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Fender fans who turned G&L
- Thread starter Skullheadrac
- Start date
I’ve played exactly one G&L bass in my life for 20 minutes, so I really don’t have an opinion of the entire product line, just an observation of the one I played. From construction, materials, to voicing, it was adequate. Nothing more, nothing less as it was.
But with some adjustments, some call that a set up but I call it optimization if I do the work, it could be a serious player. I didn’t have enough time with it to run it through an amp with a good EQ to dial in useful tonal settings.
I did work with a guitar player that had a G&L Strat. That was a really well built guitar, but had a flaw. The tone on the bridge pick-up when soloed, was horrifically harsh to the point he never used that setting, and being candid, I certainly was glad he never did.
But with some adjustments, some call that a set up but I call it optimization if I do the work, it could be a serious player. I didn’t have enough time with it to run it through an amp with a good EQ to dial in useful tonal settings.
I did work with a guitar player that had a G&L Strat. That was a really well built guitar, but had a flaw. The tone on the bridge pick-up when soloed, was horrifically harsh to the point he never used that setting, and being candid, I certainly was glad he never did.
For Lull having been such an integral part of the bass community, that's what I'd call respect and honor.
G&L's suck. Heavy, overpriced, not nearly versatile enough. Those are just some of the reasons I only have three of them and am always looking on here and other places for more.
/trying to keep resale low
/trying to keep resale low
for a standard jazz bass, G&L outdoes fender by miles in terms of quality overall, but also bang for the buck.
USA fenders simply are not built to the same standards - they are coasting on the brand recognition, which only goes so far with informed instrument-buyers.
USA fenders simply are not built to the same standards - they are coasting on the brand recognition, which only goes so far with informed instrument-buyers.
I've been a Fender guy since I started playing in 1988 and at this point, outside of one Gibson SG guitar, everything I have is made by Fender. That said, I've had my eye on the G&L Fallout. If they do the green USA model without that stripe, I'd be quite interested. G&L might help themselves if they used more frequently the more Fender-like headstock profile some of their models have. It's dumb, but I find the primary headstock off-putting.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,623
- 222,172
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
My main bass for about 12 years was US Vintage 62 Precision - the bass that was my main axe, main influence, as well as the players who used precisions (Jamerson, Duck, Babbitt, Waters) and their music. Well I can honestly say that Fender Precision was my main music influence, created my whole style and music preferences. Watching Blues Brothers and later SITSOM were a life changing experience for me.
In february 2020 I got 1981 L-1000 "by accident". From now on my Fender sits in the case, under the bed and I use it occasionally. L-1000 is my main bass.
Few months ago I traded my Jazz Bass for a Climax Bass.
And I simply want more G&L greatness!!
In february 2020 I got 1981 L-1000 "by accident". From now on my Fender sits in the case, under the bed and I use it occasionally. L-1000 is my main bass.
Few months ago I traded my Jazz Bass for a Climax Bass.
And I simply want more G&L greatness!!
I have an L2k tribby and honestly, it's my favorite bass I've ever played. The real trick to the L2k platform is that you've gotta adopt a mindset of "cut and adjust switches" rather than "cut and boost". Once you start figuring that out, the beast opens itself up to you and you can get it to do a reasonable impression of a lot of other things, especially if you've got a Sansamp and a GEQ in your effects chain.
I had a Fender Jazz Deluxe...just sold it on eBay to some lucky bastard who ended up getting an incredible deal on it. I'm getting rid of it because I don't see a place for it where my L2k couldn't do better. I have a Squier CV P bass as well that I've put an Epic Custom Shops Black Gold pickup in, and along with the L2K I can cover just about anything.
I'm using the money from the Fender to get a T Bird to see if I like it or not...if not, honestly, I'm just gonna sell it and use the cash to get another L2k tribby and put flats on it
I had a Fender Jazz Deluxe...just sold it on eBay to some lucky bastard who ended up getting an incredible deal on it. I'm getting rid of it because I don't see a place for it where my L2k couldn't do better. I have a Squier CV P bass as well that I've put an Epic Custom Shops Black Gold pickup in, and along with the L2K I can cover just about anything.
