G&L L2000 Tribute Series

Ed Friedland demos the G&L Tribute L2000 Bass

[@Surfer8652]

One of the best basses ever made. After building up a small collection of super expensive US Laklands, I'm kicking myself for not playing them more and just using my L2500 all the time cause it sounds better and has better dynamics. Oh well, take it from me, getting a G&L L series bass will give you professional tone and save you a lot of money.

[@davidleamy7564]

Anthony Petrucci do you have the tribute L2500 or US made?

[@Surfer8652]

US made, I should have specified. Though I hear the Tributes are very good as well, they're not quite the same, and Idk how a Tribute would hold up against my other basses.

[@leroyatleroys]

Agreed. I am very sad that I had to sell my left handed l-2000, U.S. made. It’s pictured, actually. But it was the greatest bass I ever owned. It had all the best aspects of Fender and Music Man Combined while still being reasonably priced. I want to get the same one again one day if I can find the model. I am actually building a bass right now. But I might build one inspired by the L-2000 one day. Those pickups were just so amazing.

[@BassWhispererTV]

The Tributes are put together very well fit and finish-wise. Where you're going to see the big difference is in the grade of the materials. The US stuff uses higher grade wood, though the electronics and hardware were identical (at least they were when I reviewed this one).

[@fabibass]

That slap riff in the beginning is just amazing. Ed Friedland makes every bass sound great

[@BassWhispererTV]

The woods are not the same grade as the US, and they are built in Indonesia, so they are less expensive to make. They are quite good.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Yeah, they are great, especially when you consider how inexpensive they are! I'm still using this bass alot, but I put flatwounds on it, and it's killer for Salsa and blues!

[@alembicbassguy]

Wow, there doesnt seem to be much difference with the tribute & USA models in sound or build. To me this bass sounds like a Musicman, Jazz & P bass all in one. Great deal!!!

[@charlestorbett5578]

That's what Leo was going for when he designed it, and what sold my on mine in 1993!

[@JamminBassist]

To all the haters. I own the L2500 Tribute. I run it through a GK1001RBII and GK Neo412 cab. I play in a melodic-style metal band, and after each and every single show, I get asked or get adoring comments on my tone. These Tributes are just downright amazing instruments. I leave my pedalboard at home and run straight. Trust me, you will NOT regret owning a G&L Tribute bass.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Yes, they are 16th note triplets, and they are essentially just back and forth between the thumb and pop - starting on the thumb. Check out my Slap Bass DVD if you want more info!

[@BassWhispererTV]

@RadioMasterDude - It's a pretty bright instrument, and this is old. I wasn't using a good mic then and recoding into Protools, this was the mic on the camera picking up the amp in the room. Doesn't really do it justice.

[@Mytola11]

Absolutely true! I've been playing by ear since I started out, and I must say that I believe it has really helped me to train up my ear and improvisation. It can be hard sometimes, but if you don't give up, it'll get easier and easier.

[@linovinn7011]

One of the greatest basses around... Still loving it .. after eleven years of youtube history m :-)

[@UmphreysProwler]

I bought this bass about 6 months ago...a very good investment. I'm 20 and in school, so I don't have a lot of cash to drop on basses, but I'm very glad I stumbled on this. I got it used, and it might have well been brand new. Plays very well at gigs, band practice, or just layed back jams. Sounds great with any stye: Funk, jazz, blues, anything. Reccomended by me for anyone who can't spend too much money but wants lots of bang for their buck....sexy ass hell too!

[@doomithslayer2456]

I hope that your still playing. =]

[@Mytola11]

The Tribute L2000 arrived today from the US! Man, that thing is excellent. So versatile, so well built, and so much value for money. If you love both vintage and modern tones in one package, this is a bass for you!

[@romeou4965]

I like the 17mm string spacing on the 5string version L2500 the most. Solid neck. More comfortable than typical fender jazz bass V with 19mm spacing.

[@BassWhispererTV]

No doubt. It's pretty exhaustive. Just wait for the full length Ernie Ball Big Al and 25th bass reviews. 16 different sounds (each bass) , slap, pick and fingerstyle - talk about mind numbing, pack a lunch.

