• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

G&L Club Part 7

#14,341
IT'S HERE!!!!

My turquoise mist JB finally arrived......2 months after I ordered it.

So what do I think?.....................well.....

Pros:

* The color and paint are beautiful. It has a sparkly car-like finish.
* The quality of the build of the body and all of its components is fantastic
* My neck has some birds-eye figuring on it. Luck of the draw

Cons:

* The finish work of the neck is sub par compared to the 4 other Tribute model basses I own. See below.
* There is some bad fret sprout. I can ignore that as I'm sure there have been some major temperature changes between manufacture date and it arriving at my cold house. It can be fixed.
* The back of the neck feels unfinished. I'm assuming it is a satin finish, but it is soooooooooo rough. Of all 20-30 basses I've ever owned, many with satin finished necks, this is the roughest neck finish of them all. I can certainly take some 0000 steel wool and help it.
* The headstock finish also feels super rough.
* The front side of the headstock appears to have a slightly darker finish compared to the rest of the headstack and neck. It may be by design, but it is a bit odd.
* The nut is slightly shifted. Fixable
* Some misc dark marks on different parts of the neck. They likely will come off easily enough with the steel wool
* There are 2-3 small shallow dimples on the first fret, something I assume happened after production, because I'd imagine they'd have sanded it out.

So, my cons are somewhat picky. Are these cons enough that you'd return it? I'd rather NOT return and hope for a better one. I've only done that once before and the second one was only marginally better than the first one.

Update:

So I spent 5 minutes with 0000 steel wool and now the neck and headstock are buttery smooth. So yeah....it's a keeper.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: R&B, TinIndian, Kriegs and 2 others
#14,342
tubatodd said:
IT'S HERE!!!!

My turquoise mist JB finally arrived......2 months after I ordered it.

So what do I think?.....................well.....

Pros:

* The color and paint are beautiful. It has a sparkly car-like finish.
* The quality of the build of the body and all of its components is fantastic
* My neck has some birds-eye figuring on it. Luck of the draw

Cons:

* The finish work of the neck is sub par compared to the 4 other Tribute model basses I own. See below.
* There is some bad fret sprout. I can ignore that as I'm sure there have been some major temperature changes between manufacture date and it arriving at my cold house. It can be fixed.
* The back of the neck feels unfinished. I'm assuming it is a satin finish, but it is soooooooooo rough. Of all 20-30 basses I've ever owned, many with satin finished necks, this is the roughest neck finish of them all. I can certainly take some 0000 steel wool and help it.
* The headstock finish also feels super rough.
* The front side of the headstock appears to have a slightly darker finish compared to the rest of the headstack and neck. It may be by design, but it is a bit odd.
* The nut is slightly shifted. Fixable
* Some misc dark marks on different parts of the neck. They likely will come off easily enough with the steel wool
* There are 2-3 small shallow dimples on the first fret, something I assume happened after production, because I'd imagine they'd have sanded it out.

So, my cons are somewhat picky. Are these cons enough that you'd return it? I'd rather NOT return and hope for a better one. I've only done that once before and the second one was only marginally better than the first one.
Click to expand...

Oh, I'd keep it. All my Tributes (except a marvelous SB-2) have had some such similar issues. Since I kind of enjoy doing minor fiddles with instruments I've kept them all and gradually gotten them right where I want them. At the price, and with what you have in the end, it seems worth it to me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RandM
#14,343
tubatodd said:
IT'S HERE!!!!

My turquoise mist JB finally arrived......2 months after I ordered it.

So what do I think?.....................well.....

