L1000 value.

felixxx · #1 08-28-2008, 09:20 PM

There is a 1981 fretless L1000 for sale.

I don't know much about those, although it seems that people that do know seem to like them.

Few questions. Are they passive only and what is approximate value for a bass that old with a wear you would expect for 27 years of use.

Thanks

dogbass · #2 08-28-2008, 10:14 PM

L1000 is a passive bass. But don't let that scare you. The output on these things is amazing. I'm seeing fair (reasonable wear for 27 years) condition L1000 going for over $700....maybe as high as $900....they seem to be gradually appreciating.

duke12 · #3 08-29-2008, 08:12 AM

I see L-1000 prices all over the map. Some as low as $600-650, some up over a grand. A fretless will generally go for less. The condition on those early ones is a huge factor as is the body woods. The mahogany ones with ebony boards seem to go for the highest prices. They also used ash and sometimes even maple on the early ones.

**Chef** · #4 08-29-2008, 09:51 AM

concur: L1000 prices vary a lot.
seems like moreso lately.

DuoSonicII · #5 09-03-2008, 10:14 AM

I landed my L-1000 for just under $500 early this year. It's candy apple red with a rosewood fretboard. It has its share of cosmetic flaws, but it's all original, plays great, and sounds like a dream.

There are still some relative bargains to be had...but yeah, a lot of them are now going in the $700-$900 range.

AN0INTD · #6 09-04-2008, 01:08 PM

I have an '84 fretless with ASH body, and must chime in to say that this is one sick bass! If you have the chance to pick one up for a reasonable price, I say DO IT! Even though it has only one pickup, there are tons of useable tones and the feel is very comfortable.

**Chef** · #7 09-04-2008, 01:37 PM

A modified to freltess L1000 closed on ebay last night for $434...I missed it, lost track and forgot to bid.

Someone got a sweet deal; anyone here?

Scott Inglis · #8 09-08-2008, 11:47 AM

I have a 1980 G&L L-1000 and have a few questions. First:How many L-1000's were made in the first year and how many overall?
Second: I was told that the Bass serial numbers started at 500. Is this true? Mine is B001211.
Third:My L-1000 has an ebony fretboard is this common or un common?
Fourth: My body (natural finnish) is made of Ash. Does this give better sustain.

Thanks.

GGJaguar · #9 09-08-2008, 01:11 PM

First:How many L-1000's were made in the first year and how many overall?

Nobody knows, but I'm working on it.

Second: I was told that the Bass serial numbers started at 500. Is this true? Mine is B001211.

Yes. Be aware that the serial numbers were used haphazardly, not sequentially, so your bass isn't the 711th one made.

Third:My L-1000 has an ebony fretboard is this common or un common?

Common for 1980. Ebony and maple were used roughly 50/50. Rosewood fretboards were rather uncommon in 1980.

Fourth: My body (natural finish) is made of Ash. Does this give better sustain.

Not necessarily. It depends on the piece of wood. However, I've never found any G&L bass to be lacking in sustain which is mainly due to the massive Locktight (now called SaddleLock) bridge. In fact, I often have to use a little palm mute because my G&L basses sustain almost "too" good.

Hope this helps,

GG