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Is this a genuine G&L?

TheWeepingSparrow

TheWeepingSparrow

Guest
Jan 22, 2015
29
10
40
The Sky
Disclosures
I work for The Man, ya understand?
#1
Not sure if this is the right place for this question. Please correct its placement if it isn't.

I am looking for a bass and I found an interesting ad on craigslist.... a 1980 G&L L-1000.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

As you can see, he's selling this bass for what seems to be quite a low price even for a scratched up 1980 G&L. After a quick browse, I found other 1980 L-1000s going for double that price at least.

Another problem which I found in a quick browse was the serial number. If it is a 1980 model, then the serial number is too high... as seen here:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

It's possible he didn't date it correctly, which isn't a big deal to me. That would put the bass at roughly a 1982 model. Maybe 1982s weren't as desirable so he's lying about the year? Or maybe everything is legit and he's just a guy selling a bass because he needs to make room or get a quick buck?

What do you think, EXPERTS!?!?! *superman theme song plays*
 
#2
TheWeepingSparrow said:
Not sure if this is the right place for this question. Please correct its placement if it isn't.

I am looking for a bass and I found an interesting ad on craigslist.... a 1980 G&L L-1000.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

As you can see, he's selling this bass for what seems to be quite a low price even for a scratched up 1980 G&L. After a quick browse, I found other 1980 L-1000s going for double that price at least.

Another problem which I found in a quick browse was the serial number. If it is a 1980 model, then the serial number is too high... as seen here:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

It's possible he didn't date it correctly, which isn't a big deal to me. That would put the bass at roughly a 1982 model. Maybe 1982s weren't as desirable so he's lying about the year? Or maybe everything is legit and he's just a guy selling a bass because he needs to make room or get a quick buck?

What do you think, EXPERTS!?!?! *superman theme song plays*
Click to expand...

Well, I ain't Superman, and I don't usually call myself an expert, but I DID buy G&L L-1000 Boo13xx (in CHICAGO!) in 1981, built in 1980. From what I can see in the photos, this is a very genuine L-1000 from the era, but the serial # does indicate later than mine (which is still sitting right next to me). The pickup appears to have the small hexes tyipical of G&L's starting about 1982-83, if I remember right (a 1980 would have either large hex, like mine, or slot poles later on). Here's the cool thing - I paid $540 for mine, then! I wouldn't worry too much if I were you; it's the genuine article to all appearances, it's a good price, and G&L quality was fairly consistent then. I'd move quickly so as not to miss it, if I needed another one.
 
#3
TomB said:
Well, I ain't Superman, and I don't usually call myself an expert, but I DID buy G&L L-1000 Boo13xx (in CHICAGO!) in 1981, built in 1980. From what I can see in the photos, this is a very genuine L-1000 from the era, but the serial # does indicate later than mine (which is still sitting right next to me). The pickup appears to have the small hexes tyipical of G&L's starting about 1982-83, if I remember right (a 1980 would have either large hex, like mine, or slot poles later on). Here's the cool thing - I paid $540 for mine, then! I wouldn't worry too much if I were you; it's the genuine article to all appearances, it's a good price, and G&L quality was fairly consistent then. I'd move quickly so as not to miss it, if I needed another one.
Click to expand...
Correction to above slots were earlier. And this should be moved to "basses" I worked time G &L in the mid to late 80s and it's genuine to be sure as far as the serial number. The bridge is a replaceable part and could have been swapped out at a later time.
 
#6
With a closer look at the photos, I see slot poles. Yours + phist0's info suggests '81 or '82, though the black chrome on the bridge says later. ?? In any case, I'd call this a fair deal, as long as it has no big hidden flaws. Oh, and if you see any 1980's going for double that price, I'd work them over pretty hard before closing :).
 
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#7
I ended up passing on the deal. The guy selling it was kind of insulting and was rushing me to purchase it while at the same time claiming that he wasn't rushing me... seemed a little fishy... plus he was moving out of state in a week or two so... what happens if something goes boobies up and I can't find him anywhere? That's kind of why I like buying gear through dealers... because there's usually a warranty period of some kind, and if it goes boobies up you can find them and bitch at them in person.
 

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