G&L Club Part 7

[MG Wolf]

Ha! Unfortunately, in person the cherryburst finish clashes with the bordello red furniture. Although, it does integrate pretty nicely with the hardwood floor.

TWSS.

 

[jefff100]

TWSS.

Boy I'm getting old.

Had to look that one up!

 

[dave64o]

TWSS.

Boy I'm getting old.

Had to look that one up!

Me Too!

 

[jmlee]

Interesting! Meh is a good description of the M2k prior to the TIs. Sunbeams I think sounded the best in my trials, but it was still just OK and sounded like just another random bass. (With MFDs, even when I get a big round/smooth sound it has G&L distinctiveness all over it.)

Indeed not the same same experience with MFDs. I have GHS Flats on my Blackburst BABE L2k which I think you were involved in (incredible sounding) and Round Core Boomers (currently and subject to change) on my Redburst L2k, which is the most aggressive of the three I've owned. I have to watch and slightly tame the mids on those, but on the M2k I needed to "find" some mids. Now the M sounds darn right good!

The M-2xxx series has MFD pickups with somewhat altered voicing compared to the L-series. I'd agree with the "Meh" assessment on the MJ basses: nice build but uninteresting sound. I've tried a variety of strings on my Tribute M-2000 and US M-2500 and settled on TI Jazz *flats*. They don't sound inspiring in my studio at home but speak beautifully on stage, especially with the blend slightly toward the bridge pickup, mids and bass boosted slightly, and treble cut slightly.

 

[Iridescentone]

The M-2xxx series has MFD pickups with somewhat altered voicing compared to the L-series. I'd agree with the "Meh" assessment on the MJ basses: nice build but uninteresting sound. I've tried a variety of strings on my Tribute M-2000 and US M-2500 and settled on TI Jazz *flats*. They don't sound inspiring in my studio at home but speak beautifully on stage, especially with the blend slightly toward the bridge pickup, mids and bass boosted slightly, and treble cut slightly.

Yeah, apparently the M-series "altered voiced" MFD's are enough of a departure from "normal" MFD's (all configs) that they may not sound like much without a hefty preamp to drive them? Might explain why M-series basses are active only? Same for the MJ pickups?

A few years ago I bought a Tribute M-2000 on sale from MF, just to see if I would like the M enough to order a USA one with some upgrades. I didn't care for its sound at all, not even enough to experiment with various strings. Returned it, ate the cheap shipping cost. Glad I did, saved me from spending serious cake on a bass that I'd be disappointed with.

One thing I can say about my MJ4's dual-coil jazz pups (I normally don't care for dual-coil jazz pups), is that they sound remarkably close to s/c pups. So, with the right strings it's a great playing and sounding bass for my tastes.

Speaking of the blend pot, do you find the taper a little non-linear?....or narrow?

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Looking good!

 

[jmlee]

Yeah, apparently the M-series "altered voiced" MFD's are enough of a departure from "normal" MFD's (all configs) that they may not sound like much without a hefty preamp to drive them? Might explain why M-series basses are active only? Same for the MJ pickups?

A few years ago I bought a Tribute M-2000 on sale from MF, just to see if I would like the M enough to order a USA one with some upgrades. I didn't care for its sound at all, not even enough to experiment with various strings. Returned it, ate the cheap shipping cost. Glad I did, saved me from spending serious cake on a bass that I'd be disappointed with.

One thing I can say about my MJ4's dual-coil jazz pups (I normally don't care for dual-coil jazz pups), is that they sound remarkably close to s/c pups. So, with the right strings it's a great playing and sounding bass for my tastes.

Speaking of the blend pot, do you find the taper a little non-linear?....or narrow?

My experience was the opposite. Bought a very pretty M-2000 GTB from Musician's Friend, used it in the pit for a couple of stage shows and liked it so much I bought an American M-2500 and still really enjoy it. By contrast I didn't care for the American MJ-5 I had and sold it; to my ears I didn't find it had much character and was hum-prone—but YMMV. I much prefer my Tribute JB-2 with US Barts in it. As to the blend on the M-2500, all the business is within 20 degrees of rotation from the centre indent—so decidedly nonlinear but usable. I tend to see the M's as a kind of souped up Jazz bass and my favourite tones are similarly near-centre, shaded one way or the other (particularly toward the bridge).

 

[dagrev]

The M-2xxx series has MFD pickups with somewhat altered voicing compared to the L-series. I'd agree with the "Meh" assessment on the MJ basses: nice build but uninteresting sound. I've tried a variety of strings on my Tribute M-2000 and US M-2500 and settled on TI Jazz *flats*. They don't sound inspiring in my studio at home but speak beautifully on stage, especially with the blend slightly toward the bridge pickup, mids and bass boosted slightly, and treble cut slightly.

