Why would I buy a USA G&L?

Johnny Morales · #1 03-27-2007, 08:43 PM

A friend of mine is looking for a bass in the $400-800 range - and doesn't want a Fender. I turned him on to the Tributes and in looking at the G&L site, we can't find much of a difference - the pups are the same the wood on the premier model is the same, and the electronics seem the same. The only difference was the neck construction and the tuning keys/bridge.

We don't have to many dealers near us who carry both US and Tributes. Can someone tell me (besides resale value) from a pure playability, build quality, and sound perspective what the differences are (if any)? Thanks!

OshKoshJoash · #2 03-27-2007, 09:18 PM

i just got my tribute l2k and after having played american g&l's, the build quality is almost, if not just as, good.

lug · #3 03-27-2007, 10:29 PM

My US G&L's neck is barr none, the best neck I've ever played on. The finish work is also fantastic. The Tribs are a great deal, but I also consider the US's the absolute best bang for the buck in their price range as well.

bradjonesbass · #4 03-28-2007, 06:58 AM

and you can get a used USA for the top of that price range...

Finish is usually much better, as is the quality of the woods used (even on the Premier Tribute). Fret work is typically much better on the USA models too. To me the neck feels a little thicker on the USA (in a good way) as well.

**craigb** · #5 03-28-2007, 09:24 AM

I have both and there's absolutely nothing wrong with a Tribute. Mine are SB-2s and I've replaced the pots (a weak link in the Tributes). Sonically there's not a big difference between the Tribute (mine is ash/maple) and my US SB-2s. I think I hear a little difference buts in the range of differences between individual basses more than any particular thing.

I did try a basswood/rw Tribby L2K one time and it was not as lively and snappy as an ash/maple US L2K I had at the same time.

The US G&Ls do have a slightly better feel to them IMO. If you can try them both side-by-side do so. I was amazed even when I was shopping for my first step-up bass (many years ago) that I was able to feel the difference between an import Hamer Cruise and a US Hamer Cruise - there was just a solidity to the US model and it played better. I feel the same thing in the US vs. Tribute SB-2. Whether that's enough for you to want the US model over the import is up to you.

I have no problem playing my Tribute for any gig - it sounds & feels great. But barring conditions that make me leave my US G&Ls at home they are my first choice.

I only have the Tribute because I was able to get it used for a price that matched its value to me (and I wanted a "beater") - the used US G&Ls are such a steal that I have trouble envisioning buying a new Tribute. But I'm not afraid to buy used and take my chances.

bradjonesbass · #6 03-28-2007, 11:48 AM

I got my USA L2500 basically new for $850, and with all the options on it, retail was $2400

It was the sales reps demo, so it had almost all the fancy upgrade options (didn't have the gun oil tint on the neck, but that's about it). My dealer got a great deal on it and I've bought a ton of stuff from him, so he passed along the savings. I was considering e-baying it and turning a profit, but I couldn't give the bass up.

Anyway... go with the USA if you can find one in your price range.

spideyjg · #7 03-28-2007, 01:04 PM

Fewer color options, smaller frets, lower end tuners, but it will sound 95%like the USA.

I really hate the Tribby tuners over the tapered post USA models.

Jim

Johnny Morales · #8 03-28-2007, 01:44 PM

Actually, I was looking into the G&L's / Tribby's for my friend and I ended up cancelling the EBMM Stingray 5 I had on order for $1350 and picking up a US L2000 brand new for $875. Hopefully, I'll like it!

vicenzajay · #9 03-28-2007, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Fewer color options, smaller frets, lower end tuners, but it will sound 95%like the USA.

I really hate the Tribby tuners over the tapered post USA models.

Jim

And for those of us who care - the US models are handcrafted vice completely CNC'd. That's changed a bit, but the final carving, finishing, assembly is still done by hand in Fullerton for US-made instruments.

Jay

quickervicar · #10 03-29-2007, 07:14 AM

Tributes are a fine, fine bass for the money. Finish is better than most American Fenders that I've played. You can bring a Tribute up very close to American standards with a little work, however, there is a cost involved. Re-pot the electronics will run approx. $75. Block the frets & polish them will be another $100. New tuners can be a fair amount of dosh too. Before long you are up to the price of a USA G & L. That is, if you feel the need to improve on them. Many people don't.

