Back to navigation


Contemporary Update of a Leo Fender Classic





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





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 early instruments to emerge from the CLF Research laboratory was the L-2000 electric bass. A dual-humbucker version of the L-1000 bass, the L-2000 included cutting-edge features like G&L’s Magnetic Field Design humbucking pickups, Saddle Lock bridge, and Tri-Tone control system. The G&L CLF Research L-2000 keeps everything that made the originals so sought after, such as the early CLF headstock and slim, rounded neck, but it adds some modern updates, including a dual-action truss rod and twin graphite stiffening rods. Bassists at Sweetwater love the look and feel of the G&L CLF Research L-2000, a stunning re-creation of an iconic bass that was far ahead of its time.





Related Videos: CLF Research L-2000 Bass Guitar - Purpleburst


Classic looks and exceptional feel





Pointing to G&L’s history of innovation, the CLF Research L-2000 combines the stunning chrome hardware, slim rounded neck, and original headstock shape of early 1980’s L-2000s, with G&L’s comfortable, lightweight 1990’s body style. It represents the best of what players expect from an L-2000, with a classic look and feel that has a surprisingly contemporary edge. When you step on stage with the CLF Research L-2000 slung around your shoulders, don’t be surprised if all eyes are on you!





Serial CLF2404095


Serial CLF2404095


Magnetic Field Design pickups bring the thunder





The CLF Research L-2000 owes much of its bone-rattling tone to its two Magnetic Field Design humbuckers. 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.





Tri-Tone control system offers boundless tone





Because G&L knows players can’t get enough when it comes to toneshaping, they outfitted the CLF Research L-2000 with the versatile Tri-Tone control system. Created for ultimate flexibility, the Tri-Tone system offers nearly limitless tone control options, with mini-toggle switches for selecting a pickup, switchable signal routing options, passive and active modes, and high-quality pots for volume, treble, and bass. No matter your genre or style, the CLF Research L-2000 has your tone!





Serial CLF2404095


Serial CLF2404095


Saddle Lock bridge increases resonance and sustain





Another G&L innovation has found its way into the CLF Research L-2000 ? 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-2000 Electric Bass Guitar Features:


Contemporary take on a classic Leo Fender design


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


Slim, rounded neck with a gloss finish


Magnetic Field Design humbucking pickups deliver bone-rattling tone


Pickup pole pieces are independently adjustable to customize your sound


Versatile Tri-Tone control system offers a vast range of tone-shaping options


Saddle Lock bridge improves resonance and sustain