Boomer

Thanks BassBunny. Thought about having a neck made, but tbh I may as well sell the M2000 and upgrade to a Stingray or similar. Gonna see what comes out of the woodwork, and persevere with the L2000 neck - I am a relative beginner and play in a band doing 80s covers. I am pretty good but find the width and radius on the L2000 neck stops me hitting octaves and the like accurately. I know practise makes perfect but....

Yep - 21 frets. I will let you know.

Hi all. Anyone got a scooby doo where I can get my hands on a replacement neck for a G&L M2000/M2000 GTS? I have an M2000 GTS with an L2000 neck - its a lovely bass but I am finding the neck profile and width tough. Tried G&L in the US - useless. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Cheers.

One of technique things that is hard to master is damping the strings you are not playing, as you will find them ringing out a lot. I find resting my thumb on the E is great when playing the other 3 as it damps, but you will need to move your thumb onto the top of the pick up when you play the E. Over time you will find you can move your thumb up and down the strings as you pick them, even resting the edge of your thumb against the E, A and D if you are soloing on the G. This really un natural to start with, but practice will get there.

Hi. I started playing properly last November when I bought a secondhand G&L M2000 GTS. I am 53 and have played music on and off for about 35 years, but mainly keyboards/synths. I don't play in a band yet but I am looking for something locally. My advice to a newbie (and I am still one) is play what you enjoy for fun, but always put aside some time to practice, whether its scales or fingering exercises. My little finger on my fretting hand kills me (a bit of arthritis) but it is getting stronger the more I play, and my fingertips are hardening up nicely. When you sit down for a session, its good to do exercises first off, and then reward yourself by rocking out later on. Get a metronome app on your phone, and practice to that, and keep it slow. Better get the technique right straight away. Have some fun breaking down complete songs and working out the bass part from beginning to end, then nailing playing it. I also really recommend SBL. I appreciate some of his mannerisms may seem a bit OTT but I like his approach. I am a Brit as well so maybe I get him, but I find his approach as if he is only talking to me which is nice. His site (once your a member) has loads of interviews and stuff as well, so you can really immerse yourself in all things bass. I tried lessons with a couple of people - I didn't really find they added much to help me, and I didn't warm to them. However I got loads out of attending a Jam Day with about 15 guitarist and 2 other bassists, run by a company that does weekend learning breaks for guitarists. I actually realised I was a lot better than I thought I was, I have great gear and a great sound - that really helped my confidence so I would seek out groups like that. With regards to GAS, I have gone through it a bit. I now have three basses - the G&L and a Sire V7 fretless, plus a TC Electronics rig and Zoom effects. I also have a lightly modded Squier VM Jazz which I use in the house with a Fender Rumble 15 for those moments when I just need a fix. I found my playing improved when I upgraded to the TC rig (I ws using a crate BT50) as I got a far better sound and I was much happier. Everything I have bought I have bought secondhand off Ebay, Gumtree or Facebook, a have probably saved around 40% off new prices for everything I have, with no nasty surprises. I agree - just get on, start playing and enjoy. But don't be afraid to try our new gear, strings, etc, when the time comes, and don't be afraid to buy second hand. Buy well and if you don't like something, you will be able to get what you paid for it (unless Ebay takes all your money). Use these forums for advice, and use your ears to work out whats right for you. Enjoy!

My second hand TC Electronics BH500, BC212 and BC210 partnered with a second hand G&L M2000 GTS. I noticed quite a bit of negativity around the TC Electronics set up, mainly around the "false" watts out put. All I can say is that, with the G&L it sounds fantastic, with the ability to programme in a different setting for my Sire fretless a real boon. I got a great deal on the TC rig, and it is perfect for me.

Hi. Does anyone know of any UK-based residential bass courses? Thanks.

Thanks everyone for your comments and feedback. A mint Squier VM Jazz has come up for £180 so I am going to give it a whirl this weekend.

Thanks Jezzaboy. As a newbie, is it good to have two basses with different size necks? My hands are on the big side of average, and I do like the roomy G&L neck. Or is it a good thing to practise on different necks? Soz for the rookie questions.