JeezyMcNuggles
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- Feb 23, 2018
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My Next G&L Should be??
- Thread starter Kevin Krenzke
- Start date
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- g&l
JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
- 14,723
- 20,970
- Disclosures
- I suck, but nobody really notices
I have been a dual MFD guy for 20+ years, so I could certainly echo the endorsements of the L series. I have owned several 2500s, and some ASATs, all great axes.
But I recently tried an M-2500, and really liked the subtle (?) differences. I think they did a good job refining the sound, and making the preamp easier to use for those who are accustomed to other active preamp control layouts (emg, etc.). My next G&L will be a custom order M-2500. Just my $0.02....
But I recently tried an M-2500, and really liked the subtle (?) differences. I think they did a good job refining the sound, and making the preamp easier to use for those who are accustomed to other active preamp control layouts (emg, etc.). My next G&L will be a custom order M-2500. Just my $0.02....
That's not how it works around here!!You've only just started and already have two perfectly fine basses.
If I were youI'd save the money and work on my playing rather than on the collection.
@Kevin Krenzke, climbing the Talk Bass Valley trail, heading for the Pool of Discussion.
Destination in sight, he asks TBers "Should I buy this bass?"
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Man I STILL dream about this G&L jazz FRETLESS bass that I played back in high school (back in 2011 maybe). I remember it was purple, and it sounded INCREDIBLE even to me! I think it was unlined.
I would say you should get a fretless G&L, and then a 5 string and be all set
That's not how it works around here!!You've only just started and already have two perfectly fine basses.
If I were youI'd save the money and work on my playing rather than on the collection.
@Kevin Krenzke, climbing the Talk Bass Valley trail, heading for the Pool of Discussion.
Destination in sight, he asks TBers "Should I buy this bass?"
Talk Bass...
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Ah, well lets just say the future is bright for G&L 5 stringers...
And as to the OP's post, yup, your next G&L really needs to have an MFD humbucker and I'd put the L2000/L2500 at the top of the list as the definitive G&L bass.
So, I have an L2000 Tribute and it's my favourite bass tone I've played (Ibanez, Fender, Squier, Status Graphite, Vintage, Harley Benton). I only use it passive, most often both pickups, then neck pickup, least (but sometimes) bridge. Series or parallel depending on strings (nickel round and various flats and semi-flats) and situation. Passive bass cut often at 80%, treble cut varies. Play rock, blues, a bit of jazz and solo production.
My problem with is the beefy neck (43.5mm, thick too), weight 4.5kg (almost 10lbs) and some neck dive. Jazz style and Ibanez SR necks worked much better for me. I'm trying to improve my technique, but I still get thumb tendon (had injured it once on an upright) and wrist pains...
So, I'm considering another bass. I'd like a G&L, I love their innovativity! Some Fenders sound good, but I just can't get myself to buy a Fender. I think they're overpriced and not an innovative company. Ibanez SR rides a lot on active, I want passive. And, I just fall for G&L
I've considered the following, all Tribute models:
Kiloton: because MFD pickups sound good, it looks amazing and has some versatility. However, I think I'll miss the option of a neck tone.
JB: I think the slimmest neck available from G&L. Tone sounds good (online samples), versatility pretty good (I like that the bridge PU isn't to thin). However, it seems to miss some mid-range, though the low end sounds good. Jazz looks are OK, but not mindblowing for me.
SB-2: Love the concept and the possibility of a P-tone. Seems even a J-tone can be obtained from the bridge PU with possibly a tone-knob mod, or half-rounds (which I'd most likely use on it) would tame the brightness a bit. Love the shape, heard it could be lighter then the JB and L2K, but in Tribute it's only solid finishes (could live with it).
Any thoughts? Specifically, are there large differences in neck shape between JB and SB-2? Is SB-2 flexible tone-wise, especially w.r.t. strings, PU balance, playing technique? I'm not in a position to try before I buy :/ Also second hand isn't an option, none of them available in the Croatian market.
My problem with is the beefy neck (43.5mm, thick too), weight 4.5kg (almost 10lbs) and some neck dive. Jazz style and Ibanez SR necks worked much better for me. I'm trying to improve my technique, but I still get thumb tendon (had injured it once on an upright) and wrist pains...
So, I'm considering another bass. I'd like a G&L, I love their innovativity! Some Fenders sound good, but I just can't get myself to buy a Fender. I think they're overpriced and not an innovative company. Ibanez SR rides a lot on active, I want passive. And, I just fall for G&L
I've considered the following, all Tribute models:
Kiloton: because MFD pickups sound good, it looks amazing and has some versatility. However, I think I'll miss the option of a neck tone.
