G&L Club Part 7

[XXL]

Took a pic of the pre amps in my L2Ks. Quite a difference in looks and other things as well.

Blackburst:

Tobacco burst:

The most noticeable difference is the IC chips. The Blackburst uses a TL061CP instead of the LF441CN. To my ears, the LF is louder... more raw tone and the TL is a more detailed and refined tone, The sweet spots on the volume knob are way different between these two. I wonder what would happen if the ICs were switched.

 

[musicianwarrior]

Took a pic of the pre amps in my L2Ks. Quite a difference in looks and other things as well.

Blackburst:
View attachment 2995735

Tobacco burst:
View attachment 2995736

The most noticeable difference is the IC chips. The Blackburst uses a TL061CP instead of the LF441CN. To my ears, the LF is louder... more raw tone and the TL is a more detailed and refined tone, The sweet spots on the volume knob are way different between these two. I wonder what would happen if the ICs were switched.

This is a cool post. The differences between years are so interesting to me. I love my 2016 L-2000, a ton! But, every time I play my friend's '81 L-2000, there is no doubt that it is superior in ways. I prefer the sound, the way it feels, and the way it looks much better. The original body shape is way cooler than what it became, IMO. The metal control plate, and the militant look is so badass & elegant. I do like that they put out the CLF version with the amazing original headstock. Much respect to G&L for maintaining a high standard.

 

[armyadarkness]

Was getting nervous... The Number 7 neck disappeared too! Fortunately, it's in their custom shop options still, so they're putting it on my Kilo!

 

[armyadarkness]

So... is it official that the G&L generator is no more?

 

[klokker]

I have a question as well. Is the M2500 discontinued? It's not on their website anymore and I've found zero information here.

 

[TonyP-]

I have a question as well. Is the M2500 discontinued? It's not on their website anymore and I've found zero information here.

As far as I know they are still being made.
I heard this ash/ebony M2500 is going to the North East...Somewhere...I guess...

 

[klokker]

Thanks. This is mine, but I haven't kept up on what's happening at G&L since I bought it a few years ago.

 

[Soundchaser11460]

I love the M 2000 and M 2500. They are fantastic basses.

 

[Glazenn]

I have a question as well. Is the M2500 discontinued? It's not on their website anymore and I've found zero information here.

Six M2000 and six M2500 currently listed on the G&L factory inventory and ready to go, including this killer fretless (chechen fingerboard, ash body, Old School Tobacco Finish):

 

[armyadarkness]

I have a question as well. Is the M2500 discontinued? It's not on their website anymore and I've found zero information here.

If not on their website, then gone. However, stores still have them, and G&L Custom shop may still make them, which is my case... Seems that they're shifting gears a bit and starting up a full on custom shop.

 

[Temcat]

M-2000 is still on the website though.

 

[wmmj]

M-2000 is still on the website though.

They do have the MJ-5 (and L2500, Kilton 5, JB5) on the website, I don't see why they'd discontinue only the M2500. Maybe it's just missing from the website?

 

[armyadarkness]

M-2000 is still on the website though.

I didn't look. I only noticed that the L1500 was gone... I do a lot of business with them, as I suppose we all do... And over the last 3 years, they've changed a lot.

Options have been added, others dropped, price increases, more and better optioned tribute stuff, and a company that already is purely a custom shop, starting an official custom shop!

It's awesome that G&L spent so much time making the tribute stuff perfect, because it would be hard for them to survive as a company off of their one off stuff... Booming Tribute sales is good for them, and what's good for them is good for us...

On my recent build, I was told that the neck I use on all of my builds was gone and could no longer be had But when they found out that it was for me, they said ok and threw it in without an up charge. Hard to believe that a company like that still exists... in America... in Cali no less!

As for the M2000, I got away from active stuff, but if anyone is looking for one, the dealer by me has a ton of G&L basses, not on his floor for sale, and not on the web. They're in his backroom.... ? Anyway, he has a Black Burst M with matching head stock and stainless frets if anyone is looking.

 

[armyadarkness]

And of course... if you're specifically looking for a 5ver, then just ignore me because I have no idea what I'm talking about.

 

[TDR1138]

@armyadarkness curious what beck you’re talking about. Their website still lists all three widths and all three radiuses as options...

 

[armyadarkness]

@armyadarkness curious what beck you’re talking about. Their website still lists all three widths and all three radiuses as options...

I know... but that's just one of those G&L things I think. Two dealers told me that the #7 Neck... 1.75 nut would no longer be offered... and that was a new rule this year. I was told that G&L was moving that to their Custom Shop options...

Which, if true, would make sense as a manufacturer. I don't think that too many people order that neck... Of course, it's all that I use... They stopped the mirrored pick guards as well... but at least I made a jig to make my own for that.

So... as for the website, it wouldn't be the first time that G&L's website didn't get updated until quite some time after their dealers were notified of changes... I've had that happen SEVERAL TIMES.... but... this is just what I was told.

 

[TDR1138]

Hmm, I hope that option doesn’t become more challenging (or expensive) to get. I really like my old #5 neck - 1.75” width and 7.5” radius...

 

[twinjet]

Any predictions on G&L's profit margin if they go full-custom only, with no production models?

 

[armyadarkness]

Well, that is my preference as well, but I usually use stainless frets, and they won't do the 7.5 with stainless, so, I just evolved and I don't think I miss it much.

As for those "clunky" necks that we like, I have to believe that guys like us are the minority... so take it how you want... but it's very rare for a manufacturer to keep manufacturing something that isn't selling... and if it becomes a custom shop exclusive, then you better believe that it's going to take longer and cost more.

Frankly, I don't see how a manufacturer, which is only a custom shop, can open a custom shop... I realize that not everything G&L makes was special ordered, but the majority of what they make is either custom or extremely limited. I don't profess to be a G&L expert, but I do build at least one a year.

The last line of "produced stuff" that I'm aware of was the muscle car series.

So... I suppose that guys like us will get shifted over to the custom shop, and then the regular shop will begin just making a bunch of stuff for the dealer inventories.

G&L is obviously off to a slow start... by a few decades... but then, they never really tried to get any bigger than they were. But as the big companies all start selling out, raising prices, and reducing options, G&L's popularity is growing.

And if you ask me, it seems like G&L is actually trying to get bigger now.... So... if they keep taking care of the loyal repeat customers, then I'm okay with it.

 

[klokker]

M-2000 is still on the website though.

Right. But to make it more confusing, I noticed in the description of the M2000 that it states both the M2000 and M2500 are offered. Oh well.