• 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

#141
So... I got my L2000E. Not so happy now that it's arrived though. There are all sorts of chips and every metal part on the bass has oxidation except the frets, which are eaten down really bad. It probably needs a re-fret at the very least. The tuning keys weren't holding tune before, but that may just be the neck acclimating.

DESPITE all of that, I do like the bass and think it would be great after a proper setup and refret. What do you guys think I should do? None of the above was mentioned at all in the eBay auction, and the pictures didn't show the extent of any of it.

Here's a link to an Imageshack album with pictures:
https://imageshack.com/a/qHeb/1
 
#142
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1389045356.467624.jpgcan I say that I'm in? and so happy I play G&L now! Wish I found this company years ago
 
  • Like
Reactions: joebar and dinodino
#143
So... I got my L2000E. Not so happy now that it's arrived though. There are all sorts of chips and every metal part on the bass has oxidation except the frets, which are eaten down really bad. It probably needs a re-fret at the very least. The tuning keys weren't holding tune before, but that may just be the neck acclimating.

DESPITE all of that, I do like the bass and think it would be great after a proper setup and refret. What do you guys think I should do? None of the above was mentioned at all in the eBay auction, and the pictures didn't show the extent of any of it.
Click to expand...

It looks like the bass has been played a lot - that's a good sign. I have an 83 L1000 that I bought that looks sorta like that, and it sounds great! The early G&Ls have special sound to them, if you dig it, keep it!
 
#144
arjune said:
So... I got my L2000E. Not so happy now that it's arrived though. There are all sorts of chips and every metal part on the bass has oxidation except the frets, which are eaten down really bad. It probably needs a re-fret at the very least. The tuning keys weren't holding tune before, but that may just be the neck acclimating.

DESPITE all of that, I do like the bass and think it would be great after a proper setup and refret. What do you guys think I should do? None of the above was mentioned at all in the eBay auction, and the pictures didn't show the extent of any of it.

Here's a link to an Imageshack album with pictures:
https://imageshack.com/a/qHeb/1
Click to expand...

It looks pretty good for a 30+ yr old bass.
 
#145
arjune said:
So... I got my L2000E. Not so happy now that it's arrived though. There are all sorts of chips and every metal part on the bass has oxidation except the frets, which are eaten down really bad. It probably needs a re-fret at the very least. The tuning keys weren't holding tune before, but that may just be the neck acclimating.

DESPITE all of that, I do like the bass and think it would be great after a proper setup and refret. What do you guys think I should do? None of the above was mentioned at all in the eBay auction, and the pictures didn't show the extent of any of it.

Here's a link to an Imageshack album with pictures:
https://imageshack.com/a/qHeb/1
Click to expand...

I have no advice on what you should do, but looking at the pics I'm not seeing any grooves in the frets. If they're not grooved they don't need replacing. You can prolly clean them up quite a bit with steel wool. The other corrosion not so much.

More important on one of those old bad girls, is a straight neck, working truss rod, and functioning original electronics.

Also, tuners don't slip or lose pitch. Strings stretch, wood expands and contracts according to its environment. Some more than others, it's normal.

Is it an '82 ? Looks pretty cool to me. Congrats.

Edit: Just noticed it's missing two knobs. I'd deduct some points for that. Original ones are difficult to source, and prolly won't be cheap if you ever do find any.
 
#146
Does anyone have any reason to believe that G&L might introduce something new at NAMM this year? The growth of their product line has been impressive during the last few years, and the MJ-4 has really caught my attention. However, if there is any remote possibility of an MJ-5 coming into existence, I will wait. I don't want to wait in vain...

Maybe it would be too similar to the M2500 in some respects, but I'm really digging the sounds of the split-J configuration more than either the M's or L's. A 5'er would be icing. sigh.
 
#148
Okay, I may have jumped the gun on my disapproval. Went and bought some knobs for it. Seems to be holding tune fine. Haven't touched the truss rod yet, but the neck is nice and straight, so there isn't much reason to.

I'm going to take it to my rehearsal space tomorrow to play it and see how it sounds. I would lie if I said I wasn't excited! I was told in the auction that it only works in Active w/ Treble Boost mode, so I'm also hoping that it may just be some loose cables affecting it. If there were an issue with the pre, it would still work in passive mode, yeah?
 
