I have a friend (it's not me, I promise!) who owns a natural ash/rosewood LB-100. He plays rock/folk-rock gigs in NYC with this bass and is a bit disappointed with the sound. No, he's a lot disappointed with the sound. His friend let him borrow his '80s P-bass and he's really digging it--far more "rock" than the LB. So here's the big question: should he trade the LB-100 for another bass (a Geddy Lee Jazz :eek: ), or simply install different pickups? If the latter, any recommendations? I'm leaning toward the Rio Grande Muy Grande set.

If he likes the playability of the Fender better than the LB-100, then he might as well just get a Fender. If he likes everything about the LB-100 except the tone, then he might think about replacing the stock pickup with an MFD P-pickup (like in the SB-1 and SB-2). That'll give him all the "rock" he wants.

I've not heard the Rio Grande yet, but I'm told it kicks booty too. The MFD will be much cheaper, I'd bet.

I have a friend (it's not me, I promise!) who owns a natural ash/rosewood LB-100. He plays rock/folk-rock gigs in NYC with this bass and is a bit disappointed with the sound. No, he's a lot disappointed with the sound. His friend let him borrow his '80s P-bass and he's really digging it--far more "rock" than the LB. So here's the big question: should he trade the LB-100 for another bass (a Geddy Lee Jazz :eek: ), or simply install different pickups? If the latter, any recommendations? I'm leaning toward the Rio Grande Muy Grande set.
if your friend likes the LB 100 but just not the sound, then change the pickups to something hotter ,(ie) mfd,dimarzio, duncun 1/4 pounder, or just try changing strings to something brighter sounding first, good luck
steve

Sell the LB-100, buy an SB-1 or SB-2. The tone of the LB is definitely old school P thump. If you want a more modern tone, the SB-1/2 will do just that for you.

I'm a big fan of G&Ls and SBs in particular (I've got 3 SB-2s). So an MFD P would be my first choice.

But a really cheap option is a Reverend P pickup ($12 at http://www.reverendguitars.com/reverend/guitar_bass_parts.html) - I really like my Rumblefish PJ and put one of their extra pickups in another bass and liked it there as well (and I like a more aggressive P sound).

I think he likes the thump for some stuff, but wants more growl for most situations. That's why I'm leaning toward the Rio Grandes. Their products seem to pull off the old-school vibe when the vol. pot is backed off, yet punch through when cranked up.

As noted, if he digs the feel, and not the sound, change the pup. fast and easy.
The Rev pup can't be beat for the price, but the Nordstrand NP4 would get my vote.

Chef,

Is the Nordstrand sonically more of a replica of an old 7ender P or is it a bit of a hot-rod? They certainly look good.

It's bigger, warmer, and with broader frequency response than my 72 P, to my ear.
Ping Rodent here, he's played with that pup more than me. I played his bass with one in it, and liked it lots...