[@BassWhispererTV]

No, they are sent to me by Guitar World magazine to review. This particular bass (G&L) I did wind up buying though because I liked it so much.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Yes, made in Indonesia. They sell for around $500. Great bass for little dough!

[@BassWhispererTV]

Hmm, I don't remember. For slap, I end to set the action fairly low, so if you're hearing any buzz in the review, that's why. I still have the bass, and it's never been an issue for me.

[@ALIONBASS]

With parallel, the two wires of each coil are connected directly to the output. This gives you less resistance (and output) and some frequencies are cancelled. In series, only one wire of each coil goes to the output while the other two are connected. So, more resistance (and output), and no frequency-cancelling.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Well, there are so many great strings out there, and it all comes down to YOUR preference and your bass. If you slap, definitely roundwounds. Stainless steel if you like bright, nickel if you like it a little warmer. They make strings that feel tight, or loose... it's up to what you like.

[@3rduncle]

Quite simply the best reviewer on the interwebz. Someone who actually understands what people want to hear and isn't just showing off his chops. More power to you.

[@BlackMaidenTallica]

Thank you for being so good at demoing and reviewing Ed!

[@BassWhispererTV]

@hiephoi058 - Quality wise, I think the G&L is a step up from the CV, the electronics are the same as the US models - at least they were when I reviewed his bass. But the main reason to choose one over the other is the sound. They sound nothing alike.

[@monkymonk6]

I have a vintage model of this bass, and I can tell you this thing can emulate many different basses. Have not yet had the opportunity to use this thing on stage, but I probably would not remember what all the switches do while playing live. The most useful setting for me is passive in parallel with both pickups on. Is a very versatile bass that plays great!

[@BassWhispererTV]

Sure, it's a great instrument, very versatile, and very well suited for aggressive styles too. Whether it's visually appealing or not is your opinion, but I like how it looks.

[@pecoyamada]

This Tribute G&L is very nicely made. I dare to say that the only differences from this L2000's and the US-made ones is the fact that in one an american operates the machinne to sculpt the bass, apart from some minor changes and the fact that the Tribute is almost half the price. Now, this G&L has so many tonal options it can sound like a Music-Man, a Warwick, a Fender Jazz bass or anything you want, which makes it in an even better bass. It's my favorite in the US$2000 price range, if not more.

[@GrimSqueaker627]

i wanted this bass so bad when i started playing because my favorite bassist used this. the store didnt have one for right handers (yea they had a lefty G&L L2000 tribute) , so i got a different one.... 6 years later im still regretting it.

[@etrain402]

i recently played one of these and after seeing this review and all the (INSANE) tonal variations i'm definitely going to make this my next bass!

[@Muscleduck]

I've had my Tribute L2000 for 6 years and I still love it. I haven't played in almost a year now tho...

[@BassWhispererTV]

@borcemiovski - The GBE 1200 has 1200 watts into 2ohms, 1000 into 4ohms, and...750 (I think) into 8ohms. That cab is 4ohms, so it was using 1000watts.

[@Earwigger]

I have the 2500 and it's just as good as he makes it out to be. I can't believe these aren't more popular.

[@monkymonk6]

Nice thorough review of this bass. This L-2000 is a versatile bass, many tonal options. I have an old 81 version of this bass, sounds so good, I seldom use it in active mode.

[@BassWhispererTV]

The tone knobs are bass and treble - BOOST only. The bass is pretty loud even all the way down, but it gets amazing gain when you crank it.

[@BassWhispererTV]

I've never seen a Stingray for $3,000, but maybe that's how much they are where you live. They're great basses. The Stingrays that are being built in Indonesia are selling for $650 in the US, and they are fine basses.

[@joshuahernandez9135]

The wood working is done in Indonesia, while assembly and set up are done in Huntington Beach, CA

[@MrRoundel]

I really dug that demo. That's some bad-ass bass playin', for sure. I am a G&L enthusiast and just bought my first bass at the end of last year. It's a sweet ASAT Signature from roughly 1992. It's really cool to be able to check out its true tonal potential. Thanks for the demo. G&L rocks.

