I am thinking of trading my 2011 Fender American P bass for a G&L M2500 Tribute. Main reasons are that I have a couple of passive four stings already and I have been wanting an active 5 string. Is this a bad idea?
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Fender American for GL Tribute?
- Thread starter milkman-27
- Start date
Not if it's what you want. Resale will be less on the Tribute, but quality will likely be close to the same if they're anything like the two I own and others I've played. It's a completely different beast though... have you played one yet?
[edited to add:]
If you time it right, you very well may be able to swap even for a USA M2500.
[edited to add:]
If you time it right, you very well may be able to swap even for a USA M2500.
No I havent. I have been chatting back and forth with the music store owner. I am trying to see is they would do a straight trade, if he seems willing to do it I will try it first
You definitely need to play it first... and for a while (not just 5 minutes.) Double humbucker G&L's are "home" for me, but they're not for everyone and a lot of folks are intimidated by (or just don't want) all the tonal options and knobs available.
Of course he's willing to swap! He'll likely profit off the swap by a few hundred bucks. Quality-wise though (price aside,) I personally think the Tributes are near the same quality as US Fenders that I've handled & played. Others will definitely disagree.
I hade a Brice active 6 string at one time and I really liked it, but 6 strings were too much but I definately liked having the low b string. And I liked having all of the tonal options.
You had better try it first! An L2500 is unlike any other bass you've played. The controls are quite different (passive tone controls that work even in passive mode). Tonal range is exceptional and workmanship is usually excellent. However, if that is what you want (I'd try to live with one for a while) the BEST deal to try for is a used USA model. They are a step up from Tributes (though tribby is very good). If you can't find one of those then a Tribute will work.
Note I caution you even though my main axes are two blueburst USA L2500 (fretted and fretless) plus a nice fretted Ash tribby. These basses are NOT for everyone. If you liked a Brice, an M2500 may be for you. Oh yes, look out for basswood tribbies too! In my opinion they just sound too "foofy" and don't have the tone the ash body tributes do. You can form your own opinion.
Well, I actually went and tried it out and liked it so much that I went through with the trade. It is one with the swamp ash body and I really dig all of the different sounds that I can get out of it. I have two passive PJ basses, as a matter of fact my number one has always been my Yamaha BB so I am good in that area. Now I have another tool in the toolbox and I really never gigged the Fender. when I did I just couldnt seem to get it to cut through like I wanted it too.
Righ on. I completely understand you not beig satisfied with the P while liking the others you mentioned. I felt the same way and after 13 years and many, many basses, I'm about 80-90% (L-series preamp) G&L now.
Enjoy it. They're a lot of fun!
Just wanted to say that I am really glad that I did this. The more that I play it the more stoked I am about gigging it. Can't wait
I don't play fives but that looks great. As long as you feel comfortable that's what matters. Congratulaions man!
I have two four strings, my number 1 is a Yamaha BB414. I will always have four strings to use but this thing is pretty awesome.
I love my stingray 4hh, but I want a g&l 2500 soooooo bad - cherry burst with maple neck and wood binding; the perfect combo.
Simple answer, what's ur Fender worth 2 sell versus what an import G&L will cost 2 buy? Quality is pretty equal so no issue there, G&L r great basses, no issue but r u in a rush 2 get it? Feels like music store boy is in 2 much of a rush 2 give u a "deal". If u research prices n feel the hassle n time 2 sell n then buy ain't worth it, go 4 it but I think something's a bit 2 glossy 4 him, but then again, I'm a cynical SoB. Good luck either way.
I assume you've still got the stock strings on the G&L.
Strings can make a big difference with those hot pickups but then you get into a whole 'nother too many options situation.
I have the mellower m2500 and just swapped from GHS pressure wounds to DR Fat Beams and waiting out the usual month break in.
Problem as I see it is I seem to like both of those strings on that bass and so I can only see more G&L basses in my future. The Tributes would seem to be the way to go to keep that pursuit affordable.
Strings can make a big difference with those hot pickups but then you get into a whole 'nother too many options situation.
I have the mellower m2500 and just swapped from GHS pressure wounds to DR Fat Beams and waiting out the usual month break in.
Problem as I see it is I seem to like both of those strings on that bass and so I can only see more G&L basses in my future. The Tributes would seem to be the way to go to keep that pursuit affordable.
