Decisions...

[Resonance129]

Coming to the lovely folks of TB to ask a fairly generic question that's been asked before: Which bass would you put your money towards?...

I'm aware it's been done, but where better to inquire?
If you're not interested in answering, that's cool. But in the words of Aaron Neville, "If you're not gonna help, don't hurt. Just pass me by...".

SO, that said, I'm considering a new bass.
I'm looking for something pretty versatile, but I want it to be inherently growly, mid-forward, and capable of producing a Justin Chancellor-esque, pseudo-Wal tone when using a pick. I def want a 2 pickup setup (preferably humbuckers), and I'd like to have some options for tone shaping outside of the fairly standard 3-band EQ. And the ability to switch between active and passive on the fly would be the icing on the cake.

So far, I'm drawn to 2 models - EBMM Stingray Special 4HH or a USA G&L L2K. Both are amazing models in their own right, and I've played both, but I'm having a hard time making the decision. Open to other suggestions, for sure, but those 2 both tend to make me feel funny in the pants every time I hear them

The Schecter SLS Elite is another model that I love the sound of (those Fishman pickups are noice), but the narrowness of the neck makes it less attractive.

Of the models I mentioned, what say you, TB?
Are there any other models I should be researching?
Lay it on me.. And thanks for your time/consideration

-Res

 

[jd56hawk]

Well, I have two L2000s, so...

However, I'd be remiss not to suggest the Reverend Thundergun, as well.

Andy must like them, I think he's posted half a dozen different videos.

 

[Resonance129]

Well, I have two L2000s, so...
View attachment 4480493
However, I'd be remiss not to suggest the Reverend Thundergun, as well.
View attachment 4480494
Andy must like them, I think he's posted half a dozen different videos.

Appreciate the Reverend suggestion

I admittedly don't know tons about the brand, but I'll definitely check them out. The aesthetic is certainly unique.

Your L2K's are cool, though. Lovin the block inlays on the trans white one. I LOVE the L2K sound. I purchased an L25K from a TB member a few years ago when I was trying to force myself to get into 5-strings, but eventually ended up selling it. Couldn't get into it, but have wanted an L2K, since.

 

[jd56hawk]

Appreciate the Reverend suggestion

I admittedly don't know tons about the brand, but I'll definitely check them out. The aesthetic is certainly unique.

Your L2K's are cool, though. Lovin the block inlays on the trans white one. I LOVE the L2K sound. I purchased an L25K from a TB member a few years ago when I was trying to force myself to get into 5-strings, but eventually ended up selling it. Couldn't get into it, but have wanted an L2K, since.

Fretboard decals on the L2000...four years and they still look great.
As for the Thundergun, one of the best-kept secrets in the bass world...right up there with my L2000s.
The only thing that some bassists might not like is the fingerboard radius...12"...and the fret edges aren't rolled, though I rolled mine myself.
Another nice thing about it?
The fretboard is Blackwood Tek.

Some of the best stock pickups and electronics made...passive yet potent.
SPLIT BRICK
Strong lows and highs, open mids. Like a vintage P bass pickup but with more beef, yet retains clarity. 43 gauge wire, ceramic magnet, 8.5K ohms.
THICK BRICK
Warm and thick with strong mids. Output and punch like an active, but more organic sounding. 42 gauge wire, ceramic magnet, 7K ohms.

 

[Wicked G]

I own an EBMM Stingray Special HH and 2 G&L Tribute M2000's. While not exactly the same, they are not super different from the L2000's. With that said I love the Stingray Special HH. Everything about it screams quality and the tone is something that is not easily matched by any other basses I can think of. Every switch position is usable. That's my 2 cents.

 

[Bright Midnight]

Coming to the lovely folks of TB to ask a fairly generic question that's been asked before: Which bass would you put your money towards?...

I'm aware it's been done, but where better to inquire?
If you're not interested in answering, that's cool. But in the words of Aaron Neville, "If you're not gonna help, don't hurt. Just pass me by...".

SO, that said, I'm considering a new bass.
I'm looking for something pretty versatile, but I want it to be inherently growly, mid-forward, and capable of producing a Justin Chancellor-esque, pseudo-Wal tone when using a pick. I def want a 2 pickup setup (preferably humbuckers), and I'd like to have some options for tone shaping outside of the fairly standard 3-band EQ. And the ability to switch between active and passive on the fly would be the icing on the cake.

So far, I'm drawn to 2 models - EBMM Stingray Special 4HH or a USA G&L L2K. Both are amazing models in their own right, and I've played both, but I'm having a hard time making the decision. Open to other suggestions, for sure, but those 2 both tend to make me feel funny in the pants every time I hear them

The Schecter SLS Elite is another model that I love the sound of (those Fishman pickups are noice), but the narrowness of the neck makes it less attractive.

Of the models I mentioned, what say you, TB?
Are there any other models I should be researching?
Lay it on me.. And thanks for your time/consideration

-Res

Hey Res, was looking for the same 'type' of bass as you, looking for that same tone, and while I had a German Corvette $$, the pick ups were too close together to get that tone imo. I now got a Tribute L2000, far cheaper, yet that tone just nails it for me.

