• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

PU height for L-2000

S

snap42

Aug 26, 2003
32
0
Visit site
#1
I just bought my first G&L, a used 2007 mod. L-2000 trans-blue and I love this bass so far but it needs some adjustments. So what is the recommended PU height for back and front pups? In mm please. Are the magnetic fields stronger on the L-2000 than on my Stingray?
Thanks!
 
#2
there is no real set rule for pickup height. Depends on how hard you dig in. When I fret the E string on the last fret there is about 3-4 mm of space to the poles. If you have a soft touch you might go closer but you do get a pretty loud pop when the string hits the poles.
 
#3
snap42 said:
I just bought my first G&L, a used 2007 mod. L-2000 trans-blue and I love this bass so far but it needs some adjustments. So what is the recommended PU height for back and front pups?
Click to expand...

As Mr. Jass said, there really is no set rule. I have about 4mm pole clearance with an open E string, closer on the G. I play with a light touch, so YMMV. Many people lower the pickups as far as they'll go. Play with it.

In mm please.
Click to expand...

I know that the rest of the world is metric, and that it's a better system than inches, feet, etc, but I almost gave you the 5/32" I measured along with a link to a converter. :D

Are the magnetic fields stronger on the L-2000 than on my Stingray?
Click to expand...

Unknown to me. The pickups are different designs; fixed slug Alnico (EBMM) vs adjustable pole ceramic (G&L). The L-2000 pickups are closer in design to those found on the Sterling, but still notably different and more capable in some ways.

Ken...
 
#4
I've found the magnets to be pretty strong on my L2000 (and previously my old L2500), so I would be careful setting the pickups too high or the magnetic pull may screw up your intonation farther up the neck. I know there is a set up guide somewhere on the G&L website, and I had to set up my pickups lower than their suggested height or I would get a chorus efffect on the higher notes from the magnetic pull. Now I prefer the tone with the pickuos on my L2000 lowered nearly as far down as they can go...

Karl
 
#6
snap42 said:
I just bought my first G&L, a used 2007 mod. L-2000 trans-blue and I love this bass so far but it needs some adjustments. So what is the recommended PU height for back and front pups? In mm please. Are the magnetic fields stronger on the L-2000 than on my Stingray?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I use the PU's as a poor-man's ramp, so I set them at a height that's comfortable for plucking over. This usually ends up with them a bit close to the strings, but I actually like it because it adds kapow to the plucked notes. Drawback is the strings can hit the pole pieces giving a nasty clack from time to time.

To avoid the loud, chorusy sound when you go up the neck, set the action as low as you can get it and adjust the PU's to suit. This way, the strings don't get a whole bunch closer to them when you go into the higher registers like they do if you run a high action.

The humbuckers in the Stingray are great but ultimately they're no match for for the MFD's. The MFD's just have an extra oompf that even the music man HB's can't quite get or any other PU on the market for that matter. They can try, but they just can't do it!

LS
 
#7
sunbeast said:
I had to set up my pickups lower than their suggested height or I would get a chorus efffect on the higher notes from the magnetic pull.
Click to expand...

I have the pickups as low as they will go for this reason. I tried em higher at first but got that annoying "tuning fork" effect higher up the board.

Mine is an '07 and has the foam pads (not springs) under the pickups. Not sure if that is normal? Even cranked down they will not go all that low and are still really sensitive.

These are really powerful (hot) pickups and in my opinion don't need to be snugged up close to the strings for an aggressive tone.

For reference I have just a hint of relief in the neck, the G saddle all the way flat and the others not far from it. The pickups are as low as they will go. I can play with a pick without too much rattle and none with fingerstyle. I am using 105/50 nickel rounds.
 
#8
unclejane said:
The humbuckers in the Stingray are great but ultimately they're no match for for the MFD's. The MFD's just have an extra oompf that even the music man HB's can't quite get or any other PU on the market for that matter. They can try, but they just can't do it!

LS
Click to expand...

Totally agree, you just cant get that dirty, gritty, organic sound out of the MM's.

I dig the Stingray sound..... just not as much :D

*opinion alert* Plus L2000's are way prettier *opinion alert*
 
#10
I guess it sounded wrong how I explained it, I find them perfect where they are now but you are right in that the foam does limit the adjustability. :D

I wonder when they switched to foam as everything I have ever heard suggested springs?
 
#12
I dig in quite hard when I slap so I ended up around 4mm on the E and G string. I guess it's a compromise; if you play only fingerstyle you can lower it to around 3mm, that's where it shines best.
I've really fallen in love with this bass! It's quite underrated I think, but then again - it's qool for us few who appreciate it.. It's so versatile and badass sounding, and you can dial in any tone you need. Lovely :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back