I have GAS... But Not the Good Kind...

[ribeye1974]

Lunch today - Chili and cheese bun. We load up our chili with a mountain of veggies, and don't add them until near the end of the cooking process, so they are close to raw.... that's just how we roll.

G&L Topic - My brother is a bass player. He plays a '74 Fender Jazz, a Jazz copy and a no name bass that he uses when he wants a short scale in hand. He doesn't like the overall weight of the Jazz basses anymore, nor the balance (headstock down). He's not picky about fingerboard wood. Based on weight and balance first, tone and beauty later, which G&L models would you guys suggest? I'm going to try and convince him to try G&L, and if he won't open his own wallet, I might get him one for his birthday, and leave him no choice but to play it. Do any of the models 'play' like a short scale, or at least feel like it when compared to other models? Please tell me about your experience with G&L basses.

For those of you who have never tried a G&L bass and cannot contribute, my question is, would you ever "sell out" to another brand if it meant a sponsorship deal, which would include studio time, guaranteed 'X' amount of albums, and the fame and fortune to go along with it. I know, not realistic, but, play along! Hypothetical situation here!! You bass players can answer too, I just wanted to make sure nobody was left out.

Non G&L Topic - I know, I know, it's a lame question that you ask someone you just met, or your aunt you only talk to once a year... but... how has everybody's weather been this winter/summer (hemisphere pending). I ask because in 39 years I don't ever remember a winter so cold, and with so much snow as this year. Normally we either get mild temps with lots of snow, or little snow, but very cold temps, this winter we have both. For the snow, the banks on either side of the driveway are close to 7 feet high, in the middle of the yard where it's not piling up, still about 5 feet. It's been drier than normal, lots of nosebleeds, even with a humidifier running steady. It's been cold all winter, but got ridiculous in January, where we had 3 weeks straight of temps -35 to -45 Celsius... -40 is where the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales are equal, for those of you in the U.S. and don't know the Celsius scale. Just an unusual combo of cold and snow like I've never seen before. So, how about everyone else where you live? How did this season compare to previous, and if it has been weather as usual, what is usual for your area?

[Dave_P]

Hey there ribeye! Been lurking all week, but out on the road for work, glad to be back at my desk today.

Lunch today for me was left over roast beef that I carved up for a sandwich, it was so good I'm still thinking about it

Can't contribute to the bass question, never had the chance to try a G&L bass. As far as the endorsement deal, unless G&L was willing to offer me the same I'd have to make the switch (wouldn't give up my G&L's though) at the end of the day if that's what it took to make my living as a musician so be it.

Holy cold batman!!! -45!!!
Here in the North East US, we've had a pretty decent winter. One big snow storm so far (~2ft) and a couple of other smaller 6-8 inchers. Don't really feel it's been any colder or warmer than normal. Last year we pretty much skipped winter though, much warmer than normal, glad to see it return this year. I'm one of those freaks who actually likes the winter.

Have a Good One!
-Dave

[ribeye1974]

Lunch today for me was left over roast beef that I carved up for a sandwich, it was so good I'm still thinking about it

Oh, yum! One of my favourites!!

Here in the North East US, we've had a pretty decent winter. One big snow storm so far (~2ft) and a couple of other smaller 6-8 inchers.

Ya, that was one crazy storm you guys got, here mid Canada we got some of the edge of that, I can even imagine what it must've been like for you!!

I'm one of those freaks who actually likes the winter.

Most people here are winter lovers too, as long as it's reasonable... I live 2 blocks from the lake, lots of ice fishing huts, snow machine trails and the like. Today is actually very warm, and the melt has started....

[bassman]

Bass info: I have played bass for 44 years and I have been using a G&L off and on since 1989. In regards to balance: I have never played a G&L bass that didn't balance very well and I have about 8 of them. No long scale bass will play like a short scale bass. You can make them easier to play with softer strings and close action but that scale length will always be there.

For your brother: I would have the '74 Jazz bass set up by a pro and get him a wide strap if it is one of the heavy ash basses.
I can't think of a jazz bass that's neck heavy but if your brother's is one of the rare ones that is, the wide strap should help him keep it balanced. A lot of Fender basses from the 60's and 70's can benefit from a neck shim to get the action right. If you brother;'s bass is set up correctly, it will play like a new bass.