I'm using the money from the Fender to get a T Bird to see if I like it or not...if not, honestly, I'm just gonna sell it and use the cash to get another L2k tribby and put flats on it
Fender P since 1975. Since then, lots more Ps, a J, a Jag, and a '69 Tele. All USA. Got into G&L a few years back with a rebuild of a Wunkay basket case. Then a Detroit Hugger Orange LB, and a CAR JB within one year. Finally, a Tookay (10 year old NOS!) followed me home at the start of COVID. Fit and finish on every one of them is outstanding. The JB is a little on the porky side, but it balances well (my USA J does not) and the neck is incredible. The Tookay has a growl that I just adore. The LB, while cool, still takes a back seat to my Fender Ps. If you intend to buy only one G&L, make it a Tookay.
Oh -- and there are deals out there. I bought the LB, JB, and Tookay new -- and paid under a grand for each one.
PS - BEST BRIDGE IN THE BUSINESS!!
Oh -- and there are deals out there. I bought the LB, JB, and Tookay new -- and paid under a grand for each one.
PS - BEST BRIDGE IN THE BUSINESS!!
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I've owned some sort of Fender for over 30 years. I put off looking at G&L until I was recently shopping for a fretless. People here kept pointing me toward the L2000.
I'm glad they did! I got a good deal on one. And it's a GREAT bass!!! Super versatile. Extremely well built. And it sounds and plays great!
I'm glad they did! I got a good deal on one. And it's a GREAT bass!!! Super versatile. Extremely well built. And it sounds and plays great!
I played a Fender for 10 years and got tired of its weight and limited tonal flexibility. I started playing a Ric in ‘79 and I still like and play mine. I got my first G&L in ‘95 and have accumulated several. I think they’re better built than Fender and I love how they play and feel.
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Played a Precision for many years back in the day. Let a music store owner talk me into a fancy Scaller bridge when all I wanted was a Badass. Serendipity then reared it's head as he tried (and failed) to install the bridge himself. Even after his luthier got done "fixing" it, the Precision was just never right. Went back to the owner and insisted he make it right. He did so by swapping me a G&L L-2000E for my Precision (and $100). It was love at first note. That L-2000 was my one and only for many years. When I started playing 5ers it got put aside and eventually sold. Wish I hadn't done that...
Will always love my Fender Pbasses past and present but I sure wish I still had this 81 L-1000..
I think the real takeaway here is that G&L makes incredible instruments and everyone should have an L2000/Tukay/whatever you wanna call it.
If you don't wanna spend a ton of money get the Tribute. Electronics and pickups are the exact same as the US made ones
If you don't wanna spend a ton of money get the Tribute. Electronics and pickups are the exact same as the US made ones
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,623
- 222,172
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Thanks! Cut it myself - I have one in parchment pearl also.
lifelong fender player here. ive had a couple g&ls, an 83 that looked cool, but it was super heavy and neck was in bad shape; and now a newer L2000 that looks REALLY cool but its kinda too wacky for everyday use. i appreciate that Leo felt he had perfected his designs with G&L , after all, who am i to argue.
however, i find nothing better about them than my trusty Fender fenders.
regarding hardware: the locking bridge is cool, but bent steel has never let me down.
the reverse tapered tuning pegs??? i can't stand them! is there a trick here? i get the idea -downward pressure on the nut. but they are so dang hard to string up! thankfully im not a big string changer, otherwise, that alone would keep me from the brand, or id have to replace them.
all in all the improvements seem kinda gimmicky. just my take.
however, i find nothing better about them than my trusty Fender fenders.
regarding hardware: the locking bridge is cool, but bent steel has never let me down.
the reverse tapered tuning pegs??? i can't stand them! is there a trick here? i get the idea -downward pressure on the nut. but they are so dang hard to string up! thankfully im not a big string changer, otherwise, that alone would keep me from the brand, or id have to replace them.
all in all the improvements seem kinda gimmicky. just my take.
