G&L Tribute L-2000 Bass Guitar Review – Evolution Of a Legend

Body And Neck:
Electronics:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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Once Leo Fender left the company where which still bears his name, he co-founded G&L. While this new company didn't get a fraction of exposure Fender did, Leo found a place where he could explore his new designs and implement things in a way he thought was right. Complete freedom of expression he enjoyed in G&L has given us some of the best guitars which he ever worked on. Original L-2000 were designed and launched by Leo in 1980s, and the Tribute L-2000 we are talking about today brings that same timeless design. For that, and many other reasons, we just had to put this model in our top list for the $1000 range.

Body & Neck

Staying true to its origins, G&L Tribute L-2000 comes with a standard J-Bass shaped swamp ash body. In many ways, it looks like a standard Fender bass that is stripped of its finish and pick guard. The neck is a hard rock maple piece with a maple or rosewood fretboard. Neck features a standard medium C profile and is bolted on to the body, but that doesn't really impact the performance that much. Overall, the guitar feels solid and built like a tank. With that said, G&L really hit the balance right, so Tribute L-2000 is very comfortable when played.

Hardware

The hardware of choice for this bass guitar comes in form of Leo Fender's own Saddle-Lock bridge and a set of open back tuning machines. This combination ensures great intonation and loads of sustain while also allowing you to quickly change the strings when necessary. Overall the hardware definitely works well, and looks good too.

Electronics

When Leo Fender designed this bass, he didn't want to create another J or P Bass. He wanted something more. In order to achieve his vision, he chose to outfit the L-2000 with a set of MFD humbuckers. Tribute L-2000 comes with those same pups, which are made in Fullerton, California. The pickups are wired to a G&L Tri-Tone circuit that allows you to select pickups, while it also features a two band EQ to work with. This type of configuration is both practical and unique.

Sound

One of the best things about Tribute L-2000 is its sound. If you are looking for girth, precision and clarity, this is where you can get loads of that. Once you plug this thing into an amp, the sum of all of its components comes together perfectly to bring you a sound you will rarely find elsewhere. There's an abundance of range, especially considering the somewhat unique circuitry. G&L Tribute L-2000 feels at home in every genre of music imaginable, and it also has enough juice to be used in more aggressive styles.

Conclusion

While Fender bass guitars are true classics, G&L is the brand you want to turn to if you're interested in Leo's best work. Tribute L-2000 might not look as fancy as some other basses in this price range, but it is hard to beat when it comes to pure performance. With a very attractive price, everyone looking for a good mid range bass should at have the L-2000 on their short list.

For more info about the G&L Tribute L-2000, click here.
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