NBD... 1981 G&L L-1000

[drums1977]

I just got my first G&L. It is a very early SN 1981 model, ash body and ebony board. The bass is very light (Which apparently is super rare), 8.5-9 pounds. Craftmanship is superior to most Fenders I have had (and there have been many, all the way from holy-grail-1959 to current FCS production). The tones you get from this PASSIVE bass are insane. Very much like a preEB 2-band EQ MM. But no battery to replace ever. Playability is excellent, with a flat neck profile and spotless fretwork.
Really, I am blown away by this bass. There arent many around but if you spot one, go buy it. I am positive these early G&Ls will be much higher in value in the future. A couple of years back they were being sold at about $600 and now they are closer to $1k. They are worth that money and more IMHO.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Looks like its in great shape too. I bought my L2K in 1983, same "lawsuit" headstock. Mine has the 2 pups and preamp, otherwise the same hardware and construction. A tank, you cant kill these basses. Three bolt neck plus tilt screw?

 

[Spupilup]

I bought one new at the end of 1980. It was transparent electric blue baby. I remember the fretboard was really dark but can’t be sure if it was ebony or rosewood. That bass was so incredible I put my 4001 in its case and didn’t use it live for well over a year. I sold the G&L when I stopped playing a couple of years later and always regretted it. I think I paid around $400 for it at a dealer in St. Louis.

your bass looks amazing. Man I want another early L1000 like that. I just got. Gold CLF and it’s great but....

 

[Spupilup]

I’m looking at your photo and have to think my fretboard has to have been ebony.

 

[drums1977]

Looks like its in great shape too. I bought my L2K in 1983, same "lawsuit" headstock. Mine has the 2 pups and preamp, otherwise the same hardware and construction. A tank, you cant kill these basses. Three bolt neck plus tilt screw?

Yes 3 bolt, and very straight neck that allows low, fast action.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

In all the years ive owned it, i never had to touch the neck tilt, maybe thats why they dropped it? Very stable neck. I dont think the frets are stainless, but very hard anyway, very little wear after all these years.

 

[davelowell2]

Those are awesome, congratulations! Looks just like mine...

 

[drums1977]

I’m looking at your photo and have to think my fretboard has to have been ebony.

According to the 1981 g&l catalogue, ebony and maple were the standard options back then. It seems like rosewood was not in the picture back then, although I suppose you could custom order it to the factory. I prefer ebony over rosewood any day of the week.

 

[drums1977]

Twin sister! Yours is even cleaner. The clear coat on mine has some really stunning checking for those of us who prefer reliced to spotless finishes.

 

[davelowell2]

Twin sister! Yours is even cleaner. The clear coat on mine has some really stunning checking for those of us who prefer reliced to spotless finishes.

Not really it just doesn’t show up in the photo. It’s been around and shows it’s age in person. You have the OHSC case, I wish I did. Mine came with the “student” model case, I believe it was called.

Here’s my neck and body markings. Super early.

 

[drums1977]

Triple zero SN!!! One of the first ever. Mine is from march 81

 

[tornadobass]

Just to change colors, my 1981 tobacco burst with mahogany body.

 

[dabbler]

Kewl!

So are the controls vol and passive bass & treble or a vol for each coil and passive tone?

 

[tornadobass]

Kewl!

So are the controls vol and passive bass & treble or a vol for each coil and passive tone?

Volume and passive bass & treble

 

[drums1977]

Just to change colors, my 1981 tobacco burst with mahogany body.
View attachment 3550575

That's too handsome to be real

 

[drums1977]

Does any of you own the L2000 too? And in that case, how does the tone of both models compare? Thanks!

 

[davelowell2]

 

[MVE]

I really love those lawsuit headstock G&Ls.

 

[cableguy]

In the early 90's I bought a 81 L1000, that had been converted to an L2000. I've had it ever since. I never need to touch the tuning and it plays as they say like butter. I foolishly modified it even more by adding EMG pups & Darkglass Tone Capsule. Lost it's mojo. I've since removed everything to repair & repaint the bass. By next year it will be back in all it L1K glory. Such awesome bases. Leo got it right with these...... Congrats on NBD!

 

[JRA]

Craftmanship is superior to most Fenders I have had

yep!

i hope a couple of the OPs of a few current threads read/look at your thread --- they seem to be 'all in' on the fender thing without even looking at other options for a simple ax which delivers. i think you've found a great instrument --- and a great looking ax at that! congratulations on your new instrument!