G&L: Help me "get" the hype

[Antisyzygy]

I have just bought my first G&L. A really nice bass for sure.

Tone-wise, I am not passionate - I am addicted to my PJ.

It is a quality bass though.

G&L has a PJ. It's an awesome bass, the SB-2.

The MFD P pickup sounds wider than a normal P pickup with some extra clarity on the top end. The J pickup is pretty punchy with some bell-like overtones, bordering on harsh but you aren't supposed to solo it on this bass.

The main advantage of the MFDs is they are hifi and really high output, but don't have the heavy mid-boost most hotter pickups have. I have to pad my amp input in order to play one of these through it and still have a useable gain knob.

The neck volume knob can cut a little treble to your ear, without reducing volume very much. Your J-pickup volume is your tone knob--the pickups work well together.

 

[bassbenj]

OK. I have to agree with this as I was being a little, teensy-bit snarky. I blame the lack of coffee in my system at the time. That, and I'm kind of an a**hat.

BUT....C'mon. Upright and jazz? Goes together like fried and bologna!

Two words: Esperanza Spalding. Just saw her on Austin City Limits just killin' it with a 4 string Fender Jazz. Of course she does a mean upright as well. Say no more.

 

[twinjet]

Two words: Esperanza Spalding. Just saw her on Austin City Limits just killin' it with a 4 string Fender Jazz. Of course she does a mean upright as well. Say no more.

Dude, she's bleeping great. Love her music and playing

 

[danosix]

I visit Indiana quite a bit and there's a "guitar works" near Franklin there that I check out from time to time. They mostly sell G&L basses and they all seem heavy like Musicman basses to me. I have a new MIA Fender Precision that weighs

And a new MIA Jazz that weighs

I think there can be quite a difference in wood weight with manufacturers.

Absolutely - it's just a bizarre reason to write-off a company. And yeah, exactly, they're similar to Musicmans (ie other traditional sized Ash basses). My PBass is over 14 lbs - it certainly didn't turn me against Fender. The point is Light is a good thing if that's the only thing different. But different woods and body styles are going to result in different weights. If you don't like the heavy full-sized ash bass - get one that's smaller or made of alder or something else (that's also an option on the G&Ls).

 

[graphics1988]

This could be the wrong place to post this but possibly not.... one MASSIVE reason for ME to buy and get the 'hype' on the G&L basses would be the KNOWLEDGE from some of the dealers. Recently I've spent some time chatting with Gord from Upfront Guitars. This guy has gone above and beyond what I would have ever expected ....I asked him his thoughts on two wood types (both LB100's) and what the sonic differences were...later that night, I get an email...not only did he take two home, but took three home and did back to back comparisons. His knowledge and description of each model really impressed me....he also did some digging into cross border fees and explained it all and how easy it really is. Did I mention I have never contacted him other than this ONE email?
If I add a G&L to my arsenal, he will be first guy I call....

..the only other manufacturer/dealer that has been amazing to deal with, has been Dingwall basses ...unbelievable bass and equally amazing customer relations....

....I have two new Fenders (Dimension and an RI'63)....both less than a year old...and both been in for service already...one had failed electronics and the other had a busted truss rod/neck issue. I am not bashing Fender cuz obviously i own two...but do I really love their 'hype'?...or have I fallen into the whole Fender stigma and feel inferior if I didn't own one (or two)...I know they're the benchmark (tone wise) that most people relate too..but I highly doubt anyone from Fender will call and offer me a shoulder to cry on or any swag for the inconvenience of their quality control....two basses nearly 6 grand...the RI is a month old...the retailer has been amazing however! (they also sell Dingwall's)...
...a great dealer network and quality products are what gets my 'hype' goin.....G&L's seem legit to be in that category and Gord from Upfront Guitars is as well. Can't wait to try some out.....

 

[FunkHead]

I love my Bel Air Green M2000. Quarter sawn neck. I love this bass. View attachment 705107

That's stunning! Wow.

 

[Glazenn]

If they ever make a MJ-5 you might want to check into it...

It's there, flesh and blood, you know.

 

[Stevehill]

I agree with Captain Howdy. It took me a while to get the hang of the controls. For instance, the Jaco tone requires bridge pup only, passive mode, passive treble rolled all the way off, passive bass at like 5-10%, and volume at 80-85%. Also, volume in general should be run at 80-85% most of the time, which can throw people.

Why do you say run the volume at 80%? just wondering in case I'm missing a trick!

 

[dtsamples]

It's only with the MFD pups. They're hotter than standard magnetic pups and I've noticed a reduced dynamic range from my amp when they're all the way up. Almost like it's too much signal. Guess you could hit the active switch too or dial back the input gain, but right around there seems to be the sweet spot.

