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Help me not buy a bass

Hi. Own an L-1000 and several P basses. If I set the pickup toggle of the G&L to the center position (single-coil mode) with both tone knobs full open it sounds pretty much like a great P bass with just a touch less character and a bit more ‘oomph.’
 
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Haha! Well, I also have a Yamaha TRBX 604 and a Peavey Foundation from the early 90s.
are neither of those a Precision type bass?

If you want a Precision...go try some in Music stores ...see if you like them

I played Jazz bass exclusively for many years..because Precision bass necks were too wide for me.
And Marcus Miller , Robbie Shakespeare and my other heroes played Jazz bass...( or Stingrays)
 
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I have a Fender Ultra Precision[PJ] and it is a great playing Bass with top notch Vintage P sound both active /passive. Plus many other very usable tones Vintagey to Modern [Stingrayish]

If you are going to keep G&L and only use full P sound sparingly I would recommend listening to Fender Vintera 50's Precision and other straight up P basses such as used American Standard/Pro or Bruce Thomas for best value

If I break down and get one, I was thinking of the Bruce Thomas Signature bass. Maybe it will make me play like him.

I just saw this; Great choice
 
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How close a G&L L2K with neck pickup soloed in Series Mode/ Active Off depends on the power of the microscope you are using.

We are bass players talking on a forum: We generally use our electron microscope ears to dissect every hair to be split and discuss every nit to be picked. Under that microscope, they are different........of course, P-Basses themselves can all sound different, too (especially if pickups have been swapped)

But take away the microscope, use that setting in a mix, process the bass as you sit fit, and can you really tell?.......Heres a track where I used my G&L ASAT (L2K with Tele body) in P Bass mode (Series/Front Pickup/Passive)....If you were just casually listening to music and this track came on, what bass would you think this is? (had I not just told you)

 
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I only have my jazz bass, would love to get an L2000, but scuba certification classes and gear is more important to me right now so hence why I haven't gotten another bass, not sure your case but maybe think of an alternative? Or just get an affordable P?
 
I held out for a long time, but when the Squier Classic Vibe 60s P came out in Fiesta Red I grabbed a new one for $260. When it arrived I plugged it in and played it at home. It has a totally distinct sound that I really didn't care for. Then I took it out to play with friends and I was shocked with how great it sounded in the mix. Really. In a band setting it has The Sound that I've been seeking for decades... There must be some reason it is among the most popular (if not THE most popular) basses in history. Now I'm a believer.
 
I held out for a long time, but when the Squier Classic Vibe 60s P came out in Fiesta Red I grabbed a new one for $260. When it arrived I plugged it in and played it at home. It has a totally distinct sound that I really didn't care for. Then I took it out to play with friends and I was shocked with how great it sounded in the mix. Really. In a band setting it has The Sound that I've been seeking for decades... There must be some reason it is among the most popular (if not THE most popular) basses in history. Now I'm a believer.

Agree, the CIC CV60P are one of the great sounding and great value Pbass that Squier ever made.
 
I'm starting the think maybe I should get a Precision or a PJ (or a non-Fender version) so I can see what the fuss is about.
anyone arguing that a PJ is not a P is correct! a P is so simple and limited that if you don't take to its simplicity and its limitations = :bawl: i think they're fun instruments because of the "simple" business, but for gigs/sessions i'd rather have something in my hands that can actually lend a larger palette of choices. your L2000 is a beast and far superior to a fender-style P-bass.

OTOH: seeing "what all the fuss is about" may have its own rewards! and you just may end up liking a P-bass in spite of, or because of that simple/limited thing. whatever you do, have some fun with it and enjoy the experience --- and if you want the absolute best P-bass experience ever: try a fretless P! ;)

have fun, good luck! :thumbsup:
 
I love my L2K and I love my split coil basses. You know what though? You don’t need another bass unless you are doing session work for someone or have a tonal goal for something you’re working on. You could decide the L2K is your sound and nobody in your audience would have a problem.
 
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Neck pickup in series with the EQ all the way off, or maybe 20% on both bass and treble, is about as close as you're gonna get. It's not that close.

Gotta get a P.

I have to disagree... that pickup and EQ solution will get really close, esp. if you turn off the preamp! The G&L pickups have more of that upper mid punch characteristic of late 70s P pickups (as well as Duncan Quarter Pounders), not as mellow as the pre-CBS stuff.
 
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As others have said, experiment with that front L2000 pickup in series position, with different tone and preamp settings. Heck, even try it in parallel mode. That the great thing about L2ks - they allow lots of experimentation and varied tones.

I have a bunch of 2-pickup basses that I've gigged with, with various pickup types in the neck position (including a couple with an actual P). If I'm looking for a warm & wooly P-bass sound, the neck pickup solo'd and tone tweaked on all of them gets you close enough for the audience and band mates. At volume who will really know the difference, even if it's a J or humbucker up front?

Maybe bring your L2000 into a music shop and A-B it with a P-style bass to see if you are really missing anything.

(ETA: If you have a specific need for a P-bass, like a Motown tribute band or the like, then that's different. But just getting close to the sound, say 70% there, doesn't really require a P.)
 
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I see no reason not to have both and everything in between.

View attachment 4802032

So Anyway, I had the same SB2 Candy Apple Red G&L. It was a fine instrument. I let it go along with a bunch of other basses that weren't getting any gig time. I wish I had one now just for the color!

To the OP, I'd recommend getting a Pbass with flats. It's an important part of our heritage and it's worthwhile to spend some time with one. Good Luck on your decision.
 
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