G&L L-1000 CLF Revisit - The Wunkay's Tonal Wizardry Still Wows! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

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G&L L-1000 Review: • G&L L-1000 CLF Researc...
Hey everyone! Today we're revisiting a very special bass. This was my first G&L ever, and it's an absolute beast. This is the G&L L-1000 "Wunkay" part of the CLF Research series, which is a retro throwback with some modern touches. Featuring a gorgeous ash body with a metal control plate and a gloss maple on maple neck with a throwback paddle headstock, this bass has the potential to be all things to all people.... well bassists anyways. Let's check it out!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with SIT Foundation Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at sitstrings.com/
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: • FAQ: My Signal Chain, ...
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[@GL_Guitars]

Thanks for the love! 🙏

[@jimvandenhandel5980]

I've had mine since 1983, played many years still sounds great!

[@dchauser4]

I bought my L-1000 after your initial review, and it's been my workhorse ever since. The only modification I made was adding a Hipshot Drop-D tuner. It plays amazingly well and gives me a wide range of tonal options. Looking at their website, I'm actually kind of surprised to see that they aren't making the purple finish anymore (the one I have). It's absolutely amazing, and it (along with my SR870) is a bass I never have any intention of parting with.

[@jamesmarkham7489]

These basses have always been absolutely a great value for those wanting a solid fenderish style bass with more modern features.

[@kevmac1230]

In 1984 I was beginning my gigging career and was still playing my first bass ,a Vox solid body.I was in my favorite B&M store when the salesman said " check out what Leo's doing" and proceeded to whip out a G&L SB 2 . Being a broke young musician I couldn't afford the I think 300 dollar price but he told me "You can do layaway "so I gave him my last $20 and did whatever I could to raise the rest and in a month I had my Viking Blue beauty.Still use it today and I've never had to do anything except change strings on occasion.A real happy memory.I hope your kitty is ok.

[@shugemery]

Got myself one and your videos on it gave me a bunch of insight into the sounds and I always appreciate your honest thoughts. Made me excited you liked it so much. Especially after all the basses you get to play. Playing mine daily and just enjoying it so much. Thankee Lobster.

[@LowEndLobster]

Wooooo! Enjoy!

[@JustyStoky]

Leo's last design was his best. The pickup in the middle is still the best position I think, nothing against the Stingray.

[@LowEndLobster]

Yeah I really like the innovation here in regards to the electronics. This is one of my absolute favorite Leo designs.

[@MrSnivs]

But what about the Kiloton?

[@JustyStoky]

​@@MrSnivsI like the Kiloton as well. I've actually thought about getting the fretless version.

[@Tull1996]

I absolutely love mine....once they were able to get it working properly....had to send it back twice....they had to replace the nut that had originally been mis-cut, and then the pickup was faulty and had to be replaced....I was not a happy camper. BUT....once those issues were taken care of, the thing is just a joy to play! I'm hoping I was just the "unlucky one" that got the rarity that made it through QC, and that everyone else's is perfect from the get-go!

[@LowEndLobster]

Bummer! Glad you got your issues sorted and can enjoy the instrument. They really are wonderful.

[@RichardWagenknecht]

Really nice review! Demonstrated the sounds available really well

[@maxtazer2000]

I'm a P bass guy, so this fits straight into my head. Going to get one of them!

[@pwokaren]

I bought one recently and just love it. Great addition into a “P” Bass fold.

[@billydecker9396]

I bought my roommate's 1981 L-1000 back in the early Nineties for $200 (has the powder-coated bridge). Then when I heard about these CLF Research models, I bought the Wunkay in Natural Granola Crunch. It is as fun to look at as it it to play it. I paid around $1,700 for mine in 2020.

[@MegaBassfunk]

That bass with the pickup in the MM sweet spot and a satin neck would be a major temptation. The retro headstock wins.

[@ghostrider2ification]

That's the L1500 which is now discontinued. It was G&L's answer to the MM. I recently bought one. It has an aggressive, punchy tone.

[@dchauser4]

@@ghostrider2ification The G&L Tribute Kiloton also gets you the bridge MM pick-up placement.

[@LowEndLobster]

Those old L1500's are really cool. Similar to this, but they also have the 'preamp' of the L2k, but with a single pickup in the "Stingray" position.

