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Average Price: $1,873

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Unveiled in 1980 by the legendary Leo Fender, the G&L L2000 Bass has proven its worth as an instrument of rich versatility and unique tonal range. This iconic bass has consistently charmed a diverse group of musicians, from hard-hitting rockers to smooth jazz artists, with its ability to adapt to any musical situation.

At the heart of the L2000, you'll find a pair of G&L Magnetic Field Design humbuckers supported by the dynamic Tri-Tone control system. This complex system offers a myriad of tone options through its pickup selection, series/parallel signal routing, and active/passive operation toggles, along with volume, treble, and bass knobs. This intricate design ensures that no matter what style you play, the L2000 will rise to the occasion.

Adding to its impressive features, the L2000 also sports the innovative Saddle-Lock bridge, a brainchild of Leo Fender himself. This design allows for the direct transfer of string energy into the body's end-grain, resulting in a bass that doesn't just play notes - it resonates with them.

The G&L L2000 Bass is a true tribute to Leo's groundbreaking bass design, offering all the magic at a cost that's accessible to every passionate musician out there. Experience it once, and you'll never want to go back.

Key Features:

  • Pair of G&L Magnetic Field Design humbuckers
  • Versatile Tri-Tone control system
  • Selection toggles for pickup, series/parallel signal routing, and active/passive operation
  • Volume, treble, and bass controls
  • Leo Fender-designed Saddle-Lock bridge
  • Brazilian Cherry Fingerboard

Product specs

Brand G&L
Model L-2000
Finish Common Finish, Sunburst
Year 1980 - 2014
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Natural, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the G&L L2000 Bass suitable for?

The G&L L2000 Bass is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of genres including rock, funk, jazz, and blues, thanks to its active pickups and preamp which provide a broad tonal palette.

How do the active pickups on the G&L L2000 Bass affect its sound?

The active pickups on the G&L L2000 Bass offer a powerful and dynamic sound, with increased output and clarity, making it ideal for cutting through a mix in live performances or recordings.

What is the neck profile of the G&L L2000 Bass?

The G&L L2000 Bass features a comfortable neck profile that is easy to play, providing smooth access across all 21 frets, suitable for both beginners and experienced bassists.

Does the G&L L2000 Bass have a passive mode?

Yes, the G&L L2000 Bass can switch between active and passive modes, allowing players to choose between a more traditional bass sound and the enhanced tonal options provided by the active electronics.

What is the pickup configuration of the G&L L2000 Bass?

The G&L L2000 Bass has a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a thick, full sound with reduced noise, ideal for both powerful low-end and articulate highs.

Is the G&L L2000 Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the G&L L2000 Bass is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build, versatile sound options, and active electronics, ensuring it can handle a variety of performance settings.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Leo Fender's Most Modern Bass Design? - G&L L1000 & L2000 Basses

Video thumbnail for Leo Fender's Most Modern Bass Design? - G&L L1000 & L2000 Basses by Andertons Music Co

Leo Fender's Most Modern Bass Design? - G&L L1000 & L2000 Basses

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally versatile with a wide range of tonal customizability

  • High-quality American craftsmanship offers superior build and sound

  • Intuitive controls for easy navigation of sound settings

  • Active electronics provide loud, punchy, and noise-free performance

  • Consistently stays in tune, reliable for long sessions

  • Competes with and often surpasses other high-end brands like Fender

  • Active/passive switch adds flexibility for different playing styles

  • Handles various string types from flatwounds to stainless steel rounds

  • Designed by Leo Fender, ensuring classic design and innovation

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about G&L L2000 Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The L2000 offers significant tonal flexibility, allowing users to switch between series and parallel pickup settings, with active and passive modes affecting output and clarity.

    Source
  • MFD pickups are highly sensitive to string distance, delivering intense tones when close and dark, punchy sounds when further away.

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  • The American and Tribute versions differ mainly in body wood, tuners, bridge style, and inclusion of a case, with electronics remaining consistent.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A user found the need to replace factory-installed right-handed pots (for a left-handed player) due to them behaving as on/off switches, limiting tonal control.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners describe the neck as resembling a "baseball bat," which may not suit players used to slimmer neck profiles, but others find it comfortable for 70s to 90s music.

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  • Some users find the bass heavy, and others note close string spacing may not suit all playing styles.

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  • One owner praised the L2000's ability to maintain a great sound in live settings, with frequent positive feedback from audiences.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The L2000 excels in cutting through the mix in metal music when utilizing specific switch settings, according to user feedback.

    Source
  • Users find the L2000 ideal for transforming into a faux-Wal bass by upgrading the preamp to the Lusithand filter.

    Source

Build quality

  • While generally praised, one user experienced a need for a neck shim and rewiring due to factory-installed components not meeting their left-handed specifications.

    Source
  • Rosewood fretboards on natural finish models are reported to be less common compared to maple, offering a unique aesthetic choice.

