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Musicman Stingray or G&L L2000
- Thread starter Tumeni Notes
- Start date
I've owned both EBMM and G&L 4 and 5's. I've found the G&L necks feels larger but both are available in a few different configurations, so I think you can find something comfortable. As far as versatility, you can't really compare a single H stingray or sterling with the HH G&L. Having had both HH Stingray's and G&L's you'll find both versatile. I personally prefer the tone of the EBMM though do like the tone of the G&L in passive mode. As several others have stated, it depends on what tone you want and what music you're playing. Both will cut through a mix. Just keep in mind that as the Squire sounds like a Fender, the EBMM sounds like an EBMM, the G&L sound like a G&L. They're all more or less Leo's so pick the one that sounds best to your ears. No one in the audience is going to care what brand you're playing, only how well you play.
I respect the versatility of the L-2000 and have owned several, including a cobalt-blue/ebony-board sweetheart with a single-coil option, that was an excellent axe. And the G&L #8 neck (1.5" at the nut, available on the US L2K) is great, if there are no QC issues. BUT for me, I could never find the tone I wanted, and I came to realize that I dig the sound of alnico magnets over ceramics...As far as I know, the Stingray 4 has always had alnico, and since 2008, the Stingray 5 is alnico as well. I am now evaluating a Stingray 5HH with an ebony board and noting the extent to which those pickups are making the difference for me....it's been making me sad that I couldn't get this tone out of that cobalt G&L! I also think the US EBBM may simply be built a bit better than the US G&L, but the G&L electronics are so, so versatile and I love that G&L bridge.
BTW, given the way these axes are each rooted in Leo Fender, they should be thought of as cousins.
Bottom line - you buddy should play them side-by-side as much as possible, and ideally be able to try them in rehearsal or on a gig before committing.
BTW, given the way these axes are each rooted in Leo Fender, they should be thought of as cousins.
Bottom line - you buddy should play them side-by-side as much as possible, and ideally be able to try them in rehearsal or on a gig before committing.
Of course no sooner do I talk about how used G&Ls are such a great value, than this shows up:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/2010-stingray-hh-4-string-white-0-771016/
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/2010-stingray-hh-4-string-white-0-771016/
I think both G&Ls and EBMMs can be found quite "cheap" often, which is why I'd never buy either new. You can find 5s in each camp for $800-$1000, and 4s for $750-$950 easily. I saw a four go for $550 on my local craigslist. It was too bad I had no money left in the "bass fund", else I would've picked it up just because it was that good of a deal. It sold in like an hour, of course. But hey, I'm not complaining. I don't need to spend $5k or whatever on a super boutique bass, and IMO mine outplay and have better tone than those anyway!
if your friend is interested in a tribute DO NOT get a new one. they are really very bad. the older korean tributes are surprisingly good tho. if he has the money i'd stick with a real g&l though.
I have nothing but good things to say about Indonesian-made Tribbys, in rebuttal of the above post, from my own experience of owning one for 2 years, before selling it, and getting a US model.
MikeBass
Supporting Member
- Nov 4, 2003
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+ 1
But my only hang up with this is way too many "newer" players get basses with massively flexible EQ's and such (like the L2000) and get lost in all the tonal variations and don't get down to just listening to themselves.
When I was teaching, I would pretty much always suggest a passive bass as the first "good one" so to speak.
Not saying passive is better. Just lets someone who is reletivly new focus on coaxing tone from the bass instead of the bass doing it for them.
+1 I have never understood that either... Plus techniques can make all the diff. MM's sound great with a pick, fingers, and especially palm muted to calm the tone down.
MM single H's have a unique tone that I have not been able to replicate with any other basses: not Fender's, G&L's, or Modulus Fleas. It's just not the same tone.
If I want a Fender J tone that's what I pull out. If I want an SR tone, that's what I pull out. simple as that.
G&L is it's own thing, which is a GREAT array of tones, but it's own animal too IMHO.
So true. Techniques and dynamics allow for more variety in tone period...
Geddy Lee for example sounds the same on every different bass I have heard him on. Whether the Steinberger, Jazz, or Rickenbacker. It's still HIS sound.
im a stingray guy. But b.c I like the stingray sound and feel. Ive owned L2ks but wasnt really my thing. Soundwise both are great. But I feel the stingray does it better for me.
However the l2k had a little bit more veratile beefy sound. where the stingray cuts through with its midrangy sound.
Stingrays also come in the SLO if you can find one. Its basically a jazz width neck.
However the l2k had a little bit more veratile beefy sound. where the stingray cuts through with its midrangy sound.
Stingrays also come in the SLO if you can find one. Its basically a jazz width neck.
I don't love 'rays. I have two G&Ls. 
FWIW, I run my G&Ls passive, series, full on everything and it sounds pretty huge, which is all I can really ask for.
FWIW, I run my G&Ls passive, series, full on everything and it sounds pretty huge, which is all I can really ask for.
Enjoying the results here (almost tied between the two) and if I may say so, I AM Tumeni's friend who had asked him to jump in - THANK YOU.
I wanted to add a few notes here so people can better understand my own "experience level":
1) Bought Fender Precision Squier in July '10. PLayed a few months, has it set up with Ernie Ball Slinkies, had the neck strobed.
POSITIVE: As a starting rig, it's fine. The new strings and set up made a remarkable improvement in the tone. I LIKE the Fender sound, it's got that good "classic" tone to it.