Yes, the TI Rounds don't sound very good at home. But live in a big room they sound big and full. Oddly enough I never tried an on hand set of TI Flats. I kept thinking I wanted rounds on this bass, for some reason. I use to like TI Flats on an '05 Blueburst (my first G&L and I stupidly sold) and it sounded right good with those. You now have me really contemplating some the TI flats a go on the M. I love flats and don't really know why I kept thing rounds, other than the M is something of a "modern" sounding bass and I wanted to just go with that vibe. Now I might have a little project tomorrow!

 

[dagrev]

Boy I'm getting old.

Had to look that one up!

Me too. Don't people use words anymore! Typing isn't really that difficult is it!

 

[dagrev]

My experience was the opposite. Bought a very pretty M-2000 GTB from Musician's Friend, used it in the pit for a couple of stage shows and liked it so much I bought an American M-2500 and still really enjoy it. By contrast I didn't care for the American MJ-5 I had and sold it; to my ears I didn't find it had much character and was hum-prone—but YMMV. I much prefer my Tribute JB-2 with US Barts in it. As to the blend on the M-2500, all the business is within 20 degrees of rotation from the centre indent—so decidedly nonlinear but usable. I tend to see the M's as a kind of souped up Jazz bass and my favourite tones are similarly near-centre, shaded one way or the other (particularly toward the bridge).

Given many said the M2k was polite, I was really concerned the bass wood on the GTBs would really make it even more polite. But I love the look. They are near stunning. So I was happy I got a killer deal on an Ash body M. Out of curiosity, what strings are you using and liking?

 

[jmlee]

Given many said the M2k was polite, I was really concerned the bass wood on the GTBs would really make it even more polite. But I love the look. They are near stunning. So I was happy I got a killer deal on an Ash body M. Out of curiosity, what strings are you using and liking?

I settled on TI flats on the GTB and now on my US M-2500 with an alder body. The two basses are very close in sound character so I don't think the basswood's an issue. I tried various rounds and some pressure-wounds but never really liked the combination. First job with the TI flats, I was sold.

BTW, the newer M-2500 is also white with matching headstock per the GTB but without the carved top or cool black body binding. That was a great-looking bass. The neck needed adjustment a few times a year, which was a minor pain—the quartersawn M-2500 is rock-solid.

[Hmm...have to update that photo with the new LB-100!]

 

[dagrev]

I settled on TI flats on the GTB and now on my US M-2500 with an alder body. The two basses are very close in sound character so I don't think the basswood's an issue. I tried various rounds and some pressure-wounds but never really liked the combination. First job with the TI flats, I was sold.

BTW, the newer M-2500 is also white with matching headstock per the GTB but without the carved top or cool black body binding. That was a great-looking bass. The neck needed adjustment a few times a year, which was a minor pain—the quartersawn M-2500 is rock-solid.

[Hmm...have to update that photo with the new LB-100!]

Nice! Can I come sit on your couch for few hours! G&L makes the best looking Sunbursts--and I can't stand 3t Sunbursts at all. I had a JB like yours only with RW. It was wonderful looking and playing and light--just didn't sound good. Hated to sell it, but it wasn't turning any cranks.

Thanks for the info. I thought GHS Pressurewounds would be it and TI Super Alloys (both with good mids), but they were just OK. I'm definitely going to slide some TI Flats on it and see how it goes. Nothing ventured....

The couple of basses I've played with bass wood sounded dull. One being a Bongo. Scared me from ever buying a bass made with that without being able to play it first.

 

[Wicked G]

My experience was the opposite. Bought a very pretty M-2000 GTB from Musician's Friend, used it in the pit for a couple of stage shows and liked it so much I bought an American M-2500 and still really enjoy it. By contrast I didn't care for the American MJ-5 I had and sold it; to my ears I didn't find it had much character and was hum-prone—but YMMV. I much prefer my Tribute JB-2 with US Barts in it. As to the blend on the M-2500, all the business is within 20 degrees of rotation from the centre indent—so decidedly nonlinear but usable. I tend to see the M's as a kind of souped up Jazz bass and my favourite tones are similarly near-centre, shaded one way or the other (particularly toward the bridge).

I love my M2000 GTB and GTS although I am using Dean Markley Cryogenic Blue Steels on mine. At first I thought they sounded the same as the stock strings, but no I was totally wrong. My ears must have been fatigued at the time. There is a ton of beautiful mid complexion with the Blue Steels. Anyway the M2000's are 2 of my best purchases of last year.

