Can't get a response from G&L customer service...
 

I've got a friend with a bad truss rod in a G&L L2500 Tribute.

He's been trying to contact the out-of-warranty repair contact at G&L for two weeks.

Does anyone have a good alternate contact, or know how to get a replacement neck for a G&L?

Good luck, that's all I can say.

Wow, I'm very surprised. I've needed to call G&L twice and both times someone answered the phone straightaway.

My calls were just questions, not warranty issues, but there's no way they can know that before they answer the phone.

My problem wasn't about somebody answering the phone, it was about them doing something. After more than a year of frustration (both me and my local authorized dealer), I bought the part I needed, used, here on TB. It is now installed and working fine.

Hi Steve: how're you doin'?
 

If you're talkin' about out of warranty repairs, why not takin' into consideration a talk to the actual retailer?

Dunno if your friend's a regular purchaser there, but if it is the case (I am, for G&L and other brands, especially in a very famous shop here in Milan) he could ask for a shop neck swap

I mean
same model and finishing and series (for instance, same rosewood fingerboard on same 3TS on ash body finishing):
just swap necks out, then (bein' a regular purchaser) the charge for the repair is completely on the shop, if they're able to restore the other resident body now with your friend's defectin' neck

Cheers,
Wallace

Wow. I've got to move to Italy.

The only reason I'm posting about this on Talkbass, is because we couldn't get useful advice, never mind that kind of proactive help, from two different Canadian G&L dealers...

Phoning works better than email at G&L.

Also, when he does talk to someone at G&L, he might want to be sitting down when he hears what it will cost. :eek:

+1 on calling by phone. I remembered dealing with John Toner in 2011, and it wasn't fun. :(

Be persistent!

I'm hoping that it's just NAMM-itis...

Mississauga dealer Mojo Music stepped up to the plate, and is looking at possible repair options.

No kudos to G&L though, still no response. Meanwhile, the number of reported truss rod failures is pretty disturbing...

Really? What is the number of reported G&L truss rod failures?

Google "G&L truss rod problem" when you're searching for solutions.

Considering the size of their market penetration, there are a lot of reports of re-necking, trouble finding parts, trouble getting through to G&L support, etc.

I consider G&L to be the best of the Fender spin-offs. The US models absolutely ooze quality IMO, but this gives me pause.

As it is out of warranty anyway, why not just pop the fret board, install a new truss rod, re-install the fret board and have at 'er?
Eliminates a non responsive manufacturer and would probably be done much quicker and cheaper.
Fishheadjoe

If you start now, you could have it done by lunchtime! :D


Moonshine :bassist:

4yrs ago I contacted G&L regarding a replacement neck for my out of warranty '85 USA G&L. I was quoted $600 for a new neck and required to ship my bass to the G&L factory for them ensure proper neck fit and finish. IMO,In your case, it may be better to find a used neck on ebay. The repair cost will be near the value a new G&L tribute unless you do the repair.

I've never had a truss rod issue with any of the G&L's I've owned, which is quite a few.

But just for kicks I googled "G&L truss rod problem", and also googled the same for Fender, Lakland, Carvin, and EBMM. Found complaints about all except EBMM, with the most complaints being about Fender instruments, naturally.

I don't see where G&L is a big standout in this regard, and I suspect much of these complaints stem from either user error, or people repeating things they've read on various web forums.

CS is another story, and getting through to G&L can be difficult, especially near NAMM. OTOH, Fender doesn't exactly jump through hoops for every complaining customer either.

Aside; If you do have a truss rod issue with a G&L bi-cut neck you're pretty much screwed. A repair is possible, but will likely be beyond the capabilities of your average "tech".

Something like this approach might be do-able, depending. Fretboard lifted about 12 inches from the butt end, wood routed away for access to the rod end, which in this case was probably spinning around in the wood. Not pretty but it apparently worked.

I've also been waiting for a response from them.

From a year ago.

I e-mailed them recently. I'm going to wait until the dust settles from their excursion to NAMM, then try to get in touch with them again.

This is lame. Love my Gand l they should do better by their customers. Someone calls about a band, small business, services etc you expect to be contacted within 24 hours

LOL.

I'm a bit concerned after reading this about G&L basses.
I've got a mint condition 2004 G&L L2500 with an unadjustable truss rod.
It is seized solid and wont move.