Will G&L refinish a bass?

Lordcliff · #1 10-31-2007, 07:41 PM

Howdy,
I think it's obvious that G&L has, in my opinion, some of the best finishes around. I've got a L-5500 with a honey burst that, I think would look more awesome in black, or some form of see thru black/stain, or even natural satin.
But does anyone know if you can ship a bass to G&L and have them refinish it? I know it would cost a bit but, maybe worth it.

This is the bass in question, and yes, I love the way it looks in the photos, but in person, I don't think it looks as good.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77redri...ker/545067236/

Jimtoonz · #2 10-31-2007, 07:54 PM

I'm a little puzzled about your wanting to refinish that...looks pretty darn good to me.

I'm going to bet that, even if they do refinish instruments, G&L would probably charge enough for it that you would be in the vicinity of a new bass. The G.A.S.er in me would say keep the L-5500 as is and get an L-2500 in a color you love.

How would you compare the sound of your instrument to one of the MFD-equipped G&Ls?

saxofunk · #3 11-02-2007, 06:40 AM

I'm willing to bet you can make a straight-up trade with someone. I love honeyburst, I'm just in no position to make an offer.

Lordcliff · #4 11-03-2007, 06:28 PM

Well, I love the bass, don't want to get rid of it. I have another one in green, I was really just brain storming I guess. I have a L-2500 in a darker burst, which is dead sexy. My other 55 is a darkish green, which now has a maple neck also. I was in the for sale section and saw one with the same finish, but with a rosewood fret board, looks pretty sweet. I think I may take the original neck from my green 55 and put it on this one. If I don't like it I can always change it back.
I kinda figured it would cost an arm and a leg, and probably two kidneys, to get something custom finished. I wouldn't want any fancy really. I actually wish my green one was a little more of a dark green with less blue hue to it. oh well, we all have our dream bass.
The sound is, seemingly polar opposite, but at the same time, has the same beef to it. If a Fender Jazz, and a Spector had a baby, with humbuckers, it would be a L-5500. 55 has much stronger gutteral lows, and clear highs with a little more zing. But having said that, both my 55s sound different... both are wired in 18 volts, and the dip switches make a pretty big difference. I will say that the L-2500 has a certain sweetness that, only a L-2500 can get though. Does that make any sense at all?

birminghambass · #5 11-03-2007, 08:15 PM

I had an early '80s L1000 that was damaged in a flood during Hurricane Opal (1994?). I wrote G&L a letter asking them if they would refinish it for me and what it would cost because there were no G&L dealers in my state. The President of the company wrote me back thanking me for using their bass and offered to refinish it for free! It came back a month later with new hardware, finish, and a refret. Like a moron I sold it on EBay a few years back.

fender3x · #6 07-11-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birminghambass

The President of the company wrote me back thanking me for using their bass and offered to refinish it for free!

This is why they call them the good old days. I have a swirl finish from the '90s. It is chipping and breaking off in pieces. Not my fault. It's a problem with the finish G&L used. I wrote to them asking what it would cost to get it refinished...or to get a new bod, if that would be cheaper. They told me to go find a local luthier. Times *do* change! If the company was as good as the basses, we'd probably see a lot more of 'em <sigh>.

Any thoughts as to what my options might be? Does anyone make a replacement bod?

How hard would it be to do the refinish myself? As you can see...I know nothing.

pbass2 · #7 07-11-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lordcliff

the L-2500 has a certain sweetness that, only a L-2500 can get though. Does that make any sense at all?

I know what you mean, and it surprises me with mine sometimes. I always looked at these as "rawk" basses, but even with rounds and in active mode, I feel like my L2500 sounds warm and nicely wooly. Hard to describe, but it's GOOD. When I need a nice and warm cushion of bass for a track, it's what I grab more and more lately . . .