On the lookout for a G&L L1000 or L2000. Advice please.

[crashdesk]

Hi. Been a while since I was on here. I gave up bass playing a good few years ago for reasons I can't go into. You were all very helpful the last time I was on here...so, I want to get back into playing again and would love to purchase a G&L L1000 or L2000. They are pretty rare here in the UK and was wondering if I should even go down this avenue as a stingray will get me close to what I want. One thing at the back of my mind is parts, god forbid if something should go wrong electronically. It's hard enough getting the actually bass in the UK never mind sourcing parts. Secondly, has anyone got one for sale? 🙂

 

Many thanks

[80Hz]

Are you thinking USA made or Tribute series? There was a CLF Research L-1000 that came up on Gumtree a few weeks ago which I almost snagged, but dithered for too long and it was gone. So they're out there, but it might need a bit of patience.

 

Not sure on preamps, etc, but replacement pickups can be sourced direct from G&L. I also saw elsewhere on the forum that parts (so presumably also electronics) can be sourced from UK G&L dealers.

[crashdesk]

That's good to know about the parts @80Hz Thank you. I don't know much about differences between USA and Tribute but will investigate. I had read that quality control had decreased in recent years.

[80Hz]

I had a pretty bad experience with a Tribute series ASAT guitar - QC was very poor, and overall it was a bit of a mess. But this was during the Covid era when every company's QC went out the window.

However that hasn't soured me on the brand, and in fact I'm eyeing up a USA G&L as we speak (not an L-1000 or 2000, so we're not in competition 😉).

 

I'd certainly consider another Tribute just on the strength of the bridge hardware + pickups, but I'd want to check it out in person first.

 

Let us know the outcome!

[BassApprentice]

22 minutes ago, crashdesk said:

That's good to know about the parts @80Hz Thank you. I don't know much about differences between USA and Tribute but will investigate. I had read that quality control had decreased in recent years.

I owned an 80s L2000 (which I would love to get back), but they seem really hard to find new in the UK just now. I know GuitarGuitar used to stock them, but after that I don't think they really want to be in the UK market for whatever reason.

[crashdesk]

I had seen this but a little bit out of price range https://bassbros.co.uk/product/1981-gl-l-2000-2/

[80Hz]

Not sure if you're anywhere near Manchester but this guy seems to have basses for sale by the tonne on Gumtree. He has a nice looking Tribute for sale: https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/g-l-tribute-series-l-2000-4-string-bass-guitar-sunburst-stunning-/1490956546

 

The serial number says 2015, well before most of the recent QC shenanigans.

 

Edit: if memory serves the L-1000 I saw was about £900, so you may be able to find a US made in that general price range.

 

Edited Thursday at 14:18 by 80Hz

[crashdesk]

Price-wise I hope you are correct. People seem to charge an arm for these basses.

[80Hz]

Yeah, I think in general the used market is in flux as sellers inflation-adjust their prices upwards, meanwhile there's more and more great used gear around (just maybe not G&Ls 😆)

 

[neepheid]

Scarcity plays a part.  I could probably sell my G&L Tribute LB-100 (or my wunkay) for more than I bought them new, that's the way it is right now because G&L seem to have gone utterly AWOL in the last couple of years as far as the UK market is concerned.

 

[80Hz]

Yeah, Guitar Guitar have very little in stock, no basses; Andertons have some guitars but only one bass at time of writing. Weird.

 

That '81 L-2000 on BassBros is the real deal though - pre lawsuit headstock too. I expect something like that would hold its value well.

[Sean]

I've got a gem of an Tribute L2k up for sale here.

It's got an East preamp, Tusq nut, full Jon Shuker fret job, extra switching functionality and is in fab condition.

 

 

[80Hz]

14 minutes ago, Sean said:

It's got an East preamp, Tusq nut, full Jon Shuker fret job

 

That's a very fair price for something with probably about £300 worth of upgrades and fret TLC. Your JB's a good deal too.

 

I also just noticed this hanging out in for sale - same pickup configuration as an L-2000 - very cool looking bass imo: 

 

[Owen]

I have a 5 string L1000 on sale at BassBross. 

[crashdesk]

2 hours ago, Sean said:

I've got a gem of an Tribute L2k up for sale here.

It's got an East preamp, Tusq nut, full Jon Shuker fret job, extra switching functionality and is in fab condition.

 

 

 

Got a link @Sean? Thanks

[Sean]

52 minutes ago, crashdesk said:

 

Got a link @Sean? Thanks

 

[crashdesk]

Thanks @Sean Looks like an excellent bass.