 

[Resonance129]

I own an EBMM Stingray Special HH and 2 G&L Tribute M2000's. While not exactly the same, they are not super different from the L2000's. With that said I love the Stingray Special HH. Everything about it screams quality and the tone is something that is not easily matched by any other basses I can think of. Every switch position is usable. That's my 2 cents.

Totally agree. Every time I've played one and messed around with the EQ and tone switch, I could hear it in all kinds of musical contexts. That second pickup, as well as the ability to manipulate which sets of pole pieces are active, adds a whole lot of options. And with both pickups full on, I've gotten pretty durn close to the tone I'm after.

BUT, the L2K is just as versatile, and can get me pretty durn close, too. Hence, my dilemma lol

 

[Resonance129]

Hey Res, was looking for the same 'type' of bass as you, looking for that same tone, and while I had a German Corvette $$, the pick ups were too close together to get that tone imo. I now got a Tribute L2000, far cheaper, yet that tone just nails it for me.

That tone is so fun to have . And up to this point, those are the only 2 models/configurations (that I know of) that get me pretty close. I NEED to own a bass that can do that lol. Glad to know somebody else who's going for that same sound can confirm the L2K does it, well

 

[Resonance129]

Fretboard decals on the L2000...four years and they still look great.
As for the Thundergun, one of the best-kept secrets in the bass world...right up there with my L2000s.
The only thing that some bassists might not like is the fingerboard radius...12"...and the fret edges aren't rolled, though I rolled mine myself.
Another nice thing about it?
The fretboard is Blackwood Tek.

Some of the best stock pickups and electronics made...passive yet potent.
SPLIT BRICK
Strong lows and highs, open mids. Like a vintage P bass pickup but with more beef, yet retains clarity. 43 gauge wire, ceramic magnet, 8.5K ohms.
THICK BRICK
Warm and thick with strong mids. Output and punch like an active, but more organic sounding. 42 gauge wire, ceramic magnet, 7K ohms.

I think the only thing that detracts from that model for me is the "P-like" front pickup. In this next bass, I'd prefer that hi-fi, modern, full-on humbucker kind of sound. I don't have that sound in my little collection anymore, and I want that back.

While that model Reverend does sound nice, I don't know that it's quite the sound I'm reaching for at the moment.
Still appreciate the suggestion, though. It's a brand I hadn't really looked much into until now.

 

[Resonance129]

*bump*

 

[eastcoasteddie]

…and I'd like to have some options for tone shaping outside of the fairly standard 3-band EQ. And the ability to switch between active and passive on the fly would be the icing on the cake.

From the statement above, it seems the L2K is closer to what you’re looking for than the Stingray Special HH. However, the section I have set to Bold makes me think you’d want both a 3-band and a Passive tone control…but neither of those basses have both [stating the obvious, I know…]

I own a USA L2500 (for 25 years) and used to own a Stingray H (for 18 years), and the Stingray, if I remember correctly, had more of that “pseudo-Wal-tone” when jammed on with a pick. But it also has its own “baked-in” kind of tone that makes it stand out. The L2k sounds more neutral…
I think the L2k can be more versatile if you get the single coil mod. Mine didn’t so I modified it myself. I also added a 4th switch for inner/outer coils, like the Stingray HH has in its 5-way switch.

I did get kind of sick’n tired of the Stingray sound, which is one of the reasons I sold my Stingray…but I’m kind of longing for it again…

 

[Resonance129]

From the statement above, it seems the L2K is closer to what you’re looking for than the Stingray Special HH. However, the section I have set to Bold makes me think you’d want both a 3-band and a Passive tone control…but neither of those basses have both [stating the obvious, I know…]

I own a USA L2500 (for 25 years) and used to own a Stingray H (for 18 years), and the Stingray, if I remember correctly, had more of that “pseudo-Wal-tone” when jammed on with a pick. But it also has its own “baked-in” kind of tone that makes it stand out. The L2k sounds more neutral…
I think the L2k can be more versatile if you get the single coil mod. Mine didn’t so I modified it myself. I also added a 4th switch for inner/outer coils, like the Stingray HH has in its 5-way switch.

I did get kind of sick’n tired of the Stingray sound, which is one of the reasons I sold my Stingray…but I’m kind of longing for it again…

Thank you for that .
I'm kind of leaning more toward the L2K now, mostly because of what you'd mentioned - The Stingray has a "baked in" sound. That sound IS wonderful IMO, and when the pickups are blended full, it gets pretty close to the Wal tone. But I do believe I'd prefer a more neutral sound, which makes the L2k just slightly more attractive.
Still doing my research, but I appreciate the input .

 

[two fingers]

They're both great. I would give a slight edge to the L2K for versatility.

 

[TerenceE]

There’s lots out there depending on your budget and how patient you want to be to wait for a good deal. Just read a thread of a dude scoring a d800+ and subway 115 can for $600 so…