Yea or Nay for the Bull?

[RobTheRiot]

Hi TB, first thread I've started, be kind please! Ha!
I've found some info in threads, but I'd really appreciate any up to date opinions of anyone who owns or has played a G&L El Toro. One has come up for sale locally, a 1988 model, and it plays and sounds like a dream, but it is a hefty chunk of change, so I'd love any feedback + or -.
I don't have any experience with G&L, but I know they are generally respected. I'm also curious from any experienced studio players, if you walk into a session with this bass (assuming it's the right tool for the job), is it a widely accepted brand/model? I know some clients are only going to want a Fender or something just as specific, but in general what do you think? I perform for a living, but getting older I'm trying to get more studio work, wondering if this is a wise investment.
My one concern, is the truss rod... I don't have experience with one that extends out of the neck like this... does the picture look like something to worry about? (Neck is currently near flat, with low action..)
*I apologize if that question belongs in hardware forum, thought I'd tie 2 questions together here, hope that's ok.

Thanks for any and all help!!

 

[ajkula66]

I can't say whether it's a "widely accepted" model, but will tell you that I've done more recording with my El Toro than with any other bass I've ever owned...this was back in the late 80s and early 90s. Having said that, this was in a different world where brand snobbery that I often see nowadays was non-existent, so YMMV on that particular level.

Nothing wrong with that "bullet" truss rod in the picture. If it moves freely both ways, you're golden.

That's a pretty bull, BTW. Mine was just plain old black but it sounded like heaven.

Good luck with becoming a toreador...

 

[JIO]

G&L's have always been underestimated - the only 80's issue some G&L's had were the necks warping due to the quarter sawn wood. As long as the neck is true - it is going to play and sound great.

 

[JIO]

I'd love to own one of the short lived "Interceptor" models from the 80's.

 

[metron]

G&L's have always been underestimated - the only 80's issue some G&L's had were the necks warping due to the quarter sawn wood. As long as the neck is true - it is going to play and sound great.

Never heard that before. I only recall seeing flat sawn necks on the old G&Ls I had. Also, some consider quarter sawn more stable of the two? Some did end up with a bump near the neck heel due to user error - improperly over adjusting the micro tilt. Thats also part of the reason the the 3 bolts got a bad rep. Well, user error and Fenders giant neck gaps during the 70s.

Sorry op I dont have experience with the toro specifically but I can say old G&L basses are killer as long as the truss rod works, there is no neck heel bump, and they arent too heavy. I hear the toro is a very aggressive sounding bass especially active. I would love to try one sometime.

 

[JIO]

Never heard that before. I only recall seeing flat sawn necks on the old G&Ls I had. Also, some consider quarter sawn more stable of the two? Some did end up with a bump near the neck heel due to user error - improperly over adjusting the micro tilt. Thats also part of the reason the the 3 bolts got a bad rep. Well, user error and Fenders giant neck gaps during the 70s.

Sorry op I dont have experience with the toro specifically but I can say old G&L basses are killer as long as the truss rod works, there is no neck heel bump, and they arent too heavy. I hear the toro is a very aggressive sounding bass especially active. I would love to try one sometime.

Sorry - I miswrote quarter-sawn when I meant flat-sawn. As you state, quarter sawn are more stable.

 

[RobTheRiot]

Thanks all for your replies so far! Any more opinions out there? I need to make my move soon!

@JIO - That interceptor is crazy looking, I've never seen one or even heard of one before! Kind of reminds me of the Fender Performer with its kind of traditional shape, but with harder lines/angles. Not quite my cup of tea, but very cool nonetheless!

 

[JIO]

Thanks all for your replies so far! Any more opinions out there? I need to make my move soon!

@JIO - That interceptor is crazy looking, I've never seen one or even heard of one before! Kind of reminds me of the Fender Performer with its kind of traditional shape, but with harder lines/angles. Not quite my cup of tea, but very cool nonetheless!

Yes, the Performer (I own one) was made in '85 - both late CBS/Fender and George & Leo's new G&L made an attempt to design outside the box. I am drawn to those designs because I like the designs and they are unconventional which to me is more interesting than yet another P or J. I think George Fullerton had more to do with those designs than Leo, as Leo was the electronics guy & pocket protector king! G&L guitar designs went even further - some really out-there stuff. Fender (same time as the Performer) did the 32" scale pointy Katana - but those designs were at the transition when Fender people bought the company back from CBS and ever since then it's been nostalgia mining.

 

[StyleOverShow]

Can't address the Toro but G& L are solid axes. Bought one here on TB (tribute 2500) and had to work out a few setup issues but it has been a solid player since.

I like the pups, humbuckers, powerful and quiet. The build quality is very good. I don't think you can go wrong. Played an SB1 and I'm looking into buying it too. Great basses.

