What do you think about this L-2000

trevo_man · #1 04-19-2009, 01:22 PM

So currently I have an L-2000 Tribute (that I absolutely love), but I am looking to upgrade to the full fledged USA L-2000. I found one in the local classifieds, but it seems to have a few problems. The guy says he bought it new in 1998. Although it is only a little over 10 years old, all the chrome (bridge and tuning keys) is tarnished. It all is very cloudy and has little green spots. The pickups are rusted as well.

My question is this; The guy wants only $700 for it... is it worth it? Are those cosmetic flaws a big deal? It just worries me a little. I have a P-bass that I've had for about 11 years and there is not an ounce of tarnish/rust on it.

guitar ed · #2 04-19-2009, 01:25 PM

If you have a guitar that you love, why would you replace it? I am assuming that is your plan.

I recently bought a newer, but still used, MIA L2k for $800, in near new condition. So perhaps the price is a bit high. But..... Play it and see what you think. Then decide.

edg

Mesa · #3 04-19-2009, 01:46 PM

Be patient and a good deal will come your way. I paid $800 here on TB for mine with ash body, honey finish, and jazz neck (all cost extra, with a hard case, to boot). It is in near perfect shape. I see no reason to buy a bass with noticeable rust and signs of neglect for nearly what you should be thinking of paying for one that's in much better shape.
Of course, if it plays great, and you can live with the condition, make him an offer.

fender3x · #4 04-19-2009, 03:23 PM

I don't think you should pay $700 for a used MIA bass that is not in really good shape. On the other hand, oxidation will not effect how it plays...so if you like how it plays and want it...offer him $400. If he comes close to what you want to pay, you'll have a deal. If he doesn't, don't worry. You can find another at that price.

trevo_man · #5 04-19-2009, 03:38 PM

Its plays well, but the neck is a little chunky for me. Felt more like a stingray. My Tribute has a smaller neck I think. I have some pretty small hands and am more comfortable with a jazz neck. What number neck should I be looking for?

fender3x · #6 04-20-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trevo_man

...the neck is a little chunky for me. Felt more like a stingray....I have some pretty small hands and am more comfortable with a jazz neck. What number neck should I be looking for?

Look for a #6 or #8. The #8 is stock on ASAT basses and, I think, on JB2s. I don't know whether the #6 comes stock on anything, but you can sometimes find #8s on used L2Ks, since it a common thing for people to order

excane · #7 04-20-2009, 09:29 PM

Any photos of the bass in question?

trevo_man · #8 04-22-2009, 11:01 AM

Here are the pictures he has posted on the listing.

fender3x · #9 04-22-2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trevo_man

Here are the pictures he has posted on the listing.

I don't need a bass to be pristine, and it looks OK to me. Little road wear is fine if it brings down the price for a good player.

Still, if the neck on a Stingray seems wide to you, I'd go for a bass with a smaller neck. The L2K stock neck is actually a bit fatter than a Stingray. ASATs, JB2s and recent SB2s (not sure about the old ones) are all stock #8s. The #8s have been bad rapped here lately, but I find the one on my ASAT to be the fastest, most comforatable neck I have ever played--and I don't have small hands.

spideyjg · #10 04-22-2009, 08:16 PM

That bass is a '92-95 era. The string tree is placed exactly like my '93, which I bought in '97.

$700, I'd hit it.

Neck should be a gnats a$$ narrower than your Tribute but thicker. 1 11/16 should be the nut width. Not 1.5, not 1.75. Very akin to a Stingray neck in feel.

Since you laid hands on it you decide but 'tis a fair price IMO.

Jim