The single-pickup L-1000 was the first G&L bass, and it bore the unmistakable stamp of its forebears, while raising the stakes. The two-pickup L-2000, otherwise identical to the L-1000, soon followed and quickly became a G&L mainstay. This early example, courtesy of Nigel Paul, predates a change to a headstock design that was less similar to Fender’s classic shape.

This bass is built like a tank, and its no-frills design has a “take no prisoners” look. It almost demands to be played aggressively and has the sound to match. The bridge is massive compared to previous Leo Fender-designed basses. The trussrod system is also different; the necks are cut in half lengthwise and glued together after the trussrod is inserted.

The heart of this bass is the humbucking “Magnetic Field Design” pickup that Leo developed for G&L. Using ceramic bar magnets with adjustable polepieces, the bass produces a dramatically hotter output than many basses, and allows for a large range of natural dynamics via right-hand attack. I found that properly adjusting the L-2000’s pickup height and action, and fine tuning the string-to-string balance, are critical in getting the desired tone to match your playing style.

The electronics are not as simply laid out as one might think: There are volume, treble, and bass EQ knobs, and a 3-way pickup switch, but after that things are a little different. Close to the bridge side is a 3-way preamp switch with passive, active, and active-with-treble-boost settings. The tone controls still work in passive mode, allowing you to convincingly simulate a variety of mellower vintage tones. In active mode, the pickups start to roar, and with the treble boost on, cutting through is not a problem! My favorite feature, however, is the series/parallel switch, which dramatically changes the tone’s character. The series position works especially well for recording, though it is more prone to hum and buzz than in the parallel position, so you sometimes have to find the quiet spot. It also works great onstage as a solo boost or for changing from thumbstyle to fingers.

The G&L L-2000 combined elements of other basses from its creator’s heritage with practical and innovative new features, tough construction, and punchy sound. It’s a tribute to Leo’s brilliance that the L-2000’s design and features remain unchanged some 25 years later.

Dave was honored to be a part of Bass Player LIVE!—all the fans and artists involved were living proof that the “Brotherhood of the Bass” is alive and well. Contact Dave at
www.davepomeroy.com.