Remaining G&L Empress Basses

[RocketMusic]

Just got an Empress update from G&L. They have more in stock now, and I've committed to ordering at least 3 basses within the next week.

Let me know if you'd like to make one of these a special order for yourself!

 

[RocketMusic]

Ah, heck. I couldn't wait, here's what I just ordered:

JB
Empress/RW
Ivory Finish
Tort Guard
Light Tint Satin Neck

LB-100
Empress/RW
Midnight Blue Metallic
Pearloid Guard

SB-2T
Empress/RW
Belair Green
Tort Guard
Matching Headstock

They have more Empress, so I can still take additional special orders if anyone is itching to get something light from G&L!

 

[jd56hawk]

This is only an observational post not to be perceived as negative.
Empress is Paulowina. Really a less expensive wood (not that that is bad) that is really light and due to many factors is highly resonant.
It is a very green choice as the tree grows in many climates and very quickly at that.
But when it is presented as Paulowina much snobbery comes to the surface .. complaints about its softness etc. To tem it's no matter that Fender is using it Dean has used it and many others..
Commonly known Elsewhere as "Asian mahogany"
...; )

From what one builder says:
Although paulownia is a lightweight wood it is surprisingly dense and holds a screw exceptionally well. We have not seen any increase in dents or dings compared to other wood types that we carry and the material itself is not subject to warping or cracking compared to other wood types, even in bad weather conditions.

 

[RocketMusic]

I've sold a bunch of Empress basses, and the only complaint I've heard has been about that ones that are too light. I'm talking in the 7.0-7.1 lb range, which is not very many. Some mild neck dive can happen when they get that light, depending on the weight of the neck.

I'm guessing G&L must go out of their way to find light necks to pair with Empress bodies, because even the ones that have had a bit of dive only have a little bit of it. I'm amazed that a 7.2 lb bass can balance perfectly.

 

[RocketMusic]

By the way - G&L has started shipping these basses to me now. The Honeyburst JB5, the Clear Orange L2500 and the Greenburst L2500 are currently on the way, and the rest should follow shortly.

 

[bassWR]

I've sold a bunch of Empress basses, and the only complaint I've heard has been about that ones that are too light. I'm talking in the 7.0-7.1 lb range, which is not very many. Some mild neck dive can happen when they get that light, depending on the weight of the neck.

I'm guessing G&L must go out of their way to find light necks to pair with Empress bodies, because even the ones that have had a bit of dive only have a little bit of it. I'm amazed that a 7.2 lb bass can balance perfectly.

I've had 2 of the Empress basses and if my current playing situation hadn't pushed me back to 5ers they would still be with me. Mine were an SB2-T and an LB100 and both balanced perfectly. The Empress made for lively well rounded basses with a really neat mid growl. BTW... The SB2-T is a killer PJ package that I wish they made in a 5. Check out the grain here. That bass was a tone monster too.

BTW...Can't wait to see pics of those L2500's.,,,,Just sayin.

 

[RocketMusic]

G&L just posted an update of a Blueburst L2000 on facebook:

Invalid Link Removed

 

[RocketMusic]

BTW - that Blueburst L2K was a special order, so it's already sold...

 

[dedpool1052]

Blueburst with natural wood binding is such a classic look for G&L, regardless of f/b wood. I feel the same about honeyburst.