• 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.

Why aren't G&L basses more popular?

Status
Not open for further replies.
#501
Had to look back on this. I was involved in a discussion of this, but it started via email and moved to BassesByLeo. Wasn't you. Sorry 'bout that!

While it may not look particularly spiffy, the key is whether or not the bullet turns freely. So long is it does, you should be good. If it's a bit snug, you could work a little wax (beeswax or paraffin) onto the exposed part of the bullet using a Q-Tip or toothpick, then loosen and re-tighten it. I wouldn't take the bullet completely off for this, but I would blow out any dust that might be in there with a can of "air". Wax should provide a little lubrication between the polished bullet and the wood to help free it up a tad.

bass said:
Does anyone know when G&Ls with these truss trod issues were produced?
Click to expand...

Sorry, I don't recall any specific dates but trussrod "issues" effectively ended with the move to CNC necks 6 or so years ago. Understand that problems weren't happening all the time, or to every neck G&L ever built. However, iIt was happening more often than G&L, as a responsible manufacturer, felt was acceptable and it was causing more warranty concerns than they felt was acceptable. So they redesigned both the neck and trussrod.

Ken...
 
#503
Ken Baker said:
While it may not look particularly spiffy, the key is whether or not the bullet turns freely. So long is it does, you should be good. If it's a bit snug, you could work a little wax (beeswax or paraffin) onto the exposed part of the bullet using a Q-Tip or toothpick, then loosen and re-tighten it. I wouldn't take the bullet completely off for this, but I would blow out any dust that might be in there with a can of "air". Wax should provide a little lubrication between the polished bullet and the wood to help free it up a tad.
Click to expand...




gentlemen - thanks for the help and the info!
 
#505
Chef said:
They do make 5 strings:
2500kwide.jpg
Click to expand...
Yep!

DSC04538.jpg
 
#507
PluckyThump said:
The truss rod issues are all sorted out. They recently changed the design.
Click to expand...

The truss rod issues were short term, in 2006 as Major Metal stated. This was also around the time G&L dropped the bi-cut design and adopted new truss rods and Plek fret levelling, which makes some believe the issues were related. I don't think they were; rather, I think G&L simply got a batch of defective truss rods around that time. Maybe that influenced the decision to adopt a new truss rod design, but, as far as I know, the old design had generally worked fine for several years before. (Someone with more in-depth knowledge could probably shed more light on this.)

Major Metal and I ordered G&L's around the same time in 2006, and we both got defective truss rods. I received mine around June, with a bi-cut neck. When I got the bass back, they had installed the wrong neck (#7 instead of #8). I don't recall whether that #7 neck was bi-cut or not (I think not), but by the time I got the third and final neck (either late 2006 or early 2007) it was definitely not bi-cut, and had Plek fret levelling. That bass, an L-1500, was the best playing bass I've ever owned. In mid 2007, I bought a new USA SB-2, which also had Plek levelling and a CNC neck.
 
#508
Plek is not necessarily better than an excellent done-by-hand fret job.
However, it is more time efficient, and more repeatable over volume.

Set the machine wrong, or don't keep up with it's maintenance, you you end up with a run of "all done wrong" fret jobs. Done well, it's a great thing.
 
#509
well, was wrong, i just gave it a *touch* of a turn last night...as it really didn't need it, i was just seeing if it worked.

i don't think it moved. i thought it did.

i just tried it again, the wrench slipped. i think that is what happened last night.

i did not try it again after the "wax on bullet" advice. i need to do this. i think it is bound up.

i'll try tonight after practice.
 
#510
If you think the bullet is frozen, don't tighten it!!!!
de-tension the strings
put a drop of you favorite penetrant down the bullet hole and leave it for a day.

---make sure you have the right wrench!!!----

you can apply heat to the bullet via a soldering iron
then, try more remove the bullet
little bit at a time
work back and forth
if it squeaks, and more penetrant

you break it, you're jacked.

if you can get it off, clean the bullet with the appropriate tap, and add a bit of grease or wax before re-assembly.
 
#511
Listen to Chef - I concur completely.

The correct allen wrench will be either 1/8" or 4mm, depending on when your bass was built. More info here.

As he said; don't try to tighten the bullet. Be sure that the wrench is fully engaged in the bullet as deeply as it will go. Then loosen. If you're able to get it off the bass and its threads are screwed up, either chase them with a tap or call G&L for a replacement.

Ken...
 
#512
Again, with the bullet "sunk" into the bottom of the route like that, a ball end T-handle allen wrench is the right tool. You may not get a straight L allen key in there.
 
#513
Chef said:
Again, with the bullet "sunk" into the bottom of the route like that, a ball end T-handle allen wrench is the right tool. You may not get a straight L allen key in there.
Click to expand...

i did try that last night. i have 2 fender T type wrenches. they would go...not sure if it's the angle or what, but i was having to force it, so i stopped.

i'll try that again later also.

no kidding, i appreciate the help
 
#515
Ken Baker said:
No. Not dual-action, but a modern design single action that works in an unconventional way. Again, details can be found here. If it was dual action, adjustment could provide either forward or back bow. Tightening the G&L bullet counteracts the tension of the strings by providing back bow. Loosening it just loosens it and nothing more.

Ken...
Click to expand...

Ok, I stand corrected. Like I said, I only had my L2500 for about a month before it was stolen so never got to really look it over.

My L2000 has the old vintage type rod and you can hear it go crick-crick on the rare occasions I have to tweak the relief. Never has given trouble, tho. I love my old bi-cut neck anyway, for such a little tiny stick it's super stable...

LS
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back