I managed to score a new USA ASAT for $450 at a blowout sale. Still one of my best purchases ever. Deals are out there if you sniff them out.

goatrider · #11 03-29-2007, 07:45 AM

The answer is, "because you can." If you see a great deal on a U.S. model, you snatch it up because it's gonna be somewhat better than a Trib. I have a Trib L2K and a U.S. G&L SB-1 (Leo Fender years). Lately I've been playing the Trib mostly because of the satin finish on the neck. I can just play faster on it. I wouldn't get too hung up on the U.S./Trib thing if you find a great deal on a bass you like, buy it. Either way G&L makes a great product and 80-90% of your sound is the pickups which are the same.

spideyjg · #12 03-29-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickervicar

I managed to score a new USA ASAT for $450 at a blowout sale.

I hate you.

What a freaking score!

Jim

bradjonesbass · #13 03-29-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

I managed to score a new USA ASAT for $450 at a blowout sale. Still one of my best purchases ever. Deals are out there if you sniff them out.

HOLY CRAP!! That's even better than my L2500 score!

lug · #14 03-29-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickervicar

I managed to score a new USA ASAT for $450 at a blowout sale. Still one of my best purchases ever. Deals are out there if you sniff them out.

I HATE YOU WITH THE HEAT OF A THOUSAND SUNS!

pics?

quickervicar · #15 03-30-2007, 07:45 AM

I couldn't help smiling on the way home. Then I plugged it in. I thought my SB-2 had guts, but the ASAT was on a whole other level. The greatest thing about the price was that I could take it on tour without fear of damaging it. The neck is still perfect but the body has quite a bit of wear. I could then save my SB-2's beauty by keeping it in the case most of the time.

Don't hate me, guys. It's not like its an attractive bass. Just clear blue with rosewood.

Orpheus55 · #16 03-30-2007, 03:15 PM

I'm very pleased with my premium ash Tribute, which I did buy new. I am especially picky about tuning machines, and have almost always changed them out on my instruments when possible, but was pleasantly suprised by the practical quality of these. They look like Standard Fender tuners, but are far smoother, and hold their tuning even in the outdoor, humid conditions of FL where I mostly play. A discriminating touch can tell that the fret edges are not perfect, but I'm very happy. If the USA is that much better, I'm afraid to touch one! BTW, Spideyjig knows his stuff on this subject & I defer to his experience. Finally, DR Black Beauties work (and look) great on the Tribute.

darkside 88 · #17 03-31-2007, 01:03 AM

I haven't much to add to what's already been said.

The tuners and fretwork are the most noticable, but both are above most basses in that price range. The neck is very, VERY stable, not on par with the rock of neck that the USA models, but again, far above the average in that price range.

Then there are cosmetic things like the lack of finishes.

spideyjg · #18 03-31-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orpheus55

I'm very pleased with my premium ash Tribute, which I did buy new. I am especially picky about tuning machines, and have almost always changed them out on my instruments when possible, but was pleasantly suprised by the practical quality of these. They look like Standard Fender tuners, but are far smoother, and hold their tuning even in the outdoor, humid conditions of FL where I mostly play. Spideyjig knows his stuff on this subject & I defer to his experience. Finally, DR Black Beauties work (and look) great on the Tribute.

The Tribby tuners have a notch up near the top of the post, where the USA taper all the way down or in the olden days was a straight post.
I like to only have 2-3 wraps on the post and on the USA it is easy to have the string pull down across the nut at a good angle because of the taper. In order to do the same on a Tribby I needed more wraps to get the same angle. Then tuning is more temperamental due to the number of wraps.

Jim

mellofello · #19 04-07-2007, 04:30 AM

well also, as someone who lives and works in the US it's kind of nice to have jobs, and good jobs. I'm sure the luthiers at G&L are good neighbors and asset's to their communities. As are the employees at American car manufacturers, clothing manufacturers, etc.... Buying American, sometimes you have to wait and save a little longer to get it, but you usually get a quality product and in your own small way support the high standard of living we all enjoy. OK, I'll get off my soapbox now.

Hotblack · #20 04-07-2007, 01:33 PM

If you get a Tribute I would say keep a few bucks aside for some work that may need to be done. When I got mine, it needed an immediate fret dressing and some neck straightening. Nevertheless, even with the added dollars paid, it was still quite a good deal.