First of all, huge shoutout to Greg @RocketMusic for making the entire purchase process a breeze and tolerating my neuroses as this was an option order and I changed my mind probably a half dozen times. Also got a very reasonably price out the door, so if you are going to do this - give Greg a shout.
Recently took receipt of the below L2500 "option" order and decided to let it get some time in the woodshed and at gigs before writing up a real review. I have never gone and plunked down for a brand-new USA bass, and boy am I glad that I finally ponied up after 20+ years of playing and gigging.
Selected options:
Premium Flame Maple Top
Black Burst finish and Empress body
Ebony fretboard
Pearl dots
Quartersawn maple neck
Clear Gloss Neck Finish
Logo Delete
Gloss Black Headstock
The bass has a C neck shape and 12" radius, so it is flatter and slimmer (front to back) than whatever is on my L2500 tribute model. It is noticeably easier to play and comfortable (I love a slim neck), but what really stands out is the weight. The empress body option really paid off - I think this thing is maybe 8 lbs soaking wet. On stage it was effortless to hold for hours on end, which was a huge benefit over the ~10 lb tribute and Fender Jazz I have been using for ages. Super easy to play, super light, everything I wanted to accomplish with my upgrade.
Now, the tone. Very close to my Tribute, but better. Super clear and articulate with all the top-end bite and upper mids that got me into this model to begin with. It is hard to describe the difference between the Tribute and my new US model, but I attribute it to the higher quality materials being used. Don't get me wrong, the Tribute sounds great and I even questioned doing this at all for a while, but it was totally worth it to splurge on the US model. Lay that on top of the light weight and comfy neck, and it is pretty hard to argue with.
The whole thing looks spectacular (to me), the black-on-black look makes the hardware pop and the whole thing just looks cool. I love contrast but of course taste is subjective. If I had one thing to "ding" on the whole package, it is that the flame maple top is on the thin side. In person, I can see the grain of the body wood through the veneer. It still photographs very well and is a pretty minor thing IMO, but if I had seen one in person before ordering I might have made a different choice. My guess is the full-blown custom orders uses nicer/thicker veneer for the fancy tops based on photos I have seen. Not that I was stalking G&L's Instagram or anything.
Overall, I am super happy with this bass. It is 100% a keeper and my main gigging ax now.
Recently took receipt of the below L2500 "option" order and decided to let it get some time in the woodshed and at gigs before writing up a real review. I have never gone and plunked down for a brand-new USA bass, and boy am I glad that I finally ponied up after 20+ years of playing and gigging.
Selected options:
Premium Flame Maple Top
Black Burst finish and Empress body
Ebony fretboard
Pearl dots
Quartersawn maple neck
Clear Gloss Neck Finish
Logo Delete
Gloss Black Headstock
The bass has a C neck shape and 12" radius, so it is flatter and slimmer (front to back) than whatever is on my L2500 tribute model. It is noticeably easier to play and comfortable (I love a slim neck), but what really stands out is the weight. The empress body option really paid off - I think this thing is maybe 8 lbs soaking wet. On stage it was effortless to hold for hours on end, which was a huge benefit over the ~10 lb tribute and Fender Jazz I have been using for ages. Super easy to play, super light, everything I wanted to accomplish with my upgrade.
Now, the tone. Very close to my Tribute, but better. Super clear and articulate with all the top-end bite and upper mids that got me into this model to begin with. It is hard to describe the difference between the Tribute and my new US model, but I attribute it to the higher quality materials being used. Don't get me wrong, the Tribute sounds great and I even questioned doing this at all for a while, but it was totally worth it to splurge on the US model. Lay that on top of the light weight and comfy neck, and it is pretty hard to argue with.
The whole thing looks spectacular (to me), the black-on-black look makes the hardware pop and the whole thing just looks cool. I love contrast but of course taste is subjective. If I had one thing to "ding" on the whole package, it is that the flame maple top is on the thin side. In person, I can see the grain of the body wood through the veneer. It still photographs very well and is a pretty minor thing IMO, but if I had seen one in person before ordering I might have made a different choice. My guess is the full-blown custom orders uses nicer/thicker veneer for the fancy tops based on photos I have seen. Not that I was stalking G&L's Instagram or anything.
Overall, I am super happy with this bass. It is 100% a keeper and my main gigging ax now.
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