simesf Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Hello everyone, first time poster here so for any and all stupid things I write my apologies. After much googling and reading reviews about possible mods I'm caught between buying a G&L tribute L2500 (and getting a single coil mod for it straight away) and an MTD KZ5 and maybe swapping out the stock pickups for a pair of Nordstrands at some point. One of the first things I'll be doing with either is putting on some flatwounds since I need some 70s disco bass for a project. To that end, my main consideration is how much either guitar can sound like a Precision/Jazz bass. After that it's about versatility. I have a soft spot for G&L since I've had a Comanche for many a year that I've been happy with. From what I read the G&L will do a Precision sound and with a coil split mod can do a Jazz as well. But being shallow and seduced by how things look (been playing 6 stringers a long time) I've been cooing over a KZ5 at Bass Direct which also look to be very versatile tonally. I've read many good things about both but a users opinion would be most welcome. ...and if your opinion is to tell me to go away and stop presenting this embarrasment of rich choices as a dilemma then fair enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merello Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Go and try both - on the same type of amp as you play with. Then the force will lead you..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassfunk Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 I had a G&L L2000 and it was great, really versatile, but sometimes a little overpowering. I've always fancied an MTD (I think they have a slimmer neck profile) As above, you need to try the both out, Bass Direct stock both I think? and Mark might even let you take an amp in to try them out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gust0o Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 I had an MTD Kingston Heir 5 - stunning bass. Super slim neck, which tapered up the fretboard. Totally comfortable to play. Now, if only I'd bought it with four strings, it might still be here... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machines Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 The high output of the G&L is simply resolved by lowering the master volume to about 75%. Not played the MTD bit I know they're solid. Get to Bass Direct and try both . P.s. my L2000 sounds more like a P bass than my P bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 I've had both and also a Kingston Heir. All great Basses but i've still got an L2500. It's my "Get Out Of Jail Free Bass". I reckon the G&L is the most adaptable Bass I have come across and i don't think I will ever sell it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnozzalee Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 If you've played a G&L previously and enjoyed their electronic innovations stick with!! I have and i've just bought my 5th yesterday . I've not had a tribute but the yankie ones were very nice indeed (L2000 & L2500), I had no trouble finding the tones I wanted from Jaco to Jack Bruce. I never worry about build quality with this brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simesf Posted September 26, 2012 Author Share Posted September 26, 2012 Well thanks to one and all for the replies. In the end I plumped for a G&L L2000 tribute which should arrive tomorrow. Family commitments mean that I can't make it down to Bass Direct so I rolled the dice with a brand I'm more familiar with. I have a cheap Yamaha 5 string which I hardly ever use but tbh the B string was messing with my 'the lowest string is an E' mentality. But today, after over 30 years of 6 strings I finally saw the light - big time. I loaded up a few drum loops and just played a few simple bass lines over the top. And an hour later I was still there, improvising & developing the groove, trying out a few novice thumb slaps on the neck, seeing how the melody could alter and morph around the beat, getting ragged fingers (on my right hand? Mad!) and more to the point, connecting with the rhythm and feeling it all in my gut in a way I have never done with a lead guitar. Don't get me wrong; I love my - what do bassists call a lead/rhythm guitar? But lead guitar connects with the bit of me that wants to sing. That bass I'd ignored for so long connected with the bit of me that wants to dance. So, at the weekend the old Yamaha goes back to the person I'd bought it from to help them out with cashflow. But tomorrow the G&L is due to arrive. Tomorrow is going to be a good, good day. Oh; and the time I've spent recently on the Bass Direct website, leering in wonder at the things you all already knew so well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machines Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 Good move. Please post pics when it comes . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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