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First 5 string: G&L Lakland Spector Peavey?

J

Jwaites105

Oct 27, 2010
35
0
#1
I'm looking to pick up my first 5 string soon, I currently play a Fender MIM jazz 09, most important thing for me has to be the playability of the bass, the tone is also very important for me.
These are the 5 strings I have found within my budget:
G&L L2500 tribute
Lakland 55-01
Spector legend 5
Peavey Cirrus bxp 5

What do you guys suggest? its very hard for me to find these locally to try out so I would appreciate some views and opinions on which one would best suit me
 
#5
G&L

I can't say much for the Peavey or Spector. I've picked them up, but neither really did much for me.

I like the Lakland, but I don't like the cheap overseas Bartolini pickups/preamp. They just sound really "hyped" and unnatural to my ears. I wouldn't hesitate to own a 55-01 IF I was going to put the additional money into new pickups/preamp, but you're looking at an additional $300 for quality stuff.

The G&L, on the other hand, has USA pickups/electronics already built in. The hardware is basically identical, and the quality of the wood seems to be high. I have several USA L2500s and they are excellent (including the B-string). The scale is also the same as your Fender (34"), so that may or may not be an issue. I like different scales for different reasons, but I don't find longer scales uncomfortable. You'll have to decide that. The Tribby L2500 gets my vote.
 
#6
Out of the 4 you list, I have experience with...

G&L L2500 Tribute - very versatile, can be overly aggressive tone but manageable via preamp, somewhat heavy, little bit of neck dive, neck is thick especially if you're coming from a Jazz, bridge can pull out if you don't string through body, can be had for a good prices on used market. I still have mine, but don't play it much because I prefer 4 string.

Lakland 55-01 - versatile but not as versatile as the G&L, IMHO, neck feels great, 35" scale makes for great B string, can be had for decent prices on used market, wgt and balance are excellent. I should have kept this one and sold my G&L based on ergos alone!

Peavey Cirrus BXP 5 - For me, no comparison to the Lak or G&L tonewise. I hated the preamp.

I have no experience with the Spector.

My votes go: Lakland, then G&L
 
#11
Don`t know your budget, but I`d choose the Lakland or the L2500 from your list.

You should also consider a used Spector Euro or USA Cirrus since they can be found for under $900. They sound a bit similar but IMO their biggest difference is the neck profile (flatter in the Cirrus)
 
#12
I had a G&L and a 5501.

The G&L tone was too aggressive for my taste.
Also the bass I had was very heavy (close to 12 pounds)
and suffered from neck dive.
It was very well made and a lovely trans blue.
I sold the G&L.

The stock 5501 has a big sound, smooth and fat bottom with a glassy top end.
The mids are complex but still smooth.
Not a lot of grind or grit if you're into that.

Kinda of the "classic bass" sound Bartolini is known for.

Nice slap tone and easy to play.

I've had mine for 6 or 7 years now...
 
#13
I've owned a G&L L-2500 Tribute and currently own the USA version.

As for the tone, you can set the pickups to parallel mode and turn down the volume and it's as meek and gentle as it can be. Dime out the controls and put it in series mode, and it sounds as if it wants to rape and pillage small villages. It's a very versitle bass.

I have an Ibanez BTB Prestige equiped with Bart soapbars and a Bart pre, and I love the tone. Very modern and piano like with the nickel wound strings I have on it. It has it's place, but 9 times out of 10, I reach for my G&L. It's just a beast of a bass.

The only Lakland I've played was a US made one, and there is no question it is an awesome bass. I can't speak to the Skyline models as I've never played one.

I don't know too many people who are dissappointed with G&L. They may be the most underrated bass on the market.
 
#14
I have a "darkwood" Peavey BXP 5 made in Indonesia. That bass is superior to all those other basses you've listed. Great sound, great playability, ridiculously low action.

Beware of the Made in China models, though. I have found every Chinese model I played to be cheesy and cheap.
 
#16
I have to vote for the Lakland. I do not personally like 35" scale, but I much prefer the Lakland's neck to that of the G&L. I know its unpopular, but I happen to like the electronics package in the Lakie as well. The G&L's electronics may be great, but I don't particularly care for them myself.
 
#19
Lakland...for the quality and GREAT neck feel!

The 55-01 is the "entry level" bass that does not feel "entry level"....Supertanker has it described right on!

If you can afford it, go for the 55-02....more versatility....

good luck and peace:

Doug
 

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