G&L Club Part 6

[skidmarkbass]

might have been kitty litter...

 

[jim777]

I bet it doesn't rock as hard anymore

 

[skidmarkbass]

digging it so far!

 

[BadJazz]

So I was excited to get my hands on my first G&L, having picked up a Tribute JB2. It's been modded by a couple of previous owners, but letting myself make a bunch of impulse buys, I'm not sure about keeping it - especially since MFD pickups are so hard to come by.

The attachment below is what it looks like now. I was thinking of putting in a pair of Noiseless Jazz pups in, or maybe a couple of MM style humbuckers and wiring them for parallel/series options, but having read some of this thread, I think I'm really missing out if I don't put some proper MFDs in there.

Is that where the G&L magic sauce is - in the pickups? Or is it a preamp thing also?

I wanted to put MFDs in a USA Sterling but the MFDs are bigger than the Ernie Ball pups. I say stick with the real deal.

 

[Iridescentone]

So I was excited to get my hands on my first G&L, having picked up a Tribute JB2. It's been modded by a couple of previous owners, but letting myself make a bunch of impulse buys, I'm not sure about keeping it - especially since MFD pickups are so hard to come by.

The attachment below is what it looks like now. I was thinking of putting in a pair of Noiseless Jazz pups in, or maybe a couple of MM style humbuckers and wiring them for parallel/series options, but having read some of this thread, I think I'm really missing out if I don't put some proper MFDs in there.

Is that where the G&L magic sauce is - in the pickups? Or is it a preamp thing also?

In a word, yeah...MFD's are the G&L magic sauce. But...I'm sure you know that JB-2's don't come with MFD pickups, just twin s/c units.

Hate to say this but looking at those routs, you're kinda between a rock and a anvil. I don't think I'd sink hundreds into that bass. New MFD's are $120 each (that's just the pups, not the preamp, pots, switches, etc.). Used MFD's are kinda scarce, and not exactly cheap when they do pop up for sale.

You could prolly score a used L-2000 Tribute for less than what it would cost to "transform" that JB-2 into a L-2000, which would still have those nasty exposed routs showing. Just sayin'. Good luck.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

You could prolly score a used L-2000 Tribute for less than what it would cost to "transform" that JB-2 into a L-2000, which would still have those nasty exposed routs showing. Just sayin'. Good luck.

I know, that's why I'm not going to be buying parts from the G&L online store. I either luck into some used MFDs, or go in a different direction. Double P configuration, or something unique is what I'm thinking. If you're going to experiment, there's no requirement that you recreate what has already been done, and it might make it more appealing for the day when I decide to pass it on.

That said, I think that regardless of what I put in, I'd probably end up doing a custom pickguard to conceal the routes. Something like this:

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[BadJazz]

^^^^^^^^ Love that pickguard. Who makes those? I'd like one on my cherryburst L2k.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

I believe it's a one-off that the owner had custom made.

I have access to CNC and laser tables - if there is interest in doing some Stingray style PGs for a few G&L owners? Not worth doing just one...

 

[jim777]

I thought that was a Sterling for a second

 

[JIO]

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nice! (all in the family)

 

[rust_preacher]

No offense but it seems like a lot of money spent on mongrelization for someone with such limited means.

That's exactly the point I was trying to make. Talkbass is a GAS machine.

 

[Stranger Danger]

That's exactly the point I was trying to make. Talkbass is a GAS machine.

The point I'm making is that you could have and should have just bought a real G&L.

 

[BillyB_from_LZ]

.... Talkbass is a GAS machine.

Big Time!!!! When a new member makes their first post, I often welcome them, ask them to fill in their profile (if they haven't already) and then suggest that they hide their credit cards!

 

[strost]

So I was checking out Ed Friedland's youtube channel and he says he will be reviewing all of G&L's product line. Freakin' awesome.

Also this video about the bridge is way cool:

 

[rust_preacher]

The point I'm making is that you could have and should have just bought a real G&L.

I did and I had, that's exactly it - I should just have let the luthier redo the fretboard at the outset.

Well, now I still have the refurbished L-2000 E, a SB-2 made out of two 1980s components, as well as three parts basses. How can I lose?

 

[ewe2]

So I was checking out Ed Friedland's youtube channel and he says he will be reviewing all of G&L's product line. Freakin' awesome.

Oh man thats just turned up the GAS, that MJ4 sounds sweet. Love my SB-2 to bits, but that sounds like the jazz to have, and I already have a good active bass Can't wait for this series.

 

[Doner Designs]

I did a double take on this picture. Reminds me of my Stingray where I put on a clear PG and now it looks a bit like an L2000.

I know, that's why I'm not going to be buying parts from the G&L online store. I either luck into some used MFDs, or go in a different direction. Double P configuration, or something unique is what I'm thinking. If you're going to experiment, there's no requirement that you recreate what has already been done, and it might make it more appealing for the day when I decide to pass it on.

That said, I think that regardless of what I put in, I'd probably end up doing a custom pickguard to conceal the routes. Something like this:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[MarkoYYZ]

OK - so I've received PMs regarding my comment about making some custom G&L pickguards. I can do this - but will need help with measurements, since I don't actually own the various models to work from.

Is there anyone here willing to take some precise photos and measurements for me?

Need L-1500 and L-2000 for sure, possible the L-1000 and earlier SB models.

 

[jmlee]

I'm looking at buying a new LB-100 and would like to put a Raven Labs PBR-1 Preamp that I have on my bench shelf into it. The question I have is whether the inter-pot distance (which is fixed on the PBR-1) will fit the existing pick guard on the LB-100. Anyone on this list have an LB-100 that they'd be willing to take a quick measurement from? It'd be much appreciated.

 

[Soundchaser11460]

It's funny how different peoples tastes are. I always hated The look of Musicman's pick guards., where as evident here other people love them.