Tribute L2500 Question

[KPJ]

I just picked up an older Tribute L2500, with the large black Tribute on the headstock and the Tribute bridge.. 2004 model perhaps? The serial number starts with 04. I got it to serve as a companion to my ASAT for those times when I may need a fiver. Overall I'm very happy with it. Very well put together. Two things, though. One, the set screw for the saddlelock is missing. The piece that pushes up against the saddles is there but the screw itself is missing. Anyone know where I can get one?

Secondly, when in series mode, the bridge pickup is nasal with no lowend, like a weak Jazz Bass bridge pickup. Both pickups on sounds nice and full as does the neck pickup, but the bridge is very thin and weak. Parallel mode seems fine. Any ideas what may be up? I took a quick peak in the control cavity but went cross-eyed from the miles of wires in there. Looks like they went a little overboard at the factory.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Ken Baker]

Congrats on the Too&ahalfkay!

Originally Posted by KPJ

One, the set screw for the saddlelock is missing. The piece that pushes up against the saddles is there but the screw itself is missing. Anyone know where I can get one?

Here or a good hardware store.

Secondly, when in series mode, the bridge pickup is nasal with no lowend, like a weak Jazz Bass bridge pickup. Both pickups on sounds nice and full as does the neck pickup, but the bridge is very thin and weak. Parallel mode seems fine. Any ideas what may be up? I took a quick peak in the control cavity but went cross-eyed from the miles of wires in there. Looks like they went a little overboard at the factory.

Hmm.... I'm kinda wondering if there's a problem with the series/parallel switch - maybe a dodgy internal connection. They're sealed, so you can't clean them. You're certain that both coils of the pickup work properly? Tap on a pole piece to find out. If one of the coils is dead at all switch positions, then start looking for loose/broken solder joints at the series/parallel switch.

Ken...

[KPJ]

Thanks, Ken. I found the listing on the G&L site after I posted the thread. I tapped on all the pole pieces and got a signal.

[Ken Baker]

Originally Posted by KPJ

Thanks, Ken. I found the listing on the G&L site after I posted the thread. I tapped on all the pole pieces and got a signal.

That's a good thing!

I'd then start looking at the back of that big ol' switch. Carefully wiggle wires and make sure all the connections are good. If anything looks questionable, heat it with a soldering iron. If it's still wonky, then a new switch may be in your future.

Ken...