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G&L Basses - Why no love?

#221
guy n. cognito said:
And, given that their biggest claim to fame is hitting #66 on the Billboard top 200 over 6 years ago....and that they are a sludge band.....it's not unreasonable to believe that very few people have heard of them, right?
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Imo this happens every time there is a G&L thread.

Op: "Why aren't they more prevalent."

Rational responder: "Well. There just aren't that many visible people playing them......compared to Fender, Gibson, or even Ibanez."

G&L fan: "Nooo you're wrong. Tons and tons and tons of really famous people play them like Tom Hamilton or...uh....[insert obscure completely non-famous person]. See!"

Rational responder: [Googles G&L, realizes their endorser list for bass has guys that were fired from their band or retired up to 15+ years ago. Sees no one famous besides Tom Hamilton on Said list.]".....(shrugs)....are you really sure bud????"
 
#222
jd56hawk said:
I've owned quite a few basses and I've sold quite a few, but this one isn't going anywhere. Believe me, if it fits in my coffin, I'm taking it with me!
21enin8.jpg
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Nice! I really like the block inlays.
 
#222
mlove said:
Their MFD pickups are the main difference.
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I like the sound of G&L pickups on their basses and their guitars.
But I'm finding it pretty hard to beat the feel of USA made Peavey necks.
My Guild Pilot also feels better than any Fender I've touched, but I'm a rookie, so my hands are not that experienced.
 
#223
rujulian said:
It's not matter of popularity..the OP said well known or pro. Read the post. Or is my definition of a "pro" musician wrong?
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You're bending it to rationalize an argument that really doesn't hold weight.

I'm assuming you're saying that people know of him because of his fame and would therefore potentially be someone to inspire non-bassists to pick up a G&L. Right?

If so. Yeah. Your argument is super weak there. The guy from "rando sludge band #457d" isn't going to convince any significant number of people to buy a G&L. He doesn't bring any significant visibility to the instrument.

Which was the OPs ultimate question, iirc. Why are they obscure.
 
#224
rujulian said:
It's not matter of popularity..the OP said well known or pro. Read the post. Or is my definition of a "pro" musician wrong?
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No, your feigned indignity at other poster's lack of knowledge of a virtually unknown band is more what I find incredible. Your suggestion to do a google search to that poster is a good one, since you didn't seem aware, until I pointed it out, that that band had never been signed to a major label. Let's move on, shall we? All of us who are fans of the brand are well aware that they don't show up in the hands of as many stars as other brands. Hell, I know two artists on G&Ls list that haven't touched one of their basses in years, including one that has been building his own brand for 10 YEARS....... None of that matters. They are still fantastic basses.
 
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#226
Chrisk-K said:
G&L is not sufficiently different from Fender.
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Overall I can understand that perspective, but there are significant options that are unavailable from Fender (sans the Custom Shop) such as the variety of neck shapes and finishes. Details mostly: greater color options, various fret wire, tinted neck/fingerboard finishes, wood types, and their locking bridge with a portion which sets into the body. When you add all that up it can make G&L much different from Fender.
 
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#235
Why no love? Basically, for me it's:
1. I already have one active bass - an Alembic - and that's enough. Not really a fan of active basses;
2. I can't get a straight answer out of G&L or their dealers, as to whether I can get a lefty MIA ASAT or not; and
3. even if they did make a lefty, It wouldn't really have a place in my herd. They don't make a flying-V, or a long scale hollow body (like a Gretsch White Falcon bass), and those are the only spots I have that are empty. So, sorry, but...:whistle:
 
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#237
tbz said:
Imo this happens every time there is a G&L thread.

Op: "Why aren't they more prevalent."

Rational responder: "Well. There just aren't that many visible people playing them......compared to Fender, Gibson, or even Ibanez."

G&L fan: "Nooo you're wrong. Tons and tons and tons of really famous people play them like Tom Hamilton or...uh....[insert obscure completely non-famous person]. See!"

Rational responder: [Googles G&L, realizes their endorser list for bass has guys that were fired from their band or retired up to 15+ years ago. Sees no one famous besides Tom Hamilton on Said list.]".....(shrugs)....are you really sure bud????"
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Ouchhh, somebody call the burn ward :blackeye: !.
 
#239
GIBrat51 said:
Why no love? Basically, for me it's:
1. I already have one active bass - an Alembic - and that's enough. Not really a fan of active basses;
2. I can't get a straight answer out of G&L or their dealers, as to whether I can get a MIA ASAT or not; and
3. even if they did make a lefty, It wouldn't really have a place in my herd. They don't make a flying-V, or a long scale hollow body (like a Gretsch White Falcon bass), and those are the only spots I have that are empty. So, sorry, but...:whistle:
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1a). The electronics in the ASAT are completely unlike anything active you've ever experienced.
1b). The ASAT (and LxK series basses) are all designed to be run passive. The "active" is either a buffer, or a simple treble boost, otherwise it's all passive. Yes - the bass and treble controls are passive cut only. I don't even have a preamp in my L2500.
2) They only make a USA ASAT; there is no other option.
3) You need a better excuse than that.
 
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