Any ideas to make my G&L more manageable?

[OldBlue61]

I have a G&L L-2000 Tribute in Clear Orange that I absolutely love. Great sounds, build quality, and looks. Just love this thing, for 30-45 minutes. After that it's 11lb 10oz weight starts to really hurt my back and shoulder. I use a 3" wide un-padded black leather strap. Would a padded strap help? Any other ideas? I'm thinking of selling it simply because it's uncomfortable to play for an extended period of time.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Try a padded strap, or one that uses both shoulders. But that weight can be a killer.

 

[JC BASS 91]

I have an 11 pound monster as well. I purchased this strap for it and it seems to help immensely with the weight.

Levy's MSS2 4.5-inch Garment Leather with Heavy Padding Bass Strap - Black

 

[sikamikanico]

11lb 10oz

ouch…

yeah, padded might help, but might not… Does it neck dive? Sometimes a neck dive is worse than weight.

You could consider lighter hardware or even a lightweight body, but at some point you might as well just get a different bass that’s lighter weight from factory…

 

[OldBlue61]

ouch…

yeah, padded might help, but might not… Does it neck dive? Sometimes a neck dive is worse than weight.

Surprisingly no neck dive - it stays really neutral while I'm playing it. And thanks @JC BASS 91 , I'll check out that strap.

 

[Chris Chong]

Sorry to hear this. If weight is a concern,buy another bass which is lighter for gigs.

 

[Killing Floor]

I use a rockabilly strap on my heaviest (LP Custom) because I found the balance is more comfortable than a strap wrapping my neck. But many people like wider straps. We all have different preferences and that’s ok.

Perhaps try raising it a little higher. Reason is (IF) you play lower you may rest your forearm on the upper and that contributes to the load on your strap.

it’s free to try

 

[vvvmmm]

I just bought based upon reviews but have yet to try an elastic strap.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

 

[OldBlue61]

Interesting. I've seen people using these stands before, never really thought of them.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Interesting. I've seen people using these stands before, never really thought of them.

I'm only half-way joking, but they do have their place. They aren't cheap, though.

Unfortunately, if the weight of the bass is too much for your body to support, you either need to find an external means to support the weight (the stand above), or find another L2k that's lighter. There will be plenty of lighter weight L2ks out there, but they'll be USA made and cost significantly more than the Tribute.

FWIW, my 20+ year old L2500 is around 9.5-10lb, and my 30yr old LB-100 is around 8.5lb. Not sure where my '87 SB-1 sits, but it's in between those.

 

[jmlee]

Gruv Gear has some very nice neoprene padded straps. This particular one has made my life a lot easier when playing very heavy basses.

SoloStrap Neo

 

[LowendG]

There will be plenty of lighter weight L2ks out there, but they'll be USA made and cost significantly more than the Tribute.

There are lighter Tribs out there though. I had an early Tribute L2500--first year they came out, and a US L2500--exact same finish on both (black/maple), and both of mine were just shy of 9 lbs.
Love the L2000/L2500 body shape--one of the best designs out there IMO. Super comfy, sits against your body just right.

 

[atquinn]

Buy a lighter one and then sell that one.

 

[gidbass]

I use a gruv gear Duostrap Neo for my 9lb spector and it's great.

DuoStrap Neo

Good luck!

 

[jd56hawk]

LEKATO Guitar Strap for Electric Guitar Bass with 3.5″ Wide Air Cell Cushions Bass Strap Padded Guitar Straps with Strap Locks, Picks, Adjustable Length from 47″ to 60″

 

[Ellery]

If you love the sound of your G&L (as I do mine), save up your $$ and pony up for a used US model. Yes their price point has gone up in the last few years but if you are diligent, deals are our there, especially buying with cash from a private party. Then you are free to sell your Tribby or keep it as a backup.
L-2000's electronics are so hot that I do not believe wood type makes a difference with the tone, but it sure makes a difference in weight. And unless you are going to tie helium balloons to that extra wide strap you're looking at, nothing is going to change the weight. You may also find the neck to be nicer as well.
Whatever solution you choose, I wish you good luck!

 

[George Himmel]

Depending on how rough it gets, I kinda think the best solution(s) would be:

1.) Find a lighter L-2000. Yours is definitely at the top end of the weight range, even if you’re only realistically budgeted for a Tribute (which are great—no shade—they just have a broader range of weights). They definitely exist under 9lbs. if you’re willing to search!

2.) The Gruv Gear strap has been posted, and it rules, but if you really need maximum support before trying out a stand, they also make the Duo, which straps over both shoulders, and can definitely help if your pain is largely shoulder and upper back.
DuoStrap Neo

Best of luck conquering it! If it’s a possibility, might be a great excuse to get a new one! (The CLF Research ones look really cool, and I have yet to try one…)

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

Highly recommend the CFG zero gravity strap or Neotech straps.

 

[john_g]

Depending on how rough it gets, I kinda think the best solution(s) would be:

1.) Find a lighter L-2000. Yours is definitely at the top end of the weight range, even if you’re only realistically budgeted for a Tribute (which are great—no shade—they just have a broader range of weights). They definitely exist under 9lbs. if you’re willing to search!

This. My L2000 Tribute is my lightest bass and plays like a dream. I have a couple 11+ lb basses and even though i have a 4 inch wide levys, they are still uncomfortable for long gigs. Years ago i bought one of those double straps and it definitely helped, I didnt like how it looked.