countjodius

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1283978' date='Jun 27 2011, 12:39 PM']Sounds like an earthing issue that could be easily rectified by a good guitar tech.

As for the oily marks, I have no personal experience with this particular model's finish but I have noticed a similar thing with basses that I've finished matt/satin myself - I don't think they are fobbing you off.[/quote]

Well it seems it was just a bad apple- I picked a cracking Blueburst L2000 Tribute from my local guitar shop after getting a refund from the European online store, and what a difference! It feels so much better quality in every way to the previous one- almost as if that one was some sort of prototype with out even the frets being properly dressed! See, it's worth paying that wee bit more to come away with the instrument you've actually played, and the knowledge that you can just head down the road for any after sales issues!

Cheers

J

Hi folks!

I recently bought a new G&L L2000 Tribute from a European website, and within a week I noticed a few problems. First of all there was a shielding/earthing issue as loud buzz would emit whenever I touched the metal hardware (even when playing in locations with no chance of electrical interference). Also, any contact with the hardware would be amplified through the pickups/amp, suggesting they were microphonic!

Another issue was with the Walnut finish. The bass body became marked or "glossy" in areas where played with my right hand- check out the photo! You can see the marks around the pickups, and the volume control on the left. I play only finger style & without excessive force, so I was surprised that it showed such signs of wear in only a week and a half of use!

I was wondering if anyone else has had such experiences with their G&Ls, or does this just sound like a bad apple? From everything I have read of these basses, they seemed like really good quality! The shop has said they can replace the bass that I sent back, but has said that the problem with the finish will happen anyway with the Walnut option(?)! I noticed that other finishes like Blueburst & Black seem to be more glossy than the "matte", so thought these might be a safer option! The other alternative (and perhaps easier!) is to simply get a refund!

Any advice and experiences would be greatly appreciated before I decide!

Thanks!

J

*EDIT: Maybe I should have posted this in the "Bass Guitars" section, can a Mod please move if possible, thanks!*

Some great ideas- I'll give them a try!

Thanks for the replies.

Don't know why I never though of soloing each pick up- right enough the neck pup seems to be the offender, even though it is set pretty low! Some insulating tape over the pups did help a bit, thankfully they're not microphonic.

So would I be looking at getting some closed pickup covers to solve this (as fetching as the insulating tape is )? Do these affect the tone at all?

Hey all,

I wonder if anyone could shed some light on a problem that has surfaced with my beloved 73 jazz!

It's hard to describe, but when slapping the E string I'm getting this really loud "clunk" (not all of the time, only when I dig in a lot) and have no idea what could be causing it! It doesn't cause a volume clip when recording, just a really abrasive thump. The only thing I can think of is that the string might be impacting with the pickups or something, although they are not set particularly high. I wouldn't want to mess about with the pup height either as the fingerstyle tone/output is spot on! It's definitely not a technique issue either, and has only surfaced in the last month or so!

I've attached a wee sound clip so you can hear what I mean- notice how it is only the more rigorous slaps that cause this to happen!

Thanks for any info!

Cool thanks for the advice, I'll keep my eye on the classified section. I've read a lot about matched pairs, but it sounds like it's possible to use different pickups arrangements? That'll def open up my options, but also means there's even more for me to get my head around! lol

Yeah the IGB is a really nice bass, and the sound is not bad at all, just lacks *something* that I'm hoping new pups might resolve!

Any more advice?

Hi folks,

I've recently decided to upgrade my Aria Pro 2 IGB 65c with some new pickups, but really don't know where to start! I like the feel of the bass but the tone has always felt a bit flat to me, and I'm looking for something with more of the growl I'm used to with my '73 Jazz.

The pickups are PJ style and the stock are Duncan Designed which I understand to be Seymour Duncan's budget line. I was wondering if any of you tech gurus could recommend me particular models, with info on their tonal characteristics? I dig in a lot when I play and am also looking for pickups that sound good for slapping as I feel this is mainly where the stock pickups let the sound down!

Thanks for any advice you can give!

I'd highly recommend Mono cases. I've been using one since last summer and it barely has a scratch on it despite using it daily & throwing it on all manners of public transport! It's light too which is important as my bass is as heavy as they come, plus can't argue with a 3 yr warranty!