 

[twinjet]

I got into G&L just a few years ago after playing mostly Fender types for the last 25 years. I was curious to see what they were about and picked up a L2000 from the classifieds here. To play it, it feels familiar, your hands know where to go and what to do, no surprises there. It's solid as a rock, well built and you just have no worries about it. It's built like a tank. Tonally, I think it has the older tones in there, if you know how to go about it. It also has a whole plethora of tonal options which can be a bit intimidating at first, but it covers a lot of ground well. Where it really shines, for me, is those MFD pickups. They have got serious balls, which I love. It's not for everybody, but what is?

I think where maybe it falters a bit, in a lot of peoples minds, is that it does too much. It's not like there's a classic L2000 tone people can mentally latch on to. Some people love the thump, some love the active sizzle and it does both (and everything in between) equally well. Personally, I like that, but I understand why some folks would be discouraged and opt for simplicity instead.

Since then I've also picked up an El Toro and an old mahogany bodied L1000. The L1000, in particular, is a stunningly good instrument. It's hard to believe that a passive, single pickup instrument can do so much, but it's just an engineering and musical work of art. Again, it fits in hand, is built to last and the little details have been considered and looked after. It's one of my favourite basses, comfortably. Again, it's not for everyone, but I feel I "get" the hype, I understand what they were going for and I really dig it.

There's nothing wrong with the traditional designs and some people are happy with that and rightly so, they are great designs. There's no harm, however, just spending a bit of time with a G&L. They're familiar old birds but it takes a bit of time to get to really know them. They're not the kind of instruments you can really get the most out of in 5 minutes in a noisey shop. I get a kick out of the engineering journey which started with a P and ended with a L1000. In my mind, it's well worth it.

I bought an L-2000 just last night. I had purchased a MarkBass Micromark 801 and took it to this other shop to investigate a G&L USA at this pawn shop. There are no dealers in Alaska, so I casually headed over to check it out. Plugged in and WOW, I had to have it. For three hours, I had to beat feet and pawn a bunch of old video games to help offset the cost of the L-2000. But once I got it, oooh boy. Those HH pups are great. I can tune in to a J, P or MM tone with it. So glad I bought this - $475!!

 

[Stevehill]

I bought an L-2000 just last night. I had purchased a MarkBass Micromark 801 and took it to this other shop to investigate a G&L USA at this pawn shop. There are no dealers in Alaska, so I casually headed over to check it out. Plugged in and WOW, I had to have it. For three hours, I had to beat feet and pawn a bunch of old video games to help offset the cost of the L-2000. But once I got it, oooh boy. Those HH pups are great. I can tune in to a J, P or MM tone with it. So glad I bought this - $475!!

You got a bargain there mate, I paid £800 for my l2500 and I thought that was a good price! Enjoy it, they're great guitars.

 

[Mvilmany]

My L 2000 bass is probably the most versatile bass I've ever played. When you have an opportunity to try one, make sure that you Google the control layout so you understand what the switches will do.

G and L comes in both the standard American series and the import Tribute series. The import series is remarkably well crafted, and I think it's one of the best values out there.

These bases feature G&L's MFD high output pickups which are very powerful and punchy, but if you desire a vintage tone you would want to look elsewhere

I play my G&L L2000 with roundwound strings with my live loud rock band. I use my old Fender P Bass with flat wound strings and vintage pickups for recording.

 

[bholder]

I didn't get it then I got one now I get it and will be getting more. It's really that simple.

 

[twinjet]

My L 2000 bass is probably the most versatile bass I've ever played. When you have an opportunity to try one, make sure that you Google the control layout so you understand what the switches will do.

G and L comes in both the standard American series and the import Tribute series. The import series is remarkably well crafted, and I think it's one of the best values out there.

These bases feature G&L's MFD high output pickups which are very powerful and punchy, but if you desire a vintage tone you would want to look elsewhere

I play my G&L L2000 with roundwound strings with my live loud rock band. I use my old Fender P Bass with flat wound strings and vintage pickups for recording.

I own the USA L-2000. Is there a difference between the USA and Tribute series, aside from country of origin?

And oh, yes... I have been exploring the tonal possibilities with this bass. I go from Precision, to Jazz, to MusicMan tones! It all sounds AMAZING.

I just bought an American Standard P bass brand new a month ago, and the thunder has already been taken away by the G&L! I do keep flats on the P bass, armed with CS62 pups. Great vintage tone.

 

[audreycashin]

Get the hype? There is no hype. Compared to Fender, or even Music Man, G&L really has no hype.

The best way to understand it is to see the above three companies as a spectrum in the career of Leo Fender. Thanks, to Leo, they all make terrific basses. Each of them different, but all part of a continuum.