If you want to get him a bass - well first off- that's real nice of you! I would recommend that you look for a Tribute JB-2. I believe that they can be found for a reasonable price (we don't discuss new G&L sale prices on this board). JB-2s have jazz style pickups and the same passive control set.

If you want to be a real nice brother, get him a G&L JB. The JB is the G&L improved jazz bass, because of the better G&L quality, the G&L bridge and the familiar controls and body shape are similar to a Fender Jazz bass but since it is a newer USA model it will cost more that the Tribute model. I would love to have a JB but I will have to save my $$ for one. They are not very available on the used market as yet.

Winter in Washington D.C. area- We got through this Winter with no major snow storms. It was cold in Jan. and Feb. but overall we had an easy time with little snow and I am looking forward to Spring.
Of course we will probably have some summer days at 105F like last year. My band did an outside gig at that temp last July 5 and you have to drink a lot of fluid to make it through.

[yowhatsshakin]

I have 2 G&L basses: an L-2500 and a Commemorative ASAT bass. I have fairly big hands and can easily manage the 34" scale, but I wouldn't call them 'playing like a short scale' either. If your brother is much into Jazz basses you might want to check out a Tribute JB-2 bass or a Tribute SB-2 to add variation to the collection. (But see bassman advice above).

Weather: no snow this winter in Seattle! We had like one day or so of slightly sleety wet mushy stuff that gave the world a gray patina. Plenty of snow in the mountains but no bright white in town at all. Missed it! Earlier this week we hit 60ºF followed a couple of days later with what was advertised at the 'the coldest morning since January'.

- Jos

[ribeye1974]

If you brother;'s bass is set up correctly, it will play like a new bass

Oh, it's set up well, but it's just too heavy for him. It does play nicely I might add. Weight is the main issue, balance second. His strap isn't as wide as they come, but it's not a slim one either. Maybe one of the 5" wide ones from Levys leathers... hmmm.. you have me thinking...

If you want to get him a bass - well first off- that's real nice of you! I would recommend that you look for a Tribute JB-2. I believe that they can be found for a reasonable price (we don't discuss new G&L sale prices on this board). JB-2s have jazz style pickups and the same passive control set.

Weight wise, do you think there is a difference between the tributes and the USA models? He is literally in so much pain playing the jazz that he has to sit after only an hour or so... boooo back pain.

Of course we will probably have some summer days at 105F like last year. My band did an outside gig at that temp last July 5 and you have to drink a lot of fluid to make it through.

Oh boy... just hook up a garden hose and tape it to my mouth...

[Philby]

Hi Ribeye,

Lunch today will be lamb kebab in flat bread, cherry tomotoes, tabouleh salad and garlic sauce. I'm salivating already at the thought of it.

I can't help with the bass question either sorry. I tried 3-4 G&L basses about a decade ago when I was in the market for one and found them all too big and heavy. The necks were massive and the profiles felt wrong. I felt like a kid playing my Dad's bass. Even though I liked the active electronics and pickups of the G&L's I ended up walking out with a second hand 80's Fender Japan P-Bass. It was pretty beaten up but the whole feel and balance of it is perfect for me.

As far as selling out to another brand goes, yep, I could do it easily! I'd probably go for a lower profile brand like Larrivee, Heritage, or a local Australian brand such as Cole Clark or Maton.

The weather here has been hotter and drier than usual this summer. When I was a kid I used to look forward to summer, but now it instils a kind of dread. I can't wait for it to be over. In Melbourne we're going for 10 straight days over 30 Celsius (86 Farenheit). We've had 5 already and it will probably stretch to 12. That will be an all time record for any time of year, let alone autumn. The last 3 days are going to be around 100 F. Australian weather is famous for being extreme, but it's been even more extreme than usual the last 10 years. While I'm sizzling in my car on the way home tonight I'll try to visualize 7 feet of snow and -35 C. I don't know how the body can function in that kind of cold. How do you taste food when your sinuses are numb?

