Tribute L-2500 bridge

wave rider · #1 08-05-2007, 04:34 PM

I picked up a used Tribute L-2500 yesterday and noticed a potential problem on it this morning. At first glance, it looked like the corner (b side) of the bridge was pulling up, yikes! A closer look revealed that the area of the body sanded for right wrist relief extended a touch too far to beneath the bridge, making the bridge look like the corner was lifted. Just to make sure, I attempted to snug down the two screws holding down the bridge; the bottom one (g side) snugged just fine, but the upper acts like it may be stripped.

I did a bit of forum searching and found out about Chef's problem with the bridge pulling off(!) and other folks postings about being advised to always use through body stringing with this bass.

Will this slight undercutting of the body below the bridge be an issue overall? Can the stripped upper screw hole be fixed via the time honored toothpick addition or is removal and doweling required? Since it has through body stringing, should I worry at all?

I have another day on the 2-day return policy or 13 days left if I want store credit and return it. The bass seemingly played well (I'm a newbie in bassland...) and I liked the big neck for my big hands.

Thanks for your advice,
=wr=

P.S. This my first posting on TalkBass but I have been reading it for a while. A thanks for everyone's unknowing help in figuring out that that "ghost tambourine" sitting on top of my Bassic Black was actually the 12AX7 going microphonic...

seanm · #2 08-05-2007, 05:25 PM

If you string through the body, I don't think you need to worry since the strings will basically hold the bridge in place.

wave rider · #3 08-05-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanm

If you string through the body, I don't think you need to worry since the strings will basically hold the bridge in place.

Thanks seanm, that's what I was thinking about the stripped screw whole.

What do you think about the slight bridge "undercut?"

=wr=

**Chef** · #4 08-05-2007, 08:30 PM

I'd return it.
There's plenty more of these out there, issue free.

wave rider · #5 08-05-2007, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

I'd return it.
There's plenty more of these out there, issue free.

True, thanks for the input.

Kinda pours cold water on my GAS...

I did try out a Turner Renaissance 5-string fretless which felt sublime and sounded better. No way I can swing the $3K though.

=wr=

seanm · #6 08-05-2007, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wave rider

Thanks seanm, that's what I was thinking about the stripped screw whole.

What do you think about the slight bridge "undercut?"

=wr=

I agree with Chef, return it and get one with no issues.

Are you purchasing new? The G&L Tributes are *way* undervalued and you can get great deals used.

wave rider · #7 08-05-2007, 10:15 PM

Got this one used for $400. Ended up with a used case too when he couldn't find a gig bag for it.

I guess new is $600 or so?

=wr=

**Chef** · #8 08-06-2007, 04:49 AM

I'm not sure on the 2500, but on the 2000, $450, street.

tornadobass · #9 08-06-2007, 07:32 AM

MF has the L2K for $560 and the L2.5K for $600. Used is about $400 to $450, give or take a bit. BTW, the gig bag from G&L is very nice and would be a reason to look for a different axe.

Overall, the L2500 Tribute is an excellent value. Once you start looking again for a 5'er, keep in mind the features, look, feel, and price point you're after, rather than just picking what pops up. For example, I had a MIM Fender 5 that was nowhere near the L2500 Tribute in tone, feel or playability.

lug · #10 08-06-2007, 08:35 AM

Is it a basswood or Ash model? I always recommend people get the Premium Tribute. Ash is a much harder wood and is less likely to have these types of problems. They should tend to sound just a bit brighter as well.

wave rider · #11 08-06-2007, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lug

Is it a basswood or Ash model? I always recommend people get the Premium Tribute. Ash is a much harder wood and is less likely to have these types of problems. They should tend to sound just a bit brighter as well.

I'm not sure if it is basswood or ash. It is the blueburst with maple fretboard model.

I had also looked at a Lakland Skyline 55-02 the same day. It was very nice too but $1100. Same shop that had the fretless 5 Renaissance...

I'm appreciating everyones' feedback!

=wr=

tornadobass · #12 08-06-2007, 10:54 AM

The current blueburst/maple is basswood if that helps.

wave rider · #13 08-06-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tornadobass

The current blueburst/maple is basswood if that helps.

This one is made in Korea and the serial number starts with 05. Does that help pin down the wood?

Thanks,
=wr=

lug · #14 08-06-2007, 02:22 PM

Typically, tha Ash model will be significantly heavier. Ash typically has a more pronounced grain pattern. Basswood, on the other hand tends to be lighter wth not much vivid grain patterning.

tornadobass · #15 08-06-2007, 02:25 PM

My ash/maple Tribute L-2500 weighs about 9 lbs, using the bathroom scale plus person holding the bass method of measurement

And yes, the basswood is not only lighter but softer than ash.

wave rider · #16 08-06-2007, 02:32 PM

This one weighs 10 pounds via the bathroom scale test.

I should crack the control panel and see if there is some lead in there...

=wr=

bassomane · #17 08-09-2007, 02:58 AM

From where did you get the information that the 2007 blueburst tribute is made of basswood? As I know only the black one is made of basswood, because of the not existing grain of this wood. Basswood is not a bad choice, as Ernie Ball knows (Bongo!!!).

tornadobass · #18 08-09-2007, 04:56 AM

That's what's posted on the MF site anyhow.

bassomane · #19 08-09-2007, 05:29 AM

Sorry, what is the MF site?

p0k · #20 08-09-2007, 07:21 AM

MF is musiciansfriend.com