Here's my modified L2500 Tribute

Here's my modified G&L L2500 Tribute:



It has an Audere 3ZB preamp that was installed before I bought it from 4Mal. He had replaced the stock switches with the Z-mode switch and individual series/single coil/parallel switches.

I have now replaced those coil tap switches and added two more switches, so now each pickup has it's own series/parallel switch and coil tap switches. I can choose series, parallel, outer coil, or inner coil for each pickup. The control area is a bit busy and the control cavity is definitely crowded, but I really like all of the options.

I've completely copper foil shielded the control cavity and each of the pickup cavities.

I replaced the phillips head bridge intonation machine screws with hex cap machine screws so I can adjust the intonation with an allen wrench and won't risk stripping out the screw.



Finally, I installed brass screw inserts in the control cavity and now attach the control cavity cover with hex head screws. This way I won't be stripping out the wood each time I replace the battery.

Thanks! When I got it all in there I wasn't crazy about the way it looked, but I so love all of the tonal options!

The inside is super packed with wires. The original owner had an Audere 3ZB pramp installed with just the Z-mode switch. Later, he installed an additional Audere 3ZB EQ module. So, there are two preamp modules and LOTS of wires from that. Without that extra module and all the extra the control cavity would be neater and it would be easier to close the control cover.

I used 24 gauge wire so I could pack things in easier. I also used butt connectors for connecting wires together, rather than soldering them together.

littlepoison said:

mmmmmm... sausage

I ask 'cause I've been interested in getting a John East U-Retro Deluxe; but the mass of wiring has me intimidated.

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The pots on that pre are all wired together already. The only issue is that pre comes with two switches and an extra knob, so unless you plan on adding more holes you're out of holes for coil tap switches. You'd have to choose parallel or series wiring and leave it that way.

Audere preamps aren't quite so tidily wired but the wiring is still very neat and done for you. I can walk you through the process if you want - I'm about an expert on wiring Audere preamps by now!

coop said:

I'm afraid the gig would be over by the time I figured out which switch to flip and which knob to turn. Good work though.

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Thanks!

It did take a bit of figuring out but I can make the switch pretty quickly. It helps that I have the series/parallel switches next to each other and in pickup order, and I've got the coil tap switches next to each other. The coil tap switches are installed so that I move the switch in the direction of the coil I want. With the coil tap switches inward I get inner coils - outward I get outer coils.