[ribeye1974]

If your brother is much into Jazz basses you might want to check out a Tribute JB-2 bass or a Tribute SB-2 to add variation to the collection. (But see bassman advice above).

The jazz style bass isn't so important to him, that just happens to be what was around for the 'right' price at the time. Now he kinda regrets them, due to the weight. Which of your basses are the lighter of the two?

[ribeye1974]

Lunch today will be lamb kebab in flat bread, cherry tomotoes, tabouleh salad and garlic sauce. I'm salivating already at the thought of it.

That sounds great. I've never had lamb, and I don't know why that is. I like trying new things, which makes it even more odd.

Australian weather is famous for being extreme, but it's been even more extreme than usual the last 10 years.

The area of Canada I live in also has the extreme weather, -40 C in winters, +40 in summers C, are basically the low and high end... -30C to +30C is more common however.

[LeoFThe Champion]

In regards to a Bass , find a Mahogany L 1000 or L 2000 and be done with it . With all due respect I can never understand people baulking about the weight of a guitar or bass. There is a solution become physically stronger.I'm sure Louis would never have a problem with the weight of a Guitar. Where I live in Brisbane there was a catastrophic flood on 2011 and last month there was almost another.

[Philby]

The area of Canada I live in also has the extreme weather, -40 C in winters, +40 in summers C, are basically the low and high end... -30C to +30C is more common however.

Now THAT'S extreme!

[blargfromouterspace]

I can't offer anything on the G&L basses. My fave type of bass is the P-type so if I were to buy a bass it'd be an LB100. Hopefully Ken will post some pics of his nice basses...

It's been as hot as hell all summer, uncomfortably hot. Still, looking forward is the dreary, miserable Melbourne autumn/winter/most of spring where is grey and drizzly until October/November. I miss the weather in my home town on the other side of the country, its much nicer and far less British.

[ribeye1974]

[quote="LeoF The Champion"]In regards to a Bass , find a Mahogany L 1000 or L 2000 and be done with it . With all due respect I can never understand people baulking about the weight of a guitar or bass. There is a solution become physically stronger.I'm sure Louis would never have a problem with the weight of a Guitar. Where I live in Brisbane there was a catastrophic flood on 2011 and last month there was almost another.[/quote

yeah, my bro inherited back issues, my father had to have major back surgery in his early 20's, while my bro never had issues as severe as his, as he gets older, his back is just getting worse.

[ribeye1974]

It's been as hot as hell all summer, uncomfortably hot.

So that's 2 hot Melbournians, Melbournites... Melbou... what do you guys call yourselves?? Either way, it's hot where you are!...

[blargfromouterspace]

It's been as hot as hell all summer, uncomfortably hot.

So that's 2 hot Melbournians, Melbournites... Melbou... what do you guys call yourselves?? Either way, it's hot where you are!...

MelBURNians at the moment

[ribeye1974]

It's been as hot as hell all summer, uncomfortably hot.

So that's 2 hot Melbournians, Melbournites... Melbou... what do you guys call yourselves?? Either way, it's hot where you are!...

MelBURNians at the moment

HA!

[yowhatsshakin]

Which of your basses are the lighter of the two?

The Commemorative ASAT bass is the lighter of the two by quite a bit. It has an ash body with rear body-contour and maple board. The L-2500 has a Tilia body with quilted maple cap, rear-body contour, and ebony board. The fact that is has 1 string more might definitely add to its weight but the woods used in the guitar might be a factor too.

- Jos

[ribeye1974]

Which of your basses are the lighter of the two?

The Commemorative ASAT bass is the lighter of the two by quite a bit. It has an ash body with rear body-contour and maple board. The L-2500 has a Tilia body with quilted maple cap, rear-body contour, and ebony board. The fact that is has 1 string more might definitely add to its weight but the woods used in the guitar might be a factor too.

- Jos

Ok, really good to know. Thanks a bunch!