You like Fender Jazz basses. Ok, cool, there are a lot of other folks that do to. I like the American Deluxe V. Do I like it more than some similar models by other makes? No. Lots of people make great J type basses these days. G&L does too. The JB and JB-2 are great. So is the MJ series.

Things I like about the G&L basses:
I gravitate to the L series, as they are more aggressive than the M series. Ms are great too, but for me the Ls and the ASATs are the G&L sin qua non. Very hot and aggressive pickups, very versatile electronics, super cool fit and finish. Ergonomics are the same as a Fender. For me the main thing is that the tonal variety is in a league way past any Fender around. Music Man basses can answer this call too, especially the Bongo. But the key here is that if you have an L series, you have more tonal options that you can possibly find useful. M series are the same but more "polite" as they say. Most L series fans love the K option which allows you to convert your humbucker pickups to single coils (meaning you can get a Jazz bass setup in two possible configs on top of the huge range of sounds that the humbuckers have without the coil tap.)

Things I don't like about the G&L Basses:
Well, I can't say I don't "like" it, but I would prefer that the string spacing on the L-2500 was 19mm. I can deal with the 17mm.
I sure wish there were a 24 fret neck. I know, some people laugh, but I really do use the upper register.
I wish the ASAT came in a 5string.

In a nutshell, If you like J basses, then the JBs, MJs, Ls, and Ms are all capable of getting you there. The SBs I find are more for Precision fans. The ASATs are just as cool as the Ls, but the ergonomics are different and you only get 4 bangers. What all of the G&L basses can do for you is play just as well and get perfectly good J tones plus much more.

I heard of one ASAT V lurking around....

 

[MRlowend]

It's only with the MFD pups. They're hotter than standard magnetic pups and I've noticed a reduced dynamic range from my amp when they're all the way up. Almost like it's too much signal. Guess you could hit the active switch too or dial back the input gain, but right around there seems to be the sweet spot.

+1

 

[jmlee]

I own the USA L-2000. Is there a difference between the USA and Tribute series, aside from country of origin?

The hardware and electronics are nearly the same (aluminum shaft tuners on the US models for instance), woods vary, no ability to custom-order Tributes, and fit and finish is enhanced in US models. To point, a US sunburst finish is really something to behold. That said, the Tribute basses are astonishing value. I'm playing in the pit band for a musical at my daughter's school at the moment using my Tribute M2000 GTB with TI flats. The neck and fret finish isn't up to the US plekked stuff, but it's a lovely bass to play and the tone is wonderful for this application. And it's right purty.

 

[mpdd]

going to hook up the density hulk sub octave to the sb-2, lb100, and l2k this week, i will report back when i have some results

 

[Gizmot]

Ok guys, talk me into a G&L. I hear excellent things about them, but the ones I've heard only somewhat make me lust for one. What am I not understanding? Or hearing?

I am aware that Fender himself declared this line of basses as his best, but... Why? What flaws were present in his personal line, more specifically, the American Standard, that were changed in G&L?

The whole G&L vs Fender thing is not intended to be a flame post at all. I'm just looking for my first high-end bass and I really want to get into the heads of those who play them.

I am primarily a jazz bassist. After that, I do some blues, a bit of rock, and other things. But my favorite style of music is jazz, so that's what I need. Additionally, your help on a wood type for fretboards would be great.

Right now I'm leaning toward an American Standard jazz bass, but the L2500 also has my attention. Help me! I appreciate you guys and gals.

G & L's simpky sound better and have a much wider tone palette than Fenders do,. Plus, you can customize one very easily. On top of everything else, for about the price of an american Fender, you can get a G & L that has many more features and is built better. Then there's the cool guy factor - not seeing milliins of people olaying the same bass as you.

An L is a fantadtic bass - but check out an M too

 

[bassbenj]

I bought an L-2000 just last night. I had purchased a MarkBass Micromark 801 and took it to this other shop to investigate a G&L USA at this pawn shop. There are no dealers in Alaska, so I casually headed over to check it out. Plugged in and WOW, I had to have it. For three hours, I had to beat feet and pawn a bunch of old video games to help offset the cost of the L-2000. But once I got it, oooh boy. Those HH pups are great. I can tune in to a J, P or MM tone with it. So glad I bought this - $475!!

Yes they are like that. And that was a killer deal. My L2500 USA was about $675 and I considered that a good deal!

I also very much recommend the single coil mod for a J sound and in my case I also added the OMG mod as push-pull on the treble control in the unlikely event I needed a little more deep bass output! The L series controls are unlike other basses and take a bit of trial and error to figure out how best to use them, but it's worth the effort!