[@jdma7538]

Awesome, and complete, Demo video! Awesome player!. Thanks!!

[@hahabass]

Bless you Ed. You are the most interesting and funny demonstrator of basses on the t'internet. It's weird how I find myself self watching a demo of yours when I may not be remotely interested in the kit on show. I just like watching you. All I need to do now is actually play through some of your books I have at home. We love you man.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Yes! It sounds great through the Shuttle, and YES! the Shuttle has plenty of low end - especially for it's size.

[@Low38]

wow the tone options are crazy, almost overwhelming! I love your demos too, you get into the sound and don't spend too much time on what people can look up themselves.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Absolutely right. I forgot. I knew it was SOMETHING only. Cut only... man, them some hot-ass pickups!

[@BassWhispererTV]

On the G&L website, they list the Trib L2000 as being either Basswood or Swamp Ash. This one is swamp ash.

[@BassWhispererTV]

The Tribute series basses are built in Indonesia, they come in a limit color selection, and with only one size neck. It's possible that they are using a lower grade wood than the US, but this bass has remained very stable for over a year, so I don't think that's a huge issue. The pickups and electronics are the same as the US. The Tributes are a lot less expensive - there is the main difference.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@afzoomie67 - Maple is a little brighter, snappier. Rosewood is a little darker, mellower - but it's subtle. You'd notice if you could play each side by side through the same amp.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Thanks. I liked this bass so much that I decided to buy it. Now I have it strung with D'Addario Chrome Flats, I use it mainly in passive/series modes, mostly just the neck pickup. It's like a P Bass on steroids! But needless to say, I ain't slapping on it now.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Not necessarily. Humbuckers sound different than single coils. Some people prefer one or the other, and some humbuckers have a coil tap so you can have single coil operation too. It's just a matter of what sound you want. I like them both.

[@pdbordelon]

I think no matter what type of bass he plays its gonna sound great!

[@Mytola11]

G&L has got American made instruments as well, yes. The Tribute series, like this one, are made in Indonesia (they were made in Korea a while ago), and are cheaper than the US ones. Series will give you a boost to the low mids, and a slight volume boost. It definately does a lot to the sound. I have owned a Tribute L2000, and I currently own a Tribute L2500. I have a fretless Tribute L2500 on the way from the US as well. I love these basses, and they are extremely versatile and well built. :)

[@ChezzOnBass]

I can tell you really enjoyed this one, Ed 😎

[@BassWhispererTV]

Great! Glad you're liking the Slap DVD. E-C does open up some cool possibilities, enjoy it!

[@adurgaram]

great bass but what i like the most is that ed gives us the change 2 hear the slap tones and finger tones

[@rud3m3chanical]

Just a heads up to L-2000 or L-2500 owners: you can get a good approximation of the single coil mod without ever picking up a soldering iron. 1) Screw the pickup casings all the way down. 2) Wind one row of pickup poles all the way down. 3) Wind one row of pickup poles to the usual height. In Parallel mode it makes the lower poles generate less signal than the higher ones. Outer coils get into Jazz territory, inner coils get Stingray-ish with the treble boost on. Enjoy!

[@morganzip1]

wow! what amazing initial riff , how i wish there would be a tutorial how to do it!

[@BassWhispererTV]

@terryw5 - You might want the front pickup of the L2000 for a "deep smooth tone". The SB14 can do it, but the neck pickup on the G&L gives you a deeper tone.

[@wagthedogband]

Good review Ed. I've got the exact same bass and it's so good, it's become my regular gigging bass, while my MM Stingray sits unused. These basses are fantastic.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@Pinstripedtie - I'd say the sound is extremely similar to the US. The Tributes feel and sound pretty amazing for their price range, and beyond. The US stuff though.... uses higher grade woods.

