L2500 Tribute or USA Question

DanoesqBass · #1 01-25-2008, 08:11 AM

I'm shopping and learning about these. I was looking at at Fender Jazz V but thought to look again...

Ok, so the Tributes seem to be around $500 or $600 and the USAs of course are more expensive, maybe twice that price new.

Tributes are now made in Indonesia and are called Tributes, the USAs are just called L2500?

There is a quilt top one up on ebay for $1200 but it doesn't say USA, I assume it is.

And other than money, what have yall seen in the quality trade offs between the two models?

Thanks in advance, everyone's inputs in this thread have made me look at the G&Ls more seriously.

OtterOnBass · #2 01-26-2008, 09:48 PM

G&L Tribute models are copies of the regular versions only made by machines in Asia instead of being made by hand in California. They are factory basses, with a limited number of finishes and options. No quilted tops or anything custom on the tributes.

They are made with the same pick-ups and electronic components as the California models, but the tuners are different and the bridge, though structurally similar, is stamped tribute (on mine at least.) The G&L electronics are great. You can get a wide variety of sounds from them.

There are two tiers of Tributes made from different kinds of wood, the regular (basswood) and premium (swamp ash).

You can find the specs on G&L's web site glguitars.com

Here's my take as a G&L L2500 Tribute owner: I tried both (A-B'ed them) and the Basswood Tribute in the store didn't match up with the California model. I ended up buying a Swamp Ash Tribute for a super price and have been very happy with it. It sounds impressive and plays great. Tribute's are great basses at an incredible price. I bookmarked the sites that sold G&L and waited... one day there was a clearance sale.

DanoesqBass · #3 01-28-2008, 08:38 AM

Thanks Otter, yes, those swamp ash ones are nice, thinkin about that one!

earlgray · #4 01-28-2008, 08:50 AM

I have both a US and Korean (pre-Indonesia) Tribute L-2500s. Both are swamp ash bodies.
There are subtle differences between the two in feel, but from 10 feet away, you can't tell a difference. They sound pretty similar.

You can tell that the tuners, finish, switches are not quite as nice, but they're plenty fine. My wife thinks my tribute's natural gloss finish with maple fretboard is one of my best looking basses. (see the pic)

The Tributes are a great value. Main reason I got a 2nd US model was because its a fretless...again, the options are limited for Tributes, but if what you want is available in the tribute line, you shouldn't worry too much about it.

hth

DanoesqBass · #5 01-30-2008, 09:31 AM

Thanks Earl!

That is pretty much what I wanted to hear, I think it is simple, get a 'Tribute', if it is all that, then some G.A.S. for a USA model would be in order...

DanoesqBass · #6 02-16-2008, 06:32 AM

I am pleased to announce I have officially joined yall.

My USA L2500 (Lite Ash/Blueburst/Rosewood) is in the mail !!!

had to sell a Warwick to make this happen, but wanted a nice 5 stringer and wasn't using the ol' buzzard...

Now I need to join the G&L club.

DanoesqBass · #7 02-23-2008, 08:49 AM

arrived yesterday

as somebody said on here:

"That is the way a bass should sound"

And I would like to add:

"That is the way a Bass should feel/play"

Attachment 82933

mainsail · #8 02-23-2008, 12:46 PM

Congratulations. Your gonna just really luv it the more you play it!

I've had my L2500 since October and it has become my main bass in the praise band. I adapted to the fiver in a week from my L2K. I'm exceptionally pleased with both basses.

Larry

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanoesqBass

arrived yesterday

as somebody said on here:

"That is the way a bass should sound"

And I would like to add:

"That is the way a Bass should feel/play"

Attachment 82933

DanoesqBass · #9 02-23-2008, 04:02 PM

Thanks, I am sure this will be the case, but this brings up a whole new problem, what to do with the rest of the gang, I can easily see my hands not reaching for them as much anymore...

mainsail · #10 02-23-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanoesqBass

Thanks, I am sure this will be the case, but this brings up a whole new problem, what to do with the rest of the gang, I can easily see my hands not reaching for them as much anymore...

Yep, I understand. However, a good guitar is like a good, old friend, "you never lose touch."

Larry