G&L CLF Research L-1000 - Natural Ash Review

Stunning in every sense

I like this bass more each hour of every day. I strung it up with TI flats and the tonal range is simply divine. The single coil mode with these strings is the best bass tone I've ever heard. The look of the bass itself in natural finish is absolutely beautiful. I could never part with this bass now.

---

Cancel Comment

The last bass

Like the title says, unless it gets broken or stolen I am not going to have to audition another bass ever. I just knew the sound I wanted in my head and nothing was producing it for me. I bought this blind from Sweetwater because they basically had the only one on the planet for sale. DEMO!! I played a borrowed G&L 20 years ago. It was a sticker encrusted floor mop, so I did not… read more get to hear its full niceness back then. I had been dealing with a lot of warping on the neck of a Peavey bass. Apparently the carbon fiber rods in the L-1000 should fend off the warps. The case is very nice, but some of the corner hardware sticks out, seems like an after thought. I would have made it more tight and sleek. I expect to damage those quickly. If I could buy it without a case and just get a road case I might have gone that option. Don't get me wrong it's a nice case. I just think it might get banged up pretty quick. Oh my god, this bass is shinny. Yikes. It is gorgeous, almost too shinny. All that wood is carved out just right. I know its heavy, but it feels light. The cut outs and balance is better than good. I pulled some John Entwistle finger plucking without even trying. I never play like that. For slapping, wonderful, I hit as hard as I could, just to see when it bottoms out. It took it all very well, thumb hit the pick up, not a good sound. I just wont do that again. It really shines with a pick also, it makes a good percussive click. Some basses have too many options. It is confusing, just more stuff to break eventually, and then it costs more. This L-1000 has 3-5 sounds, all of which are useable and better than most. Remember all the instruments with options that are awful and you never used, but still had to pay for. 3 knobs with easy to recall groove on the crown. One less pick-up equals more tonewood. That single pick-up is in the perfect place. The neck is fast, stays in tune, it just sounds so good and easy to hear. It compliments other instruments so well. It sounds like a box of donuts. Really good donuts. The Bad: FedEX. Most of my order arrived in a few days. That bass just was off the map. Right when I was discussing a refund or another options Matt South and team got on it and then the package showed up almost 2 weeks later. If it matters, I didn't have it for a recording session, pay for the extra shipping. I have my final bass.

---

Cancel Comment

My Desert Island Instrument

Full disclosure: I didn't buy this bass form Sweetwater. I purchased my L-1000 brand new in 1985. I have owned dozens of basses all purchased in or near their heydays. I've owned Fenders, Ricks, and a beautiful Music Man all from the '70s. I've had Gibsons, Guilds, a sweet old Silvertone, Jacksons and a custom made fretless made by a local luthier. They've all had their strengths… read more and weaknesses, but NONE of them can touch my L-1000. It is the single best instrument I have ever owned. It plays like a dream, is broken in beautifully, and the range of tones that single pickup produces is stunning; from bowel-loosening thunderous lows to a snap and growl reminiscent of my Rick. When I hit upon hard financial times in the late 90s I was forced to sell all of the equipment in my recording studio and every guitar, bass and amp I owned. The only thing I didn't sell was my G&L. It was a good decision. If you're considering purchasing this bass, don't hesitate. These are more than instruments. They are heirlooms, fine instruments to be treasured for generations. I've told my son when he inherits my equipment, he must NEVER sell the G&L.

---

Cancel Comment