[@BassWhispererTV]

I bought THIS one, the Tribute. It's a great bass. The Bongo is basswood, this is swamp ash. The Tribute and US G&L are pretty close... but there is a difference in the grade of materials they use... higher grade wood, the electronics are identical though - at least they were when I reviewed this bass a year ago.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Thanks for clearing that up!

[@amnesiac1975]

Nice job. I bought this L&G bass from a on line shop in the us (dollar now helps me to pay it less then in Europe). I'm still waiting they deliver it to me.

[@topheytophezz]

I've bought this bass and it's a good bass with an incredible high output You can get some nice kind of Musicman sound with it I love it^^

[@DeSiepel]

Thanks Ed, I just got this bass and I've put some d'Addario Chromes on. They sound amazing!!

[@BassWhispererTV]

It's the way the coils are wired to operate together, I wish I could give you a solid technical explanation - but you can hear the difference. Parallel is more open and scooped, series is louder and has more low mids.

[@kirbiak90ZX]

Thats very true-it was his finest work.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Thanks, that lick at 9:20 is my attempt at Larry Graham's "Turn It Out". Check out the original, it kills!

[@mindbodylightsound10]

Great review once again Ed. I have a USA Fretless L2G that's been my bread & butter for the past year since I've owned it. They are truly wonderful and dynamic instruments for the price.

[@Contrabando5cordas]

One thing I don´t understand is why the G&L basses are not famous among the bass players. It is much more versatile than many basses and fit´s really good in the mix when played live. When I bougth mine G&L L2000 USA, I tried this tribute series, and in my opinion the main diference is in the construction, the finish details, but they sound almost the same. Here in Brazil they sell then almost the same price, but the USA come with a hard case.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Well, there are definitely some similarities between G&L and MM - they were designed by the same guy. However, I think the G&L has a little bit "higher" high frequency response. And maybe it's a little more versatile since you have the parallel/series/passive options. They are both great basses though.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@afzoomie67 - Totally different feel and tone. The Lakie has a slim, Jazz-like neck. The G&L is a bit chunkier, like a P. They're both real nice basses for the money, you can't go wrong with either one, but I'm afraid I can't tell you which you should buy. That has to be your choice.

[@jd87fierogt]

Thanks, Ed...just bought one. It's incredible!

[@mansejudged]

Hi! I just bought similar bass, I like it. Thanks for showing function of those switces. There are lot of sounds to choose...

[@Hurricane1A]

I have an Asat bass with these same electronics and without doubt its the best ballsy,organic,full on sounding bass I ever owned - great demo btw

[@1okanaganguy]

just got mine, put my Roscoe Beck on sale immediately

[@BassWhispererTV]

@haggis325 - They are all humbucking. The middle switch goes from series to parallel mode, but they are never single coil.

[@lolroflstomp]

Fucking fantastic review. A lot of reviews really lack this type of repetitive playing for each tone. I loved it. You're a hell of a bass player too.

[@GL_Guitars]

We both looked so much younger then 😃 - Dave

[@BassWhispererTV]

@blueman2bass - You're splitting hairs. It's the same thing. He calls it Thumpin & Pluckin'. I (and most everyone else) call it slapping. Who cares? I certainly know who Larry Graham is, and while he invented the style, it seems everyone still calls it slapping. Bottom line, different name for the same thing. Do you play electric bass, or bass guitar? Same thing - different name. If you knew what I was referring to when I said "slapping", I think the young players on YT are safe.

[@klpinvestments]

Great review. This sold me on the bass. I went ahead and ordered it last nite, along with a Line 6 Lowdown Studio amp(75 watts). I'm a beginner and former intermediate guitar player now totally reborn and completely commited to the bass forever!! I'll eventually get a better amp when I start to gig, but I don't think I'll need a new bass unless I want a 5 or 6 string bass.

[@ducasan]

Hello Ed, Just looking for informations of my G&L2500, I found your videos and became a great fan of you! Very well done bass-mate! From Brazil

[@BassWhispererTV]

@Genkakuzai - Like any mass produced instrument, they vary. I've seen some that were under 9lbs, and others that were over 10...

