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A Modern Take on Leo Fender’s Innovative and Iconic L-1000





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Our Product Research Team





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Although he created some of the most enduring electric guitar and bass designs of all time, Leo Fender was never one to rest on his laurels. He was driven to innovate, and, for that reason, he launched the CLF Research company in the late 1970s to explore new designs and develop new technologies. One of the first instruments to emerge from the CLF Research laboratory was the L-1000 electric bass. Affectionally referred to as the “wunkay” bass, the L-1000 included cutting-edge features like G&L’s Magnetic Field Design humbucking pickups and Saddle-Lock bridge. With three selectable pickup configurations (parallel, split-coil, and OMG mode), the L-1000 presented players with a level of flexibility that went well beyond what was available at the time. The G&L CLF Research L-1000 S750 5-string Bass keeps everything that made those early “wunkays” so exceptional and adds some modern updates, such as a dual-action truss rod and twin graphite stiffening rods. And the L-1000 5-string also features a 19mm string spacing that lets players who like to slap and pluck get a more responsive, open response from the strings ? a feature the many bassists here at Sweetwater really appreciate.





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Classic looks and exceptional feels





Pointing to G&L’s history of innovation, the CLF Research L-1000 5-string combines the stunning chrome hardware, slim rounded neck, and original headstock shape of early 1980’s L-1000s, with G&L’s comfortable, lightweight 1990’s body style. It represents the best of what players expect from an L-1000, with a classic look and feel that has a surprisingly contemporary edge. When you step on stage with the CLF Research L-1000 slung around your shoulders, don’t be surprised if all eyes are on you!





Magnetic Field Design pickup brings the thunder





The CLF Research L-1000 owes much of its bone-rattling tone to its single Magnetic Field Design humbucker. Unique to G&L, Magnetic Field Design pickups are built around a ceramic bar magnet laid under each coil, and they feature individually adjustable pole pieces to give you complete control over your tone. Their inherent sound is warm and deep, with punchy high mids and an open top end. And, with double the output per wind over standard designs, Magnetic Field Design pickups bring the thunder.





Three pickup modes for incredible tonal flexibility





G&L strives to give players unparalleled flexibility when shaping their tone, and the CLF Research L-1000 doesn’t disappoint on this front. On the face of it, the CLF Research L-1000 has a straightforward three knob configuration: volume, treble, and bass. However, a discrete three-way mini-toggle switch unlocks incredible possibilities, allowing you to switch between parallel, split-coil, and OMG modes. The latter of which is exclusive to G&L basses and uses a passive circuit to reduce the bass’s treble response and call up some ultra-fat low end.





Saddle-Lock bridge increases resonance and sustain





Another G&L innovation has found its way into the CLF Research L-1000 ? the G&L Saddle-Lock bridge. The Saddle-Lock bridge reduces the lateral movement of the saddle pieces by tightening an Allen screw on the side of the bridge. Additionally, the Saddle-Lock bridge has a solid protrusion on its backside that is sunk firmly into the instrument’s body wood. Together, these two features make it easier for string energy to travel into the body and translate into a rich, resonant, and sustaining sound.





G&L CLF Research L-1000 5-string Electric Bass Guitar Features:


Combines the best elements of 1980s and 1990s L-1000s


Modern dual-truss rod and twin graphite stiffening rods increase stability


Slim, rounded neck with gloss-finish


Magnetic Field Design humbucking pickup delivers bone-rattling tone


Pickup pole pieces are independently adjustable to customize your sound


3 pickup modes: parallel, split-coil, and OMG


Saddle-Lock bridge improves resonance and sustain