like the JB-2. The L-2000 is more versatile and I love MFD humbuckers, but for me a J-bass tone in the arsenal is essential -- perhaps the most essential of all. It always works, so why not start there? In fact, that's largely why, for my first five string bass, I ordered a new Fender American Standard Jazz V this week.

And if you're into Adam Clayton's tone, J-bass is the way to go. The early stuff was recorded with Precisions, but he's been more into J-basses for quite awhile. I don't know what he was playing on the Pop Mart tour though.

Torhaa · #9 02-21-2008, 08:36 AM

All right, thanks all for your input! I appreciate that. I'll chew a bit more on this, but you're input certainly helps.

**Chef** · #10 02-21-2008, 08:49 AM

Craigb has a very nice JB2 Tribute for sale right now, for cheeep!

Mytola · #11 02-21-2008, 03:38 PM

As 4Mal said, I'm located in Norway, and I own both a Tribute L2000 (which happens to be for sale) and a L2500. If you live near Tønsberg, you are more than welcome to have a try at either one of them.

They are great basses with loads of tonal options. I have found exactly what I need in them, and I'm getting rid of everything but my L2500. Then, I'm going to get a L2500 Fretless as well. That should do it. I really wish I had something like this when I started playing, they are extremely well built, and a better bass for the money is impossible to find.

Torhaa · #12 02-22-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mytola

As 4Mal said, I'm located in Norway, and I own both a Tribute L2000 (which happens to be for sale) and a L2500. If you live near Tønsberg, you are more than welcome to have a try at either one of them.

They are great basses with loads of tonal options. I have found exactly what I need in them, and I'm getting rid of everything but my L2500. Then, I'm going to get a L2500 Fretless as well. That should do it. I really wish I had something like this when I started playing, they are extremely well built, and a better bass for the money is impossible to find.

Thanks for the offer, unfortunately I'm not anywhere near Tønsberg. I'm Torh from GN, by the way; I would have liked to PM you with reference to this very thread, but I have asked you some other questions about the L-2000 on the GN forum before, and I didn't want to be 'the one asking loads of questions to one person'.

The JB-2 sure seems very nice, but I think the versatility of the L-2000 might just be my ticket..

Mytola · #13 02-23-2008, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torhaa

Thanks for the offer, unfortunately I'm not anywhere near Tønsberg. I'm Torh from GN, by the way; I would have liked to PM you with reference to this very thread, but I have asked you some other questions about the L-2000 on the GN forum before, and I didn't want to be 'the one asking loads of questions to one person'.

The JB-2 sure seems very nice, but I think the versatility of the L-2000 might just be my ticket..

I thought you might be on GN as well, yeah.

I would really like to try the JB-2 myself someday. Too bad there aren't a lot of them over here. They don't make a 5-string JB-2 either.

Torhaa · #14 02-23-2008, 02:32 AM

Yeah.. Well, someone has to get up and compete with the Fender Jazz Vs. Might as well be G&L.

DavePlaysBass · #15 02-23-2008, 06:34 AM

It is very easy to add a 3-way switch to a L-2000 and get a single coil option. 15 minutes with a soldering iron and all is well. Info up top.

Daniel Trolie · #16 02-23-2008, 07:22 AM

Where in Norway do you live Torhaa?

Torhaa · #17 02-23-2008, 08:21 AM

Dave: good to know that is an easy mod.

Daniel: I live in Gjøvik.

rok51 · #18 02-24-2008, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

It is very easy to add a 3-way switch to a L-2000 and get a single coil option. 15 minutes with a soldering iron and all is well. Info up top.

Dave, I looked at the sticky on the mod, but wasn't clear on whether or not dual coil functioning remains. I don't anticipate needing the phase switch on my yet-to-arrive Tribby L2K, but having a single coil option...or two, actually, would be great.

Thanks!

Kim

francisl2500 · #19 02-25-2008, 12:33 PM

my vote?....... L2k or L2.5K...you could cut any gig with these tools Great sound for many music style even if you modify the serie/parallel switch..........only enjoy and heard the results

idoru · #20 03-11-2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

It is very easy to add a 3-way switch to a L-2000 and get a single coil option. 15 minutes with a soldering iron and all is well. Info up top.

Dang. I better move on that one I'm watching on eBay. I'm getting pretty handy with a soldering iron these days