[@BassWhispererTV]

@iliachulsky - Your problem doesn't make sense. If you are hitting the strings to the pickup, it should happen regardless of whether you play direct or through an amp. So, you might try lowering the pickups if that is the source of the sound.

[@Santi66]

Great demo, very useful!

[@BassWhispererTV]

I don't know the Ibanez, but I have played the Vampyre. The styling on the Warwick is personally not for me, but it is a good sounding bass. Yes, I have reviewed several distortion pedals and other effects. Look through all my videos, you'll find them. MXR El Grande, Barker Assmaster, MXR Octave Plus, EHX Micro Synth, take a look.

[@KongoXIIV]

yeah man, My bass tutor also had a G&L, his was the L-2500. And indeed your right, it's a Fender Stringray for sure. Leo always did like G&L. I think he took what he could from Fender, then to MusicMan, and then took them both with him to G&L and created a monster masterpiece! I'm buying one next month.

[@ArmandoLozada_ThePapaX]

great licks man... they have sticked in my head..

[@KongoXIIV]

Enjoyed that demo. Actually watched the lot!

[@CodyCEngdahl]

I will! Looking forward to it!

[@alembicbassguy]

I have to say that Im a big Fender Precision fan - but after hearing this Im going to buy one of these G&L l2000 tributes.....it sounds like a musicman on steroids! wow! Fantastic value for money!

[@klpinvestments]

I just got mine and was quite impressed with everything. This bass has a really strong low end thump. I love Flea and the Chili Peppers, and I guess this bass will be great for funky grooves like that. What a beautiful polished nickel bridge on this thing. I guess I just need some minor set up adjustments...other than that she is sweeeeet!

[@buffalobillh]

Thanks, Ed.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@marthinator10 - I did a demo of the Yamaha 2025X. They are two totally different sounding basses. That's like asking if you should buy a Toyota Corolla or a Dodge Ram pickup truck. Listen to them both, and really.... go out and play them both. Then you'll know which one to buy.

[@rud3m3chanical]

@sgissinger - you can get both fretboard options on Sunburst, Blueburst & Natural bodies, read the specs.

[@kpas22105]

That's a hell of alot of bass for the money. Killin tone. Thanks for another great review Ed.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Thanks for the comments. My recording setup is very basic, just an external stereo condenser going into the camera. I'd like to get better gear for this, maybe Santa was late dropping off the new pro video camera at my house! One thing I deliberately tried to do with series/parallel was balance out the volume difference so you could hear the tonal difference. It is there, but definitely not as pronounced as if you just flipped the switch and let the volume bump happen. Thanks for your response!

[@sonofmogh]

Great review! I have a USA-made '85 L2000 with a maple board. Thanks for the vid's.

[@rud3m3chanical]

Having owned an ATK300 in the past, and a L-2000 now, I can say they're both great basses for the money. The L2K beats the ATK for versatility, but the ATK gets much closer to a Stingray tone. At least with the stock wiring - it's possible to mod the L2K for a single coil option, and if you choose both inner coils it gets much closer.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Well, if you bothered to actually watch the entire video, you might have noticed that I also demonstrated the fingerstyle tone for all the various pickup settings. But... actually - you're right, I HAVE forgotten how to play, so I am forced to slap my shit around because I can't play like Geddy Lee. It is just one small part of my master strategy - which is to bore the hell out of you and leave you behind. Now, have I left you behind yet? Good.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@pece33 - Never saw an MIJ Tribute, only Indonesia. But I would guess it's good as most stuff from Japan is typically well made.

[@BassWhispererTV]

If you mean something that gets close to his slap tone... I'd say the bridge pickup in parallel, bass and treble up full, active mode.

[@Jahman520]

You always serve it up just right to the nay sayers. Keep up the good work please.

[@FalloutFoxStudios]

I fucking love this bass, Ever since i ditched my old Ibanez I've never looked back. I first acquired this bass from a used shop awhile back with no previous knowledge of G&L. I was impressed, giving me all the tones i needed for my band. If you need a new bass but are lowish on cash, give this bass a try!