[KenC]

In regards to a Bass , find a Mahogany L 1000 or L 2000 and be done with it . With all due respect I can never understand people baulking about the weight of a guitar or bass. There is a solution become physically stronger.I'm sure Louis would never have a problem with the weight of a Guitar. Where I live in Brisbane there was a catastrophic flood on 2011 and last month there was almost another.[/quote

yeah, my bro inherited back issues, my father had to have major back surgery in his early 20's, while my bro never had issues as severe as his, as he gets older, his back is just getting worse.

Similar situation here. I got out of the Navy with constant back pain, which twenty years later still comes back to haunt me at times. Nerves pinch, muscles spasm, and playing goes downhill fast...

Ken

[Boogie Bill]

If he's looking for a lghtweight bass, you should find him a Fender Precision "Lyte". Jazz neck, p-j pickup set and active eq. Good hardware, MIJ, and a basswood body for light weight. There are a couple of versions, and usually they can be found relatively inexpensively. I bought mine in the mid-'90s for $250. Mine has a beautiful chocolate sunburst withgold hardware. I've had so many bass guys tell me that, "Well, it's not as good as my P- or J- or whatever...but can I use it on the gig this weekend? My back is sore." NO!

Every time I find a great G&L..it's a 5-string...fretless. LOL! Not appropriate for me.

Weather here in the Pacific Northwest has been very mild. We had a few days below freezing, but no snow.

And I'd be open to an endorsement deal with another company, with the caveat that they're making what I want. Would love a signature Les Paul or 335 (like that's gonna happen!) Or a Martin, Gretsch, Ric, Taylor..anything more mainstream would be okay.

But you know, I play G&L, even though I have enough money to buy virtually any other guitar in the market today. Because...I WANT to.

That's the best endorsement any company could ever get.

Bill

[KenC]

G&L Topic:

I own most of the Leo-era bass models, and two BBE-era examples. As I mentioned in another LR this week, my experience has been that the first style SB models and the Lynx are the lightest. My maple-bodied Interceptor Bass also seems pretty light to me, although I've never weighed any of them. In the Interceptor's case, it could just be that it's an incredibly comfortable and well-balanced design. Maple is the common thread there, although on the guitar side of things my maple ASATs are quite heavy. That could have been a difference in wood sourcing between the early and mid 80s, though. The heaviest of my basses are the mahogany L-series models. Swamp ash is somewhere in between.

Since Jamie twisted my arm, I'll put up some porn in another reply. I just need to upload a couple of photos first.

I agree with everything Bassman said about G&L basses. You just won't get a true short-scale feel from a G&L, but you also won't be stuck with the typical short-scale bad intonation, flubby low end and lack of decent tone. I would go with low action and a soft set of flats or tapewounds to get somewhat close to a short-scale feel.

One option for light weight that nobody has mentioned so far is a semi-hollow body. I know that ASAT Basses have that as an option, and there was at least one recent prototype with a semi-hollow L-2000 body and fretless JB neck. I had a very difficult time restraining myself on that one. Fortunately it sold before I could move anything out to make room for it.

Non-G&L Topic:

I agree with everything Bassman said about DC-area weather. We were supposed to have a massive snow storm yesterday. Every government building was closed for the day, schools were closed, etc., but all I saw was rain - all day long, without a snowflake in sight and temperature above 40F all day and night. This will be the second straight year with no more than one light dusting in my area. I'm happy with that, but the wife and kids sure aren't...

Ken

[ribeye1974]

If he's looking for a lghtweight bass, you should find him a Fender Precision "Lyte". Jazz neck, p-j pickup set and active eq. Good hardware, MIJ, and a basswood body for light weight. There are a couple of versions, and usually they can be found relatively inexpensively. I bought mine in the mid-'90s for $250. Mine has a beautiful chocolate sunburst withgold hardware. I've had so many bass guys tell me that, "Well, it's not as good as my P- or J- or whatever...but can I use it on the gig this weekend? My back is sore." NO!

Every time I find a great G&L..it's a 5-string...fretless. LOL! Not appropriate for me.

Weather here in the Pacific Northwest has been very mild. We had a few days below freezing, but no snow.

