L-1000 vs. L-1500

TheMightyQuinn · #1 07-11-2006, 12:21 AM

I'm very interested in getting a G&L in the near future (probably used). I like the single MFD pickup basses, but I would like to know from all the gleeks out there: What is the difference in sound between an L-1000 and an L-1500?

Also, I've heard cases of the necks on older L-1000s warping. Is this something I should be wary of?

Marcy · #2 07-11-2006, 08:11 AM

Can't give you any ideas on the sound difference, but I can answer the neck issue.
As I understand it, the old L-1000s (81 and 82, differentiated by the "Fender lawsuit" headstock, which was switched to the "nipple" headstock" in later years; these basses also had a "skunk stripe" down the back of the neck) were made with a single truss rod, and some people reported probs with warping. In 83, when they changed the headstock, they went to a dual truss rod neck, and were much more stable.
That being said, I have two 81's with no neck probs. I figure at this point, they're not likely to develop them.

TheMightyQuinn · #3 07-11-2006, 10:54 AM

Thanks for the reply! I think I'll keep my eyes open for a post-'82 L-1000. One more question arises: What year did they stop putting control plates on L-1000s? I ask this because...well, I just think they look cool

If I get a later L-1000 with a double truss rod neck, am I going to have to sacrifice the mojo of a control plate?

spideyjg · #4 07-11-2006, 11:02 AM

There is no double truss rod G&L. The post skunk strip are the Bi-cut necks.

If the neck is still stable you are fine. However 25 years of poor treatment is going to jack up any neck.

Jim

TheMightyQuinn · #5 07-11-2006, 11:42 AM

Gotcha. So if I come across an L-1000 and the neck/truss rod seems to be in good shape I shouldn't run across any problems in the future? I'm glad to hear this...I've always thought L-1000s exuded a certain mojo that other G&Ls dont.

Marcy · #6 07-11-2006, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

There is no double truss rod G&L. The post skunk strip are the Bi-cut necks.

If the neck is still stable you are fine. However 25 years of poor treatment is going to jack up any neck.

Jim

Thanks for the correction :-). I tried to imply in my post that I wasn't sure how accurate I was (must've either read it wrong back when I was doing research, or maybe just remembered it wrong).
And I agree. If the neck is still stable after 25 years (like my basses), I don't see why one would suddenly decide to warp just because it is now in your hands. Just make sure you look at the neck before buying!

Mighty Quinn, if you are looking for a bass with a lot of growl, and I guess "mojo" is the right word, I don't think you will be disappointed in an L-1000.