Can a G&L L1500 be dialed back?

[rnilson]

Hey Fellas,
I am looking at a L1500 for my prog rock project. My only concern is that I have read on these boards that it can only do very agressive tones well. My question is can it be dialed back into the traditional p-tone spectrum with round wounds on it or is this just not possible?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[rnilson]

Hello?...Anyone there?

 

[Chef]

Well, kinda.
The pickup is in the wrong place for P-tone.
But, if you roll the volume down a bit, and roll the treble back, you might be happy.
You'd have to try it to know for sure if it would suit you.

 

[craigb]

My experience is mostly with the Climax (predecessor to the L1500 - same pickup in the same position) and IMO the answer is "nope".

It may just be me but I could never get there (mellow, P-like sound) from here (single MFD in the "Stingray sweetspot"). That's why I'm more into L2Ks, SB*s and JB*s -- I like a pickup in the neck spot.

YMMV - you're best bet is to try it out and see if it works for you

 

[chadhargis]

If you had an L-2000, then I'd say yes. Solo the neck pickup in parallel/passive mode and roll out a bit of bass and she's meek as a lamb.

 

[Chef]

yeah, but, a 1500 is no 2000.
And vice versa.

 

[dogbass]

I love my L1500 for what it is...a very mid-present, "barky" beast. But I'd have to agree with what others have said here - it's not about P-bass tone. If you do end up with one, I strongly recommend the capacitor changeout mod that will make the treble boost mode MUCH more usable. (I don't have the reference thread but you can search on here and find it somewhere....)

 

[rnilson]

Ok, the rules out that bass for me.

Thanks guys.

 

[GlennRH]

The tone on the L-1500 is always well-defined.

If you don't love that, then play another bass.

I played a 1989 G&L SB-1 as my main bass from 1994 to 2003. It's the most awesome P-bass on earth, in my expdrience - meant to be that way by George & Leo.

They meant the L-1500 to be awesome in its own way.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[GlennRH]

That SB-1 is finished Bahama Blue. The curved-under rosewood fingerboard made it a special order, as the second-style SB-1 officially came with a maple fingerboard only.

 

[Burlington]

Won't sound like a P. I honestly like the L-1500's tone more than a P. An L-1000 would do it far better.

 

[chadhargis]

Wow! That's purdy!

 

[Tunaman]

Thats why I decided to pass on the G&L 2500. I have a Sterling or a J bass that can "mid bark" tones. Either one of those 3 are fine basses but can be redundant & you will need another bass for P bass like tones.