[@patrickriggenbach3127]

One of the best demos of an instrument I have ever seen!!!

[@davoh59]

Love your vids. Just bought one of these basses on the strength of your reviews!

[@MotoGreciaMarios]

Loved it. Thanks Lobster.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Marios!

[@jams4218]

Love it!!!!!

[@grantkoeller8911]

It really sounds sweet!!!!!!

[@beercanman4846]

Great review..Ty

[@christocr]

I've had tons of basses over the years, but haven't had a US built G&L. The headstock has always annoyed me--of course, this model doesn't have that annoying protrusion. With that said, I finally broke down and just bought a Kiloton. Yeah... the headstock has the protrusion, but it isn't THAT bad. And I can say, that is the only little gripe I have. The thing is a killer bass. Top notch build, top notch everything. It has a lot of great sounds. Feels great. Action is super low, just the way I like it. The tonality is a bit different than the L-1000 because although the pickup is the same, it is closer to the bridge on the Kiloton. So the tone is a little "sharper" and kinda-sorta going more in a Music Man direction. I think both are great basses. I may have to add a CLF L-1000 to my stable, too. I've also been lusting for the pharaoh gold CLF L-2000. Overall, G&L seems to be top notch for a reasonable price compared to other companies.

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats your Kiloton! You won't regret an L1K and your Kilo definitely needs a friend ;P

[@dansours7157]

I got one of these recently too. I got the natural ash & it weighs just over 8 lbs. Your initial review was instrumental in helping me make a decision. I'm a pretty hard-core fender fan boy but I wanted to try something different & I'm really glad I did. I have an am pro I pbass & the L1000 nicer & my p plays really well. One thing I immediately noticed is clarity & balance. My band mates also noticed & complimented the sound. Thanks for the excellent reviews!

[@pjmuck]

I own an original 1980 L1000. Despite being primarily a J bass guy, I consider the L1000 the best bass G&L ever made and I prefer it to the L2000. I have no doubt these new models only improve on the original classic.

[@guyviola5359]

One of my favorite in your basses collection LowEndLobster!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Guy! One of mine too

[@CC-hg9un]

I have an original 1981 L1000. Mahogany body, ebony board. When I got it, it was banged up and in bad shape and needed a refret (6100 size wire) and electronics overhaul. The original slot-head pickup and wiring harness were shot, so I replaced them with a modern MFD pickup and a new wiring harness to spec. It is a beast and a half.

[@joshuabagamery4341]

I stumbled across the initial review on this 2-3 months after you posted it. At that exact time I was looking to upgrade from a Yamaha I was playing and I after watching the review I purchased the GL L-1000 in the blue burst. Wow what an instrument. Thank you so much. So worth the $$$ for that bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you for sharing! So glad you're enjoying the L1k. They're amazing. MFD is a way of life.

[@bones2532]

Still my absolute dream bass. I bought a used USA LB-100 a few months ago, that has become my workhorse bass for the classic rock/blues band I play it in. A fantastic modern take on a classic F-style P-bass that has a much more aggressive tone with killer growl and definition. But this L-1000 is just so over the top! I really like the P-pickup position for the humbucker, just the tonal sweetspot for me. And the MFD-puckup works so well with that passive bass and treble cut. Unfortunately these CLF-research models are hard to get and quite expensive here in germany.

[@LowEndLobster]

These are definitely dream worthy. So excited to try the 5'er! Hope these become more available on your side of the pond

[@bones2532]

@@LowEndLobster Just found the exact same model like yours in the online shop of a big german dealer based in Frankfurt. But as I said: unfortunately this model is the most expensive one in the whole G&L range. 2300€ (that's about 2500$ US) is not quite a bargain. At least I cannot afford it at the moment, even if I sell my LB-100 for it.

[@r.l.rachel740]

Great review showcasing "All" the tones available via the toggle, treble and bass cut controls. Depending on the body wood you choose, the bass you get will have a resonance \ timbre \ tone. Lobster Thx for a complete review.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@stefanfaustmann256]

I need a p bass and this would be a perfect choice. I love the metal control plate too, looks so classy....

[@michaelmacisco2566]

Id love one if these ! None of my local shops sell them and like anything it is always nicer to try the one you’ll buy first. Def. Sleeper bass.

