Carvin LB75 or G&L Tribute Series L-2500

[Ixyka]

Greetings,

It's over a year later since my last post here, and as an update to this old thread here, a Music Man 25th Anniversary HH 5-String is what I had ended up buying.

'Twas incredibly expensive, but well worth it.


The thing is, it's so nice, that I'm afraid to gig with it at bars and clubs. If it was stolen or incurred damage I'd become catatonic. [Did I mention that it was incredibly expensive?]
Anyhow, I practice on it & do recordings with it at home, but the only time I've taken it out of the house was for a couple of studio recordings.


So, to make a long story short, I'm trying to decide whether to get a Carvin LB75 or a G&L Tribute Series L-2500 for gigging. They're close to the same price (800-900) and have pretty much the same features (which is how I narrowed it down to the two of them).

Unfortunately, I can't just go and test them out, since they both must be ordered direct from the manufacturer, and are not sold in music stores (at least not the ones I've been to), so if anyone has either (or both!) of these basses, I would greatly appreciate some input that will help me make a decision. Audio recordings would be preferred (and awesome!), but even just text and descriptions of their playability can help me somewhat.

Thanks in advance. =)


Reference Specifications:

My 25th Anniversary (Reflex is the production model of the 25th. Same specs, except finish/color and such.)
G&L Tribute L-2500
Carvin LB75

P.S. I'll reply back to any responses either tomorrow or Saturday, just as an FYI.

[Rockmusician]

I would go with the G & L. I bought an LB75 last year and hated it so much that I sold it one week later. I didn't like the tone or the feel.

[Handyman]

If you want to get something cheaper for bar gigs, pick up something used from the classifieds here. You'll save a big pile of money, which seems to be your goal.

G&L Tributes and Carvins both show up here pretty frequently.

As far as which one, you'll have to decide for yourself. Its hard to think of two basses that could sound more different than a G&L and a neck through Carvin.

[Ixyka]

Originally Posted by Rockmusician

I would go with the G & L. I bought an LB75 last year and hated it so much that I sold it one week later. I didn't like the tone or the feel.

Thank you. I've made a note of that. =)

Originally Posted by Handyman

If you want to get something cheaper for bar gigs, pick up something used from the classifieds here. You'll save a big pile of money, which seems to be your goal.

My goal is to decide between the Carvin and the G&L. Perhaps my first post didn't outline that point clearly enough. My mistake.

Originally Posted by Handyman

G&L Tributes and Carvins both show up here pretty frequently.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

Originally Posted by Handyman

As far as which one, you'll have to decide for yourself.

You know... not to sound rude, but that's really not helpful.

If I could decide myself, without any kind of additional input, then I wouldn't have made this thread.

Originally Posted by Handyman

Its hard to think of two basses that could sound more different than a G&L and a neck through Carvin.

"Helpful" would be describing those differences as best you can.

In any case, thanks Handyman. I'm not liking your post all that much, but... maybe your intent was good and not ill, like I'm perceiving it.




To all: Would appreciate any additional responses that can help me decide between the LB75 and the L-2500. Especially audio recordings, but text descriptions are fine too. Thank you!

[BobWestbrook]

I've owned both, and both are extremely versatile in the range of tones you can elicit.

However, for me the G&L neck was uncomfortable, way too stout. Many other people don't seem to mind it, though.

[theduke1]

Search Ebay you can find USA G&L's used at a good price. or insure you MM, I have been doing this since 1979 and never had a bass recked or ripped off. My drummer's wife knocked a high hat into my first G&L back in 1987, but the ding just gave it class!

[Dr. Cheese]

Since Music Man is your beloved bass, why not pick up a used Stingray V or even a Ray35 (import) that is new or used?

It's getting a lot harder to find used SR5s under a $1,000, but $1,000-$1,100 is not much more than what you are talking about, and a Ray35 is new for $699-$750, used they are about $500-550.

[Handyman]

Originally Posted by Ixyka

In any case, thanks Handyman. I'm not liking your post all that much, but... maybe your intent was good and not ill, like I'm perceiving it.

No problem! With responses like that, I'm sure everyone will be excited to help you!


Try searching Youtube for some audio clips. These two instruments are so very different that you'll probably get an idea which, if either, is more your thing. I know Ed Friedland has a nice video review of the Tribute L2000.

[theduke1]

If those are your choices G&L hands down, then take it in and have it k wired so you can tap the coils, that costs about $100

[mmbongo]

What would I do if I were you?

I'd be on the lookout for a used Peavey Millennium 5. Made in the USA, goes for under $600, and just kills. If you get one, you'll probably sell your Stingray

There was a couple in the classifieds recently.

