There are on my MJ-4. Just replaced the stock pups with some Dimarzio Model Js. Adjustable pole pieces and ceramic magnets.
But otherwise no.
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But otherwise no.
Hey all! I have been researching for my 1st bass upgrade. I have heard a lot of great things about the L2500. Buying a new USA model is out of my price range so it's either used if I can get one under 1k or a tribute. Is there a difference in tone or playability between these basses?
Also, does G&L release new colors of their tributes often? Has anything changed in the last 10 years? like if I were to buy an older used model... thank you!
edit: are these basses heavy?
Also, does G&L release new colors of their tributes often? Has anything changed in the last 10 years? like if I were to buy an older used model... thank you!
edit: are these basses heavy?
Last edited:
There are several Trib L2X00 owners here: G&L TRIBUTE Club #1.
You can ask there, too, for hands-on experience. A lot of the folks there also own USAs.
You can ask there, too, for hands-on experience. A lot of the folks there also own USAs.
Heavy? Some are, some are not. You need to verify weight of any bass before purchase (if weight is important to you), but IME (and in particular) for G&Ls.
I'd get a used USA version instead of a tribute personally. You can find them for just over a grand usually. Maybe save up longer?
I have not played a US L-2500 or M-2500 however I was so impressed with my 1st G&L, the M-2500 Tribute that I also bought an L-2500 Tribute shortly after it arrived at my friendly local dealer. I've had really good luck with both of mine
I second this. Check reverb.com. I haven't payed over $900 for any of the US G&Ls I have. All outstanding basses.
New is just a state. After you've bought it, it's no longer new. Unless you're after something custom, a used USA G&L would be a much better value.
I bought the L-2500 Tribute specifically for band use so it tends to get played more. The M-2500 Tribute has such nice body graining and finish I wanted to preserve it. I've played them both at gigs and interestingly someone almost always compliments the great tone of the M-2500.
almost 3 months later and I'm still in love with my M2500!
The Tribbys are of sufficient quality that they become a great entry bass into the world of G&L. Mine led me to owning a trio of US-made G&L basses. It may be that the Tribby is the perfect plateau for many players, which is true, in terms of having a beater P-bass at my disposal. My LB-100 Tribby fits that bill perfectly. My trio of Americans are all of the J-bass school, with two of them being JB-2s. My first G&L was a JB-2 Tribby, in 2007. I'll probably be a G&L player for life.
I'll third it. My USA Kilotons both were purchased used, in almost new condition, for well under $900 each. You just need to be a bit patient and try. My experience is that they don't sell fast and the market price is what it is. But you should be able to find a very late USA model for just a bit more than a new Tribute and that, to me, is the bargain of the century.
@Groovin1122
Warning Will Robinson!!
If weight is an issue, be prepared for some frustration. Some of these are boat anchors and as bad or worse than late 70's - early 80's Fenders.
No one I can find will list the weight for a Tribute.
Very few dealers list weights on the US Models (Rocket Music, Sweetwater & Pit Bull do).
I have sent well over 10 messages for basses listed on Reverb about weight. Most were well over 9 lbs which is a non starter for me. One was almost 11 lbs. Many say really light but would not send a number. Couldn't get one Tribute dealer (even on used tribbies) to weigh one.
I have an 8.5 lb. JB2 that I bought on this board. It sounds great but has a pretty severe ski jump; I bought it and didn't open the case for about a month so never said a thing to the seller. My mistake. I think this one is an anomaly and I should have known that $300 shipped for a mint bass with a hard case was just too cheap.
Agreed that a decent price used US can be an awesome deal. Also be aware that if you are super picky, G&L have had some issues with QC which is well documented here and other sites.
They offer a wood for the US models called empress that is super light weight.
Some say it sounds different but most say it's OK. In a perfect world alder and 8.5 lbs with a good neck is a home run. Good luck with your search.
Warning Will Robinson!!
If weight is an issue, be prepared for some frustration. Some of these are boat anchors and as bad or worse than late 70's - early 80's Fenders.
No one I can find will list the weight for a Tribute.
Very few dealers list weights on the US Models (Rocket Music, Sweetwater & Pit Bull do).
I have sent well over 10 messages for basses listed on Reverb about weight. Most were well over 9 lbs which is a non starter for me. One was almost 11 lbs. Many say really light but would not send a number. Couldn't get one Tribute dealer (even on used tribbies) to weigh one.
I have an 8.5 lb. JB2 that I bought on this board. It sounds great but has a pretty severe ski jump; I bought it and didn't open the case for about a month so never said a thing to the seller. My mistake. I think this one is an anomaly and I should have known that $300 shipped for a mint bass with a hard case was just too cheap.
Agreed that a decent price used US can be an awesome deal. Also be aware that if you are super picky, G&L have had some issues with QC which is well documented here and other sites.
They offer a wood for the US models called empress that is super light weight.
Some say it sounds different but most say it's OK. In a perfect world alder and 8.5 lbs with a good neck is a home run. Good luck with your search.
Hello.
Pitbull Audio will weigh whatever bass they have in stock for you. Including Tribs. And they usually have Tribs.
Weight is important for me...and when I wanted to buy a new Trib, I got a dealer to call G&L to send them a sub 8.5lbs Trib for me. Got the Trib, it was 8.4lbs.
All that to say that it's not easy, but it's possible to get Tribs within the weight that you want, even new.
Pitbull Audio will weigh whatever bass they have in stock for you. Including Tribs. And they usually have Tribs.
Weight is important for me...and when I wanted to buy a new Trib, I got a dealer to call G&L to send them a sub 8.5lbs Trib for me. Got the Trib, it was 8.4lbs.
All that to say that it's not easy, but it's possible to get Tribs within the weight that you want, even new.
Some dealers are just not interested in going the extra mile to please someone for a Trib. I guess they figure that the profit they make isn't worth it...I'm not judging them, just telling you what I think.
I don't know what the profit margin is for basses. But I imagine it's lower for a Trib than a USA.
Shame that. But as usual, if you persist and you have cash, someone will be willing to do what is necessary in order to relieve you of your money. This includes relieving you of your money in order to buy a relatively light Trib.
I don't know what the profit margin is for basses. But I imagine it's lower for a Trib than a USA.
Shame that. But as usual, if you persist and you have cash, someone will be willing to do what is necessary in order to relieve you of your money. This includes relieving you of your money in order to buy a relatively light Trib.
Pitbull Audio is fantastic. I've bought several basses thru them. They go the extra mile for the customer.
Here is a pic of my Kiliton Tribute with some mods. It`s not the best photo but you get the idea. And the finish on the scratchplate aint the best but it will do till I can get a custom made one.
