I have been playing bass for 33 years now, and I thought that I had settled for the ever so reliable Fender Jazz bass. Having a USA fretted Jazz backed up by a Mexican fretless Jazz I thought I was set up. That was until on a whim I thought I would seek out yet another bass. When I went into Strings guitar Centre, Ryde, Isle of Wight, I found myself faced with a G&L Tribute L2000 bass. Before buying or trying I recalled that G&L rang a bell, and once at home I soon found out that the L was the late great Leo Fender as I had suspected.
I read the spec on the L2000, and to be quite honest I was a little sceptical. OK cards on the table - I do (OK did) not like active basses. The Fender Jazz gave me all the scope I thought that I needed - WRONG!!! Once I tried the L2000 I was blown away. This is a serious bit of kit. It has every tonal variation that any serious bass player could wish for irrespective of whichever amplifier you choose or possess. You want Rickenbacker? It offers more than a 4001 (sorry the modern 4003 isn't in the same league), Fenders? Jazz or Precision - the L2000 can do that, but better and with attitude. Leo didn't lie when he said that the L2000 was the best bass that he had produced.
Hang on a minute we're getting a bit carried away here aren't we? This is a Korean made G&L copy isn't it? NO, NO, NO. Definitely no it is not! Made in Korea it may have stamped on it but it has genuine USA electronics, it was set up at Fullerton USA (and has the best action that I have ever come accross on a bass in 33 years). It is true G&L have NOT compromised their standards in allowing instruments to be assembled in Korea under licence. This Tribute L2000 wipes the floor with my USA Jazz Bass. It givesyou the full spectrum of bass playing capabilities at the flick of a switch:- passive to active; single coil to humbucking; one or the other pick-up in use or both. This bass has it all and more.
In conclusion all I can say is if you are serious about bass playing go out and get a genuine USA L2000, if you can afford it. Failing that get the L2000 tribute - same standard but a bit easier on the pocket