USA vs. Tribute L2000

FingeringAm · #1 07-30-2008, 10:07 PM

i know USA>>>>>>trib
but i am not able to play a tribute before i buy one so should i try the USA at buffalo bros or would that ruin my perspective of the trib?

fearceol · #2 07-31-2008, 04:24 AM

If money was not a problem I'd go for the USA L2000 without hesitation. Having said that, I have a Trib L 2000 and IMO it would be hard for someone to tell the difference tone wise while blind folded. The Trib. has the same pups and electronics as the USA. The main difference AFAIK is in the body wood and neck construction.

There is a demo of the Trib here :

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=WT4AP58jC5o

peterbright · #3 07-31-2008, 05:31 AM

Why not get a used USA L2000?

lug · #4 07-31-2008, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FingeringAm

i know USA>>>>>>trib
but i am not able to play a tribute before i buy one so should i try the USA at buffalo bros or would that ruin my perspective of the trib?

The necks are going to have a different feel, but they should sound about the same. Depends on what is important to you.

francisl2500 · #5 07-31-2008, 08:17 AM

i tried a USA L 2500 the same day i bought my tribb L2500, but for money... i choose the less expensive one with absolutly no regrets, and you know...that tribb is a nice quality bass as nice as many more expensive bass. Both are good bass .

Francis

Ken Baker · #6 07-31-2008, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FingeringAm

i know USA>>>>>>trib
but i am not able to play a tribute before i buy one so should i try the USA at buffalo bros or would that ruin my perspective of the trib?

You should try any L-2000 you can get your hands on. As for Buffalo Bros, they have the natural one you see on the website. There is also a honeyburst L-2000 there that should be available soon that I can attest to being a GREAT bass. #8 neck, rosewood board, current loaded with Infeld Super Alloys. Jack was replaced recently. Looks kinda like this:

Ken...

Mytola · #7 07-31-2008, 10:47 AM

Tone wise, there wouldn't be much difference. The feel of the bass might be different, and then you have all the possible custom options on the US ones, which you don't have on the tributes.

FingeringAm · #8 07-31-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterbright

Why not get a used USA L2000?

too expensive - how can i tell the difference in neck #? what number feels closest to a P? i dont like that very much and would like a slightly thinner one

thanks for all your replies

fish slapper · #9 07-31-2008, 02:15 PM

I went with USA because that's the way I roll and I could get nice wood options:

Attachment 98896

But I have to tell you, I played some Tributes in my shopping and I have to say that their quality was very very nice.

FingeringAm · #10 07-31-2008, 03:33 PM

thanks for the help
back to my original q-
will playing a USA make me regret getting a trib?

Eublet · #11 07-31-2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FingeringAm

thanks for the help
back to my original q-
will playing a USA make me regret getting a trib?

It's hard to say. You have more neck options on the USA model that you might like better or worse. The neck is by far the biggest seperator between the two.

Also, some have reported Tributes as having lower quality fret work. Many other say that it's great. I have a Tribute and a USA. I can't tell the difference between the two really. They sound the same and play about the same.

The tribute necks are always the thicker versions I believe. You can get the thinner, smaller necks on a USA, and if you prefer that, it would make all the difference in the world. I for one don't get hung up on neck size at all.

FingeringAm · #12 07-31-2008, 03:50 PM

thanks for your input
only having owned 1 bass i have no idea what neck i like cause i cant compare it to anything - one i know is id like to have a thinner neck than my squier p ( i dont have a ruler with me atm but i would guess its close to the fender p) so i think ill just buy it and at worst have to sell it again or somthing

Spiritfield · #13 07-31-2008, 03:56 PM

If you are looking for a thinner neck that isn't "P" bass wide, you want a #6 or a #8. The #6 has a 7.5" radius and is 1.5" wide at the nut (like a Jazz bass) and the #8 has a 12" radius and is also 1.5" wide. Neither #6 or #8 are available in the Tribute L-2000. You'd have to get a US made L-2000 to find either of those necks.

fish slapper · #14 07-31-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FingeringAm

thanks for the help
back to my original q-
will playing a USA make me regret getting a trib?

Can't answer if it would make YOU regret it. I always do but I'm trying to save you from the pain.

If you're coming from a Squire, I'm sure a Trib is going to be a whole big step up in quality and features. Unless you need the different options outlined here, I'm sure you're going to be happy.

Me, I play the "what if" game until my wallet hemorrages.

FingeringAm · #15 07-31-2008, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiritfield

If you are looking for a thinner neck that isn't "P" bass wide, you want a #6 or a #8. The #6 has a 7.5" radius and is 1.5" wide at the nut (like a Jazz bass) and the #8 has a 12" radius and is also 1.5" wide. Neither #6 or #8 are available in the Tribute L-2000. You'd have to get a US made L-2000 to find either of those necks.

ok thanks
is the trib neck the same as the P? i dont mind it terribly and its proboally good to keep it similar for growing technique's sake

FingeringAm · #16 07-31-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish slapper

Can't answer if it would make YOU regret it. I always do but I'm trying to save you from the pain.

If you're coming from a Squire, I'm sure a Trib is going to be a whole big step up in quality and features. Unless you need the different options outlined here, I'm sure you're going to be happy.

Me, I play the "what if" game until my wallet hemorrages.

hehe thanks

thats what i was thinking too and aslong as the neck is similar i wont complain cause its not terrible

thanks

Eublet · #17 08-01-2008, 06:46 AM

Depending on the Squier, all the Tributes I've owned are a HUGE step up from Squier in terms of tone, quality, etc. Squier has done a great job the last few years, but the coponents on the Tribute models are the same as the USA models. They aren't cheaper components as on the Squier.

Not only that, but an L-2000 is just a much more versatile bass than any Precision.

peterbright · #18 08-01-2008, 11:59 AM

What is your budget?

lug · #19 08-01-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FingeringAm

ok thanks
is the trib neck the same as the P? i dont mind it terribly and its proboally good to keep it similar for growing technique's sake

I've heard the Trib's neck is a bit smaller than the P sized necks on the Americans, i.e. they fall in between the USA's J and P sized necks. I haven't personally tried a Trib yet so this is just hearsay.

Nedmundo · #20 08-01-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lug

I've heard the Trib's neck is a bit smaller than the P sized necks on the Americans, i.e. they fall in between the USA's J and P sized necks. I haven't personally tried a Trib yet so this is just hearsay.

The Trib's nut width is listed as the same 1.75", but I think the front-to-back profile is a little thinner than the U.S. I normally don't like 1.75" nut width, but have felt perfectly comfy on the L-2000 Trib.