Used G&L Tribute L-2000 advice

[basementwaste]

Hey guys. I've been lurking here for a while and have bought a couple basses off you guys, but this is my first real post. I'm here to ask for advice on a G&L Tribute L-2000 I'm thinking about buying from a guy on craigslist. He's asking $300. That's normally a good price, but the gig bag is not the G&L original. It's a Gator.

It's got finish cracks in the front and back, there seems to be a gouge right in the middle of the back, and all but two of the rear panel screws are missing. The E string is missing, and the strings look old. None of these things are a problem that effects playability, and I'd usually replace the strings anyway, but maybe says something about how he takes care of his stuff.

The headstock has the large G&L logo, small Tribute. The bridge appears to say Tribute on it rather than G&L from what I can tell in the picture. It's cut off and blurry, but looks like that to me. Does this help identify when/where it was made?

Any thoughts on where it was made, anything I should be looking out for that may not be obvious given the damage, and with the condition it's in with non original gig bag, should I pay the $300 he's asking? Since it's fairly local, I can try it out before buying, but want to know if I should just avoid it, and what to look out for.

If I do end up buying it, I'll be sure to take some better pics and let you guys know how it is. Thanks.


edit: Does this forum not allow multiple images in one post? Only the first one seemed to work. Here's a link to the folder with the images in it:
http://alltoash.com/gltl2000/

http://alltoash.com/gltl2000/Photo%20Mar%2004,%207%2059%2012%20AM%20(Large).jpg[IMG]
[IMG]http://alltoash.com/gltl2000/Photo%20Mar%2004,%207%2059%2016%20AM%20(Large).jpg[IMG]
[IMG]http://alltoash.com/gltl2000/Photo%20Mar%2004,%207%2059%2027%20AM%20(Large).jpg[IMG]
[IMG]http://alltoash.com/gltl2000/Photo%20Mar%2004,%207%2059%2036%20AM%20(Large).jpg[IMG]

 

[johnson79]

$300 seems ok, but I'd try to get it for less due to the cracks.

 

[Apolicious]

I think that's a pretty reasonable deal. Not great, but reasonable. If he'll go for $275 I'd say do it. Just be sure to look for structural cracks, not just cosmetic ones.

 

[EdgeXXL]

I would lowball him on the price. I have seen them go for not much more than $300 in the TB classifieds and in much better condition than that one.

 

[MontzterMash]

Yeah, and with a missing string (and looking at the bridge saddles and comparing with my L2K) I'd assume it's going to need a good setup. Seems a good opportunity for a sweet lowball deal.

 

[basementwaste]

Thanks guys. Yeah, a lowball offer is probably the way to go. I'm in no desperate need for it, so don't mind losing it if the offer offends him. I've got an ATK300 for my standard tuning bass (got if here from a TB member), and I'm happy with it. Just looking for something with balls, but more versatility. Thought a Tribute L-2000 would be about right.

I have a Tribute Rampage guitar that I got used, and I can't believe how good it is for the price. If the basses are anything like the guitars, the L-2000 will be perfect.

 

[Benberg]

yeah its a real g&l, maybe try to get it lower because of having to buy new strings and the scratched/ missing screws. You can get screws pretty cheap for it, and if they aren't the right size. Fill in the holes with toothpicks and super glue. You can always refinish the bass with spray can laquer. Ask for $250-275

They are really good sounding basses, the only problem I had with mine was that there was too many switches and options, hard for me to choose one and just play it!

 

[msb]

There's a tiny lock screw on the side of the bridge , remember to loosen it if you set it up .

 

[sailri]

The ones with Tribute on the bridge were mostly or totally the Korean ones.