JB: I think the slimmest neck available from G&L. Tone sounds good (online samples), versatility pretty good (I like that the bridge PU isn't to thin). However, it seems to miss some mid-range, though the low end sounds good. Jazz looks are OK, but not mindblowing for me.
SB-2: Love the concept and the possibility of a P-tone. Seems even a J-tone can be obtained from the bridge PU with possibly a tone-knob mod, or half-rounds (which I'd most likely use on it) would tame the brightness a bit. Love the shape, heard it could be lighter then the JB and L2K, but in Tribute it's only solid finishes (could live with it).
Any thoughts? Specifically, are there large differences in neck shape between JB and SB-2? Is SB-2 flexible tone-wise, especially w.r.t. strings, PU balance, playing technique? I'm not in a position to try before I buy :/ Also second hand isn't an option, none of them available in the Croatian market.
You'd probably be very happy with a US made CLF L2000 (except for the price). The neck is not as wide or thick as the Tribute. It's 1 5/8th inches wide with a slim C profile. My CLF L1000 weights just 8 pounds so I would imagine you could get an L2000 in the low to mid 8 pound range. My L1000 is the Pharaoh Gold version made from basswood and I love it. My Tribute L2000 in sunburst, made from swamp ash weighs just a little over 9 pounds. You must have, unfortunately gotten a heavy one.
From the G&L website here in the US.
The JB specs:
The SB-2
The JB specs:
- CONSTRUCTION: bolt-on
- SCALE: 34"
- PICKUPS: 2x G&L Alnico single coil pickups
- BODY WOOD: Basswood (solid finishes) or Swamp Ash (translucent & burst finishes)
- NECK WOOD: Hard Rock Maple with vintage tint gloss finish and Maple or Brazilian Cherry fingerboad
- NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 1/2"
- NECK RADIUS: 9 1/2”
- NECK PROFILE: medium C
- FRETS: medium jumbo, nickel
- TUNING KEYS: Traditional open-back
- BRIDGE: Leo Fender-designed G&L Saddle-Lock™
- ELECTRONICS: one volume control for each pickup, master tone
The SB-2
- CONSTRUCTION: bolt-on
- SCALE: 34"
- PICKUPS: Leo Fender†-designed G&L MFD™ split-coil (neck) and single coil (bridge) made in Fullerton, California
- BODY WOOD: Mahogany
- NECK WOOD: Hard-Rock Maple with Maple or Brazilian Cherry fingerboard
- NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 1/2"
- NECK RADIUS: 12"
- NECK PROFILE: medium C
- FRETS: 21 medium jumbo, nickel
- TUNING KEYS: Traditional open-back
- BRIDGE: Leo Fender-designed G&L Saddle-Lock™
- ELECTRONICS: dual-volume
In europe it would cost more then 2.5x the price of a tribute. I know they're perfectly made, but I don't need perfect, Tribute is completely satisfactory for me.
Thanks for the tech specs, I'm aware of them (the site is international) and I've gone through all the tone samples I could find. I guess I'm just looking for anything to tip the balance in favour of JB or SB-2.
I understand exactly what you mean with regard to the value of the Tribute vs. the US version. The price of my Tribute, new was only $635 whereas the CLF version would be $1800!!! There’s no way the CLF is demonstrably 3 times better but it is better. That’s why I know, eventually, I’ll own one.
There are two things that differentiate the SB-2 from the JB but I’m sure you’re well aware of them. The SB-2 has a variation on the MFD’s in your L2000. I’d take that as a plus. The other difference, a potential negative for the SB-2 is that the neck radius is 12” compared to the 9 1/2” JB. Both have the same overall width but the JB will feel more like a modern Jazz Bass. The trade offs make it difficult to say which one would be best for you without playing both.
There are two things that differentiate the SB-2 from the JB but I’m sure you’re well aware of them. The SB-2 has a variation on the MFD’s in your L2000. I’d take that as a plus. The other difference, a potential negative for the SB-2 is that the neck radius is 12” compared to the 9 1/2” JB. Both have the same overall width but the JB will feel more like a modern Jazz Bass. The trade offs make it difficult to say which one would be best for you without playing both.
It's more then just build quality, there's long term resale value, if you put a little more, you get a great instrument, when you decide to part with it, you will get more in terms of trade or cash.
