Fender fans who turned G&L

[Skullheadrac]

Hey just wanted to get some input from people who eventually gravitated to G&L basses. Specifically people who were or still are fender fans/players.
Which model was your go to for Fender and which is your G&L model now?
How would you compare and contrast?

I've been eyeing G&L for a while now. Is it worth taking a gamble? No one carries G&L in stores here, so I haven't had an opportunity to play one yet.

 

[luciens]

I'm a Leo Fender nerd (which implies I'm both a G&L and Fender fanatic at the same time), though at the current time I'm, ironically, all Fender. But that's primarily for availability reasons: Im a fretless player who lost all his instruments last year (including my L2000 that I had for 20 years) and it turned out that Fender had the only available fretless basses that were appealing (jaco jazz bass and tony franklin precision bass).

But what turned me into a G&L fan was my L2000 fretless that I bought new in 2000 (and only finally lost last year in incident that I won't go into here). At that time, G&L was practically a boutique bass, with the additional coolness of being a Leo Fender design. Fender, around the year 2000, was still pretty iffy in terms of their overall quality of builds (still have some problems today), and G&L was more or less on another level, to be honest about it.

My go to G&L was (and still would be) the L2000. I think of the L2K as the Fender precision suped up by Leo Fender himself: all new pickups, the saddle-lock bridge, the "bi-cut" neck (no longer made though) and the ultralight aluminum tuning machines. Like I said, side by side by a new Fender bass, an L2000 looked like a boutique Leo Fender design.

Today the differences are levelled a bit, since Fender basses are much better today than they have been at any time in the past. They do still have QC control problems as I can attest to with my Fendersm 4, all of which I've bought new - I've had multiple encounters with factory new basses with moderate problems with the fingerboards (and one that was so bad it was unplayable I had to return it for an exchange).

The only bad thing with G&L is what you've noted: availability, especially with the "options" MIA basses. That's a good and bad thing: US G&L is still a small operation in Leo Fender's last factory in Fullerton, CA. So even though their production numbers are low, you still get a really nicely made, mostly hand-built Leo Fender instrument. They're working on that with the Fullerton Deluxe basses, which they can produce onshore in higher volumes. And of course the Tributes which are made overseas (I believe Cort guitars makes them for G&L but I could be wrong).

But that's the reason I don't have even one G&L right now - I haven't been able to find the one I want: an L2K with an unlined fretless neck with a couple of specific options I wanted on it. I could order one, but the backlog is about 6 months and the upcharge is unknown but likely pretty high. So I just never got around to getting one.

Other than that, that's my experience with G&L. As for whether to get one, I always reply with an enthusiastic "yes". And one day I'll either break down and just order the L2K that I want and get it overwith, or I'll find one already built somewhere. And I'll finally be a G&L owner again myself.

L

 

[80jazz]

While I do not have a G&L, I think I will next year. I have played a few in the past and perceive them to be excellent basses. I don't know if I would have a go-to model, because I like variety. The only bass I would probably avoid would be the 5 strings (but I find 35" scale to be more enjoyable than 34", but still think I want a fretless 5-string JB).

With the options and price point of the option order basses I don't think you could go wrong. It may be just down to P and J (or L or M).

 

[Jim C]

I have a number of 70's Fenders and 2 G&L's.
JB2 Tribute and Fullerton JB.
G&L's can be exceptionally heavy so if that's an issue check the weight. OTOH, you can order palonia as a wood option and my JB is 7.5 lbs.
Also, the QC can be really spotty and stupid things missed on custom orders. Watch the G&L tour online (one is with Cheech). Pretty loose product management IMO.
I do love the necks and the finishes. Great buy on the used market too.

 

[Skullheadrac]

I play American Jazz basses, but the L2K caught my eye a while ago.
I've been looking at other models, but this is the stand out to me from their line (based on what I like, tone wise).
I've some here and there on the local used market, but never pulled the trigger.
Also, I'm not too huge of a fan of active basses but I feel like (based on video demos) the passive mode is just fine with the L2k.

 

[sleddogn]

I really have been interested in g&l's too, but have never had one, just hate that dang'd headstock, want to sand that hook into a fender shape, lol

 

[luciens]

As for active vs passive mode on the L2K: I played my L2k for nearly 20 years with no battery in it. The active/passive switch just became my mute switch.
The L2K preamp is actually pretty bad. The MFD's overload it on hard plucks and about all it does is make the treble sound like a ticked-off Dremel tool.

