FS: 1984 G&L SB-2 (1st gen J/J pup config) 3TSB -- Leo's last Jazz model!

Madcity Fats · #1 01-25-2011, 07:11 PM

Great playing, fantastic sounding '84 SB-2 in a none-too-common sunburst finish. Plenty of genuine play wear (read: mojo) but in decent cosmetic shape besides. Straight neck, low action, level frets with plenty of life and fully functional truss rod. Width at the nut is 1 11/16" and weight is just shy of 9 pounds on my analog luggage scale. All original with the exception of a Graphtec nut that I don't believe was a factory option. No case but will ship in brand new gig bag.

Only selling because I have another in black and prefer that color (this one actually weighs less). Well, that and I'm loaded up on both gear and debt. Email with questions. Thinking $675 shipped (CONUS) obo.

Follow the link below for more photos. Note that the pics using flash really emphasize the red in the finish. Under normal light it looks much closer to a tobacco burst. Also, a few pics were taken with the saturation set to high so as to emphasize dings, checking, etc. Again, this is all much more subtle up close and personal. However, if you're looking for a museum piece, move along. If you're looking for an incredible sounding and playing, slightly unconventional J that can range from very aggressive to super smooth, this is your baby.

PM with questions. I don't like surprises and I don't intend to spring any on anyone.

More pics here!

krustwell · #2 01-25-2011, 08:44 PM

best Jazz style bass you can find. especially for the money. i too have a black one and it's the shizzy. loving the mojo'd burst, though.

g/l!

spufman · #3 01-26-2011, 05:05 AM

Great price on a really great bass. I have a black one as well and it's just perfect in sound and feel. The 'burst is a beauty.

GaryLC · #4 01-26-2011, 05:19 AM

PM sent....

spufman · #5 01-26-2011, 06:08 AM

Go Gar, you need this!

GaryLC · #6 01-26-2011, 06:12 AM

I've never played a first gen SB1 or SB2......I'm thinking I'm probably missing out on something!

jongor · #7 01-26-2011, 06:13 AM

Any recording examples?

Do they sound "jazzy" or G&L-like?

ojo · #8 01-26-2011, 06:20 AM

In my opinion, they sound like a really powerful jazz bass. I took the SB-2 into the studio instead of my Cruisebass because it just "had more".

FWIW, I got mine in a trade with MadCity, great guy, and an honest dude.

Joe

spufman · #9 01-26-2011, 06:28 AM

Every time I play mine I come to the conclusion that it has my favorite tone of them all - on the G&L side, that includes a later PJ SB-2 and an El Toro (the Toro from Gary). I sold my Amer Dlx Jazz because the SB-2 sounded and played better IMO. The 3-way switch with V-T works wonderfully with this bass, I wouldn't change a thing. And if this ends up in Scotia, I'll know it's just a 2-hour drive if you want to sell it in the future, haha!

JAMBASS78 · #10 01-26-2011, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryLC

I've never played a first gen SB1 or SB2......I'm thinking I'm probably missing out on something!

You most deiniteley are missing out! I picked up and 83 Sb-2 last year (same finish except mine has a slightly flamed maple slab body) in great cond for 875.00! Everyone who has heard me play this bass cant get over just how great it sounds in the mix. esp. with the TI Jazz flats.... oh my! These dont come up very often and are usaully red,black or white. I saw a red one go on Ebay for 1050.00 plus shipping. Get it while you can!!!

Madcity Fats · #11 01-26-2011, 07:27 AM

On hold while Gary checks out the pics.

krustwell · #12 01-26-2011, 07:44 AM

on the one hand, it kind of makes me mad these go for so cheap. but i'm a player, not a collector so it's a good thing. it's just they deserve to be more expensive. their actual value is much higher than their monetary value would indicate.

BUY IT!!!

Madcity Fats · #13 01-26-2011, 07:54 AM

Word up, Krustwell. These are undervalued for sure. I think part of the issue is that they were only made for about 3 years and not in huge numbers at that, so few people have had their hands on them. Ironically, if G&Ls ever become collectible near the level of vintage Fender stuff, the rarity of this model is sure to play in its favor.

Not saying it's going to be worth a fortune some day or anything ... just sayin'.

Mental Octopus · #14 01-26-2011, 08:16 AM

my favorite G&L bass, it can do it all... this is an insanely good price, I hope someone buys this within the next 2 days so I don't have to!

spufman · #15 01-26-2011, 08:37 AM

I tell my kids, "In 20 years, *that one* is going to be worth a lot, mark my words!" I scored mine for an embarrassingly low price in OHSC from GC a couple years ago - it was my first G&L. About a week later I came to realize just how lucky I was. Nice to see I'm not alone in this. If I hadn't recently bought the Toro, I'd have jumped on this. I'd really like to find a Lynx.

Madcity Fats · #16 01-26-2011, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ojo

In my opinion, they sound like a really powerful jazz bass. I took the SB-2 into the studio instead of my Cruisebass because it just "had more".

FWIW, I got mine in a trade with MadCity, great guy, and an honest dude.

Joe

Hey, Joe! Somehow I missed your post. Thanks for the kind words, and glad to hear that one is working out for you. Yeah, I'm on #3 of this model now (they've all been fantastic). I can't seem to pass them up when I find them at a good price and then when the bills pile up I have to question what I was thinking. I think it's a psychological condition. Something about this model makes me want to take in every orphan I find. I'm like Angelina Jolie over here!

Take care, man. -- James

ojo · #17 01-26-2011, 09:29 AM

Thanks buddy. I really like the SB-2, and I'm glad to have it in the stable. It's such a great sounding instrument, and much more suited to me. For those who haven't played one, I forgot to mention that it can go from very aggressive to very old school thumpy. The tone knob works wonders, as well as the switching. The middle position is all jazz, and the neck gets close to that single coil P sound.

Anyhow, I totally understand about rescuing old G&L's (and other gear). Fortunately, I've been better at playing the want vs. need game.

Joe

Madcity Fats · #18 01-26-2011, 02:39 PM

Pending payment, it looks like this thing is ... SOLD!

I think that may be a personal record. Will close this thread upon receipt of funds.

spufman · #19 01-26-2011, 03:13 PM

Real glad to hear it, now I don't have to worry about explaining yet another bass to my wonderfully understanding wife!

Rebmo · #20 01-26-2011, 03:27 PM

Another bargain bites the dust.