G&L JB-2 vs L2500

[ronin614]

I definitely don't need a five. In fact I PREFER a four. That's my dilemma....is it worth having an extra string that I really don't need or want in order to get the versatility of the L2500 or will the JB-2 get the job done?
Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[mmbongo]

If you need a 4, why not get an L2000? Same bass with 4 strings.

 

[chinjazz]

+++ on L2000! Search on YouTube... They're all that, and then some - seriously...

 

[mcm]

get a 4 string, forget the 5's

 

[chadhargis]

Ed Fredland does reviews on both the JB-2 and the L-2000 on YouTube.

 

[chinjazz]

Ed Fredland does reviews on both the JB-2 and the L-2000 on YouTube.

Yes they're great. His JB rustic demo got me into the JB.

 

[engedi1]

I was just playing a JB2 at Corner Music in Nashville, and was BLOWN AWAY by the tone. Like a really meaty jazz bazz. Sweet, super fast neck, light weight, a great alternative to a tradional j bass. Of course, I have a l2500 and am a fan of that too!

 

[ronin614]

L2000 isn't an option at the moment. Found someone selling the others relatively cheaply so they're what I have to consider right now. I should add that I play lefty (yeah yeah...I know) so that thins the flock when looking used.

 

[Bassmansean]

You found 2 lefty G&L's for cheap? Buy them both! Just speaking from a fellow lefty's perspective, haha. Seriously though, I just picked up a used L2000 about a month ago and love it. I'd go for the L2500 personally, but if you prefer a thin jazz neck, this isn't the bass for you. Even the 4 string neck is freakin' wide.

 

[ronin614]

Can someone suggest a "mass market" bass ( something that Guitar Canter may carry) that has a neck like the L2500? Doesn't have to be exact, just similar.

 

[mmbongo]

Can someone suggest a "mass market" bass ( something that Guitar Canter may carry) that has a neck like the L2500? Doesn't have to be exact, just similar.

Stingray 5

 

[JohnnyB53]

Can someone suggest a "mass market" bass ( something that Guitar Canter may carry) that has a neck like the L2500? Doesn't have to be exact, just similar.

First of all, USA G&L necks are handshaped and have a very nice feel to them. The closest at a mass market price would have to be an L2500 Tribute.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Ask a dealer if you can get a custom JB-2 with the MFD Humbuckers in it.

 

[JohnnyB53]

Ask a dealer if you can get a custom JB-2 with the MFD Humbuckers in it.

Isn't it easier to just get an L-2000? Same body shape, 2 'buckers. You can order it with a J-neck with 12" or 7.5" radius at no extra charge.

 

[ronin614]

Sorry for the confusion. I meant a mass market bass that I could try out to see if I like the L2500 neck. As for ordering anything special, these are used basses that I'm considering buying online so that's not an option.

 

[theduke1]

I play a L2500, I have two others, A Carvin AC50 and a Michael Kelly Club Custom, but nothing sounds like a G&L2500 and if you do the K mod for single coil. off the charts!

 

[chadhargis]

Of course, I have a l2500 and am a fan of that too!

Yeah, but your L-2500 is missing all the pretty little strips of metal that run across the neck and it makes a funny "Mwah" sound. LOL!

 

[john_g]

Personally, I would go for the L2500. I was in a similar situation a few years ago. I came across a used L2500 Tribute for a great price here on TB and even though I had never played a 5 string (in over 22 years of playing at that time), I went for it. Im so glad I did. I dont have huge hands so I was worried about what others wrote about the neck sizes of the Tributes...especially the L2500. Havent had one moment of trouble playing it. Yes its wider because of the extra string but, I have had no problems.

I then ordered a new L2000 Tribute and it is great as well. The neck is fine on that too, maybe not Geddy Jazz thin but its not wide. The sonic ground you can cover with these things is amazing and one of the most versatile basses out there (especially for the price!)

 

[g&lplayer]

Get the JB-2! Its surprisingly versatile when paired with a good amp. Remember, it still has two very different sounding pickups. I've been gigging with one for about 12 years and have gotten awesome tone doing everything from rock to funk/r&b and jazz. I've even gotten so close to my P-bass' tone that I barely ever use the thing!

One word of caution with the JB-2 though, the thin neck definately requires setup more often than most.

 

[Nedmundo]

Since you're looking for lefty basses, you probably should get both if funds allow it. In fact, an L-2000/2500 plus a J-bass is a killer combination. Otherwise, just get the JB-2. You prefer four strings, and it will cover just about anything, like any J-bass. If you feel the need for a fifth string, pick up an L-2500 later.