G&L 2500 Tribute vs Sandberg VM5

[SweepsMT]

narrowed my choices down to these 2 basses.

Not sure which one to get. I'm after a punchy tone (sort of like a p-bass/music man).

I Could get the 2500 soon or i could save and get a VM5.

I can't find enough videos or sound clips of both to make my mind up (especially ones using a pick, I come across too much slapping )

Thanks

[dannybuoy]

Do you live within driving distance of Bass Direct? Your best bet witted be to head there and try both out! There may be other shops that stock both basses, maybe the Gallery?

[SweepsMT]

i live inbetween norwich and cambridge. and i don't own a car :/

might pop into supatone in norwich to try out a G&L soon and maybe some music man basses.

[goblin]

For something MusicMan sounding, I'd go for the G&L. However, if you can get your hands on one (Bass Gallery have one for £1100), get a proper USA made G&L, they're so much better than the Tribute models. The Tributes aren't bad, don't get me wrong, but it seems a bit odd to jump in too soon on the G&L if you're prepared to save for the Sandberg... why not save up for the G&L?

I'd let you have a go on mine, but I'm too far away from you!

[JapanAxe]

[quote name='SweepsMT' timestamp='1390671981' post='2348214']
narrowed my choices down to these 2 basses.

Not sure which one to get. I'm after a punchy tone (sort of like a p-bass/music man).

I Could get the 2500 soon or i could save and get a VM5.

I can't find enough videos or sound clips of both to make my mind up (especially ones using a pick, I come across too much slapping )

Thanks
[/quote]
[quote name='goblin' timestamp='1390698059' post='2348485']
For something MusicMan sounding, I'd go for the G&L. However, if you can get your hands on one (Bass Gallery have one for £1100), get a proper USA made G&L, they're so much better than the Tribute models. The Tributes aren't bad, don't get me wrong, but it seems a bit odd to jump in too soon on the G&L if you're prepared to save for the Sandberg... why not save up for the G&L?

I'd let you have a go on mine, but I'm too far away from you!
[/quote]

I've tried that G&L in the Bass Gallery and it was great, though in the end I went for the single-pickup L1505 next to it. I have owned a Tribute L2000 and the pots wore out in no time and had to be replaced. I also have a Sandberg VM4 which I love, but have never tried the 5 version.

Buy cheap, buy twice; and buy used if you can, you'll get more for your money.

[neepheid]

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1390700527' post='2348496']
I have owned a Tribute L2000 and the pots wore out in no time and had to be replaced.
[/quote]

For balance's sake, I'd like to point out that the only pot I've ever had fail on me in a G&L was in a USA made El Toro. It was broken when I got the bass. Bust track so magic spray didn't help. Of course it was the tricky to find 1MOhm reverse log pot.

Both my Tribute L-2000 and M-2000 are doing great.

Buy cheap - buy twice - get two basses

[grayn]

I was talking to a dealer recently, who stocks US and Tribute G&Ls and he reckoned the US models are no more than 10% better, than the Tributes. I'd just bought a US Musicman, so he wasn't trying to sell me a Tribute.
Sandbergs are great basses and they do a cheaper range too.
I don't agree with the buy cheap buy twice comment. I've bought from all price ranges and there are some amazing "cheap" basses around, these days.

[goblin]

Having played both, I have to disagree I'm afraid. The fit and finish on the Tribute I looked at was far less superior. It didn't balance desperately well either, and the feel of the neck was truly terrible. I wouldn't have paid anywhere near what I paid for my USA model for it.