G&L debuts Kiloton bass Tribute Series for those on a budget
A new wallet friendly version of the US-built Kiloton
5,0 / 5,0 | 
The new G&L Tribute Series Kiloton bass is an affordable version of the existing Kiloton model that’s made in Fullerton, USA. This new lower priced edition is built in Indonesia, and is G&L’s way of opening up this well-designed bass to those on a smaller budget.
Low cost
Featuring the the same design and hardware of its American-made sibling, this model includes the single G&L Magnetic Field Design humbucker, which obviously plays a big role in the instrument’s signature tone.
The construction is based around a basswood body and a bolt-on medium C profile hard-rock maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. That’s not a million miles away from the US edition of the Kiloton, which uses either alder or swamp ash bodies.
Although it has a bit of a bad reputation (stemming from its use on import guitars during the 1980s), I think it actually makes a great tonewood for guitars. When you see it being used on signature guitars that cost thousands from players like Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai and Guthrie Govan, you know it is actually a really good wood for guitar and bass construction.
MFD
While the MFD (Magnetic Field Design) humbucking pickup is passive and so has no preamp, it does have a three-position series/split/parallel toggle switch, potentially making it sonically versatile, even without the added electronics. Single-pickup bass designs can be a thing of joy and I’m also a fan of passive circuits, as they have a nice, raw feel to them when played through a good amp.
Finish
The G&L Tribute Series Kiloton bass comes in Alpine White with a 3-ply white pickguard and a clear satin neck finish. It’s a simple aesthetic that works for me, so I would be happy to wield one in anger any day of the week. Crucial to the success of this bass, however, will be the pricing, which is currently not yet confirmed.
RRP TBC
G&L Tribute Series Kiloton bass product page
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