Have I made a mistake?! | G&L Tribute L2000 Bass [Review/Demo]

Is this bass actually right for me? I mean, it DOES have some pretty cool features!
Let me know what you think in the comments below
#GandL #bassguitar #L2000
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[@GAIS414]

I've had the L2500 tribute for about 10 years now. It's the most diverse sounding bass I've ever played. Perfect instrument for someone who plays any style of music. I also own a JB, a PB and a Stingray. And to be honest, this one can mimic most of those sounds as long as you keep the treble in check. It can become too bright with too much overtones at certain settings if you don't.

[@ThePier1965]

Ma è vero che il cinque corde appena acquistato necessita di un passaggio obbligatorio dal liutaio per il problema della quinta corda quella del B che è un po' un problema che affligge quasi tutti i cinque corde eccetto strumenti di qualità molto alta? Grazie per ogni tua risposta in merito...

[@JaredPitcher]

I've always been so fascinated by G&L and the ways they seem to fuse the Fender and MusicMan stylings. And I hear nothing but good things about their basses especially, I'm definitely interested in trying one out!

[@JonnyDibble]

Quality wise, they're fantastic!

[@eckie4679]

@@JonnyDibble I had a USA L2500 briefly. Superb instrument but it weighed over 12lbs. At my age, that’s ungiggable 😄

[@warburgaby]

great basses and guitars! However, like Godin Guitars, doesnt have "the hype", the "coolness" :)))

[@1okanaganguy]

I just had an L2500 Trib come back to me after one year away. I am amazed at how great a guitar it is. My appreciation has zoomed and I will now cherish it, right next to my 64P and 82Cowpoke.

[@jamalkargbo1112]

Thanks for the review Johnny. Definitely some killer tones from this bass.

[@marck7270]

thank you very much for putting this together -- I find this to be a very honest, information packed review -> superbe stuff!

[@grifofunk]

I own a black/maple one and it's fairly light. The neck is definitely not as big as the one of my p bass, a 75th Anniversary, which helps in faster playing. A very versatile and underrated bass. Just love it

[@analytics8055]

Great to hear the bass with tracks at the end!

[@basscoup]

New to your content. This was a solid review of the L2000. Appreciate your honest assessment. Well done.

[@daveandrews5485]

Not my thing but great to see yet another bass review on the channel Jonny. You’ve managed to cover a wide range of instruments on a sensible budget which is where most of us live. Good stuff as always mate. 👍🏻

[@JonnyDibble]

It's where I live too! 😆 Cheers Dave 😄

[@justinandsheba]

I've always imagined that little spike in the headstock to represent Leo giving the middle finger salute to Fender.

[@JonnyDibble]

😆😆 love this

[@lucmatthyssen7987]

I bought a G&L SB2 USA in 1995 and still play on it. I play this on a Fender Amp Bass 300R BXR Head, with a gallien-krueger 115 blx bass cabinet and a 12inch JBL cabinet. Still my favourite combination.

[@Stands-In-The-Fire]

I have an older L2k that's my mainstay. What I did and absolutely love was to pull out the preamp, and wire it up passive, V/V/T, and give each pickup a Series/Parallel/Single-Coil switch. Absolutely the best thing I've done for a bass. The front pickup in single coil is just punchy and massive, and blended with the bridge pickup in series mode it's a blast. Anybody who has one and wants to put in some time with spare parts and a soldering iron, it's a great fun project.

[@JonnyDibble]

Nice one! Really cool! I do love active humbuckers though. Did you find they lost much juice without the preamp?

[@GreekDude]

The L series basses are absolute bangers. Extremely underappreciated instruments. Yes, the headstocks are weird but oh well. The tributes especially are (well, were, really) a steal for what they are. Just amazing.

[@JonnyDibble]

It's interesting isn't it, I think we're definitely going to start seeing some price increases now the bar has been set and the industry knows how good affordable instruments are now

[@GreekDude]

@@JonnyDibble I'd got an L2500 tribute back in 2000something for about 500 euros. Now they go for ~900, and that's IF you can find one in Europe. Honestly, I still think they're worth the dough but still, that's quite the price hike.

[@NicolasPare]

I actually find the G&L headstocks to be the nicest around.

[@benjib8663]

Urban legend has it that the G&L headstock was the image of Leo tossing the middle finger at CBS Fender 🤣

[@NicolasPare]

@@benjib8663 I heard the same thing from a KZbinr from Toronto who does bass and guitar setups. Dave’s world of fun stuff I think. He also believes the little tooth is a finger salute to fender.

