While the bridge pickup in my SB-2 is relatively quiet for a single coil and the output is really strong--virtually the same as the neck pickup soloed--I'm intrigued by your idea of a split coil MFD as a neck pickup in a Kiloton. I have a USA Kiloton, which shall remain untouched by my tomfoolery, but my favorite color in a Kiloton is the Tribute Irish Ale that they made for several years (now discontinued). I found a nice used one about a year ago for $500 but didn't buy it. The only one I can find in that finish now is a used one for $650. That's what it sold for new.Even so, I've been through a buncha gen2 SB-2's. Whenever I solo'd their bridge pickups all I heard was a noisy, low output that was unusable in any context (to my ears, at least). Good as an enhancer for the split MFD though, for sure. OTOH, the Lynx bridge pickup solo'd sounds decent enough to be possibly useful to someone, even if that someone isn't me.
In keeping with the G&L spirit, I'd be interested to know what a split MFD might add to the Kiloton's voice. Fire up the router!
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The front coil of the L-2000's bridge pickup is — roughly speaking — in the same place as the Kiloton's back coil
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I guess that means that if I mod my L2000 to have the single coil option of the front coil on the back pick up, I can get that killer Kiloton sound!
Or am I missing something?
Or am I missing something?
- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,199
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- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
Having owned an L-2000 and currently a Kiloton, there is definitely a pretty strong tonal difference between it and the bridge pickup on an L-2000. The L-2000 bridge solo'd is def that "bridge pickup tone" if you know what I mean. The Kiloton is smoother and fuller with that shift forward. I never used just the bridge pickup on my L-2000 honestly (or really any bass), but I am quite happy with the Kiloton. I'm currently using it in a band that plays stuff like The Meters, City Champs, etc. I am loving its tone in that setting. What's funny is the other basses I've been playing at rehearsals are a P bass, a Yamaha BB (with just the P pickup on), and my Fallout with flats. The Kiloton sounds every bit as full as the other basses. It just sits great in the mix.
Yup. I own several L2000s. And I have used the bridge pickup. They sound nothing like my Kilo. Nothing at all.
I wonder though...if I solo just the front coil...will it sound like a Kilo? Has anyone tried this?
NOLA Bass, do you use your Kilo in single coil or series?
I wonder though...if I solo just the front coil...will it sound like a Kilo? Has anyone tried this?
NOLA Bass, do you use your Kilo in single coil or series?
- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,199
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
I use the parallel humbucker mode the most. I will say that single coil does sound great (especially if playing with a pick and going for a rock tone). To my ear it has a bit more grit. In my funk band, I like the humbucker tone better. The series or OMG mode is often just a touch too much for me!!!
I agree though, the bridge of the L-2000 and the Kilo really do not sound the same.
I agree though, the bridge of the L-2000 and the Kilo really do not sound the same.
- Dec 15, 2021
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- GHS Strings, Nordstrand Audio, and Tsunami Cables Artist
Hey all! I posted this yesterday and figured I would share it here as well! Purchased yesterday and counting down the minutes til I can play a show with it!
This is just me pulling photos from the web, but (presuming the L-1500 I chanced upon is not one of those early "too bright" ones) they look pretty similar to me:
As far as pickup location, if they're not exactly the same, they're certainly so close as to make it a non-factor regarding tone, IMO. I love that burst on the L1500. I call it orange burst, though I think G&L calls it honeyburst. Other of their honeyburst basses don't really look like that, though, so I guess their term spans a variety of looks in their finishes.
The wiring diagram indicates that the single coil mode on the Kiloton is the front coil....
....and that's in the space between the L-2000's inner coils:
I'd love a bass with a three-way selector going between those three single coils — the L-2000's inner coils and the Kiloton's front coil — I think they all sound excellent in their slightly different ways. Particularly if I was 20, and playing in the kind of band I liked listening to when I was 20. SS Lo-Riders and a heavy pick. Leave both knobs dimed.
....and that's in the space between the L-2000's inner coils:
I'd love a bass with a three-way selector going between those three single coils — the L-2000's inner coils and the Kiloton's front coil — I think they all sound excellent in their slightly different ways. Particularly if I was 20, and playing in the kind of band I liked listening to when I was 20. SS Lo-Riders and a heavy pick. Leave both knobs dimed.
I call the Old School Tobacco Sunburst "Orangeburst". That was actually a lesser factor in my returning the CLF Research L2K I'd tried out and getting a BTO.
Has anyone seen a pic of an ASAT before the top is glued on, in order to see exactly where it's hollow? Is it a "classic semi-hollow" body with a center rail extending from neck joint to heel with the rest hollow, or is it selectively chambered?
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Never seen one being built, but you could ask mephisto, he may know for sure as he worked there. But, I've had 3 ASAT semi's in the past, always hoping for a different angle on the big L-2000/ASAT sound, but never hearing anything different. As far as I could tell the "chamber" which is very small, is really just there for looks. And it's a cool looking detail for sure.
Oddly (or maybe not considering the tiny chamber size) none of them were particularly light weight either. To sum it up there was no distinction to my ears between the ASAT semi's, a solid ASAT, or a same-era L-2000. I'd be really surprised to find out there's any more chambering apart from the little pocket under the F-hole, but I'm certainly no expert on how they're made, so grain-o-salt and all...
Chambering is interesting.
I read a thing on the Rob Allen website (he makes great chambered semihollows) that an F-hole actually is counterproductive, because it reduces the resonant area of the chambered material,but looks so cool people ask for it even though it decreases overall resonance.
In other news, re. my repeated questions about adding a j pickup to a Kiloton, I once again came around to the thought I remember every time: I actually like having a j-bass and a kilo, because they're different. I don't really want one bass that can do everything. I forget that every time, then play my basses, and remember. Also not a huge fan of fusion cuisine, but do love me some select jazz fusion.
Yeah- I fall into the "tone is all about the pickup winding, placement and strings" camp. I wanted it solely for the looks......it has always been my fave esthetic approach to EB....gives a nod to tradition, and I totally dig the tele shape....found one that's light with almost no neck dive on the knee. If I play it out/ standing I will install a recessed Dunlop strap lock receiver in the lower body edge, and I want to know what's deep to where I'd be drilling beforehand