And I'd be open to an endorsement deal with another company, with the caveat that they're making what I want. Would love a signature Les Paul or 335 (like that's gonna happen!) Or a Martin, Gretsch, Ric, Taylor..anything more mainstream would be okay.

But you know, I play G&L, even though I have enough money to buy virtually any other guitar in the market today. Because...I WANT to.

That's the best endorsement any company could ever get.

Bill

Thanks for the response Bill. Playing what you want to, not what you have to is a nice thing, isn't it!

[ribeye1974]

my experience has been that the first style SB models and the Lynx are the lightest

Yes, I will look into those for sure.

One option for light weight that nobody has mentioned so far is a semi-hollow body.

Oh... duuuhhh... this is very much an option Ken!! Can't wait to see the pics btw...

[KenC]

In order: 1983 SB-1 (refinished maple body), 1984 SB-2, 1984 Interceptor Bass (a rarebird), 1984 El Toro (flamed ash body), 1986 Lynx (basically a first-style SB-2 with contours, in an uncommon Bahama Blue finish), 2000 L-2000 fretless.















Ken

[KenC]

Do any of the models 'play' like a short scale, or at least feel like it when compared to other models? Please tell me about your experience with G&L basses.

I forgot to mention neck profiles. All of the short-scale basses I've played have slender necks. All Bassman pointed out, you'll get a narrow "Jazz" profile (1.5" nut) on the JB and JB-2, but that's also standard on the ASAT Bass (to prevent neck dive) and the newer SB-2s. The L-series and Legacy basses and LB-100 (the old ones, not sure about the current version) had/have much wider necks - nothing remotely like you'll find on a short scale bass, IMO. Most of the other models, including the Leo-era SBs, are in between at about 1 5/8" nut width.

Ken

[Boogie Bill]

ASAT basses can be neck heavy...can't imagine the neck dive on a semi-hollow.

Another LW bass is the Hofner. One of my dear friends passed away last year from colon cancer. His widow is trying to sell his collection of vintage Hofner and Vox basses.

Bill

[ribeye1974]

Hmmmm great replies guys, thank you so much!

[ribeye1974]

In order: 1983 SB-1 (refinished maple body), 1984 SB-2, 1984 Interceptor Bass (a rarebird), 1984 El Toro (flamed ash body), 1986 Lynx (basically a first-style SB-2 with contours, in an uncommon Bahama Blue finish), 2000 L-2000 fretless.















Ken

That is a nice collection Ken, some real beauties in there!... Thanks for the pics!!

[Elwood]

I found my ibanez SR1000 for around 300, the early 90's versions have good wood .
These things are light, ergonomic,and beg to be played. The Sr800's are more common (rosewood instead of ebony fretboard).

The tribute JB-2 I bought for a friend recently is a nice bass. I found it barely used for 325 on ebay.
I did have to double check the scale length because it did have that medium scale feel to it (it was long scale) .
So I'd recommend one of those given your friends preferences.

We need to hear more about the M-2000's that are out there, maybe you'll have have a chance to test drive one
on your quest. ( I imagine they aren't really light though. )

elwood

[Kit]

G&L makes great basses, but nothing in short scale. I'm not a bass player but I have an L-2000 for playing around and recording purposes. The bass player in our hobby band has a JB and it sounds excellent.

Here's my L-2000. One reason I have it is because I got it at an unbelievably great price.



Kit

[ribeye1974]

Some nice basses in this thread, no doubt!!!

[KenC]

Kit,

Your L2K is gorgeous. Is that a bound top?

Ken

[Kit]

Ken, it is a bound top (natural wood scraped binding). This is a better picture of the body:



Kit

[Elwood]

Some nice basses in this thread, no doubt!!!

There's an older SB-1 that just popped up on ebay, '86 I think.

Check out this SB-1, this won't help with the BAS...sorry
Ebay new SB-1

Now with a black crinkle bridge this would be wicked IMO ~

[ribeye1974]

Some nice basses in this thread, no doubt!!!

There's an older SB-1 that just popped up on ebay, '86 I think.

Check out this SB-1, this won't help with the BAS...sorry
Ebay new SB-1

Now with a black crinkle bridge this would be wicked IMO ~

oooo... nice