[@projektwasteland5047]

I feel like a precision bassist would definitely love to have this bass it’s sounds amazing!

[@HenriH]

Not sure why, but I love the headstock. Great video again!

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks very much! ☺️

[@stuahlers1528]

I don’t play bass but this one sounds phenomenal. Thanks, Johnny!

[@JonnyDibble]

Hopefully one day we can bring you to the dark side! 😈 Cheers!

[@stuahlers1528]

I have a 77 Gretsch Committee bass I picked up with the matching Commitee guitar. I’ve played around with it but just haven’t grasped the concept so to speak. You’ve sparked my interest with your reviews and wit, not to mention your playing ability. I thinks with direction to the dark side, the welcoming arrival will come soon! Thanks mate. Stu from Memphis.

[@degeest5571]

My number 1 bass currently is a G&L Kiloton. It's the lovechild of a P Bass and a Stingray. Punchy as heck, cuts through the band really well. It doesn't have that Stingray sizzle however, if that's what your looking for. Great live basses, you wont get lost in the mix.

[@themigwel6185]

The kiloton seems really nice.

[@BYLRPhil]

I too have an American Kiloton and I love it!

[@dirtblock2147]

In series the pickups are connected in a big loop which means they are directly connected to each other and in parallel they are still connected to each other but there is an individual loop for each pickup

[@GL_Guitars]

Thank you Jonny! 🙏

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks gang!

[@In_MT]

I like to think of the headstock "bump" as a "Cresting Ocean Wave". California surfer scene style. I learned to love the wave, I have 4 G&L Tribute guitars and basses ;-)

[@JonnyDibble]

I honestly don't mind it that much, but I get it!

[@poolsharkfromtoontown]

I’ve only ever played one G&L and I felt like it was a somewhat weird blend of fender and music man. The price was pretty good though. Great review! Ready for the giveaway bass updates!!!

[@JonnyDibble]

The SB-2 is a bit like that! The neck feel reminds me of a MM somewhat 🤔 Cheers! We've had the colour reveal and pickup vote so far. Can't wait to do more!

[@rew4772]

Thank you for the pick suggestions for the picks now is my second favourite picks

[@JonnyDibble]

You're welcome 😊

[@demidevil666]

I own both an L-2500 (built c. 2008) and an L-2000 (built c. 2012) and they are by far my favorite basses. I've had the L-2500 for 10 years and the L-200 for 2 years now. Apparently G&L have changed the production process recently, since my basses both have VERY thin satin finishes on the necks, instead of the seemingly thick layer on your instrument. The best part about these instruments are the pickups. Absolutely massive sound! What many people seem to miss, or to sleep on, is the fact that by adjusting the pole pieces on the pickups, you can actually change the timbre of each string individually. The lower the pole piece, the more muffled the sound. The higher the pole piece, the brighter and harsher the sound. I highly recommend anyone who owns a G&L bass to experiment with this. You can dial the sound characteristic of the instrument and the differences are really very noticeable.

[@captainchunk4078]

I would say that’s my only gripe with my L2000, is that it can sound harsh in series / active on the higher strings. I even lowered my pups, definitely lower than his @ 20:56. I believe the pope pieces are down from the factory. So raising them would make this worse.

[@DikiBolz]

Change the strings. Try some mellower, maybe even flats. Daddario flats are the middle ground. Rotosound flats are also good. Those are more bright, not La Bellas old school thump.

[@t.c.v.t.]

If you get a US model they come with all sorts of necks. Its actually one of the things you have to check when buying used as they could of had a ton of different necks thrown on depending on what the person or store picked. Mine had a 1.5" nut and a fast neck.

[@JonnyDibble]

Interesting! I suppose they're not so mass produced so more likely to have variations coming out of the Fullerton factory

[@russellzauner]

Thanks for the content and seeing us! This bass would make a great fretless, I think; maybe throw some tapes on there too. I wonder if I could swap with a aftermarket fretless neck...? It's a bit too clacky and brassy for my tastes with the round wounds on it, for sure. If the tapes solve the chischy thing, then can go either way at that point and be happy, probably. Fun Fact: I'm not an affiliate, but G&L sells all the parts except the neck in their online shop. You can get bodies, pickups, preamps, bridges, knobs, pots, bezels, trim, and switches. Just not the neck; I'd wager Warmoth makes something that fits well enough. Just sharing because someone else might want to build one too, if they only knew where to get genuine G&L components at reasonable prices. G&L doesn't seem to upcharge - everything is about the same as quality aftermarket components - which surprised me a LOT after I got over the realization that they were actually selling b stock Tribute bodies, directly. I can't think of any other manufacturer that does that. For Example: I love Reverend's bass pickups (especially the split blades on the Meshell Ndegeocello model) but you can't get them unless you find someone who upgraded and nobody ever seems to.