[@TheChrist117]

I've been looking at this model for a while. I think I'll have to take the plunge and snag one! I watched your last review of this bass with great interest. I agree with you about the Fender v this bass. I'd rather plump for the L-1000. Thanks for this revisit.

[@j.rhodesbass225]

One word. "Amazing"!

[@michaelblaney4461]

I like the " Non - Nipple" headstock on These basses 🤔

[@fearnoevil65]

Hey now, it's like a can opener, that'd be one sharp nipple LOL

[@martinheath5947]

Wow Very nice! Would be fascinating to hear a similar wiring/tone control system in a passive Ray or even a two pickup Jazz type bass!

[@pwokaren]

I bought an L-1000 after watching the first review and I liked it so much I bought the company. (Only kidding). I didn’t buy the company but I bought a L-2000 which I absolutely adore. I believe the L-1000 was Leo Fender’s best “P” Bass and yours sounds even better than before with those new strings. ⭐️🇦🇺

[@bobbyzig3879]

G&L makes great basses 💯

[@LowEndLobster]

They do!

[@jdmarino]

Me want.

[@Xnake]

Now that G&L released the new American SB-2 bass can you make a review of it please?

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

I’ve been looking at the schematic online and the bass/treble controls are essentially the same as the Fender TBX control but Fender reduced the circuit to a dual gang pot with a centre detent so that positions 6 to 10 are bass cut and 1 to 4 are treble cut with 5 being “neutral” I’m going to build this circuit into my P bass once I’ve swapped out the EMG P for a DiMarzio but leave out the coil split position

[@robjgolde3221]

This is a dream bass for me. I loved the “Big Chonk” video and the L-2000 series, but the simplicity of this model that still can achieve such a wide array of tones won me over. Plus it looks like it’s built like a tank. When in single-coil mode, is it activating the bridge bank of magnets or the neck bank? (Edit) That tone with OMG mode with full treble and bass at 50% cut is (chef’s kiss)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I agree, the simplicity of the setup here makes this thing so perfect. Single coil is the rear/bridge bank of magnets.

[@grantkoeller8911]

I love the paddle shaped headstock, (Doesn't show headstock), Ok finally showed it

[@matteobonti9738]

Hi Lobster, thanks again for your amazing content! Do you know how the bass cut control is made? Is it just like the treble cut but with a different tone capacitor? It's a really interesting feature!

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

Wish my Kiloton 5 had this many tonal options! Might have to get the 5’er version of this CLF then ;)

[@LowEndLobster]

That's my one major gripe about the Kiloton - it would benefit from the L1k circuit so much.

[@DiogoBaeder]

Dude, we need a review of an L1000 Series 750 - the 5-string version of this bass you reviewed now. I bet the B string might end up destroying buildings when played at OMG mode 😀

[@LowEndLobster]

Don't worry, we have one coming! I'm very excited to check one out.

[@bassplaya4196]

If you the 4string version of the l-1000,you gotta try the 5 string version! I recently just purchased one,I put some Ernie ball flats on it, and I cannot put it down to save my life. It's the best feeling and sounding bass I have.g&ls are the best

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm super stoked to try one out. We have one on order!

[@bassplaya4196]

@@LowEndLobster you will love it, bro!!

[@judecarpenter2990]

Lobster 🦞 You love that G&L don't u

[@troytroy3066]

I have the 1982 version of this bass. I tried to trade it in for the CLF version and the only offered me $480 dollars. The resale value on G&L are pretty bad (at least the olde models) I will still purchase the CLF, once I save enough cash. Great review!!

[@LowEndLobster]

You'll probably be better off with a Reverb sale, though I'd hold onto the old one if the neck is still solid. The CLFs are killer though.

[@troytroy3066]

@@LowEndLobster the neck is twisted. Always had neck issues lol

[@LowEndLobster]

@@troytroy3066 Damn, well good luck! haha

[@sicilianmammalian]

The 5 string version is tempting but I think I would spend the extra grand for a darkray

[@Uroste]

Hopefully you get your hands on Sandberg 48 and the Hagström super swede basses. Would be cool to see reviews on those.

[@pwokaren]

Love Sandberg Basses. They’re amazing ! 🎆👏🏻

[@57precision]

Lobster, how do the SIT foundations compare to the MJC Ironworks? I only bought one tin of MJC before they stopped shipping and loved them. Looking for an alternative until they resume shipping (fingers crossed).

