Desired Custom Bass... Ideas and Help Needed.

[Smitherd]

I want a G&L bass really badly. Personally, I am a huge fan of the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. I would, however, like it in the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

So far, I have had zero luck convincing G&L that these finishes are actually distinct from each other, let alone convincing them to make a run of these carved-top five-strings in the sunburst finish. The first representative I talked to on the phone insisted that G&L has to make instruments in runs of at least 50, to which I said, "Okay, so make me one and I will buy it, then send the rest to stores. I'm sure somebody out there will buy them." He didn't like that plan. The next representative I talked to did not understand that I was asking about the L2500 carved-top, and insisted that the L2500's sunburst finish was exactly the same as the L2000 that I was asking about.

Thus, I ask a two-fold question: Should I try to convince G&L to make the bass I want, or should I try to modify/have modified an L2000 body with L2500 neck, hardware and electronics? If the latter, how might I go about doing it?

Because this post is about three-and-a-half questions in one, I may have posted in the wrong forum. Apologies if this is the case.

 

[Beej]

G&L don't do customs it appears, just their own designs in limited runs. Have you considered buying the carved top L2500 in natural and having it sprayed with a sunburst finish? In my view, this would be comparable in cost to having an L2500 neck put on a modified L2000 body with electronics swapped over.

A sunburst finish should only add another couple to three hundred bucks, especially if you do as much of the prep work as possible. Where are you located? You may have a good local luthier who can help you out...

 

[Smitherd]

True story. I'm in the Chattanooga, TN area. Unfortunately I cannot afford the G&L natural carved-top L2500 AND the refinishing. That would put my cost from around $900 to above $1200, when $900 is the top of my budget range.

I have also considered a used Lakland 55-02, except that used ones don't come around very often. If anybody wants to put a 55-02 up for sale for around $900, I'm in.

 

[Beej]

Well, if your budget is at around 900, then the option of having the pocket reworked, blending a 2000 and 2500 and moving electronics is also out the window. Since you initially posted that option, I suggested the refinish as it would be easier and possibly even cheaper.

It looks like your options are considerably more limited than you originally put forth. Now it appears you're looking at finding a natural used one for cheaper and then do the refinish, save more dough before you buy, or scrap the whole idea...

 

[Smitherd]

Yes, I had underestimated the costs involved in both of the G&L options. The Lakland idea does however seem a viable solution... Now just to find one.