List of pickups used in G&L basses

Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:49 pm

Here is the list of pickups used in G&L basses:

[special thanks to yowhatsshakin for converting this table :thumbup:]

Notes:
  1. Dates given are approximate.
  2. Impedances given are in ohms; these figures are approximate and will vary since 1980 - 2005 (approx.) G&L pickups were hand wound.
  3. Tone is dependent upon factors other than pickups such as circuit, body wood, body type, and fingerboard wood.


Pickup
Impedance
Found In These Models
G&L Magnetic Field Design™ large humbucker8.7K - 8.8K (L-1000); 10.0K - 10.3K ohm (all others, except M-Series and “Hamiltone” versions); TBD (M-series and “Hamiltone” versions)L-1000, L-2000, ASAT Bass, Commemorative Bass, Climax Bass, L-1500, L-2500 (5-string version),Tribute L-2000, Tribute L-2000 "Lefty", Tribute L-2000 Carved Top, Tribute L-2500, Tribute L-2500 Carved Top, M-2000, M-2500, 2012 Special Collection M-2000, 2012 Special Collection M-2500, Tribute M-2000, Tribute M-2500, Tribute M-2000 GTB, Tribute M-2000 GTS, ASAT Bass Tom Hamilton Signature Model (special wound “Hamiltone” pickups), 2012 Special Collection M-2000, 2012 Special Collection M-2500, Black Ice M-2000, Black Ice M-2500, Savannah Collection ASAT Bass, Kiloton™ Bass, Kiloton 5™ Bass, CLF Research L-2000™, Fallout Bass Launch Edition, Tribute Series Fallout Shortscale Bass
This was Leo's first bass pickup designed for a G&L model. It is outrageously versatile and sounds fantastic. It can cop modern tones as well as vintage thanks to its coil splitting capabilities. With the usual hot MFD signal, the tone is beefy, with a broad spectrum. The bottom end is ground-shakingly tight and focused. A pair of these in an L-2000 or ASAT Bass can run the gamut from P-Bass to J-Bass to Stingray to pure G&L. The pickups in the M-Series models are voiced to fully exploit the studio-quality 18v preamp system. The M series bass pickups are under wound by about 12% with gives a slightly brighter and lower output level when compared to the standard L series pickups. The “Hamiltone” pickups are under wound by about 5%.
The 1980 version had large allen head pole pieces. In 1981-82, they were changed to slot head pole pieces and then to small allen head pole pieces by 1983.
G&L Bi-Pole Magnetic Field Design™ small humbucker9.0K - 9.1K (12/2016 Note: recent readings done by member "yowhatsshakin" found them to be in the range of 4.2-4.5K)El Toro, Interceptor Bass
Though a smaller unit than the usual L-2000 style MFD, this humbucker puts out pro quality tone. It has more midrange than its larger brother, but EQ'ing at the amp can bring it into the same league. These are exceptionally fine sounding for modern slap and pop or tapping styles of playing.
G&L Magnetic Field Design™ Jazz-style single coil5.0K - 5.3KEarly-style SB-1, SB-2, Lynx Bass, Tribute SB-2
The MFD single coil bass pickups have a higher output, more upper midrange, and lots of high end compared to standard alnico Jazz Bass style pickups. In a maple or ash body SB series bass they tend to sound "honky", but EQ'ing at the amp or rolling back the tone control easily tames the extra midrange. The tone of these pickups really smooth out in an alder or poplar body bass. The "student" status of these pickups should not dissuade any bassist as they are fully capable of delivering stage-shaking low end with the ability to cut through a mix.
Schaller PBX split coilTBDSome 1985 SB-1's
Experimental pickup used in some 1985 SB-1's
G&L Magnetic Field Design™ split coil8.8K (SB series); 7.0K (L-5000)Late-style SB-1, late-style SB-2, L-5000 (5-string version), Tribute SB-2
This unit looks like a traditional P-Bass pickup, but it's an MFD through and through. Higher output means more growl and punch than any vintage-style alnico P-Bass pickup can deliver. This pickup is an excellent all-around choice for any bassist.
Gotoh Vintage-Style AlnicoN/ALegacy Bass, LB-100
Sounds like a '60s P-Bass. 'nough said.
EMG BTC System active soapbarN/AL-5500
The EMGs are extremely neutral and almost sterile sounding, but work well with the stack knob tone controls and active circuitry on the 5-string L-5500.
G&L vintage Alnico Jazz-style single coilTBDJB, JB-2, Tribute JB-2, 2012 Special Collection JB
TBD
G&L Split-Coil Alnico VTBDLB-100 (2013)
TBD
G&L Bi-Coil Alnico V jazzTBDMJ-4, Tribute MJ-4
TBD
G&L Bi-Coil Alnico V jazzTBDMJ-5
TBD


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Last edited by Craig on Sun Jan 21, 2024 8:48 pm, edited 26 times in total.
Reason: Added Tribute Fallout Shortscale Bass

Note About G&L Tribute Series Bass Pickups

Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:19 pm

The Tribute Series instruments that use MFD pickups are the same USA pickups made in Fullerton, CA.
The single coil Alnico pickups and Bi-coil Alnico pickups used in the Tribute Series instruments are made to
G&L's specifications at the Cort facility in Indonesia.

G&L Custom Shop Handwound Alnico Bass Pickups

Wed Feb 07, 2018 12:57 pm

This information is based upon the G&L Custom Shop U.S. Dealer Price List dated January 1, 2019.

HANDWOUND ALNICO BASS PICKUPS

Alnico pickups hand-wound on original winder made by Leo Fender and used by him at CLF Research beginning in 1967.

LB-100 – split coil

CLF-96-LB-N Handwound with wind specs based on ’96 LB-100 split coil.
42 gauge wire and 10,500 turns, approx. 7.6kΩ

CLF-57-LB-N Handwound with wind specs based on Leo’s 1957 pickup.
42 gauge wire and 10,000 turns, approx. 7.2kΩ slightly hotter with 42 gauge
wire and 10,500 turns, approx. 7.6kΩ

JB – single coil

CLF-06-JB-N- Handwound with wind specs based on ’2006 JB.
42 gauge wire and 8500 turns, approx. 7.3kΩ

CLF-06-JB-B Handwound with wind specs based on ’2006 JB.
42 gauge wire and 8500 turns, approx. 7.3kΩ

CLF-62-JB-N- Handwound with wind specs based on Leo’s 1962 pickup.
42 gauge wire and 9000 turns, approx. 7.6kΩ

CLF-62-JB-B Handwound with wind specs based on Leo’s 1962 pickup.
42 gauge wire and 9000 turns, approx. 7.6kΩ
Last edited by Craig on Sat May 04, 2019 8:39 am, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: Updated to Price List dated January 1, 2019