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Fretless indecision

Fretless dilemma: G&L L2500, or Fender Tony Franklin?

  • G&L L2500

    Votes: 3 42.9%

  • Tony Franklin

    Votes: 4 57.1%
  • Total voters
    7
sonicblue62

sonicblue62

Nov 9, 2009
595
539
51
Twin Falls, Idaho
www.youtube.com
#1
Esteemed colleagues of the low end,
Although fretless electric is not my forté, it has a special place in my soul. I currently have a G&L USA L2500 that doesn't come out of the case very often, but seems magical when it does. I have lusted after the Fender Tony Frankiln fretless bass since the model was introduced. I have never had a chance to play one, but I love the p-bass vibe and simplicity of a passive P/J configuration. The all-black version speaks to my inner David J. Having the low B on the L2500 is cool, but the detuner on the Franklin would probably serve most of my extended-range needs as well. I should also add that while the active preamp on the G&L sounds great and adds many tonal options, I usually opt for the passive mode.

For any of you who may have experience with both axes, which would you more highly recommend? Should I continue to yearn for a TF, or just keep and love the G&L? Maybe it's apples to oranges. Anyway. I appreciate any feedback based on hands-on experience (especially with the TF, as I've only played my G&L). Sadly, having both is not an option. Gotta make a decision so that GAS doesn't take over my life.
Gracias!
 
#2
Neither seem particularly collectible, I'd say sell the G&L and get the TF. I'd maybe consider getting it used since it's more of an experiment and that way you don't take quite so much of a hit on resale if it turns out it isn't for you.
 
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#6
I vote the Tony Fankllin as it has a P pickup and you can't go wrong with a P bass fretted or not! The YouTube video's I've watch about the TF model sound amazing. I had an import version of the L2500 and as great of a bass it was it was like a stingray, it does one thing and it does it very well. I know it sounds like I'm saying stingrays are a one trick pony but that not the whole story, it's about opinion. I just happen to feel P basses can pretty much anything and I love the tone of a fretless P (and I'm a jazz bass guy that love stingrays).
 

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