The M-series addresses that with slightly underwound MFD pickups and a better preamp. But it has the major drawback of no passive mode (when your batts die so does the bass). For that reason alone I've never bought an M-series. If they added passive from the factory, I'd probably consider an M2000....

L

 

[Skullheadrac]

Using the active switch as a mute switch is a really good idea.
Also, I play aggressively so that preamp is a genuine concern for me. Now I wish I could try one.

As for active vs passive mode on the L2K: I played my L2k for nearly 20 years with no battery in it. The active/passive switch just became my mute switch.
The L2K preamp is actually pretty bad. The MFD's overload it on hard plucks and about all it does is make the treble sound like a ticked-off Dremel tool.

The M-series addresses that with slightly underwound MFD pickups and a better preamp. But it has the major drawback of no passive mode (when your batts die so does the bass). For that reason alone I've never bought an M-series. If they added passive from the factory, I'd probably consider an M2000....

L

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I played a Stingray (Still a Leo bass) with the one I bought new in '94, then the NOS '94 fretless I bought a year later. Two or 3 years later I caught the 5-string bug and was looking for a Stingray 5 that I could trade the fretless for (it was really difficult back then, scouring the printed classified newspapers and calling some schmuck at his house during dinner...and stores like Sam Ash really weren't accepting used instruments). But I found a tiny ad in the newspaper for a brand new G&L L2500. I drove out to Long Island to the guy's house and played his trans-green L2500. I ordered a blue one and got it about 2 weeks later.

It was a different beast altogether, one that I didn't understand being a die-hard Stingray player. After a few months, I really wasn't happy with its tone and had a Pensa 2-band preamp installed and played it that way for 20 years. It wasn't until about 3 years ago that I reinstalled the original v1.0 G&L preamp and put the Pensa towards something else.
It wasn't until I had the L2500 for 10 years that I really started noticing just how great it was. The neck construction, the hardware, fit and finish...sure my '94 stingray was great (mid-90's were the best years IMO), too, but the G&L was something else. It is at this time that I am a die-hard G&L fan and would only really consider buying a new G&L over a new Fender or EBMM. If I could get my hands on a custom L2500 fretless to match my fretted, everything else can go to hell.

 

[SJan3]

I have a number of 70's Fenders and 2 G&L's.
JB2 Tribute and Fullerton JB.
G&L's can be exceptionally heavy so if that's an issue check the weight. OTOH, you can order palonia as a wood option and my JB is 7.5 lbs.
Also, the QC can be really spotty and stupid things missed on custom orders. Watch the G&L tour online (one is with Cheech). Pretty loose product management IMO.
I do love the necks and the finishes. Great buy on the used market too.

Gotta tell you, my JB-2 tribute is light! I'd put it at 8 lbs. So, it's a crapshoot sometimes.
Mine is ash sunburst w/maple board.
Best value I've ever experienced!

 

[Geri O]

I was a Fender and Music Man fan. Still am, really.

But it took no less than Mike Lull to pull me away from Fenders and Stingrays.

 

[jd56hawk]

Hey just wanted to get some input from people who eventually gravitated to G&L basses. Specifically people who were or still are fender fans/players.
Which model was your go to for Fender and which is your G&L model now?
How would you compare and contrast?

I've been eyeing G&L for a while now. Is it worth taking a gamble? No one carries G&L in stores here, so I haven't had an opportunity to play one yet.

I've had some very nice Fenders, one or two I regret selling, and probably would still be playing them right now, but...
After hearing about the G&L L2000 for years on Talkbass and having a hard time believing they could possibly be that good, I finally saw a Tribute hanging up at Robbie's Music in Totowa. Picked it up, plugged it in and realized within five minutes that all the hype was real.
Knew i had to find a USA-made one.
Bought this three years ago.

Just got this two weeks ago.

Nothing I've owned before and nothing I've played since can measure up to either one.

