Tribute vs USA - Page 2

dgce · #21 03-31-2006, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lug

Leo was dead when this decision was made and George is a cunsultant, not a day to day participant. G&L is now run by BBE, the company that make the sonic maximizer. The original factory has been kept pretty much the same.

This is true. However I'm certain I've read more than once (Bass Player, maybe?) that the pickups are US made but the pre-amp is indeed an import as is the hardware. But hey, who cares? The bass is excellent with super bang for buck. For under $600 you can get one kick-ass 5 string with heavy gig bag that, albeit not as refined, can give the domestic model a run for its money at often UNDER half the price. Korea, my hat's off to ya!

r

lug · #22 03-31-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgce

This is true. However I'm certain I've read more than once (Bass Player, maybe?) that the pickups are US made but the pre-amp is indeed an import as is the hardware. But hey, who cares? The bass is excellent with super bang for buck. For under $600 you can get one kick-ass 5 string with heavy gig bag that, albeit not as refined, can give the domestic model a run for its money at often UNDER half the price. Korea, my hat's off to ya!

r

The "preamp" is just a National Semiconductor LF441 that probably costs about a buck, on a small pcb with a few resistors and caps. I'd guess it's manfactured overseas in the first place. They may well use a different design, but I don't really see a monitary reason to do so, like with the bridge, other hardware that is a significant cost differential. Maybe someone could have a look at their Tribute and see. Here is what the American looks like:

Kind of a rats nest.

DavePlaysBass · #23 04-10-2006, 10:03 PM

The preamp design is the same in both. The Tributes appear to be sourced in Asia but made with the same parts. The US preamps have the main chip in a socket which allows for easy replacement. However, a socket elevates the chip off the board is not the best design from a noise perspective.

The only difference in wiring I am famaliar with on the Tributes is that they do not have the big green 0.1uF caps tied at the junction of the two coils when flipped in series mode. Check out the G&L site for the schematic.

Dave

db4usa · #24 04-18-2006, 04:14 AM

I recently bought a Tribute 2500 as a backup for my MM SRV. I find the Stingray has taken the back seat. I play live a lot and the tone/feel the Tribby has is the one I've searched for. It could be the slinkys on the MM. I never did like them. Sure hate to think I $pent less on a better bass.
db

Lalo · #25 04-21-2008, 02:44 PM

I'm seriously thinking of buying a Tribute Series G&L, altought i have the US made G&L Asat i feel that a tribute for its money and from what i heard of, it may well be worth it...

Wwolof · #26 04-21-2008, 04:27 PM

I doubt you'd regret picking up a Trib.

dgce · #27 04-21-2008, 04:41 PM

So how does the Tribby JB-2 and SB-2 hold up to the US models?

r

Lalo · #28 04-21-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wwolof

I doubt you'd regret picking up a Trib.

I take that you know what you are talking about since it looks like you have 3 G&L trib's, i think i will take you up on that one...

Wwolof · #29 04-21-2008, 08:49 PM

Rock on!

NewIntlSatan · #30 04-21-2008, 11:11 PM

I own a trib L2K and bought it with a dead battery. I mena, the active switch was a power switch for the first three months I owned it. And I didn't bat an eye at it. I feel that's the way you should buy an active bass though. Fall in love with it passive and then start to explore the possibilities once you take a screwdriver to the back cavity. Seriously though, just bring a 9V into the store and rock out if you're really concerned. And if it's a shop that won't set it up for you and take care of any fret issues...pass and look for another. I just hand an ebay used SB-2 arrive at my house today in perfect tune...from cali. I'm in pennsylvania. That says a bit about the build quality.

plankspanker13 · #31 04-23-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgce

So how does the Tribby JB-2 and SB-2 hold up to the US models?

r

The discernable differences are that the USA has graphite reinforecement bars in the neck, and a string-thru-body bridge, whereas the Tribby has no reinforcement (and the usual 1st string 5th fret dead spot) and a top-load bridge. My JB-2 Tribby is my grab & go anywhere axe, but I am coveting an American-made version.

spideyjg · #32 04-23-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plankspanker13

The discernable differences are that the USA has graphite reinforecement bars in the neck, and a string-thru-body bridge,

Graphite?

Nope G&L doesn't have that.

L-2500 USA or Tribby have string through body or bridge. Your choice as to how you string it.

Jim

dgce · #33 04-23-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Graphite?

Nope G&L doesn't have that.

L-2500 USA or Tribby have string through body or bridge. Your choice as to how you string it.

Jim

I think the Tribby 5's are string-thru while the 4 string is bridge only. The current US models are all string-thru. No?

spideyjg · #34 04-23-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgce

I think the Tribby 5's are string-thru while the 4 string is bridge only. The current US models are all string-thru. No?

5 string USA and Tribby are string thru. 4 string are not in any flavor.

Jim

KBarker · #35 04-24-2008, 08:32 AM

I've heard the G&L's are tough going for guys with smaller reaches due to a fatter neck, has anyone else had experiences like that with the G&L?

lug · #36 04-24-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBarker

I've heard the G&L's are tough going for guys with smaller reaches due to a fatter neck, has anyone else had experiences like that with the G&L?

Are you talking about US or Trib models? The 4 string US models have 4 different neck options. The Tribs don't have neck options.

palmann · #37 04-24-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lug

Are you talking about US or Trib models? The 4 string US models have 4 different neck options. The Tribs don't have neck options.

I don't have problems and I got very small hands. But I'm only a rock musician.

Gruesse, Pablo

spideyjg · #38 04-24-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBarker

I've heard the G&L's are tough going for guys with smaller reaches due to a fatter neck, has anyone else had experiences like that with the G&L?

Small hands are no excuse. Suck it up!

Wanda Ortiz is all of 5'2", her hands are tiny! I put mine up to hers, palm to palm touching the base of the index finger, and her fingers only come up just a hair beyond my my first knuckle, I can bend the top of my finger over her fingertip. She plays circles around me.

She plays an SB-2, L1505, JB-2, and a 3/4 upright with so much fluid grace and ease it drives you nuts. Rock, jazz, blues, classical it doesn't matter she can play it.

It is all about hand positioning to reach the note.

Jim