[@JonnyDibble]

That's really interesting! Thanks for sharing mate! Super useful 👌

[@nicbrownable]

That sunburst was the standard G&L sunburst from their early days. At the time, Fender proper was transitioning to the smooth and smoky modern burst that would go on to define their 90s look. G&L set up in Fullerton where Fender started, and one of their features was an excellent paint shop. A real hot rod shop. G&L today still carry that torch. So what sunburst did Leo choose? The janky red and black two colour spray gun sunburst that was the standard sunburst right up until Fender was sold to CBS. It was absolutely a statement that Fender was back in town, and G&L was the true Fender at heart.

[@sunn_bass]

I like the G&L headstock. I tried many G&L over the past 40 years and most are really nice. I kind of regret never buying one yet. Might need to remedy that. As for the chunky neck, I like that. I have about a dozen basses, and most have different widths, profiles and thickness. And I string them up with different strings (flats, rounds, nickel, stainless, heavy, light, etc). I want all my basses to feel and play differently. Variety is fun.

[@JonnyDibble]

Yeah tou don't want all your basses to be the same, otherwise what's the point (or excuse) in having lots of different basses 😇

[@Feesh6]

I quite like the G&L headstock shape the bold logo stands out without standing out too much. and the “bottle opener” kinda reminds me of a shark tooth. The question is, can it actually open a bottle? because if it can I’m never playing a fender again.

[@DannoDemo]

Thank you greatly for this review! I was looking forward to hearing what you were going to say about the L2000, and I'm a bit surprised about what you said about the neck feel. The neck is like tires on a raceway and is often overlooked. Was hoping it would knock it out of the park, and was thinking of getting one, but instead I did a frankenbass (reverse p/mm pickup on a jazz w/darkglass tone capsule) after hearing how wide the neck felt. Sorry you might have regrets, but from what I have heard from many people - you either love it or it just doesn't work for you. Cheers for the review!

[@JonnyDibble]

The neck is the most important thing to me! It was a bit big for me, but some love it! Cheers 😄

[@analytics8055]

It really is a great looking and sounding bass.

[@analytics8055]

And the tribute is all G AND L electronics... I like it. Great video Jonney

[@JonnyDibble]

Cheers!

[@wilfredovazquez2942]

Great video and information. I taught I was wrong when I sold mine last year. Oh yes I love the sound of the L2000 but It has the most uncomfortable neck I ever have on a bass. I wish they came with a jazz style neck.

[@craighwilkins1]

I have the L2000 made in Fullerton California. Was a gift my wife got me years ago. It’s amazing! Can get tons of tones

[@NotNibbelos]

The amount of effort you put into these man It's amazing

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks very much 😄

[@GravyDaveNewson]

it sounds good for the sort of 70/80s alternative rock music I like to play, I will try one as soon as I can. thanks

[@probassguitarsound]

I love the glossary nec I like those, like the Sunburst finish and the 10th of the met the perfect color

[@chrisfelix9009]

Nice video and nice tones

[@JonnyDibble]

Cheers Chris!

[@robjgolde3221]

Amazing tones all around, but my favorites were all pickup configs in Series with the Treble Boost engaged. Such versatile tones especially when you cut a little treble or bass as needed.

[@jcisme]

Interesting.. I always thought the series/parallel switch was changing each pickups coils being series/parallel rather than the relationship between the pickups. What you are describing is like the series mod that can be done to a single coil jazz bass. I had a USA fretted and fretless 20 years ago and always woulds have liked a blend knob. Nice review Jonny.

[@JonnyDibble]

I might be wrong! Thanks very much 😊

[@micktomazou]

I have the L2000 and L2500. Both punch well above their price tag - a whole lot of bass for your buck. Possibly the best bass in it's price range. You may regret not buying one at some stage.

[@freshelfpie]

Have you played it in a mix / with a band? Something about the mids on the MFD pickups make it sit PERFECTLY in a mix, whereas it sounds unremarkable played solo. I have two L-2500s myself, one fretted, one fretless. Love them.