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! The SITs are a little lower tension and a bit brighter than the MJC, but I've been enjoying them overall. Very affordable like MJC was, try a set out!

[@hottotty13]

I just got the series 750 version of this. Jesus this things sounds awesome. I think I’ve been missing the boat with all my previous active preamp basses. I guess I’ll see in the band mix but I think it’s going to sing.

[@LoKoSFermincho]

Hey there Lobster! Hope you are doing well! I have a doubt I wanted to ask you: Do you think I could get close to the sweet sound of this bass by having a luthier make me a P Bass with a Stingray humbucker instead of the Split Pickup? I ask because, as much as I'd love to buy a CLF, they are crazy expensive in my country (Argentina) and I want to get as close as possible to this tone for my bass Waiting patiently for your response, stay awesome!

[@wsusocialworkchannel4109]

Have you ever compared the G&L L-1000 CLF to the Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling (the domestic one)? One pickup position in the middle-sweet spot vs the other in the bridge. One passive, one active. Both have Fender DNA yet are each it's own thing. Thoughts?

[@jakequarstad8705]

@lowendlobster et al, Can you share an honest opinion of how the MFD sits in the mix vs a traditional Fender P-bass in full band setting? I've been planning to buy a nice P for awhile (and enjoy thr classic Fender stylings) but have been drawn to the videos ive heard of MFDs. However, most of those are soloed, and from the research ive done there have not been many well known musicians using MDFs. Could that be because they dont stand out as much in the mix for some reason?

[@MuddyF]

Where did you get the cool shirt, Lobster?

[@jagerking7020]

L-1000 clf on reverb right now are $1955 to over $2k. Thats Musicman money where they really use a lot of amazing wood and fit and finish. This would do much better at the $1250 price point.

[@DolemiteSammich]

L-1000 all the way. The 2500 is too generic sounding for my liking. It is like a well done fender, which is fine and all. But this L-1000 has some of its own magic.

[@mojoemurphy]

Man, I'm super interested in these basses after this review, but it's about 200 dollars more than the 55-02 I've been eyeballing and they're both more than getting an EHB1005ms and swapping pups. Decisions, decisions

[@LowEndLobster]

Oh man, that's a tough call. The 5 string 19mm spacing L1k is REALLY nice, but the 55-02 is a really solid jack of all trades. I'll have a revisit of the Lakland coming soon, and hopefully I'll get a L1k series 750 in my stable

[@mojoemurphy]

@@LowEndLobster I've got an SR2600 currently and love it, but I'm looking to add to the stable and there's too many options! I was gonna get a P bass but the fender offerings from cheap to expensive were rather disappointing. I really love the Ibanez necks, but don't want my basses to all have the same sound... Appreciate the video!

[@davidpost4216]

It sounds more like a Jazz bass than a P bass. Is that single pickup closer to the bridge than a P bass pickup?

[@grantkoeller8911]

What is the difference between tone cut knob and regular tone knob?

[@fearnoevil65]

Passive cut only, just cuts frequencies from a full on position. Most passive bass are like that I think, like Precision or Jazz style passive. Active basses can have cut and boost EQ, actually boosting and cutting, rather than just cutting frequency. To my understanding !!

[@grantkoeller8911]

@@fearnoevil65 ok thanks, I've only had passive basses

[@leagueofotters2774]

Is it worth it to get the 750 version?

[@LowEndLobster]

I hope to review one soon

[@grantkoeller8911]

How does this bass sound? Plays one chord funk in key of A...

[@Facu_Roldan]

16:54 not rumors, those are already being made kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGnZlqCsfqpnjpY

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I filmed this back when they were 'rumors' (though I may have already known about them heheh)

[@MegaBassfunk]

I must admit.. I’m too square to know what “wunkay” and “big chonks” mean…😪

[@LowEndLobster]

Hehe, "Wunkay" was the nickname given to the L1000. 1000=1k=One kay=Wunkay. I don't know how they came up with the "Big Chonks" but I like it hahaha

[@barnesdrb]

this sounds more like a stingway than a stingway sounds like a stingray lol

[@bizibetiko9778]

OMG! This bass has OMG mode, and needs to be stopped. Slap Like to stop OMG mode.

[@LowEndLobster]

It's too powerful to be stopped.