G&L L2500 Strings for Best Versatility

[A-Ro]

I just took ownership of a G&L Tribute L2500. I changed out the strings to Labella Deep Talkin Flats (string through). However, the B is more boomy than I'd expected.

Which set of strings would you recommend to experience the full versatility of the bass?

 

[bassbenj]

The L2500 is pretty fussy about strings!
My tribby came with SIT factory strings. (rounds) They were OK but I found them too bright and not so versatile.

And then I bought a USA L2500 from a TBer and he had put nickel plated Dunlop rounds on it. THEY WERE GREAT!
L2500 basses always seem to like nickel strings of all kinds and the Dunlops were inexpensive and great. I use either
the medium or heavy grade.

I don't think a L2500 works well with any strings but rounds. I do use D'addario ground wounds on my fretless L2500 and those are great, but it's fretless and that is different.

 

[Nedmundo]

On my closely-related M-2500, I've been very happy with Dean Markley Helix NPS strings. I strongly prefer them to the D'Addario XL stock strings, because they have more punch, and perhaps a touch more clarity. And I didn't pick them out either -- I found three sets of Dean Markley strings in the case when it arrived from a shop in AZ! Pretty cool.

 

[GroovyBassist]

I was wondering the same thing as the OP. I am about to change the strings on my L2500. Iv'e had it less than a year and have already tried D'Addario EXL-160's which is what I usually use on a few of my other basses. I was thinking of trying Dean Markley Helix NPS 2612B's. Nedmundo seems to like them. Anyone else have an opinion on this?

 

[mikeswals]

The L2500's (and L2000) I previously had all received DR Highbeams like I used on everything else I play.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I've been stringing my L2500 with EB Slinkies since the first string change. Never disappointed.
I also use D'Addario XL170's from time to time...depends on my mood...

 

[A-Ro]

I ended up putting on DR Lo-Rider nickels and so far am pretty pleased with them.

 

[Hotblack]

I love Lo-Riders and when I owned a L2500, it was my string of choice. That said, you might want to give the LaBella flats a little time to break in.

 

[Chuck M]

Interesting. I prefer D'Adarrio XL's on most every electric bass I have tried them on. One exception is my Fender PV that sounds best to me with Fender OEM strings.

The key is to discover what strings you prefer. You might hate my tone. Lol

 

[ODDBALL]

I am going to put some GHS Boomers on my L2500.

Shaun

 

[dave64o]

I ended up putting on DR Lo-Rider nickels and so far am pretty pleased with them.

I love Lo-Riders and when I owned a L2500, it was my string of choice. That said, you might want to give the LaBella flats a little time to break in.

Good choice!

I bought an L-2500 this past spring and the previous owner had TI Jazz Flats on it. I liked the sound of the TI's on my Precision but they they just didn't do it for me on the L-2500 for some reason (maybe too many mids for the strong mids of those beefy MFD pickups?). However, I like a pretty stiff string so no matter how much I like the sound of the TI's on a bass I'd pass on them based on feel. They're WAY too loose for me. But, if you like a flexible string, then they might be worth considering.

I then tried NPR Helix's. I've had them on other basses and liked them a lot but on the L-2500 I wasn't crazy about them. I think part of the reason was that I bought a lighter gauge string than I'm used to and that produced too much rattle and clank with my heavy handed, Neanderthal technique. However, I did like the ones I had on my Stingray and I'm now on my second set on my FrankenJazz. Nice sounding strings.

But then I tried my favorites, Nickel Lo Riders, and even after being on the bass for a few months, they still sound fantastic to me. No surprise though. I've had Nickel Lo Riders on most of my basses at one point or another and I haven't had a bass that didn't sound great with them.

That being said, I at one point considered trying Sadowsky Black Label Flats or LaBella DTF's to try try taming the bass to some extent (maybe a little with the Sadowsky's or a lot with the LaBella's) and bought a set of both. I ended up putting the LaBellas on a different bass (on my Precision V - WOW!) but the Sadowsky's remain unused for now. I'll probably try them next on the L-2500 after these Lo Riders finally wear out but, for now, the Lo Riders sound great on it!

 

[gully_jones]

Big +1 on the nickel lo-riders