G&L Club Part 7

[TomB]

I've been meaning to ask about the history of the 1 11/16" nut with G&L. I've seen the occasional reference to it, but not enough to get any kind of picture as to when it existed and on what models etc etc.

Now that the standard thinking of 1½" = J, 1⅝" = new P, 1¾" = old P is so establised, I find the way 1 7/16" + 1 9/16" + 1 11/16" have been forgotten fascinating.

I think I understand that 1 7/16" for the Jazz was well in the past long before G&L, but I get the impression that 1 11/16" was around in the early days. I know the EBMM use it currently, having previously had 1 5/8" as standard – was changing to 1 11/16" a return to the Stingray's pre-EBMM roots? And if so, what other CLF basses used it in the late 70s – early 80s?

I don't know much about history, but my 1980 L1000 is among the very first made. It has a 1-11/16" nut, as did the 1983 L2000 I once owned. Being slightly narrower and thinner front to back than a '60's P-neck (1-3/4" C-width), I still find it very comfortable.

 

[One Way]

I recall reading a post or two that weren't positive regarding the M Series tone. I own both M-2500 and L-2500 Tribute models. I really like the M. When it comes to "bedroom tone" I actually prefer one of my non-G&L basses. However, when it comes to playing live I believe my M really shines! Every note comes through distinctly.

Here's a link to a live performance where I used the M2500 Tribute.

The video was captured on an IPhone with Shure MV88 iOS microphone connected to the phone's lightning port. We've played better (there were technical challenges during the show) and I contributed more than my share of clams however I want to share the video as an example of how the M series G&L has really good note clarity plus volume balance fret to fret and across strings.

I really like the M series and find it's a better fit for me most of the time. If I was forced to keep just one bass the M would probably be it.

 

[jfh2424]

Cool vid, One Way, thanks for posting.

Always fun to hear and see a G&L in the wild.

Loved the thumpy yet defined tone. This should go a long way to debunking the myth that Ms can only sound modern and hifi.

Saw your other videos of you playing your L. Sounds good too!

 

[jglunt]

That is a beautiful bass! Is that a USA model? Or tribute? Mine is a tribute but it has the same hardware and pickups as the USA model. That is one of the cool things about the G&L vs. Other brands. They (Fender Standard and others) do not use the same pickups as the USA American models. The more I think of it the better your new setup with a Master Volume and a concentric dual pot for the two pickups seperate volumes sound good. I have the components already. Just wasn't sure whether to leave well enough alone or go with Concentric Dual pots for volumes and a no load tone pot. Now you through a "wrench" into the works giving another possibility. I will probably stew on it a few more days to determine the best avenue for me to go. Then again I may wake up tomorrow and do something. Just not sure yet. Thing is the inneraction between the two pickup's volume pots doesn't quite give me enough "tone" control for these rounds that it came with. I love the tone but hate the string noise, fret clack, excetera. I will probably put a new set of TI Jazz Flats on it and play it some before deciding.

Mine is a USA SB-2. You're correct that the pickups and bridge are the same on your Tribute as on my SB-2, which is very cool. (This is not true of basses with alnico pickups like the JB and LB-100. Those pickups are made overseas to G&L specs, but their bridges are the same as the USA models.This according to inquiries I made on the Basses by Leo forum.) I determined to wire mine the way I did because on passive basses I've owned over a lifetime of playing bass, I never rolled the tone control off, so in my case, why have one? However, tone is subjective, so everyone has to decide what they want for themselves. The TI jazz flats will indeed help solve the string noise. Have fun!

 

[Jim C]

Pot loading is definitely a thing but the VV SB-2 is such a rippin bass stock it doesn't matter to me. I have no plan to add a tone pot to mine though.

Is the difference very pronounced? I just don't see how there can be THAT much difference considering how loud, brash, and aggressive the P pup is.

 

[TDR1138]

TDR1138 gave me the idea of swapping out one of the volumes for a stacked pot to control the individual pickup volumes, then running that signal into a master volume control.

In all fairness, having individual pickup volumes with a master volume is just old Gretsch wiring…
But glad to hear that it's working out for you.

 

[metron]

Is the difference very pronounced? I just don't see how there can be THAT much difference considering how loud, brash, and aggressive the P pup is.

