G&L CLF L-2500 5-String Bass Natural

From G&L's CLF Research line, the L-2500 is the return of a legend, beefed up with modern tech. CLF Research was the company that (Clarence) Leo Fender created to kick start his projects, and that would eventually turn into the G&L guitars. To honor these historic beginnings, the CLF Research L-2500 features the original '80 control plate, early head stock, 'Med C' neck profile and thin gloss urethane finish. These guitars are not built to order, and will be released in small batches. Don't miss your chance to relive G&L history.

This USA-made G&L L-2500 Bass features:

• Swamp Ash body, Natural finish, 9.4 pounds
• CLF Research 'Med C' profile (1-3/4" width at the nut), 9.5" radius
• Graphite rod reinforced neck
• .820" depth at first fret, .940" depth at 12th fret
• Vintage gloss finish maple neck
• '80 Control plate with black, white and red switch tip
• (2) Single G&L Magnetic Field Design (MFD) Humbucker pickups
• Volume, Treble and Bass controls
• Passive, Active, or Active with upper EQ boost, activated by lower mini-toggle
• Series/Parallel pickup mode (middle mini toggle)
• Three position pickup selector (upper toggle)
• Hefty Saddle Lock Bridge (a locking saddle screw on right side of bridge clamps the saddles together for better sustain)
• Lightweight Aluminum tuning pegs for better instrument balance
• Great playability courtesy of the G&L non-compression truss rod and Plek® laser-guided fret finishing
• G&G hardshell tolex case         

The CLF Research L-2500 is a really cool concept that offers a window to G&L's past without compromising modern day build consistency. G&L still operates in the same buildings that spanned the majority of Leo's prolific career. His office remains the same as the day he left, and making 15-20 guitars a day, the factory is no cookie-cutter operation. The G&L family is committed to Leo's legacy, and they continue to impress us more every year.

We dig the look of the big chrome knobs and control plate, but what we like even more is how they work. Right off the bat you'll notice that the active/passive treble and bass controls "do something" as soon as you turn them, and provide excellent tone shaping regardless of pickup setting. A look inside the control plate shows neatly done hand wiring, full size pots, good quality film capacitors and a world class active preamp.

While the gaggle of switches and knobs may appear daunting at first, but the learning curve with the L-2500 is pretty quick. The MFD pickups provide a open, balanced frequency response that is easily shaped by the volume, bass and treble controls. In the active mode these controls provide true frequency boost and cut. In passive mode they work much like G&L's passive treble and bass controls on their Legacy guitar series. The three position pickup selector allows quick access to sounds that sonically mimic a three position switch on a regular 6-string (neck, both, and bridge). Then neck is mellow with a round full bass, the bridge has a good bit of twang and treble response, and the combination is still warm but with more definition and string separation (very similar to a Jazz Bass). The series parallel switch shifts the overall character from a leaner JB-ish tone in parallel mode to a fuller mid-rich palette in series mode. Players who like to slap or really attack the strings will  like the parallel mode, while those who prefer to lay down a big bottom end may opt for the series mode.

Lastly, all of the above options are available in passive mode, active mode, or active with a high end EQ boost. The difference between active and passive is not dramatic, but active mode is a little crisper with a slightly quicker attack and more responsive tone controls. Neither is "better" and I found it was easy to dial in great sounds with either.  More than anything else the selection of active or passive may come down to what type of amplifier you are using. Plus if you find yourself with a dead battery, it's good to have the passive fallback.

The G&L L-series bass guitars have stood the test of time, and are still one of G&L's most popular bass guitars. With outstanding flexibility, great controls, and G&L's wide ranging MFD pickups, the G&L CLF Research L-2500 is perfect for studio players, performers, and those who enjoy a professional level bass with a wide range of tones.

We are an authorized G&L Premier dealer located in Bellingham, Massachusetts, and this is a new guitar with all tags, tools, paperwork and certificates. We have over 40 G&L’s in stock at all times, and please feel free to browse our other listings, or contact us for information on a custom order.