G&L L2000 VS Stingray for Tool trib

I have heard folks state that the L2K can get a sort of "Wal-ish" tone. Given that I have not spent time with a Wal, I cannot validate this claim.

Personally, I would get an L2K over a Stingray any day of the week, but that's just me. Among the MM models, I'd rather go for a Sterling, as I have found that I generally prefer the aggressive character of ceramic magnets.

 

Have you gone up to Bass NW to try out different samples of dual pickup basses?

It's kinda too bad neither of those companies make a mahogany body version, that would close the gap more than anything. I remember when I had a 30th anniv Ray, how similar the attack, shimmer, and ringing top end was to the Wal, and thinking too bad it didn't have a 2nd pickup. But the one thing about the L2k's pickups are in more of similar position close to the bridge like a Wal, where both of the Ray's pickups are further away from the bridge.

 

My vote is all L2K, I've owned multiple examples of each, and I love the Stingray tone. But for what you're going for, you need a really deep, grindy, scoopy tone that the L2000 is just made for.

 

The double humbucker stingray will get you pretty close and respectable tone for the later tool stuff. And a pretty spot on tone for the undertow stuff(paul used a stingray live, recorded with a ric)

 

Seeing how Justin used a Stingray on a couple of songs on Aenima, I'd go with that.
Also, my impression from the Tool-"fanatics" is that it might be a good idea to invest in a filter based preamp? It's often mentioned as a key factor to Justins sound.

 

I've owned and L2K, a Stingray HH, a Stingray H, and a Bongo. L2K is probably the way to go out of these with the Bongo a close second if you are looking to cop Justin's sound. "46&2", "H.", and "No Quarter" were recorded with a Stingray H, but those are the only ones and JC hasn't used a Stingray in well over a decade live. The Stingray HH really doesn't come close to getting his tone except in the traditional single H mode for the aforementioned tunes- not gritty enough, not enough scoop.

 

I do think the G&L may get you closer, but really it's more about your setup/EQ than anything. I was listening to old Jawbox recordings the other day and bassist Kim Coletta has a VERY similar tone to Chancellor's on some tracks. She uses Js and Ps, so there ya go.