Trib L2000---just not getting the tone I expected

bassybass · #1 10-31-2008, 11:58 PM

Hi,
I have a Trib L2000 over here for a spell, baby sitting it for a pal who's traveling--he said I can set it up/do whatever I want with strings, etc.
There's DR nickel LoRiders on now, pretty new. Pickups rather low, action rather mid-high. This bass just sounds indistinct and murky to me. I'm not getting the clarity or punch I expect. It excels at a big, wide, wooly sound, but that's about it---even parallel, both PUs, it seems . . . .blurry.
Should I raise the PUs? try lighter strings? Any suggestions welcome!

ljazz · #2 11-01-2008, 04:27 AM

I don't like LoRiders on the L2000..... nickel or SS. I put a set of TISA's on, and it made a huge difference. With the LoRiders, I found the low end boomy, and the highs compressed sounding. The TI's tame those qualities.

Raising the pu's just seems like a given to me. Don't be afraid to twist some knobs either..... lots of options there with the L2K.

I've just recently picked mine back up, after failing to get my head and ear around the big sound. I'm glad I did..... we're getting along just fine lately.

Ljazz

Temcat · #3 11-01-2008, 06:42 AM

Try rolling off bass pot slightly. It can do wonders for your tone.

bassybass · #4 11-01-2008, 10:31 AM

Yeah, must be the strings/PU height combo. I can hear all the variations in the bass, but they all sound sort of muted and dull(and the strings ARE pretty new). I'm kinda hoping for a nice pseudo-modern sound for RnB with the two pickups parallel, as I know these basses can do it, among other things!

Kyon` · #5 11-01-2008, 02:13 PM

Peresonally I never liked nickle strings on my l2000. It seems just lacks any true definition like you said. My l2000 can get very punchy though with steel like Hibeams, I personally use TI flats on mine right now though because of the almost out of control growl at times. Just keep playing around, Pickup height on G&L's I've found with mfd can get a bit tricky given how high output these things already are.

1954bassman · #6 11-01-2008, 02:49 PM

I would leave the pickups low. Try rolling vol/tre/bass all back slightly. Run passive (back switch pushed back), run middle switch forward.

lovenotfear · #7 11-01-2008, 03:03 PM

i would try other strings, the low riders made mine sound thuddy, when i changed to dr high beams it fix the problem for me, and i agree with the other guys, roll the volume and bass back a bit, and it may help, this is one bass you should never turn everthing up on, less is more with this thing.

felixxx · #8 11-01-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1954bassman

I would leave the pickups low. Try rolling vol/tre/bass all back slightly.

I would actually suggest you roll volume about a half and bass and treble all the way back, and then start adding a little bit at the time until you get the tone you want.
My L2K sounds best (IMO) with bass and treble about 50%. And I never have a volume at the maximum either.

sunbeast · #9 11-03-2008, 03:53 AM

If you're looking for a more modern tone, I wouldn't raise the pickups- modern bass tones are generally a combo of fairly low output pickups paired with low impedance active preamp to boost the signal. The L2000 pickups are extremely high output and can be overpowering throughout the frequency range when set really high, but can be tamed somewhat by lowering them quite a bit- to my ears their response tends to flatten out alot when they are lowered considerably away from the strings. Try around 3/16" below the G string when fretting at the last fret and then go from there (and alittle lower on the E string). You can also try adjusting the polepieces up and down to get some slightly different tonal characteristics. They'll never sound like Bartolinis (which I consider to be a good thing), but they have a character that can be be molded to fit most kinds of music in my opinion. I agree with the comments about turning down the bass pot as well.

Karl