Here's a thread in my sponsored forum that lists all of the Custom Shop options and their corresponding MSRP.
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Here's a thread in my sponsored forum that lists all of the Custom Shop options and their corresponding MSRP.
Thanks, Greg. Although I'm sure this is impossible, it would be *very* interesting to see side-by-side the "same bass" made via the option order pathway and via the custom shop pathway. What's your impression of the custom shop product so far?
If you follow the Custom Shop on Instagram, they're doing a lot with roasted woods, custom finishes, and maybe even some custom pickup options on guitars. I'd like to push the boundaries and see how "custom" they could get with a 5-string SB1. I keep saying that, but I really should message them on IG and throw the idea out there.
They need to reintroduce the L5000 with their standard 5 string string spacing/neck dimensions (granted I do not mind the original spacing/neck, so I happily own a 5 string MFD P G&L). Several mentions in this thread of an MFD 5 string P or 5 string SB1. With CLF products going, bringing back the L5000 seems like it would fit.
I've had two Custom Shop instruments come through the store, one guitar and one bass. I can't speak very well to how the guitar turned out (all guitars feel like junk to my hands), but my customer was very happy with it. The bass came through just last week, and it was awesome. The main differences are one subtle one and one not so subtle one. The subtle one is the finish which is a thin skin urethane, so there's a bit less material coating the wood and (theoretically) damping it. Could one A/B two basses and pick out the one with the thin finish? Possibly, I guess. The not-so-subtle difference is the hardshell case. It's a little more plush than the typical USA made hardshell case, and comes with a big embroidered "G&L Custom Shop" logo on the inside. It's a lovely thing that reminds you that you splurged every time you open the case.
Don't quote me, but the typical Custom Shop instrument will come in something like $600-800 more than an apples-to-apples Option Order instrument. That said, there are some options available on Custom Shop instruments that are NOT available on the Option Order ones. Handwound pickups available in various windings, different woods, etc.
Another key selling point is that there is one guy dedicated to your build start to finish, and he's on top of all of the details. If you want a piece of Ash with a certain grain pattern or a certain weight, he'll make it happen by painstakingly poking through the wood pile. We had a neat experience with the Custom Shop guitar that was made for us. Digging around looking for the neck wood, the custom shop guy found an amazing flame maple neck that had a similar neck profile to what my customer had ordered. The neck was mostly carved and very nearly done. I got a call from the custom shop guy mentioning the neck, I passed the info along to my customer... and he ended with an incredible flame maple neck at no upcharge. That was really nice. Obviously, I can't promise that something like that will happen with every build, but it's the kind of thing that is possible with the custom shop guy paying that much attention.
The main drawback to the custom shop is the build time. A typical Option Order G&L gets done in less than 10 weeks, and 6-8 weeks is pretty typical. The Custom Shop builds have both taken 6 months. I assume most of that time is spent just waiting for the custom shop guy to get done with prior orders so he can focus on your thing. So it's probably more a backorder thing than him sitting there whittling the body and neck with a pocket knife for 6 months.
My impression is that he handles the wood selection part very carefully, then he turns the wood over to factory for milling and painting. Once the pieces are completed, then I assume the custom shop guy gets involved again in final assembly and setup.
If it is the same case I bought when they briefly had them available on their webstore, they are significantly nicer than the standard line cases. I hate that the new G&L cases do not fit the body or have decent storage. My L2500 case was in bad shape so it ended up in my JB5 case when I bought a flight case for the JB5. L2500 will be getting a case as soon as I find one I like.
The Custom Shop is only so "custom". Unfortunately, they definitely want to stick to the existing roster of instruments.
Since they announced the Custom Shop, I've had a lot of folks ask me "will they make a 5-string this or that?". I've asked G&L, and the answer has been "no" every time. I imagine that something like that (basically, a new model) is still something that they want to pursue using their typical R&D path, as opposed to a one-off Custom Shop order.
Still, it wouldn't hurt to offer the suggestion! If they hear it enough, it might rise to the top of the R&D list.
I'm not real picky about spacing, but 17mm is about as low as I'm comfortable with. I also prefer a 12" radius on my 5-strings, and even my 4s. The JB5/Kiloton neck with a 12" radius would be just about perfect for me on an SB-style 5 string.
The two things that would drive me to the Custom Shop would be either a SB-2T RMC or an ASAT with the L-1000 electronics. Doesn't sound like either is an option, at least at this time.
They do have an option called "Pickguard Delete", but it's only available on the JB and JB-5 models at this time. At least I think that's the case, don't quote me on that. But even on those models, it deletes the pickguard and those screw holes, but you still get the chrome control plate. So it's not really a complete rear mounted control sort of thing.
My main CS driver is going to be a roasted maple neck, and possibly roasted alder body. Everything else I want could be had from a regular order.
Is Empress only available on Custom Shop instruments, or can it be had with an "Option" level bass?
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Greg your support on this thread is invaluable. I've been on a mission for a while to source an L2500 with a 4+1 headstock. The neck heel on the Kiloton 5 looks to the eye it matches the current L2500. If this indeed is the case do you think G&L may consider this as some type of custom order?
I admit the preference for 4+1 is merely cosmetic - I think it looks better.
At any rate I would appreciate your opinion on such things.
Far as I know, Empress is an option on any bass. Though I hear some people don't like it's tone, it's a bit softer wood. If you're looking for lighter weight, they do have a "light weight ash" option as well.
I have an SB-2T in Empress wood. I really love the tone. I get complements from other bass players and guitar players on the tone. It is my #1, but YMMV.
Jumping on the Empress bandwagon: There has never been a negative comment on the tone anytime anyone new has heard my Empress L-2500. In fact, most look at it in disbelief and ask, "How do you get that tone?" There is nothing better than seeing their face when you hand the bass to them and they realize that all that tone came from something that weighs hardly anything
Then, a moment later, comes the inevitable, "I thought that lightweight wood was supposed to make for a terrible tone..."
For the G&L lovers. I have a JB for Sale in the classifieds
For Sale/Trade - G&L JB in stunning margherita metallic
For Sale/Trade - G&L JB in stunning margherita metallic
I'd echo that. My Empress LB-100 is a remarkably resonant instrument although just over 7 lbs. That resonance seems to translate into a wonderfully woody, focussed tone that impresses everyone who's played it—me especially.
My experience exactly. I had a guitar player that leads an open jam in Austin announce me as, "...and on bass, Gravedigger Dave with a tone to kill for."Jumping on the Empress bandwagon: There has never been a negative comment on the tone anytime anyone new has heard my Empress L-2500. In fact, most look at it in disbelief and ask, "How do you get that tone?" There is nothing better than seeing their face when you hand the bass to them and they realize that all that tone came from something that weighs hardly anything