Hey Jim! I dont believe output and high frequency loss from pot loading is significant enough to trump consideration of adding a tone pot. I think its something you might detect if you had two similar basses one with one without and put them side by side. Maybe

So no I dont think its that pronounced. Ive had three SB2s total. Just one with a factory tone and it could still tear faces off.

 

[LoveThatBass]

Is the difference very pronounced? I just don't see how there can be THAT much difference considering how loud, brash, and aggressive the P pup is.

I agree

 

[Jim C]

Hey Jim! I dont believe output and high frequency loss from pot loading is significant enough to trump consideration of adding a tone pot. I think its something you might detect if you had two similar basses one with one without and put them side by side. Maybe

So no I dont think its that pronounced. Ive had three SB2s total. Just one with a factory tone and it could still tear faces off.

Hey!
Don't feel the need for a tone control but curious about pup loading. It's not worth taking the pickguard off and touching a factory solder joint if it's not a big difference. Thanks

 

[jfh2424]

I was playing one of my SB2s this morning…what a great bass.

Is the SB2 the ultimate companion to the L2000, in terms of a change-of-pace gig bass? I think so.

If not, what do you think is?

 

[Jfp]

I think the L2000 is the ultimate companion to the SB-2 as a change of pace gig bass. ;-)

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Good golly, Miss Molly!

 

[59jazz]

USACG project w/ L2000 pre, my new CLF from fret nation & my recent acquisition, 7.5 lb jazz with classic '74 pups and Kelling Sound harness.

 

[MrB64]

I think the L2000 is the ultimate companion to the SB-2 as a change of pace gig bass. ;-)

I have never played an L2000, but I was looking very closely at it when I was choosing recently. I ended up going with the Fullerton Deluxe JB. I would love to take an L2000 for a spin, though.

 

[droo46]

Just posted a video today with some sound samples of my L2500. This has got to be the first active bass I've ever been excited to spin the knobs on.

 

[Kubicki Fan]

Just posted a video today with some sound samples of my L2500. This has got to be the first active bass I've ever been excited to spin the knobs on.

The first fiver I have played, an M2500, felt instantly like "this is it". I have never experienced anything other than pleasure playing that bass, even during the transition time from four string to five. I prefer the feel of the neck over that of the EBMM Stingray Special.

 

[Holdsg]

love the "EQ is CUT ONLY?" scrunchy brit-face

 

[woodyng2]

NBD US Kiloton. Finally hearing the MFD humbucker, and it's really great sounding!
As I expected, I love the position of it, right where I pluck the strings.
I still need to A/B it with my Wunkay alnico hb pickup to get an idea how they differ in sound.
It seems a bit more crystal clear in the high frequencies,maybe not quite as warm sounding as the 1k.
To be honest, I was almost afraid it might be too brazen, but I quite like it with the volume and tone controls full up.
Speaking of which, I took the pickguard off to see what's under there. (and also to get the pickguard #).
The volume control is a full size CTS pot, but the tone pot is a smaller one, not sure of the manufacture.
It has the smaller shaft, which seems of Asian origin. Is that normal/OEM?
I'm not digging the tort on this rather green tinted tobacco burst,and was thinking of ordering a black one from Chandler/Pickguard Heaven, but there's no model number on the back of the pickguard.
Their website says they stopped being GL's supplier the same year my bass was made.
Does anyone know if the pickguard changed at all after 2016? Or where else to look for one?
I actually really love the look of it without the pg.(see pic). The burst is gorgeous.
But, with the screw holes already in the body, replacing it seems my best option.
Oh, loving the feel of the body and neck! VERY comfortable strapped on!
I've had 4 different neck sizes in my GL's, and I think this one may be my favorite. (1.5" nut/9.5" radius)

 

[metron]

Just posted a video today with some sound samples of my L2500. This has got to be the first active bass I've ever been excited to spin the knobs on.

Nice work! I enjoyed that

I personally dont think the L2x sounds anything like a P, J or Ray but it certainly covers all that sonic territory with its own great sounds.

 

[droo46]

Nice work! I enjoyed that

I personally dont think the L2x sounds anything like a P, J or Ray but it certainly covers all that sonic territory with its own great sounds.

That's my feeling as well. It's a joy to play, but I don't think it makes other basses obsolete.