[@JonnyDibble]

This mix is always where our minds should be after all! I have played with a band, sits very well indeed!

[@fearnoevil65]

I have a USA, M-2000 which is the same body shape and neck as a USA L-2000. It's very different from that tribute, standard 1.625 nut width instead of 1.75, and thinner front to back. Contoured in the front where your arm rests also. It plays so nice and the neck is smooth and fast, wish I could let you try it !! Nice video, cheers !

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks! I'd love to try a USA one, they seem so have lots of quality of life upgrades!

[@jeffcullen6573]

I was lucky to score a USA L-2500 a few years back off Craigslist. What a monster! Punches way above its weight and with the 3-position parallel/single coil/series switch it’s ridiculously flexible.

[@Hydrazinium]

How did you get a 3 position parallel/single coil/series switch? I have a USA L-2500 and it only has a 2-position parallel/series switch. Is that a mod?

[@jeffcullen6573]

@@Hydrazinium I bought it used this way. Not sure whether it was done at the factory or afterwards, but it makes the bass. Google g&l k-mod

[@billyhoang4991]

Love the video! Whats the song you were playing with your fingers?

[@JonnyDibble]

Thank-you! In the intro? I make it all up ☺️

[@alanscharrer5255]

Hi Jonny. As always excellent video with exactly enough information we need to decide if this bass is for us. Thank you. Quick aside, which style do you prefer, plectrum vs finger vs slap vs…, is there another style????

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks so much! Glad it could be of help 😄 I'm a pick player predominantly 😊

[@alanscharrer5255]

@@JonnyDibble as am I! Pick forever

[@thenightlifezero9154]

My L-2500 is my favorite bass over all. Excellent versatility. So much Beauty in utilitarian package. My opinion it is definitely Leo's greatest bass design.

[@analprobe981]

Hi there! a little late, and hopefully you still have the bass to tinker with; but the adjustable pole pieces might help you dial in the tone you'd like from each of the pickups. each individual pole can be raised or lowered using a hex wrench to help sharpen or dull out the tone. It's not a common feature, so it gets overlooked in setup discussions on this instrument. great video, thank you!!

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks for the advice! Sadly don’t have the bass anymore, but I appreciate it!!

[@Craigeek]

This was my first bass but in blue burst. I absolutely love this bass for many reasons. Although now I own two $2k+ Spector basses I still love to rock on this bass. I think this bass is so underrated but that neck is a bit of a chonker no doubt.

[@jayfoghino5392]

I just ordered a used Blue Burst as well yesterday. I play a Spector Euro p/j and I like the baseball bat style necks. I am thinking this Tribute would give me different tonal options for covers such as TOOL, NIN, and other clean/metallic/grit/sharp eccentric songs. Do you have an update?

[@pwokaren]

I have 4 MusicMan Basses which I love. Last year I bought my first G&L a L-1000. What a Bass ! Which one do I always pick up to play ? The L-1000. Just ordered my first L-2000 and can’t wait ! Check out the G&L “Slim C” neck btw. Best neck in the game ⭐️🥇🎶🇦🇺

[@JonnyDibble]

Is that a Tribute or American??

[@erikottens7536]

@@JonnyDibblethat would be the American model no L1000 in the lineup yet, try a G&l M 2000 pups are a little less bitty & necks are great feeling

[@jerryjones8513]

What you have there is a 2011 model. It isn`t available in that finish any more. The neck is still as huge but it is finished in a smooth satin like the Kiliton. The best way to run these basses is to keep the volume at 3/4 and that way you won`t overload the front end of your amp.

[@billpugh58]

Many amps have an attenuated input for active basses.

[@joeheffer]

Hey Jonny, how do you sequence your drum tracks? They sound cool

[@JonnyDibble]

Hi Joe! I use GGD drums Modern and Massive 😊

[@alarmclock314]

Both pickups in parallel to compare the differences: Passive 9:08 Active 9:23 Treble boost 9:39

[@EzyoMusic]

Even with all the issues mine has, I love my Tribute L-2000.

[@myoptik3x103]

Love my G&L tribute jb-2.

[@JonnyDibble]

Amazing! Would love to try one

[@thekeefer7369]

I had a USA G&L L2000 that was identical to yours, but the neck had block inlays...I expected it to sound like a Stingray, and because it didn't I foolishly sold it! I just didn't give it a chance, and now I want it back lol

[@JonnyDibble]

I have so many regrets around basses I've sold! 🥲

[@ellocalcrew613]

Any chance you can get a Fender Aerodyne Jazz ? The all black one . Just saw the bassist for Dying Wish use it live and it sounded sick . Also any chance of snagging a Charvel bass ? They look sick !

