G&L CLF Research L-1000 Bass Blue Burst with case

From G&L's alter ego -- CLF Research -- is one of the instruments that got it all started at G&L: The L-1000. 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-1000 features the original '80 control plate, early head stock, 'Slim C' neck profile and thin gloss urethane finish. These guitars are not built to order, and are available in limited colors and woods. As always photo is of the actual guitar.

This USA-made G&L L-1000 Bass features:

• Swamp Ash body, Blue Burst, 8.6 pounds
• CLF Research 'Slim C' profile (1-5/8" width at the nut), 9.5" radius
• Graphite rod reinforced hard rock maple neck
• .800" depth at first fret, .900" depth at 12th fret
• Vintage gloss tint urethane neck
• '80 Control plate with red switch tip
• G&L Heritage Magnetic Field Design (MFD) Humbucker pickup
• Volume and passive Treble and Bass controls
• Three position pickup selector - Parallel, Split and OMG mode (bass boost)
• Massive patented Saddle Lock Bridge (a locking saddle screw clamps the saddles together for better sustain)
• Lightweight Aluminum tuning pegs for better instrument balance
• Deluxe hardshell tolex case

The CLF Research L-1000 concept 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.

The neck profile on the L-1000 is Leo's original 'Slim C' bass profile. It has the 1-5/8" nut, a moderately curvy 9.5" radius, and a very gentle taper as you move up the neck. While we gravitate towards the JB style 1.5" nut, the slim profile and 9.5" radius makes the difference minimal. The vintage gloss tint is attractive -- not sticky feeling -- and while satin has become the norm with most G&L's, the gloss finish reflects the aesthetic of the times.

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 passive treble and bass controls are very effective tone shapers regardless of pickup setting. A look inside the control plate shows neatly done hand wiring, full size pots, and good quality film capacitors.

And those pickup settings are very interesting indeed, and different than G&L's other other passive humbucker sibling the Kiloton. In the parallel mode there is a pleasant midrange thickness with a smooth top end that takes any metallic edge off what is otherwise exceptional clarity. It does not have the thump and growl of the L-2000 or Kiloton, but frankly we prefer it. It's a great setting to use with a pick when you want a clear tone and crisp articulation without a bunch of pick noise.

The single coil (middle) mode ups the top end response and leans out the middle. It's a classic JB tone with distinct note separation, and great sensitivity to playing dynamics. It's a primo setting for slap players, or if you just like to use your fingers. Adding a touch of high end roll-off creates a bright-but-silky tone that cuts without being harsh.

The single coil with boost ("OMG" mode) uses a low pass filter to emphasize the bass frequencies. It adds quite a bit of thump to go with the bright top end of the single coil mode. It was really something through our 4x10, and taking a touch off with the passive bass control was just right. It bears repeating that the passive controls on this bass are really good, and wide open is not always the hot ticket.

We did not know what to expect of the L-1000, and cynics might assume it's just a re-package of an existing model; or as they say in the automotive world, "badge engineering". However, the CLF L-1000 really floored us with its clarity, sense of openness, and highly flexible control package. It's not "half" an L-2000, and while it lacks the humbucker grunt of the Kiloton, it's more expressive and nuanced.

The CLF Research L-1000 is a great addition to G&L's already broad array of bass guitar models. If this is history repeating itself, we're all for it.