• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

G&L vs. Music Man

Stingray or L-2000


  • Total voters
    368
Both great work horse basses but IMO the G&L 2000 is more versatile. I really love the sound of the MM Stringray (great cutting bass sound) but it is a bit of a one trick pony.

The pre in the L2000 is so mush more versatile. Lots of great tones available (with the flick of a switch). ;)
 
What models are you considering and comparing? What styles of music will you play? What is your price range and will you consider used?

Both brands are great guitars. Answering these questions will help us guide you.

I play a mixture of punk and garage rock about 99% of the time now with a little funk thrown in for good measure. I'm looking at the L-2000 and the Stingray SH. I played both and loved them both. As far as used goes, it'd have to be in miraculous condition. I got burned pretty hard on the last used instrument I bought.
 
For punk and garage rock, it's not even close IMO: G&L all the way. It has all the grind you could possibly want, plus lots of versatility. If you're thinking Music Man, consider the Sterling HS instead of the StingRay. To my ears, it's closer to an aggressive G&L sound and would be better for punk.
 
C'mon, save your $$, get a real job, rob a bank, whatever.
Get both.

Stingrays do Stingrays better than anything else, and G&L''s are the bomb; they do, well...many things.

I personall play A STERling single H that I p-refer over a 'Ray, and an ASAT which I prefer over a L2K ('cause it's way/way/way cooler).

But really, you need to get both basses.

And what is the deal with "God help you with G&L warranty issues?"

I've heard that the FEW players that have a problem of some sort are well-taken care of, as I know is the case with EB/MM.

Anyway, I repeat...
Get both.

As always, I'm right; you'll see.:D
 
C'mon, save your $$, get a real job, rob a bank, whatever.
Get both.

Stingrays do Stingrays better than anything else, and G&L''s are the bomb; they do, well...many things.

I personall play A STERling single H that I p-refer over a 'Ray, and an ASAT which I prefer over a L2K ('cause it's way/way/way cooler).

But really, you need to get both basses.

And what is the deal with "God help you with G&L warranty issues?"

I've heard that the FEW players that have a problem of some sort are well-taken care of, as I know is the case with EB/MM.

Anyway, I repeat...
Get both.

As always, I'm right; you'll see.:D


I have a real job.. sorta.. The pay is crap though!
 
I have a real job.. sorta.. The pay is crap though!

LOL, well Joe, if you're a musician like most of us here, I guess, the "real jobs" we get generally DO pay crap!

So go into debt, all the big comapnies do it; it's cool, use the MF "platinum card, beg your rich Uncle or Aunt,
Pimp your......(uhmm, scratch that one) sorry Mods!

But you still have to get one of each.

Might I suggest a 'Ray and maybe the SB-2??
That would be mighty sweet.
 
I've owned both, and play a Sterling now, but I really miss the deep, nasty sounds I could get out of my old US L2000. Having played that one (fretted) bass for the past ten years, I'm looking to get something with a more versatile sound. The materials and workmanship are better IMO on the Musicman (it was made back in the mid nineties when they used a lot nicer looking birdseye maple for the necks).

Just keep in mind, neither one sounds like the other so if you love that Stingray sound, thats the only way you're going to really get it. The L2000 can't do it, and vice versa.
 
So next month I should have enough saved up to score a sweet new bass. I've narrowed down to 2 choices just wanted to see where you guys fell on them. It's down to either the G&L L-2000 or the Music Man Stingray... tough call.


Lessee.. how can I put this.

This would be the music man tone:


when just a couple sticks of dynamite would be enough.... ;)

Tough choice..... the MM sounds like god and the G&L like 3 or 4 gods. I'm a G&L man but if I ever get rich I'm going to have a music man (probably the Sterling) as well....

LS