[@JonnyDibble]

Would LOVE an aerodyne! I'm always on the lookout, just trying to get one at a good price 😝 Cheers!

[@tofulee5706]

I love the G&L headstock!

[@JonnyDibble]

No other like it!

[@terryseppola3034]

Does anyone have a review on a Schecter frettless stiletto 4 studio? I also bought a used G&L L 2000.(2021)model. My current rig is a 70s modified jazz by squire. looking forward to playing on the new guitars.

[@tomerGunz]

Had one for years! But I always had a problem with its incredibly hot output! I'm amazed the HX stomp handled it that decently

[@JonnyDibble]

I find them to be quite quiet, but lots of zing

[@nicbrownable]

When you first start with the L-2000, most people find them easier to tame if you drop the pickups pretty low. Then wind the bass and treble right off, before opening them up until you get the tone you want. Otherwise it is a wild beast. The smallest variation in playing has a massive change in dynamics. After a while, it makes sense, but if you are coming from a low output passive & vintage instrument that can take a bit of adjustment.

[@patrickmoast8922]

It may be that Leo and George intentionally wanted a bigger neck. There were fat necks on the late 60 / early 70 Telecaster basses. It was a wonderful feel. Brought out the ba__s, especially with a Bartolini humbucker closer in to the bridge. Also was using Sunn Coliseum equipent. similar to the neck pickup on the L-1000. Only divverence was the Bartolini and the Coliseum. Point being., if you're lucky enough to have a hot rig, go with the fat neck and get personal.

[@chriscockey7649]

It's the Swiss Army knife for cover bands. Putting it in series mode and using the Bass/Treble cut controls opens up a whole northern thing.

[@JonnyDibble]

Little bit of this, little bit of that! 🤌👌

[@markminor70]

On the American g&l 2000 I know the pickups are the same as the tribute but I think the preamps different?? On the g&l l2000 and the l2000 tribute.

[@nerigarcia7116]

Overall tone I liked the Both-Treble Boost-Series combo. I was considering one of these until you mentioned the neck. I prefer a Jazz or Stingray neck, I guess that's why I have those basses. I do like the versatility in modes.

[@Sumbibebe]

Great video, indeed. Do the Tribute basses come with the same pickups as the American? Can you confirm this? Thanks👍🏽

[@coldasiceunity]

Any Tribute with MFD pups are the same as in the full fat US basses - so L2000, SB2, Fallout etc. Every tribute has the US bridge too. They're fantastic basses and I'd have one over a MIM Fender any day.

[@JonnyDibble]

Thank-you! Yeah thats right, the MFD pickups anyway 😊

[@Sumbibebe]

@@coldasiceunity wow, I would think they would use this as a selling point🤷🏾‍♂️ Thanks👍🏽

[@johncandido2241]

Whoa... That G and L L2000 is a Whole Lotta Rosie!

[@JonnyDibble]

So much Rosie!

[@johncandido2241]

@@JonnyDibble Whole lotta wooden Wife!!! lol

[@13Elidio]

i had an 85 ernie ball stingray for many years and absolutely loved it. sadly it was stolen. i was considering either a sterling stingray or a G&L research or L2000 tribute because i sinply cant afford the original versions of either bass. anyone know which would come closer to the feel and sound of the old Ernie Ball stingray? i would guess the Sterling but after looking at and reading about G&Ls, i'm very interested. also are there different models of sterling stingrays, i seem to remember very different prices for brand new ones, some under 500, some close to 1000. any advice?

[@JonnyDibble]

I would recommend the Sterling Ray24ca 😊

[@ejschultz]

