The C.L.F. Centennial L-2000 begins with a comfortable quarter-sawn slim “C” shape neck profile based on the G&L #8, a popular custom option on L-2000s for more than two decades, for its fast, easy playability. The body features the sleek and comfortable silhouette of the contemporary L-2000, while bringing back the body-hugging slim depth of the early versions. The electronics of the Centennial L-2000 also bridge the decades between Leo’s first production bass to feature active pre-amplification and today’s L-2000. The heart of every L-2000 has always been the MFD (Magnetic Field Design) humbucking pickups, and those in the Centennial L-2000 are carefully hand-wound by long-time employee Maria Isela Ramos in the early G&L tradition, using NOS 42 gauge plain enamel wire. While these pickups recall those of Leo’s time, they are mated to a contemporary L-2000 preamp circuit for lower noise.
An authentic black wrinkle powder-coated bridge plate embraces the vintage G&L aesthetic, as does the matching finish on a 6061/T6 cold-rolled aluminum control cavity cover. Though rarely fitted to L-2000s of the Leo’s time, NOS black matte finish G&L/Schaller tuning machines grace the Centennial L-2000 for a more unified appearance. These thoughtful details are brought together with contemporary G&L features, including a non-compression truss rod and the unparalleled playability of PLEK fret dressing, demonstrating the measure of G&L’s progress and standing as testament to the enduring appeal of Leo’s final designs and his company on Fender Avenue that continues to produce them today.
The C.L.F. Centennial L-2000 wouldn’t be complete without a tribute from Phyllis Fender. Leo and Me (My Eleven Years With The Guitar Man) is an autographed memorial album sharing over fifty pages of full-color photos from the Fender’s personal photo albums, each selected, arranged, captioned by Phyllis herself. Leo and Me reflects the warmth, honesty and good humor that characterized the Fenders’ relationship, as well as reveals a side of Leo that the public has never known – until now... |
