Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,999

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "G&L L-1000 Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Designed for the discerning bassist, the G&L L-1000 Bass merges vintage flair with modern innovation, delivering a sound and feel that stands the test of time. This iconic instrument, affectionately known as the "wunkay," offers a seamless blend of classic aesthetics and advanced functionality. The L-1000's charm lies in its distinctive features, from the rounded neck shape that ensures a fast, comfortable play, to the meticulously reproduced CLF Research knobs shimmering on a sleek chrome control plate.

At the heart of this bass is the legendary MFD humbucker, capable of producing a punchy, commanding tone that can be unleashed in the infamous OMG mode. This powerhouse pickup is complemented by the modern dual-action truss rod and twin graphite stiffening rods, making the neck more stable and reliable, especially during extended performances. The L-1000's body has been thoughtfully refined to a slimmer, mid-90s L-Series design, providing an ergonomic experience without sacrificing the rich tones that G&L is celebrated for.

The headstock and neck profile pay homage to the original G&L designs, ensuring that each note resonates with a sense of nostalgia while embracing the best of contemporary engineering. Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or captivating audiences on stage, the G&L L-1000 Bass is your passport to a world of musical excellence.

Key Features:

  • MFD humbucker with OMG mode for powerful, versatile tones
  • Dual-action truss rod with twin graphite stiffening rods
  • Classic CLF/G&L headstock and neck profile
  • Chrome control plate with CLF Research knobs
  • Slim mid-90s L-Series body design for comfort and style

Product specs

Brand G&L
Model L-1000
Finish Black
Year 1981
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the G&L L-1000 Bass?

The G&L L-1000 Bass offers a versatile range of tones, from deep, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs, thanks to its MFD humbucker and active preamp system. It's suitable for various genres, including rock, funk, and jazz.

Is the G&L L-1000 Bass suitable for beginner bass players?

While the G&L L-1000 Bass is a high-quality instrument with advanced features, its straightforward design and versatile sound make it accessible for both beginners and experienced players.

How does the G&L L-1000 Bass compare to a Fender Precision Bass?

The G&L L-1000 Bass offers a more modern take with active electronics and a humbucking pickup, providing a wider tonal range compared to the traditional single-coil setup of a Fender Precision Bass.

What is the neck profile like on the G&L L-1000 Bass?

The G&L L-1000 Bass features a comfortable neck profile that balances a vintage feel with modern playability, making it easy to navigate across its 21 frets.

Does the G&L L-1000 Bass have active or passive pickups?

The G&L L-1000 Bass is equipped with active pickups, providing enhanced tonal flexibility and output suitable for various playing styles and environments.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about G&L L-1000 Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The L-2000 model includes a neck pickup that can mimic the L-1000's sound but lacks the OMG or Bass Boost mode, which affects the treble.

    Source
  • The L-1000 model includes a split-coil switch option, distinct from the L-2000/2500 models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The neck of the L-2000 is described as chunky, similar to a P-Bass, which may be uncomfortable for those accustomed to a slimmer Jazz Bass neck.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Running both pickups in series with active EQ and treble boost on the L-2000 can achieve a Wal-style tone reminiscent of Tool.

    Source
  • The 2023 G&L L-1000 in natural swamp ash is noted for its aesthetic appeal, with limited availability in this finish.

    Source
  • The natural wood finish is highly praised, indicating strong aesthetic appeal among users.

    Source
  • TI Flats strings are used on the L-1000, providing a specific tonal quality preferred by one owner.

    Source

User experience

  • A Tribute L-2500 user finds it versatile for a wide range of genres, from classic rock to new wave, adjusting pickup configurations for different styles.

    Source
  • An owner of an '86 L-1000 highlights its massive tone for a passive bass and mentions it feels great to play.

    Source
  • A user with multiple basses regularly rotates between a G&L L-1000, a Momose Custom P-bass, and a Bacchus Jazz, noting the L-1000 as a strong contender for main play.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the elegant CLF headstock design, preferring it over non-CLF versions.

    Source
  • The heavy varnish on the neck of the L-1000 is appreciated by an owner, contributing to a favorable tactile experience.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Original bi-cut necks on older L-1000 models can develop a "ski jump" issue, affecting setup with higher tension strings like La Bella flats.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses G&L L-1000 Bass

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via reverb.com

This bass guitar was sold on Frank Iero’s official Reverb.com shop. Nothing is mentioned in the listing’s description about when/how Frank used it.

See how Mike Dirnt uses G&L L-1000 Bass

Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, we can see Mike playing a G&L L1000 Bass

See how Jay Bentley uses G&L L-1000 Bass

Jay Bentley

Bassist

Bad Religion

...
Verified via Photo

In this post jay can be seen playing a g&l l1000. He states that this bass was bought in 82 after his peavey bass was stolen at a show

See how Dee Murray uses G&L L-1000 Bass

Dee Murray

Bassist

The Spencer Davis Group

...
Verified via Vintageguitarandbass

Can be seen playing this G&L L-1000 bass in a 1981 advertisement for the company.

See how Rafael "Rafa" Martinez uses G&L L-1000 Bass

Rafael "Rafa" Martinez

Guitarist, Bassist

Acid King

...
Verified via Photo

in this post you can see Rafael "Rafa" Martinez is using G&L L-1000 Bass

See how Kevin Blades uses G&L L-1000 Bass

Kevin Blades

Bassist

Lit

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:23, Kevin Baldes can be seen playing red G&L L-1000.

See how Kerry Hatch uses G&L L-1000 Bass

Kerry Hatch

Bassist

Oingo Boingo

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "Private Life" by Oingo Boingo, seen here on YouTube, Kerry Hatch is using a black G&L L-1000 bass guitar with a maple fretboard. Best spotted at 2:03 (overall), 1:57 (close-up), it can be spotted throughout the video after Kerry's initial appearance at 1:05.

J

Jon Sykes

Bassist

The Pineapple Thief

...
Verified via YouTube

At 7:57 in the YouTube video titled "The Pineapple Thief ✪ Nothing But The Truth 2021 | Full Show (4K)," Jon Sykes is seen playing a natural finished G&L L-1000 bass with a maple fretboard, as documented by the source provider, Blondie (On Stage).

S

Steve Gustafson

Bassist

10,000 Maniacs

...
Verified via Photo

Gustafson played a G&L L1000 from roughly 1985-1987/88

See how James Levesque uses G&L L-1000 Bass

James Levesque

Singer, Bassist

Agent Orange

...
Verified via YouTube

Levesque favored playing G&L basses. In the concert video "Agent Orange - Live @ Music Machine, Los Angeles, CA, 11/10/83," James Levesque can be seen using a black G&L L-1000 Bass with a maple fretboard and headstock, and a single pickup at timestamps 3:36, 5:57, and 9:02. This rules out it being a later model like the L-2000 or his Interceptor, which had two pickups and a rosewood fretboard. The video is provided by Fullmetal Archivist on YouTube.

Album Usage

The G&L L-1000 Bass has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use G&L L-1000 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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