I didn't read through all 200+ comments to see if it's been answered for you or not yet, but as far as the series/parallel switch operation goes, I can attempt to explain it to you. I have my own modded CLF Research L2000 on which I've taken a deep dive into the circuit. The series/parallel switch only affects the individual pickup coils, not how the pickups interact with each other. Each pickup is a dual coil humbucker. The switch either puts these coils in series or in parallel depending on the position. The neck pickup and bridge pickup are always in parallel with each other if both are used regardless of how their independent coils are switched. There is no changing, without wiring modifications, how these function. One other thing to note, which you didn't specifically say in your review, is that the controls are almost 100% passive. Aside from the passive/active/active with treble boost switch, the rest of the controls are passive. The treble knob is simply a standard tone circuit you'd find on any other passive bass. The bass knob is also a passive circuit. This is why they're cut only without any boost. The active circuit is really just a buffer circuit. It was originally designed to make up for losses with long instrument cable runs, although it does add some sound shaping, especially with the treble boost engaged. On that note, my CLF Research L2000 is one of my favorite basses in my stable. It is literally the Swiss army knife of basses. If you're interested in adding even more versatility to yours, look up the K-Mod or single coil mode (SCM wiring). It allows you to use the outside coils of each pickup as a single coil. Although there are a handful of ways to accomplish this, the standard way utilizes the outside coils and replaces the 4PDT on/on series/parallel switch with a 4PDT on/on/on switch that ends up working as a series/SCM/parallel switch so it maintains the standard tones and only adds to it.

[@franzturczynski4693]

Hi Jonny! What are your thoughts on the G&L L-2000 after a while? And if you had to choose between a classic P-Bass and the G&L from the bedroom player's point of view? Thanks for your posts!

[@JonnyDibble]

Hi! For me a P bass wins. The G&L is more diverse but the P just hits the right spot 👌 Are you playing along to songs in your bedroom?

[@franzturczynski4693]

@@JonnyDibble Hi! Thank you for answering! I started playing a year ago on a beautiful 2005 Tribute L-2000 I got as a present. I love that bass but not the tone. I have tried rounds, different flats but I am always drawn to p-bass tone. I really don't know if I should keep it considering prices have gone up and get a cheap p-bass or trade it for a Fender MIM and get in trouble with the person who gave me the G&L. Great videos! Thank you!

[@JonnyDibble]

@@franzturczynski4693 for affordable P bass alternatives, I recommend the G&L SB-2, Yamaha BB434, Sire P5 and even the Squier Classic Vibe 60s P bass 😄

[@franzturczynski4693]

@@JonnyDibble thanks for the recommendations. Here in Mexico the easiest one to find would be the Squire. New about $700 dollars and a Fender Player about $950. It's crazy. I know the right p-bass will come along sometime. Cheers!

[@kylemundy8871]

I went out and bought a used L2500 years ago. It's amazing

[@JonnyDibble]

Awesome! USA one, yeah?

[@kylemundy8871]

@@JonnyDibble Yup! I'll be honest, I was really into the Justin Chancellor tone at the time. It gets you close to bang on. But more importantly, if you have a parametric eq, this bass can do EVERYTHING close to bang on. So versatile, with just a touch of it's own flavour. I think you made a great choice. The neck IS thick, but everything else is so sweet.

[@GalGaos]

excellent video

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks very much!

[@markminor70]

I played some of the older American PJ's used to and playing gigs all-year-round I had trouble with the necks on the p&jbasses within two or three years they were older basses they had jazzbass necks they were quicker but that thick P Bass neck that's a tank.

[@bueller8278]

had one a few years ago. very well made but there was something nasal about the preamp i couldnt gel with

[@JonnyDibble]

Quite a pokey midrange on some settings!

[@charleswidmore5458]

what stingray did you have? model, colour, year? I am looking at purchasing either a p bass / p bass clone or a sting ray right now but can't make up my mind.

[@JonnyDibble]

It was a Sterling Ray24CA in butterscotch 😊 Tough one! Are wanting a specific tone?

[@xdoctorblindx]

I have a custom built USA L-2000 - AAA Birdseye fretboard, AAA flamed quartersawn neck, one-piece ash body. Most versatile bass I own!

[@xdoctorblindx]

And you're right - the neck is bigger than any P I've owned and is solid but pretty slow.

[@JonnyDibble]

Awesome! Would love an American LB100 😍

[@jd87fierogt]

Crazy, I bought a Sterling Ray 34 and couldn't understand why it didn't sound as good as my USA-made L2000, go figure!

[@grizelda4526]

Best looking headstock around.

[@JonnyDibble]

I get the hate, but I don't mind it either!

[@jmsmikey]

I bought a 1981 L2000 at age 14 for $600 & spent the next 15 having to explain why I 'didn't get a Fender' ~ always ran it neck pickup only, series, treb boost~ still my favorite of the tones on this vid. The nut width doesn't look like 1 3/4, it looks like 5/8. Those huge pickups still rule the world in my opinion~ everyone should own one of these in their bass lifetimes.

