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G&L L2000 Question

#44
If you are thinking of buying new, I would suggest
Rocket Music. They are a G&L Dealer and have a great presence here on TB. I have two USA 2500 models. A 2006 fretted
( purchased new)
And a 1997 fretless purchased from the original owner in 2007.
Good luck in your quest!
Can’t go wrong with G&L!
I’ve been a G&L guy since 1986. I have others in my stand, but they’re not G&L!
Let’s us know how it turns out!
FYI
I have all the wiring diagrams for the MFD pickups there are many ways to configure them.
Duke
 
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#46
bcbassman said:
The fastest way to tell if a G&L is a USA model is the tuners. If they are Schaller with aluminum posts - it is a USA G&L. If they are unmarked generic Indonesian tuners, you have a Tribute model.
On the USA G&Ls, the CLF prefix has been used on their serial numbers since the early 2000's.
The CLF research models only came into being in the last 3-5 years.
Click to expand...

The U.S.A. model tuners have not been Schaller made for coming up on two decades now. They’re Schaller copies, made in Asia.

The Schallers G&L used didn’t get aluminum posts until the ‘90s.

Except for the bridge, the hardware is all obviously different between U.S. and Tribute, as are the neck finish, fret size and style of dressing, and decal design. And, of course, the Tributes say “Tribute” right on them, and the Japanese, Chinese, and Indonesian ones clearly state the country of manufacture.

So it seems odd to focus on the tuners as the “fastest” way to tell. You’ll see the “Tribute,” import knobs, import string tree, import tuner bushings, import strap buttons, cheap looking decal, super matte neck, and lower profile frets on the front when five feet away walking up to the bass – ie. before you pick it up, turn it around, and look for a logo on the tuners.
 
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#49
2F/2F said:
They do not use the same electronics. It's just the same pickups. Pots, switches, and even the pre-amp, are cheaper.

They do not use the same hardware throughout. They use the same imported bridge plates; that's it. All the other hardware is different (bridge saddles, tuners, knobs, strap buttons, string retainer, neck mounting ferrules, screws).

They are not "a lot less." With used Tributes going for $500 to $700 these days, and used U.S.A. models from G&L's good years going for $1,000 or less, you're talking about waiting just a little bit longer to save up and buy a U.S.A. model for $300–$500 more. As such, Tributes are not even worth it unless you can get them for $300–$400 including tax and shipping, IMO.

Tributes are perfectly OK in their own right, but if you really know the market for used U.S. G&Ls, then you know that the Tributes are a false economy, in comparison. Why on Earth would I even think about spending $500–$600 on a Tribute L-2K, when I was easily able to buy a beautiful '84 for $800 just recently, and used L-2Ks pop up on Craig's List frequently and end up going for $1,000 or even less?
Click to expand...
My bad for really meaning the pickups more than anything, and again my bad for really meaning the same "type" of electronics. A Tribute will sound like a US model (give or take of course as each bass can sound a little different). Not like some import basses that get you 75% of the way there kind of thing. Ive had 4 used tributes in the last 10 years and all have been under $450 at the end of the day (meaning after negotiating a bit). I guess things are more expensive these days for sure, but if I was new to G&L and never played one, I would go with a cheaper introduction. If OP played one, loves it and def wants an L2000, sure save up for the US. Anyway, i dont want to derail the OP any further so I wont. Carry on.
 
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#50
What draws you to this L2k? Have you held/played one of these before? It is expensive and its GC ... yes, it is good looking. But if you shop you can buy a whole lot of G&L and likely get a better price. That's why I ask ... why "this one"?
 
#52
DrBnz said:
What draws you to this L2k? Have you held/played one of these before? It is expensive and its GC ... yes, it is good looking. But if you shop you can buy a whole lot of G&L and likely get a better price. That's why I ask ... why "this one"?
Click to expand...

Y’all are awesome and I’m swamped at work so it’s hard to reply but…..

It’s not this specific bass I’m drawn to. I’m just getting better at bass and want to reward myself and motivate. The classic vibe 60 (sonic blue) is fine but I want something different. Considered stingray and bongo but for some reason l2000 calls out to me. I thought about new tribute (found one for $620) but figure used U.S.A. for a grand ish might be better.

I dunno. I’m not the brightest lightbulb in the room and I want one lol.
 
#54
Sasquatchbreath said:
Y’all are awesome and I’m swamped at work so it’s hard to reply but…..

It’s not this specific bass I’m drawn to. I’m just getting better at bass and want to reward myself and motivate. The classic vibe 60 (sonic blue) is fine but I want something different. Considered stingray and bongo but for some reason l2000 calls out to me. I thought about new tribute (found one for $620) but figure used U.S.A. for a grand ish might be better.

I dunno. I’m not the brightest lightbulb in the room and I want one lol.
Click to expand...
Dude if you've been practicing and feel like you deserve a better bass, and you can afford a better bass, I say just go for it.
You're drawn to an L2K?
Friggin awesome.
At risk of sounding cheesy, follow your bliss, bro.
Quit mulling it over and treat yourself to an awesome L2K.
Everyone says they're total beasts.
Did I already say stop overthinking and go for it?
 
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#60
@Sasquatchbreath
I'm surprised that bass is still available, probably won't be for long. I think you'll like the neck a lot, try to see if they'll do any discount and get the bass. If you dislike it, return it that simple. I've waited on basses I wanted only to go back and they're sold. Prices have gone up especially for a new instrument, you may find a deal on something else down the road but maybe not. You have lots of people looking at it now also, good luck !
P.S., I have USA made G&Ls and have played tributes, for me the tribs don't feel as nice, and the tribute L-2000s have fat, thick necks, (1 3/4inch nut?) the opposite of the L2K you're looking at. Good luck brother
 
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