Sounds from an L2000

[fraidykat]

Hi, there,

It's been awhile since I've been here.

I have a question that I should already have the answer for, but....

I've been playing with an acoustic group for awhile and have been using a Carvin AC40.
It's fine, but I want to play my other basses too.

So I pulled out my spalted L2000, changed the battery and started playing. I forgot how much I like this bass.
While I know how to use the switches, etc., I cannot remember how to dial in a P-bass, music man sound, etc.
Is there a cheat sheet out there somewhere? I'm close, but it's just not sounding the same to me as before.
Maybe it's me.

Also, how much of a difference would in sound would there be if I changed to flats?
I have to keep that vintage sound, but I'm hoping that I can just take this bass with me.

I'd appreciate your input.

Thanks, Kate

[darwinohm]

Kate, I can give you some information but I don't have the PB in my mind. I have found that the G&L pickups on the L2k are very clear, articulate and dynamic. I have especially when recording and a G&L is my favorite to record with. I also have a Stingray 5 which I like very much so I am familiar with the MM sound.

With the dynamics of the G&L pickups I had not used flatwounds. I had used them for years but found them a bit dull. About a month ago a fellow member on this board offered me a set of Thomastik-Infield strings to use. I was not familiar with that brand and was surprised when they arrived to see that they were flatwounds. I put them on my ASAT bass (same pickups as yours) and was thrilled with the tone. It tames the Asat down a bit but the tone really comes through. You can also dial back and make them as mellow as you wish so the answer is that I think the flatwounds will give you a good vintage, soft tone, at least it does with the TI's. Not sure if that helps you Kate but that my experience. -- Darwin

[KenC]

Kate,

I'd say the main ingredient for a good P-bass sound would be running the neck pickup solo in passive mode. For a Musicman sound I would run both pickups active. Beyond that, just tweak the remaining controls to get what you're after.

FWIW, I always get frustrated trying to dial in the sounds I remember when I plug in a bass that hasn't been played in a while.

I will never put round wounds on my L-2KE again. Same goes for my L-1K. Those basses sound infinitely better to my ears with flats. I'm using D'Addario Chromes on the L-1K, and Le Bella Deep Talkin' flats on the L-2KE. Since then I've put Chromes on my L-1500 (which turned a nice bass into an amazing bass), and I have a set of La Bella Original 1954s that will be going onto the '86 SB-1 soon. I've experimented with quarter rounds and pressure wounds, but eventually all of my G&Ls will probably end up wearing flats.

Ken

[FUNKINIT]

I am trying to date an L2000. Does anyone know how to read the serial numbers in regards to what date they would provide? Mine is CLF24329

Thanks

[fraidykat]

Great news!

Thanks Darwin and Ken!
I knew that you'd both have the answer.

Actually i have a set of the Deep Talkin' Bass flats just waiting to be used.

I'm just not a fan of round wounds. Don't know why, but you're right, the flats have a deeper sound.

Thanks again guys! I gotta go and change my strings!

Kate

[Elwood]

Actually i have a set of the Deep Talkin' Bass flats just waiting to be used.

Those are gonna sound goooooooooooooood.
(and probably will for years) .Yay for new string day

elwood

[yowhatsshakin]

I am trying to date an L2000. Does anyone know how to read the serial numbers in regards to what date they would provide? Mine is CLF24329

Thanks

See this Serial number significance page on how to 'decipher' the S/N. The true date can only be gleaned by taking the neck off and look for date stamps in neck pocket and/or on neck heel.

Hope this helps,

- Jos

[jayochs]

for my p-bass tone, i would put it into parallel mode and do the neck pickup...or i think its parallel mode..the one where the middle switch is "up" and it's A LOT louder.

i'd probably do active, but in the middle without the +10db boost.

for musicman, i'd do it in series mode (whcih is the middle switch downward) and using just the bridge pickup, and again probably do active without the +10db boost.

i typically only use that +10db boost when i'm playing both pickups on or just the neck in series mode to bring out some slap clang.