NEGATIVE: Even after setup, the action is far too high. My finger dexterity has improved to a point that I am FIGHTING the strings, especially as I go up the neck.
OTHER:
a) I prefer to play with a pick. While I >do< make an effort at finger-style, I like the sound, maneuverability, and quality of a pick.
b) I'm 51 years old, no spring chicken. Have been a musician all my life (orchestra woodwinds), but have absolutely no design on ever gigging with bass; purely a hobby. Just won't happen. I am also learning because my son (12) is learning drums - and we have a blast together.
c) See above - I will never own a boutique bass, and spending a wad of cash is not in the plans, but $1k is reasonable for a good instrument.
2) A few weeks back, "treated" myself to a visit at GC. PLayed a variety of other Fenders (believing a JAZZ was my next rig). Grabbed an EBMM Stingray.
POSITIVE: Holy crap, the punch on the lower end was unbelievable, and the action was smooth as silk. I was not fighting the strings. Loved the natural look and glossy neck.
NEGATIVE: Figthing the price - $1399 USED.
3) Visit with TUmeni this past weekend on another outing to two different guitar stores. Walk in his house and he shows me (and lets me drive) his L2000. Then we go out, I also play another G&L (a 1500?) at one of the stores.
POSITIVE: Ohhhhh, ANOTHER variable. OK Leo, I LIKE your stuff.....! G&L, smooth, I liked the 1500's non contoured body, good action, nice low end.
NEGATIVE: Ohhhhh, ANOTHER variable. ALSO played a RAY34, and did NOT like it - too "bright/twangy" - even after adjustments.....
So, I'm an old guy who has GAS, absolutely is LOVING the bass as he learns, digs the Fender sound but needs a better instrument to hone skills. Just bought a Marshall MB30 practice amp. Enjoy playing with my son who is learning drums. Has cash to spend 1k, will never be a gigging musician.
THANKS ALL, I really appreciate the inputs. I have learned to trust this group and am trying to get a better feel for experience. Ultimately, I understand, it's my choice.
Chris
I wanted to add a few notes here so people can better understand my own "experience level":
1) Bought Fender Precision Squier in July '10. PLayed a few months, has it set up with Ernie Ball Slinkies, had the neck strobed.
POSITIVE: As a starting rig, it's fine. The new strings and set up made a remarkable improvement in the tone. I LIKE the Fender sound, it's got that good "classic" tone to it.
NEGATIVE: Even after setup, the action is far too high. My finger dexterity has improved to a point that I am FIGHTING the strings, especially as I go up the neck.
OTHER:
a) I prefer to play with a pick. While I >do< make an effort at finger-style, I like the sound, maneuverability, and quality of a pick.
b) I'm 51 years old, no spring chicken. Have been a musician all my life (orchestra woodwinds), but have absolutely no design on ever gigging with bass; purely a hobby. Just won't happen. I am also learning because my son (12) is learning drums - and we have a blast together.
c) See above - I will never own a boutique bass, and spending a wad of cash is not in the plans, but $1k is reasonable for a good instrument.
2) A few weeks back, "treated" myself to a visit at GC. PLayed a variety of other Fenders (believing a JAZZ was my next rig). Grabbed an EBMM Stingray.
POSITIVE: Holy crap, the punch on the lower end was unbelievable, and the action was smooth as silk. I was not fighting the strings. Loved the natural look and glossy neck.
NEGATIVE: Figthing the price - $1399 USED.
3) Visit with TUmeni this past weekend on another outing to two different guitar stores. Walk in his house and he shows me (and lets me drive) his L2000. Then we go out, I also play another G&L (a 1500?) at one of the stores.
POSITIVE: Ohhhhh, ANOTHER variable. OK Leo, I LIKE your stuff.....! G&L, smooth, I liked the 1500's non contoured body, good action, nice low end.
NEGATIVE: Ohhhhh, ANOTHER variable. ALSO played a RAY34, and did NOT like it - too "bright/twangy" - even after adjustments.....
So, I'm an old guy who has GAS, absolutely is LOVING the bass as he learns, digs the Fender sound but needs a better instrument to hone skills. Just bought a Marshall MB30 practice amp. Enjoy playing with my son who is learning drums. Has cash to spend 1k, will never be a gigging musician.
THANKS ALL, I really appreciate the inputs. I have learned to trust this group and am trying to get a better feel for experience. Ultimately, I understand, it's my choice.
Chris
No need whatsoever to spend that much on a used Stingray. Just check the listings here on TalkBass. You can find lots of great deals popping up all the time.
For $1K (or less) you could get a really nice L2000. Cruise the marketplace for deals; it's a buyer's market right now.
I prefer G&L, too. But you can't lose with either one. As previously mentioned, US-made versions of both can be found for $750, give or take.
Partner, they are all REAL G&L's. I personally prefer the neck on the Tribby and my new one is better than any bass I have owned (MIA Fender and G&L included). Your opinion is your opinion but man, from where Im standing, you couldnt be more wrong.
Simply not true, even though mine came with a QC problem on the electronics (ordering online has its issues), the quality of the instrument is not far from the USA G&L (it's really close, actually).
The only reason I think the USA is better is because of all the options offered.
K-wiring and body binding makes it so tempting...
And you can put me on the G&L camp, tried Fenders, EBMM, Skylines and none made me smile like the L2500.