 

[jmlee]

I love my M2000 GTB and GTS although I am using Dean Markley Cryogenic Blue Steels on mine. At first I thought they sounded the same as the stock strings, but no I was totally wrong. My ears must have been fatigued at the time. There is a ton of beautiful mid complexion with the Blue Steels. Anyway the M2000's are 2 of my best purchases of last year.

Nice! Dynamic Duo!

Speaking of them, have you been using Blue Steels long? They were my go-to rounds for years, then suddenly the quality really changed: when the peghead wrap colour changed and then disappeared altogether. I queried the company and got a trite, condescending reply. I'm over to DR Pure Blues with great satisfaction and haven't looked back.

 

[Wicked G]

Nice! Dynamic Duo!

Speaking of them, have you been using Blue Steels long? They were my go-to rounds for years, then suddenly the quality really changed: when the peghead wrap colour changed and then disappeared altogether. I queried the company and got a trite, condescending reply. I'm over to DR Pure Blues with great satisfaction and haven't looked back.

Thanks. Yes I have been using Blue Steels for about 18 years now and I do know what you are talking about as I too noticed the change in peghead wrap color and then none. It seems to me that the tone has changed a bit also as I am noticing more mid complexities which sound ridiculously nice through my amps. I am still liking them way more than the recent strings I have tried by Ernie Ball, D'Addario and SIT for my tone goals.

I've never tried the DR Pure Blues and have some rewards points with Musicians Friend at the moment. I'll order some more Blue Steels and try some Pure Blues as well. Thanks.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Thanks. Yes I have been using Blue Steels for about 18 years now and I do know what you are talking about as I too noticed the change in peghead wrap color and then none. It seems to me that the tone has changed a bit also as I am noticing more mid complexities which sound ridiculously nice through my amps. I am still liking them way more than the recent strings I have tried by Ernie Ball, D'Addario and SIT for my tone goals.

I've never tried the DR Pure Blues and have some rewards points with Musicians Friend at the moment. I'll order some more Blue Steels and try some Pure Blues as well. Thanks.

I predict you will really like the Pure Blues. First set I bought I put on an MIM P. The tone was exactly what I was looking for and it made me start laughing. My wife asked what I was laughing at. I told her I'd found my sound.

 

[Wicked G]

I predict you will really like the Pure Blues. First set I bought I put on an MIM P. The tone was exactly what I was looking for and it made me start laughing. My wife asked what I was laughing at. I told her I'd found my sound.

So tell me what is it that you hear that you like?

For me what I like is that while the Blue Steels can be bright while still putting out a nice solid low end, it is the mids that sound really good especially with amps like the Genz Benz Streamliner and TC Electronic RH heads.

Actually they sound good through all of my amps and basses, but it is what I call that harmonic excitement on those strings that really put a smile on my face. On the G&L M2000's there was this texture I could hear that was not present with the stock strings and really helped those basses come to life. IMHO.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

So tell me what is it that you hear that you like?

For me what I like is that while the Blue Steels can be bright while still putting out a nice solid low end, it is the mids that sound really good especially with amps like the Genz Benz Streamliner and TC Electronic RH heads.

Actually they sound good through all of my amps and basses, but it is what I call that harmonic excitement on those strings that really put a smile on my face. On the G&L M2000's there was this texture I could hear that was not present with the stock strings and really helped those basses come to life. IMHO.

Pretty much what you say about the Blue Steels (which I haven't tried). They have this bright edge to them, but the foundation is really solid.
When recording engineers ask me what I'm looking for in tone, my answer is alway, "A big fat sound with teeth".

 

[Wicked G]

Pretty much what you say about the Blue Steels (which I haven't tried). They have this bright edge to them, but the foundation is really solid.
When recording engineers ask me what I'm looking for in tone, my answer is alway, "A big fat sound with teeth".

Cool. I'll give those a try. Thank you.

 

[bonin in the boneyard]

Just for another perspective, IMHO a closer match from DR for Blue Steels would be the stainless steel Lo-Riders. By design, Pure Blues are a pretty middle-of-the-road string, which is great for many styles. But the SS Lo-Riders do the bass-in-your-face thing really well. Like the Blue Steels, they have a hex core, while the Pure Blues have a round core.

I've run the gamut of DR strings including Fat Beams (currently on my L2K), Black Beauties (currently on my SB-2), and Pure Blues. None of them have the bite or presence of the SS Lo-Riders.