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G&L Club Part 7

From what I read it seems like this neckdive problem varies significantly from bass to bass.

How different from the L-2000 does it sound?

My L2K is ash rosewood and it's brighter and seems less mid present. A slap monster. Both have the 1.1 pre.

The Asat is Alder, maple and has a warmth factor that fits perfect in the mix. More P like. So much so I'm thinking of moving my SB-1 which has been my work horse.
 
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I just picked this stunner up in trade. I used to own a G&L back in the 80s. This one is only 9 pounds.
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@jebmd I just have a thick leather strap and I do not find the ASAT a problem and I don't have arms the length of dUg either! But I do wear it fairly low which may make it easier.

So far as tone, I agree with the richness, I have a rosewood fretboard as well and it's just lush, I use it as my down tuned monster for real meat
 
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Hey guys,

Git my solid body ASAT and love it and a semi hollow one has come up very near me for sale, very good condition, good old fashioned 3 bolt neck.

Aside from weight etc. What will the semi hollow give me over and above or just different the solid body in terms of sound?

Am I right in thinking that there is more chance of feedback if you heavily distort due to the chambered body?
 
Hey guys,
Git my solid body ASAT and love it and a semi hollow one has come up very near me for sale, very good condition, good old fashioned 3 bolt neck.
Aside from weight etc. What will the semi hollow give me over and above or just different the solid body in terms of sound?
Am I right in thinking that there is more chance of feedback if you heavily distort due to the chambered body?

Hi,
I had owned a semi-hollow (2004) and now have a solid body (1990).
Difficult to compare here, as the semi was with a fretted maple neck and roundwounds, while the solid body is fretless (ebony) with flats.
Two different configurations.
The semi was a little more resonant, I liked much playing it unplugged at home. I think this would somewhat translate in the sound, but I cannot compare directly as the semi has now gone (selling it was a shame).
In addition, I mainly play single coil with the fretless solid now, while I was mainly using series with the semi (that was very powerful).
It was more prone to diving, having a lighter body, but it has never been an issue for me.
 
@Glazenn thanks for that - it helps.

The neck dive does not bother me, i am currently playing my solid body with the strap extender, although i do have one and if it did become a problem i am sure i could just move it across to solve it.

To my mind i would think there would be that resonance, but possibly a slightly fuller sound with a gentle scoop of the mids, if that sounds about right?!

The only semi hollow i had was a Fender Starcaster, which is a different animal and those pick ups i would say are far less refined than the MFD's
 
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OK,

Silver lady (SL) - solid body, #7 neck otherwise standard

Black beauty (BB)- semi hollow, #8 neck otherwise standard

Initial observations, I have to take into account new strings on black beauty compared to ones a few months old

Semi-hollow-less neck dive and better balance.
Same strap locks, same make of leather strap, even swapped straps around.
Either the bass variation or the slightly smaller neck gives the head less weight.

Playing unplugged is lovely and vibrant in BB

Sound:
Semi hollow definitely more resonant, brighter (will be string related, but I can remember new string on the lady sound)
I played mainly in passive mode.

BB wins with neck pick up in series, it is a lovely full sound full of tone.

Both Pups they are about the same

Bridge Pup is better in the SL soundwise.

Parallel if you like it sounds best in the SL as does active pre-amp treble boost.
BB was a little more zingy but could again be strings.

The active pre-amp and distortion pedals is better handle by SL as the sound doesn't bounce around as much in the cavity.

BB handles an envelope filter better with a bit more quack to it.

All in all these basses are like parents that you love.
Semi hollow is your mum who is lovely happy and fun, great to have around and to have a chat with either in depth or social none sense, but she is not boring, she knows how to let her hair down.

Solid body is a bit like your dad, still lots of fun and someone to always have around but can be a little grumpy at times when he has not had enough food, or watched enough sport, or like me just seen the Texans get humped by the Patriots. At this point he wants to delve into thick heavy sounds that make your stomach churn, but is easy to coax out of his mood!

I hope it sort of makes sense, not very scientific I know, but it is sort of how they feel.

Either way they are fantastic basses, and if you like an ASAT you will definitely love a semi hollow one, it really brings a smile to my face when playing, I almost feel quite a good bassist!
 
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Playing unplugged is lovely and vibrant in BB
Sound: Semi hollow definitely more resonant, brighter (will be string related, but I can remember new string on the lady sound)
.../...
Either way they are fantastic basses, and if you like an ASAT you will definitely love a semi hollow one, it really brings a smile to my face when playing, I almost feel quite a good bassist!
All this I told you.
I should have kept mine, that was with a maple board with jumbo frets, certainly adding to the sound brightness compared to a RW board. I played it most often unplugged when self practicing at home.

My G&L ASAT Bass semi-hollow 2003 sn #B034664 IMG_6659 RR.JPG
 
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