[@JonnyDibble]

They're super interesting basses! Glad it's serving you well 😝

[@absterok]

indeed, the sb2 tribute is sweet ! 😊😊

[@JonnyDibble]

Great feeling bass!

[@poikusa0207]

So the answer is yes it was a mistake? Saw the reveal of the Sterling and the announcement that this bass is for sale now. really excited to see what comes next once the squier and g&l are sold.

[@JonnyDibble]

I sell the majority of the basses I review, gotta fund the next one somehow! 🤪 I have another bass on order, but won't be arriving until July...

[@BassesandBows]

Had a L2500 tribute like 6 years back, but I never really gelled with it. It was a nice bass, but weirdly enough it had too many options which made it unintuitive to use for me. Also I have the feeling string spacing was a bit tighter on the G&L, but I could be wrong. Nowadays I have a Sterling ray 35, which is way better for me. 1 pickup, eq is set and forget and if I feel like it I use the single-parallel-series. And if it still doesn't sound right I know it's me. But over time I have grown as a bass player, so I would like to try one again someday just too see if things have changed.

[@JonnyDibble]

That's why I love a P bass, so simple yet has so much character? When more limited, I find it forces me to play more dynamically and spend less time tweaking and tone chasing. I feel you!

[@BassesandBows]

@@JonnyDibble Exactly, spending less time playing with knobs and switches and more time playing bass

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I wouldn’t have made that move but G&L are killer basses! I’d kept the stingray and saved for the G&L I’ll have one day, I want to get a NG3 or 2 and another Lakland 5502 I miss that bass!!!

[@JonnyDibble]

I can't justify having both and wanted a new stingray haha. I'll be getting other soon I reckon 😊

[@KevinVagen]

I can't be the only one hearing that fret buzz on the E. Any idea what's up there?

[@strannikr9497]

Very easy to make thinner neck, the way you like it. File and sandpaper .

[@StevenMancuso-gr2lh]

What song are you playing at the end of this video?

[@AirChurch]

I guess some like them chunky... Another great video. Thank you!

[@JonnyDibble]

😆 cheers!

[@PushSueAside]

That bass is so fun, beautiful and awesome. AGAIN, try the Kiloton!!! It was a definitely the neck that pushed me over the edge. If you held the kiloton after holding that bass, you would NEVER believe they were made by the same company. Believe me…i sat in the shop for hours playing that bass, the p bass (L100 i think) and the Kiloton. (Despite being cheapest of the lot) even the store owner said “DEFINITELY THE KILOTON…how will you be paying today?” I was actually looking for a MM bass or maybe a p bass. But the kiloton stopped the search. It’s passive and perfect. The neck has a bit of gloss to it, but nothing like the “L series” almost satin…I don’t know if it’s satin or close to it. You could always run sand paper over it a couple times to take the shine off if you need too… Cheers

[@JonnyDibble]

Firmly on my list 😍

[@PushSueAside]

@@JonnyDibble i know….i just like to keep nudging you. Happy Saturday Jonny

[@neepheid]

Thanks for the vid, good job. Now, nerdy G&L guy alert, sorry. The EQ is passive, cut only, works in active or passive mode. The active is just a signal boost which happens after the EQ, the active switch does not engage the EQ. The treble boost is the only tone shaping the active switch does. I had one of these basses years ago and I modded the series/parallel switch to a three way switch giving single coil option also. As if there weren't enough options already! Nowadays I've got a G&L CLF L-1000 (sparkly purple - fully passive with OMG mode, love it!) and a Tribute LB-100 which I'm enjoying very much also. In the past I've also had a Tribute SB-2. Also, my 2p on the great headstock debate - I like the "eye gouger", it doesn't offend me, it just says "G&L". The L-1000 has the old style headstock which is ok but a bit plain. But let's face it - how much time do we spend looking at headstocks? Shouldn't we be playing?

[@jamesquirk8656]

I play a Fender P and I felt that L-2000's neck was so thick as to be somewhat uncomfortable. And this coming from a guy who also plays an LP Custom with a '50s-carve neck.

[@mightyV444]

They must've changed some of the specs meanwhile! I've had my eye on a black&maple one in a 2nd-hand store in early 2015, and I'm pretty sure its neck had a satin finish. The neck also looked very pale in comparison to this one. And just as I had saved up almost enough money to buy it, someone else snatched it up 😆 I've always wanted an L2000 since when I'd first heard about it, in '83. One day! 😀

[@JonnyDibble]

Probably! I feel like you rarely see such yellowish stained necks be satin too so these ones might just be glossy? Hope you can finally get one 🙏 Cheers!