Pros:

* The color and paint are beautiful. It has a sparkly car-like finish.
* The quality of the build of the body and all of its components is fantastic
* My neck has some birds-eye figuring on it. Luck of the draw

Cons:

* The finish work of the neck is sub par compared to the 4 other Tribute model basses I own. See below.
* There is some bad fret sprout. I can ignore that as I'm sure there have been some major temperature changes between manufacture date and it arriving at my cold house. It can be fixed.
* The back of the neck feels unfinished. I'm assuming it is a satin finish, but it is soooooooooo rough. Of all 20-30 basses I've ever owned, many with satin finished necks, this is the roughest neck finish of them all. I can certainly take some 0000 steel wool and help it.
* The headstock finish also feels super rough.
* The front side of the headstock appears to have a slightly darker finish compared to the rest of the headstack and neck. It may be by design, but it is a bit odd.
* The nut is slightly shifted. Fixable
* Some misc dark marks on different parts of the neck. They likely will come off easily enough with the steel wool
* There are 2-3 small shallow dimples on the first fret, something I assume happened after production, because I'd imagine they'd have sanded it out.

So, my cons are somewhat picky. Are these cons enough that you'd return it? I'd rather NOT return and hope for a better one. I've only done that once before and the second one was only marginally better than the first one.
Click to expand...

Bass? What bass? I see no bass... ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: bonin in the boneyard and kev451
#14,346
Curious...Who here would like to see a Kiloton 5 available as a tribute?

If so...What finishes?

Personally I think it would be a nice addition and I would love to see Spanish Copper and Shoreline Gold with maple boards...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Remoman, AGH, One Way and 5 others
#14,347
I would consider a Tribute Kiloton 5. I own a JB5, L2500, and L5000 and plan on adding an L5500 to the group. As a result, I have limited need for a Kiloton 5 (I do not think it adds much that I do not already have). Paying US prices for a Kiloton 5 is not something I am likely to do. However, I would definitely be more interested in one at Tribute pricing.

I think the main business argument for adding the Kiloton 5 to the Tribute line is having a non-L2500 5 string option in the tribute lineup. Two benefits I see from this... 1. A lower priced Tribute 5 offering (assuming that the L2000/Kiloton 4 pricing difference holds true on an L2500/Kiloton 5 pairing). 2. The Kiloton 5 adds 5 string option for the "passive only" crowd.

For colors... I am a vintage white fan, but I doubt that happens (not a particularly popular color).
 
#14,348
kev451 said:
Good Morning all, I'm on the verge of purchasing a tribute 2000L, now I know of the build differences. Now I've got a bass for sale or trade to get an American made model. But in the meantime I can get a tribute model, my question, is the neck width the same or similar to a Pbass on them ? It seems this way from pics but not sure and was wondering if someone with a tribute model could answer this and let me know how the neck feels overall thanks !
Click to expand...

I have a CLF L1000 that I bought earlier this year. The neck on that bass is a slim C profile with a 1 & 5/8" nut width and a 9.5" radius. The L2000 Tribute I bought about two months ago is a little chunkier with a medium C profile, a 1 & 3/4" nut width and a 12" radius. Honestly, I enjoy both necks. Obviously, the plecked L1000 neck is more refined but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a much better neck for the money than the one on the Tribute considering it cost me under $650 delivered. Both play exceptionally well
 
  • Like
Reactions: RandM, kev451 and redstrand
#14,349
kev451 said:
Good Morning all, I'm on the verge of purchasing a tribute 2000L, now I know of the build differences. Now I've got a bass for sale or trade to get an American made model. But in the meantime I can get a tribute model, my question, is the neck width the same or similar to a Pbass on them ? It seems this way from pics but not sure and was wondering if someone with a tribute model could answer this and let me know how the neck feels overall thanks !
Click to expand...

