Just started using my new (used) L2500. Questions about p/u output.

whacker · #1 11-18-2007, 06:43 PM

After buying an L2500 used, then taking it to a shop to get the frets levelled and a few other things, I used it on a gig for the first time over the weekend.

I was aware that these MFD pickups were loud, but my golly gosh! I have my amp gain settings at almost half where I had them with my EBMM SR5! And I'll have to re-do the patches on my Zoom B2 that have compression or other gain activated features, such as envelope filter, because the bass hits it with such a larger signal that the effect just clamps down and turns the output almost to nothing.

Is this what other players of these models have found? I'm not complaining by any stretch, just curious about how it affected you the first time you may have ran across this. It's great for your signal to noise ratio, that's for sure!

Nikoubis · #2 11-19-2007, 01:37 AM

My first reaction to the L-2500's MFDs: ZOMGWTFTHISTHINGSOUNDSSOEFFINGBIG!

Then I started playing around with the controls.

The MFDs' outout has completely changed the way I deal with gain and EQ settings on any rig.

Nedmundo · #3 11-19-2007, 09:32 AM

Yeah, when I started using my L-1500, I had to lower the pickup and adjust input gain on my head, Tascam Bass Trainer, effects, etc. The massive output needs to be accommodated in the signal chain. The same thing happened when I installed a DiMarzio Model P in my Precision. It's the only other pickup I've owned that approaches the output of MFD's.

CElton · #4 06-05-2008, 07:45 PM

I just picked up an L2500 Tribute. The output is obviously very hot, but I have a very high pitch noise. I can't find a gain adjustment so I assume there is not one.

What else can I check? It is not as bad in passive mode and when the parallel/series switch is up(Parallel?) it is worse.

The bass is brand new.

Thanks...Chris

pbass2 · #5 06-05-2008, 11:47 PM

I've owned a Trib L2500, and now a US L2500 that I've had for a few years. Went through lots of experiments with strings, settings, etc.
The simple fact of the matter is, these beasts are NOT plug and play by any stretch. Even less so than some fancy wood coffee table basses with loads of knobs. Takes time to find your own sweet spots on these, and string choice REALLY affects it.
The more you use it, the more you will find yourself running your controls lower than you'd ever expect. It's weird at first, but ultimately very cool and flexible. I also took the springs out and lowered my PUs all the way down, and that has added to the flexibility--otherwise, it was just too "too" all the time

spideyjg · #6 06-06-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CElton

I just picked up an L2500 Tribute. The output is obviously very hot, but I have a very high pitch noise. I can't find a gain adjustment so I assume there is not one.

What else can I check? It is not as bad in passive mode and when the parallel/series switch is up(Parallel?) it is worse.

The bass is brand new.

Thanks...Chris

Does the pickup selected make a difference?

Jim

BobaMosfett · #7 06-06-2008, 02:31 AM

It's got a volume knob...

I never use the volume on most basses, but I do on my L2K.

CElton · #8 06-06-2008, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Does the pickup selected make a difference?

Jim

Thanks Jim.
I checked and the pickup selection doesn't make a difference. I actually think it might be more operator related...

at least to some degree. The noise is actually a high pitch ringing like the treble is dimed. Even cutting some treble it's still there but to a lesser degree.

Due to the massive output, I think I just need to mess with the gain stage in my LMII. I am able to dial out the ringing with the VLE(essentially a high cut) but I want some of those frequencies in there.

It is definitely more noticeable when in active mode and especially in Parallel mode which is a bummer because that mode thumps.

I think I just need more time with it and my rig and I can get it dialed in. I'm actually doing a lot of IEM gigs lately so this all might be a moot point anyway. I will find out this weekend. I will run it thru my Ditto and IEM's.

Still a wonderfully looking bass that plays as nice as any I've owned. Definitely able to cop my Stingray tone.

Chris...

cbass1 · #9 06-06-2008, 09:12 AM

you have three options if you are clipping your input:

1. turn the volume knob down
2. pad your input if you preamp has a pad
3. (this was my fix) Since I like the full output from my bass and since the pad on my GK1001rbII was -14db, which when padded was just too much; I bought a Radial bassbone to go in the middle. so now my input is not padded, my bass is all the way up, and the radial's output is adjusted back just enough to keep the input from clipping. the radial is just wonderfully transparent, I keep both preamps totally flat. I run both basses on stage through it so I can make quick switches, it has a DI, and when the boost (mute) is turned down you can do silent tuning when muting the radial.

quickervicar · #10 06-06-2008, 09:21 AM

To put things into perspective: I have to drastically turn UP the gain on my amps when I plug in my Modulus w/ 18V EMG preamp in place of my G&Ls. Even my SB-2 puts out a hotter signal.

tornadobass · #11 06-07-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CElton

I checked and the pickup selection doesn't make a difference. I actually think it might be more operator related...

at least to some degree. The noise is actually a high pitch ringing like the treble is dimed. Even cutting some treble it's still there but to a lesser degree.

Is it possible that you're dealing with "spring ping"? At some production points, the springs beneath the pickups have lacked the piece of damping foam..they actually make a high-pitched noise that gets picked in the overall sound. Move the strap...ping! Flip a switch...ping! Bump the bass around while playing...yup...ping!

When I bought my used L-2500, it had spring ping. I removed the pickups and pushed a small piece of foam inside each one to damp the pinging. Voila! No more spring ping

CElton · #12 06-08-2008, 03:55 PM

I played my new GL2500 Tribby today at a gig with IEM's going thru my GT Tube DI. Sounded spectacular. I really dig playing this thing. Very modern "pianoesqe" tone dialed in. The rest of the guys dug it too.

I worked around the issues with my rig and was able to dial in a very nice tone. I did have to back the gain way down on the LMII and make some other EQ adjustments on both the bass and amp, but I should be OK when it comes to rig time.

The ergonomics are also very appealing to me on this bass. The smaller P body and the neck profile are really nice. I must admit, I am pleasantly surprised with the neck. In reading some comments here on TB, it seems like some love it and others hate it. I love it. The 34" is also a shocker to me. I was one of those that thought it wasn't that big of a difference, but I have changed my mind. I can live with both, but the 34 scale is definitely more comfortable. Guess I didn't know how much I missed it.

Anyway, I guess I'm on the wagon with the rest of you that think this is a great bass at a great price.

Chris...