[@mightyV444]

@@JonnyDibble - Thank you for the good wishes, Jonny! 😊 Have a great day, and greetings from NZ! 😀

[@horrorshowbass]

Johnny just get a Ray34 or US Sub. I had a classic usa stingray and sold it for a 34, sounded exactly the same. want a L2000 now!!!!!

[@fenderrocks84]

I owned a tribute lb100 and will say, the quality is on par with my ray 34ca, but much nicer than my 24ca. I'd imagine they where probably made in the same Indonesian factory. Ended up selling the lb100 as I'm just not a p bass guy. Great bass though.

[@fenderrocks84]

For anyone wondering, the neck is what really makes the difference between the 34ca and 24ca. Speaking on overall quality, not including electronics.

[@JonnyDibble]

How would you compare tye necks on the 24ca to the 34? Would like to get a 34 next I think!

[@fenderrocks84]

@@JonnyDibble the 34ca has that lacquer finish to give it that vintage tint. But it is finished very well. Nothing sharp on the 34ca neck at all. The sound is also a step up from the 24ca also. The preamp is much better in my opinion. I don't know how much of a difference there is but my 34ca is an older, apparently more desirable version.

[@JonnyDibble]

@@fenderrocks84 Cheers!

[@thrash3310]

What about the 5 string one? :)) I heard that the B string is not too good on 34'' scale... i still want one of them tho XD

[@JonnyDibble]

I'd recommend checking out ampthebassplayer's video on his 5 string L2000 😄

[@absoluteai41]

One theory explored in an SBL video is that neck stiffness is a major contributing factor to the tonal quality of a low B string. It might also be a combination.

[@anthonylascano2378]

When I test a Bass, the tones I hope to reproduce are as follows,John Deacon, Bernard Edwards,Gary King (though his was a semi acoustic), the gentleman from brand new heavies (in the nineties), staple singers,muscle shoals ,Paul Jackson,.. you can slap a Bass all day long.. Pick all day long,on any bass,but those for mentioned tones are timeless,they drive the band..

[@JonnyDibble]

Do you have a bass that gets you all the tones you need? 😊

[@anthonylascano2378]

A Spector Euro, PJ pickups,used($800 mint!!!), with a very old school acoustic 126 combo,tech 21pedal, but that's live,as opposed to playing direct into the board

[@anthonylascano2378]

You can't fail with a PJ pickup assembly... hell, fender offers it on their precision ultras , but I might have a heart attack if I run into a vintage Sabre bass,

[@freshelfpie]

Leo was pissed off that Fender was sueing him over the headstock shape, so he put the eye-gouger on there. The original G&Ls did not have it, and they currently do a heritage series without it.

[@JonnyDibble]

Oh wow that heritage thing is really interesting!

[@freshelfpie]

@@JonnyDibble I am lusting after the heritage L-1000.

[@Shenesy1]

Welcome to the collective Johnny

[@JonnyDibble]

One of us, one of us, one of us

[@ggates2500]

Just on the sounds of the first riff the G&L has my vote.

[@NicolasPare]

I traded my SLO Stingray for a Tribute M-2000 years ago and still regret it. I regret it so much I sold the G&L and have not found it in me to start playing bass again. So upset at this.

[@seannicholas363]

My L2k has a third pickup wiring setting done as a mod (in between the Series and Parallel) where it selects the two inner coils that can then be selected using the pickup selector. It gives some extra sounds and a pseudo-J sound. All very useable. Great basses.

[@oammmmmmao]

The neck is too THICK though when I swapped from Jazz bass lol, mine got contour on the front and the neck is all satin maybe because it’s 2020 edition but the real pain point is 11.5 pound xDD. BTW always love your contents!

[@JonnyDibble]

Yeah it's world's apart from a jazz neck. Thank-you! 😄

[@cactus-mcjacktus]

low end monster, love how they were used in Helmet and Silverchair

[@JonnyDibble]

Monster indeed!

[@nathanminert3119]

I can't believe there's no comfort carve for the right arm. That's just completely unexpected on a modern bass made by Leo Fender.

[@JonnyDibble]

True! Maybe this one is going for a vintage inspired setup

[@nathanminert3119]

@@JonnyDibble yeah probably. Especially with the chunky neck.