[Ixyka]

Originally Posted by BobWestbrook

However, for me the G&L neck was uncomfortable, way too stout. Many other people don't seem to mind it, though.

Noted. Thanks. =)

Originally Posted by theduke1

Search Ebay you can find USA G&L's used at a good price.

Thanks, I'll keeping trying that. (Did that earlier this week).

Originally Posted by theduke1

or insure you MM, I have been doing this since 1979 and never had a bass recked or ripped off.

Not sure how to do that. If you have the time, could you throw me a quick PM with a brief outline on the best way to do that?

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Since Music Man is your beloved bass, why not pick up a used Stingray V or even a Ray35 (import) that is new or used?

It's getting a lot harder to find used SR5s under a $1,000, but $1,000-$1,100 is not much more than what you are talking about, and a Ray35 is new for $699-$750, used they are about $500-550.

I've looked at those, and mostly ruled them out, but I guess I'll give them more thought. =)

Originally Posted by Handyman

No problem! With responses like that, I'm sure everyone will be excited to help you!

Yeah, the responses seem fairly good so far. And I am sorry if it bothered you that much, what I said. =/

I just thought you trying to push me over into the classifieds without giving me any input that would help me choose between the two basses. That's why I took your post negatively. There was no ill will intended from me.

Originally Posted by Handyman

Try searching Youtube for some audio clips. These two instruments are so very different that you'll probably get an idea which, if either, is more your thing. I know Ed Friedland has a nice video review of the Tribute L2000.

Yeah, Al Friedland's review of the MM 25th Anniv is what helped incline me towards trying it out at the music store (and eventually buying it). But yeah, I'll keep looking around YouTube thanks.

Originally Posted by theduke1

If those are your choices G&L hands down, then take it in and have it k wired so you can tap the coils, that costs about $100

k-wired. I'll look that up as I'm not familiar with the procedure. May I ask why you would choose the G&L? I'm just wondering which part(s) of it make it superior to the Carvin in your eyes.

Originally Posted by mmbongo

What would I do if I were you?

I'd be on the lookout for a used Peavey Millennium 5.

I'll look it up. Btw, do you have any input on G&L vs Carvin?

[DanHibiki]

I own a Tribute L2500, the neck is a little bit chunky but it is not a big deal for me, I can play it without problems.

I think the main thing about the L2500 are the MFD pickups, the tone was the main thing that made me decide that I wanted a G&L instead of a Fender Jazz Bass (I already own a Jazz clone). But I know that a lot of people don't like the tone on the G&L, so I suggest you to try to find some samples or try to find one locally to test.

The Ed Friedland's review on YouTube is kind of old and doesn't really do justice to the L2000 because of the compression and recording quality of that video.

I can't give any input on the Carvin...

[Bottomdweller]

I also find the neck on the L2500 to be a bit chunky. I think G&L is a fantastic company that makes quality instruments, but I don't have a lot of experience with the Tribute line. IMHO, I would much prefer a USA made Carvin over an import. Carvin is also a great company that consistently professional grade instruments. I love playability and the sound that I get from mine.

[WoodyG3]

Carvins can come with all kinds of possible pickup combinations, and can sound very different as a result. What is the pickup configuration you are considering?

BTW, Dr. Cheese may be on the right track. If the MM sound is you thing, a Ray 35could b the way to go.

[MysticMichael]

Old thread, I know. But I've just gotta weigh in...

As it so happens, I'm considering the purchase of a USA L-2500, probably sometime in the next few months. I'm looking for a hot & nasty new five-string bass - strictly for playing rock. Currently the choice is between a USA L-2500 and a MusicMan Stingray 5 HH. I might just get both.

I'm posting here because I'm the proud owner of a Carvin LB75 - which is a really nice neck-through five-string that I'm wondering why I didn't get sooner. I've had it tricked out with a set of new custom Nordstrand Dual-Coil humbuckers, plus an 18-volt Delano Sonar onboard preamp. The premium aftermarket electronic components, combined with the maple/walnut neck & body, ebony fretboard & neck-through construction makes my LB75 sound powerful- yet also refined & polished. It can growl - but it sounds smooth in doing so. Great bass for modern rock.

I'm very glad to learn how different the L-2500 sounds from the LB75, as I'm looking for an additional five-string (or two) to contrast with the sound of my LB75. It sounds like an L-2500 would cover the "rude & nasty", bolt-on side of the spectrum, to complement the more refined neck-through tones that the LB75 already provides.

MM