 

[JIO]

The L-2000 is one of the most versatile basses out there. Not an understatement to say it's the Swiss Army Knife of basses.

 

[RobTheRiot]

Yes, the Performer (I own one) was made in '85 - both late CBS/Fender and George & Leo's new G&L made an attempt to design outside the box. I am drawn to those designs...

View attachment 1434138

I THOUGHT you were the one who built a bass based on the Performer and then bought and refurbished an actual one, but I couldn't remember for sure. Beautiful work on both!
Thanks again for info - and I do agree, it's nice to see companies & small builders alike push the boundaries of instrument design & functionality. Doesn't always work, and some people will always insist on "if it ain't broke don't fix it", but the only way the next "classic" design will be found, is by those willing to spurn tradition and traditionalists, and at least attempt to improve upon and/or ignore all together the confines of what's already been proven successful. Even if some out-there designs aren't my style, I can definitely appreciate the thought & creativity that went into them...

 

[JIO]

I THOUGHT you were the one who built a bass based on the Performer and then bought and refurbished an actual one, but I couldn't remember for sure. Beautiful work on both!
Thanks again for info - and I do agree, it's nice to see companies & small builders alike push the boundaries of instrument design & functionality. Doesn't always work, and some people will always insist on "if it ain't broke don't fix it", but the only way the next "classic" design will be found, is by those willing to spurn tradition and traditionalists, and at least attempt to improve upon and/or ignore all together the confines of what's already been proven successful. Even if some out-there designs aren't my style, I can definitely appreciate the thought & creativity that went into them...

Well said ...and thanks - yes, I'm the guilty party! Part of introducing a fresh design is always a risk - will it be a 'flash-in-the-pan' novelty or will it become a new 'classic'? I feel the Kubicki Ex-Factor fits the "modern classic" design definition to a T. It's all about good design - the 'trendy' designs fall off pretty quickly.

 

[abarson]

I'd love to own one of the short lived "Interceptor" models from the 80's.

View attachment 1397151 View attachment 1397341View attachment 1397342

That's the first I've ever seen that model! Different yet not crazy. I like!

 

[JIO]

That's the first I've ever seen that model! Different yet not crazy. I like!

They are not commonly found for sale and when they are they usually go for a healthy price. The thing about this bass is it is guaranteed to play/sound great as Leo didn't make a bass that wasn't up to a certain (high) standard. It may not have been popular due to its looks - but if Leo's name is on it, it's a player! And if you want to see 'crazy' - check out the Interceptor guitar!

 

[ajkula66]

They are not commonly found for sale and when they are they usually go for a healthy price.

My understanding is that less than 500 Interceptor basses were made. I was always intrigued by them but never got to play one. They are not *that* expensive when they do pop up for sale, but I have other stuff on my shopping list right now...

 

[4stringsjack]

I've got an El Toro and it's one of the best sounding basses I've ever played. It's become my #1 gigging bass. Tonally, it's quite flexible. You have the three pickup selection positions, plus the series switch, and then active/passive mode. It sounds reasonably traditional in passive mode. It does a powerful Jazz-like sound. I've noticed that with the neck pickup solo'd it does a very good P imitation, unlike my L2000s. You can get some nice aggressive sounds in active mode, along with crystal clear slap tones.

It's a great bass! It plays beautifully and cover almost any tone I could ever need. Good luck!

 

[RobTheRiot]

Thanks for all your advice gentlemen!
In about a month I will be doing my first NBD thread on Talkbass!
Went back a couple days in a row to play the El Toro, and couldn't let it go to someone else.
I traded in a Fender Modern Player Jaguar that I had gotten for a steal (less than $50 in brand new condition), to put down payment on it. The Jaguar I was excited to get about 5 months ago, I love the p/j pickup configuration, but I just never fell in love w/ the feel of it. More than happy to get rid of it to help pay for my new baby!
Thanks again and I'll keep you all posted!

 

[Nev375]

I don't know of anyone who looks down their nose at a G&L.
I mean it's Leo Fender's 2nd company after Fender and he certainly didn't get worse at designing instruments.

I don't own one myself, but there's certainly nothing wrong with any of them I've had my hands on.

 

[jcburn]

I've always wanted a Bull and never found one when I have cash. I'd say go for it. I have 2 90's 3 bolt L2000 basses. They are aggressive and have a unique tone to my ears but it just fits.
One of mine has a slight skiramp (bump) in the neck that a fret job has corrected, the other is peferct.
This guy does great demos. The tone on display here sounds very accurate to me of what an El Toro is capable of.

 

[4stringsjack]

Congrats! Post new pics when you get it! I gigged my El Toro last night. It's such a great sounding (and flexible) bass. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.