#149
arjune said:
I'm going to take it to my rehearsal space tomorrow to play it and see how it sounds. I would lie if I said I wasn't excited! I was told in the auction that it only works in Active w/ Treble Boost mode, so I'm also hoping that it may just be some loose cables affecting it. If there were an issue with the pre, it would still work in passive mode, yeah?
Click to expand...

Correct. If it works in active mode but not passive mode, its suffering from some sort of very minor wiring or defective switch issue.
 
#150
arjune said:
So... I got my L2000E. Not so happy now that it's arrived though. There are all sorts of chips and every metal part on the bass has oxidation except the frets, which are eaten down really bad. It probably needs a re-fret at the very least. The tuning keys weren't holding tune before, but that may just be the neck acclimating.

DESPITE all of that, I do like the bass and think it would be great after a proper setup and refret. What do you guys think I should do? None of the above was mentioned at all in the eBay auction, and the pictures didn't show the extent of any of it.

Here's a link to an Imageshack album with pictures:
https://imageshack.com/a/qHeb/1
Click to expand...

You've got a Series-E mahogany which is a killer bass. So long as you got a good deal and the truss rod is working I wouldn't worry about returning it. The old girl just needs some TLC that's all. Looks like it was stored in a damp environment for a long time. It doesn't need a refret, just clean the oxidation off. Clean, new strings, setup, knobs, fix the electronic issues and you've got a nice player.
 
#151
arjune said:
So... I got my L2000E. Not so happy now that it's arrived though. There are all sorts of chips and every metal part on the bass has oxidation except the frets, which are eaten down really bad. It probably needs a re-fret at the very least. ... None of the above was mentioned at all in the eBay auction, and the pictures didn't show the extent of any of it.
Click to expand...

I do not agree. Back to the ebay description (#151159415438), everything you mention but the frets can be seen precisely on zoomed in pictures. To me, the good surprise is the stunning crackled pattern at the back of the neck, that was partly visible on ebay picture #7. Even better than that is the one-piece mahogany body (ebay picture #8). Good catch.
 
#152
Glazenn said:
I do not agree. Back to the ebay description (#151159415438), everything you mention but the frets can be seen precisely on zoomed in pictures. To me, the good surprise is the stunning crackled pattern at the back of the neck, that was partly visible on ebay picture #7. Even better than that is the one-piece mahogany body (ebay picture #8). Good catch.
Click to expand...

This seems to me like an instance of having something described to you and then being able to see it clearly. I still stand that many of the deep dings were not mentioned or clearly shown in the auction or its pictures, but I do think that I was rash in my initial reaction and that I am lucky to have this wonderful beast in my possession!

After all, I did buy this beautiful bass specifically for many of these scrapes--"beausage" in bicycle terms, "mojo" in bass terms. Trust me, I am glad to have it. Sorry if I offended anyone with my ungrateful initial reaction!
 
#154
Hey guys, I was never able to get my hands on a g&l pbass. And for some reason I've been wanting a pbass lately. How do they compare to MIA fenders(I know it's a loaded question) differences in feel, tone, quality, that sort of thing.

How does the tribute version compare to MIM fenders?

I'm looking for a straight p, not a pj bass. Thanks guys
 
#155
PluckyThump said:
You've got a Series-E mahogany which is a killer bass. So long as you got a good deal and the truss rod is working I wouldn't worry about returning it. The old girl just needs some TLC that's all. Looks like it was stored in a damp environment for a long time. It doesn't need a refret, just clean the oxidation off. Clean, new strings, setup, knobs, fix the electronic issues and you've got a nice player.
Click to expand...

THIS^^

In addition to a good D&C (dustin' and cleanin') I'd recommend a good fret leveling and crowning by a luthier. I had this done to my $700 used Ken Smith which did have huge grooves worn in the frets. Plays like new with no refret needed. I wouldn't worry too much about the mojo. It looks great. As for electronic issues, loose pots and switches, broken wires, and bad mini switches are easy fixes and one reason we love G&L. It can make a great used L2X00 much cheaper while they are common easily fixed problems.
 
#156
my black 83 had to get new frets, so we put the same frets on it as my 2011 sb-2 and it needed to be cleaned/polished about 8 times to get all the gunk and stickiness removed, it might be nitro on the body, but i'm pretty sure the neck is nitro, i love this bass, put some deadish nickel rounds on there and i have my ideal fingerstyle tone
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back