G&L L-2000 for reggae/dub

I can't comment on the G&L 2000 (although I have hear decent things about it). However, I will say that, for hip hop, dub, dancehall etc. I have found a 5 string very useful.

I play with a Hip Hop group, and also dubstep with another group, and I use an ESP LTD B-205. It has a great range of sounds (due to the 3 band EQ) and paired with a Zoom B3 gives me everything I need for these styles.

 

An L2K is an incredibly versatile instrument, and built like a tank, so it has a great bottom end, but you may be better off with a 5 string if you want that earth crushing bottom.

 

having tried an L2500 I'd say it can do that and more - as mentioned, they are really versatile instrments, and they have the all-important (for dub) neck pickup...

the electronics are almost overkill - my preference for that sound would be to run it passive, but YMMV.

incidentally, most old school or "traditional" dub lines are voiced well within the range of a 4-stringer. tho i guess a 5-er would allow you to play them further up the neck for extra boominess.

 

G&L make fine basses.
You don't need a 5 string for reggae. Family Man Barrett...used a Fender Jazz much of the time.

 

Robbie Shakespeare used a Jazz much of the time too; but also used a Hofner short scale hollowbody 4 string some.

 

I played a lot of Reggae/Dub in college, and I always used my passive four-string Fender Jazz with flat wound strings. I found that the passive pickups were perfect for the sound I was aiming to achieve. I simply zeroed the tone knob and used the neck pickup exclusively.

Additionally, if you play closer to the neck/over the neck, you can get a wonderful, Reggae tone. I've noticed that the response when plucking in this "zone" falls ever so slightly behind the beat (even if your internal metronome is spot on). This is perfect for the "feel" of Reggae/Dub music.

Best of luck,
~Nick "Klaus" G.

 

One word answer: Yes.

 

I'd say look for a used L2500 tribute. There was one floating around in the classifieds just recently. I had one and it was outstanding. Probably the best B string of all my basses American or otherwise. Few things have as much balls as a G&L L series in active/series mode.

 

This^ Good Reggae tone is in the technique, and knowing how your bass responds to your touch. Turn your amp up louder, then pluck softly around the neck joint, roll tone off, but not so much to make it mud, and feel de riddims

That being said, an L2k on neck/passive/series with a bit of treble rolled off is a beast for reggae.

 

L1000 is as deep sounding as any bass on earth and is all passive goodness. Super dub.

 

Depending on what generation of reggae you are playing and who you are playing with you might want to consider a 5 string. In the past I have been specifically asked by MDs in reggae bands to bring a 5.

 

All the reggae dudes I know are just using jazz basses, but those L-2500's and L-2000's are sweet. I'm sure they'll do whatever you need

 

Want to save a few bucks? Try out a Tribute M2000. It's more straightforward than the L2000 and eliminates the confusing swithing options which you'd probably never use for dub or reggae. You'd probably stay in series mode the whole time anyway. This also has a blend instead of a 3 way switch and has their new 18V preamp. I think it will be smoother/thicker than the brighter/growlier L2000. And the biggest thing...MF has them on sale for $499!

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass...-electric-bass?rNtt=g&l tribute m2000&index=2

 

That G&L L-2000 is a good bass. Most any bass works fine for reggae and dub. While the great roots reggae players used 4-strings, you will hear a lot of 5-strings in modern reggae and island styles. Check out Eli Mac, J Boog, SoJa, or FiJi. Also, the big totally "tubby" tone is not the only way to roll, and effects, especially envelope followers appear now and then.

Don't feel bound to "fingers over the fingerboard, flat wounds, and the bridge pickup off." IME, it is a recipe for not being heard. I am not saying bright zingy tone is the thing, but low mids and upper mids have their role to keep the pitch clean. After all, the bass and the lead singer are the principle lines in reggae. A high pass filter can really tighten up things and strain out the mud and wobble in some rooms.

You will need a great amp. I hope you have not been too naughty, so Santa can help out.