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  • The bridge on the L2000 is notably massive, contributing to its stability and sustain.

    Source

Other

  • Owners recommend TI Jazz Flats and Cobalt Flats for a balanced and powerful tone, with the latter being favored for a pick-style play.

    Source

Comparisons

  • G&L L2000's neck pickup placement mirrors a P bass, while the bridge pickup aligns closely with the '60s and '70s Jazz bass positions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Consider a used MIA G&L for savings; they tend to be more affordable due to lacking a "big F" on the headstock.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hands-On Review: G&L L-2000 & L-2500 Basses - The Hub

musiciansfriend.com

The G&L L-2000 bass shines with its remarkable craftsmanship and versatility. The American-made model is praised for its solid build, elegant aesthetics, and a wide tonal range courtesy of its advanced electronics. The Tribute version offers much of the same quality and functionality at a more affordable price point, maintaining high standards with its American-made electronics and hardware. While the bass is heavier, its balance compensates for this, ensuring comfort during play. The only minor critique is a heel that could be more streamlined. Overall, the review is largely positive, emphasizing the L-2000's ability to blend classic design with modern features, making it a worthy instrument for both professional and budget-conscious musicians.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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andy_b

Best bass I've ever owned & played; a versatile powerhouse of an instrument!

In 2008 my curiosity led me to trying out a G&L Tribute L-2000 bass. I was so blown away by its sound that I soon wound up: 1. placing an order for a USA-made G&L L-2000, and 2: selling my American Deluxe Fender Jazz bass. Don't get me wrong, Fender basses are great tried, tested, and true basses, but, to me, G&L basses exist on a higher tier altogether.

From Gear Setup
jason_jump

Leo Fender's last great design!

The versatility and the possible tones from this bass is fantastic. The switches and knobs are intuitive and the pickups are loud, punchy, and full without any noise. This bass is my go-to when I need that midrange bridge pickup bite that a P-Bass doesn't have.

gamb

10/10

Versatile as all hell. Originally got it as a cheaper alternative to a Wal bass. Has handled every string I've put on it from flatwounds to stainless steel rounds

Roles:
nick_vidal

G&L's Flagship Instrument - Bassus Versitalitus

Arguably one of the most versatile bass instruments of its kind, the L2000 is capable of providing a stunningly wide variety of tonal customizability at an affordable price. Handcrafted in the USA and available in either basswood or swamp ash, the L2000 comes equipped with two active humbucking pickups controlled by a three way pickup selector switch, bass and treble boost controls, active/passive switch, as well as a series/parallel selector. Designed by Leo Fender himself, these guitars are a must have for any bassist seeking the ultimate in sleekness, playability and seemingly endless tonal variety.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Audrey Zoe Whitesides uses G&L L2000 Bass

Audrey Zoe Whitesides

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Audrey Zoe Whitesides was seen playing a G&L L2000 Bass at the Hopscotch Festival, as captured in a photo shared on Instagram by audreyotherway.

C

Craig Montoya

Bassist

Everclear

...
Verified via Photo

Craig Montoya has confirmed his use of G&L L2000 basses in an Instagram post, where he stated, "I have several of these and love them."

J

Jakob Smári

Bassist

Tappi Tíkarrass

...
Verified via Photo

Jakob Smári playing his G&L L-2000 bass on stage on September 3, 2011.

See how Vito Sanfilippo uses G&L L2000 Bass

Vito Sanfilippo

Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

From Cleveland Ohio, Vito San Filippo was the bassist/vocalist for Tower of Power from 1978-1984. He also played bass on albums by Joe Cocker among other artists. He was an endorser and player of G&L's L-2000 bass in the early 1980's.

See how Dylan Wilson uses G&L L2000 Bass

Dylan Wilson

Bassist

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Verified via Photo

Dylan Wilson is currently on a US/European tour with Richie Kotzen and has also has toured, recorded and made TV appearances with a wide range of musical acts including such artists as John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson), Phil X (Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper), 16Frames, Save Ferris, Anahi (RBD), Steve Soto (Agent Orange, The Adolescents), and many others.

Dylan is seen in this photo demo-ing a G&L CLF Research L-2000 bass.

See how Samuli Haataja uses G&L L2000 Bass

Samuli Haataja

Bassist

The Crash

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot him with a white L2000 bass

See how Jean Etienne Maillard uses G&L L2000 Bass

Jean Etienne Maillard

Singer, Guitarist

Klone

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Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Jean-Etienne Maillard - Bassiste Magazine #59" by Bassiste Magazine, Jean-Etienne Maillard is seen playing a G&L L-2000 bass.

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 L2000 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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1 alternative for G&L L2000 Bass, curated by the Equipboard community.

G&L Tribute L2000

$899.00 - $959.00

cheaper alternative

They are pretty much the same. The tribute is made in indonesia instead of USA, but has the US electronics aswell. The "only" difference is the wood.

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