As far as how the Tribute neck compares to a P bass, I have to ask, which one? There have been so many different profiles and even widths at the nut. My notion of a P bass dates back to the late '60's and early '70's and they were always 1 & 3/4" at the nut which was what I always considered standard for a P bass. I also think of them as having either a 7 & 1/4 or a 9 & 1/2 radius. I don't know if Fender ever did a 12" radius on any of their American basses. The 12" is really easy on the hand and seems to allow me to play a little faster but YMMV. As far as the profile on the L2000 Tribute I have, it's nothing like what I have seen on older P basses that I'm more familiar with. I really don't think you'll have a issue with the neck. I know I easily bounce between the L1000 and the L2000 with no adjustment necessary.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kev451
#14,350
Spupilup said:
As far as how the Tribute neck compares to a P bass, I have to ask, which one? There have been so many different profiles and even widths at the nut. My notion of a P bass dates back to the late '60's and early '70's and they were always 1 & 3/4" at the nut which was what I always considered standard for a P bass. I also think of them as having either a 7 & 1/4 or a 9 & 1/2 radius. I don't know if Fender ever did a 12" radius on any of their American basses. The 12" is really easy on the hand and seems to allow me to play a little faster but YMMV. As far as the profile on the L2000 Tribute I have, it's nothing like what I have seen on older P basses that I'm more familiar with. I really don't think you'll have a issue with the neck. I know I easily bounce between the L1000 and the L2000 with no adjustment necessary.
Click to expand...

well ok that sounds easy enough to get used to. I've never had an issue adjusting to necks. I played In 3 different bands using 3 differing basses. I'd go from a Spector Euro to a Geddy Lee to a Fender Jag Bass all in one weekend. Now I've got my preferences but it's never been a big deal. But being that I've never played a G&L It's made me curious.
 
#14,352
kev451 said:
well ok that sounds easy enough to get used to. I've never had an issue adjusting to necks. I played In 3 different bands using 3 differing basses. I'd go from a Spector Euro to a Geddy Lee to a Fender Jag Bass all in one weekend. Now I've got my preferences but it's never been a big deal. But being that I've never played a G&L It's made me curious.
Click to expand...

You should be fine with the Tribute neck, it's nothing radical and I think it's actually pretty comfortable. I just got done learning High Fidelity by Elvis Costello and the Attractions (I'm on a Bruce Thomas kick right now) using my L2000 Tribute. It's not like you're going to have to deal with a baseball bat neck off a '50's P bass. You should see how thick my Telecaster guitar's neck is!!! While personally, I like that kind of neck, it's not for everyone. I've never been comfortable with a 1 & 1/2 J bass neck. I guess I prefer a little space between my strings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TonyP- and RandM
#14,353
TonyP- said:
Curious...Who here would like to see a Kiloton 5 available as a tribute?
If so...What finishes? Personally I think it would be a nice addition and I would love to see Spanish Copper and Shoreline Gold with maple boards...
Click to expand...

G&L doesn't seem big on Tribute 5ers: just the L2500 as far as I know. They used to have the M2500 in a Tribute but I don't see it on the website anymore. Musician's Friend says they're expecting some in. I would think if another bass were to show up as a Tribute 5er, it would be the JB-5.
 
  • Like
Reactions: One Way and TonyP-
#14,354
jmlee said:
G&L doesn't seem big on Tribute 5ers: just the L2500 as far as I know. They used to have the M2500 in a Tribute but I don't see it on the website anymore. Musician's Friend says they're expecting some in. I would think if another bass were to show up as a Tribute 5er, it would be the JB-5.
Click to expand...
Who knows...Any other addition would be great if it was cost worthy enough to them. :)
 
#14,355
CLF 4+1 Headstock for a L-2500
5A79F36B-0904-4F28-B750-3E852B09BE1D.jpeg


Now add a bit of gloss to the back, for some sweaty jerk that is used to 70s Fender glossy Mossys...
DEB31830-7D19-43CA-A58D-D82A67A1470F.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: R&B, dannnnn, One Way and 7 others
#14,360
TonyP- said:
Curious...Who here would like to see a Kiloton 5 available as a tribute?

If so...What finishes?

Personally I think it would be a nice addition and I would love to see Spanish Copper and Shoreline Gold with maple boards...
Click to expand...

IDK, I think I'd like to see a Fullerton Standard and Deluxe Kiloton 4/5 first. The Tributes are nice, but the USA models are where I really love G&L.
 
  • Like
Reactions: armybass, MG Wolf and TonyP-

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back