 

[john_g]

I have had a G&L L2000, L2500 and now have a Tribute Jazz Bass. I got a great deal on it about 8 months ago (not that blue sparkle one that MF had recently as a stupid deal) and this bass is every bit as good as the 60th Anniversary Fender Jazz I used to have. I even put in the S1 switch because the 60th Ann had that and I really liked it. Sounds just as good as that bass for about $1K less. I still kick myself for getting rid of my L2500. It was pretty heavy and I never went below the low D so I figured I would try something else. That bass was killer too and I miss it. I want to get another one that is hopefully much lighter. And, i have a Stingray too which is awesome as well.

 

[SJan3]

I was a Fender and Music Man fan. Still am, really.

But it took no less than Mike Lull to pull me away from Fenders and Stingrays.

Great basses! So sorry for Mike.

 

[Geri O]

Great basses! So sorry for Mike.

Yes, so sad for the family. They are moving on and doing the subsequent instruments very well by Mike.

Sorry for the thread derail, ya'll. Certainly no disrespect intended.

Carry on....

 

[2F/2F]

Exactly the opposite for me.

Started with a Music Man Stingray, and then G&L L-2000...then much later on (20 years), "found" the Fender Precision. For me, the P is where it's at in the end. It's cosmetically and tonally perfect, without having to mess with anything beyond basic setup. I am still into G&Ls, but several experiences with quality issues and poor service from the company and retailers over the past 8 years have really spoiled my view of them. I used to be a big time G&L fan-boy, but no more. The company isn't what it used to be, IME. Meanwhile, Fender's higher end American-made quality is better than ever IMO. My several Fender AVs (2013–2017 date range) are each about as perfect an electric bass or guitar as I'd ever want. Exceptional build quality, exceptional playability, exceptional tone – all while 4 out of 6 G&Ls I've owned in the same period have had multiple issues with build quality, and the company and its retailers have been absolutely infuriating to deal with.

 

[Tall-Fir]

I went from a heavy MIA 1997 standard P bass to a G&L (very light) LB-100. I'm not an experienced player, but I love the feel of the LB-100 overall (maple neck). I most certainly would make the same trade in deal that I did again.

 

[Tall-Fir]

I went from a heavy MIA 1997 standard P bass to a G&L (very light) LB-100. I'm not an experienced player, but I love the feel of the LB-100 overall (maple neck). I most certainly would make the same trade in deal that I did again.

 

[NG51]

Had a Fender P back in the late 70s, when I was gigging a lot. Really liked it.
I have 2 G&Ls now- an MJ-4, and an SB-2. Both are beautifully made and set up. The SB-2 is one of the nicest basses I've ever played.

 

[DirkP]

Exactly the opposite for me.

Started with a Music Man Stingray, and then G&L L-2000...then much later on (20 years), "found" the Fender Precision. For me, the P is where it's at in the end. It's cosmetically and tonally perfect, without having to mess with anything beyond basic setup. I am still into G&Ls, but several experiences with quality issues and poor service from the company and retailers over the past 8 years have really spoiled my view of them. I used to be a big time G&L fan-boy, but no more. The company isn't what it used to be, IME. Meanwhile, Fender's higher end American-made quality is better than ever IMO. My several Fender AVs (2013–2017 date range) are each about as perfect an electric bass or guitar as I'd ever want. Exceptional build quality, exceptional playability, exceptional tone – all while 4 out of 6 G&Ls I've owned in the same period have had multiple issues with build quality, and the company and its retailers have been absolutely infuriating to deal with.

My story is very similar. My first really expensive new bass was a G&L L2000 I bought for 2.000,- Deutsche Mark new in 1993 or 1994. Shortly thereafter I bought a used Lynx.
I thought the L2000 would be kind of a Super Fender with all the P, J and MM sounds I could think off, but still looking like a vintage Fender instrument.
I sold it after about 20 years but had rarely played it the last years I owned it.
It was a beautifull instrument, but a boatanchor.
And in whatever configuration: active/passive/serial/parallel/both pickups/single pickup, it has a kind of midrange nasal sound I didn't like and never worked in a mix or live. I don't like the sound of the pickups.

After starting to play Fenders, esp. Jazz Basses, I never looked back. With the simple VVT config of a Jazz, I get very different sounds - and I like all of them. Like 2F/2F my absolute favs are the last AVS Series: I own 2 '64 Jazz Basses and 1 '63 Precision. Besides 6 other Ps and Js.
Maybe the G&L Fender clones are good, but I don't like the looks, the massive G&L bridge looks wrong to me on a P or J.