G&L sb-2 sucks

[Skeletomania]

I showed my beat up sb-2 yesterday to my instructor. After a little bit of tinkering, he dismissed my bass right off the bat, and said it doesn't commend for its asking price. He doesn't like the skinny neck, and V/V controls of the bass. It's understandable that not everyone will share your same love, but it doesn't feel good to be told in front of other people that my bass sucks.

On another note, my instructor have never heard of G&L before. I honestly think G&L is missing a lot for not promoting their instrument enough, and examine their distributors. The sole distributor of G&L in our area care more about real estate than music. So it's no surprise not a lot of people in our area know the brand.

[fearceol]

While your instructor is entitled to his opinion he showed a severe lack of professionalism in criticising your bass like that in front of other people. An instructor is supposed to inspire you and make you want to play, not humiliate you. Different basses suit different people and just because he does n't like the narrow neck, is no reason to dismiss it.

If I were you I'd get another instructor, not because he does n't like your bass, but because of his bias and unprofessional-ism.

Just read through some of the posts here ( or show them to your biased instructor ) about SB2's and you'll see how good they are.

[jumbosilverette]

The fact that he hasn't heard of G&L ain't real encouraging either. Where's this guy been?!

[bobba66]

Maybe your instructor has a Bass he'd like to sell you....

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by jumbosilverette

The fact that he hasn't heard of G&L ain't real encouraging either.

Very true. It also makes him seem even more biast to be crititcising a brand he has n't even heard of.

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Skeletomania

I showed my beat up sb-2 yesterday to my instructor. After a little bit of tinkering, he dismissed my bass right off the bat, and said it doesn't commend for its asking price. He doesn't like the skinny neck, and V/V controls of the bass. It's understandable that not everyone will share your same love, but it doesn't feel good to be told in front of other people that my bass sucks.

On another note, my instructor have never heard of G&L before. I honestly think G&L is missing a lot for not promoting their instrument enough, and examine their distributors. The sole distributor of G&L in our area care more about real estate than music. So it's no surprise not a lot of people in our area know the brand.

Sounds to me like you need another instructor. I completely agree with fearceol, he seems quite ignorant to the field he is trying to instruct. Besides I'd never pay someone to be belittled, Period.

What are your instructors teaching credentials? Has he taught someone that you admire, or one you know that's doing well? If he's a great teacher, I'd find one of his former students that would be willing to teach.

Later R.

[Son of Sanford]

How silly and unprofessional. How long have you hade the guy? Was this the first time he's seen the bass? I'd consider finding another instructor only after I let him know why I was dropping him.

[francisl2500]

ONE THING IS IMPORTANT MAN.... Respect. You worked and saved money for that bass, you play it and love it... and nobody is on his right to talk about your choice... Keep clear of every persons who gave you bad inputs about anything in your own life man...

Francis

[Joebone]

What's the context where he's telling you this in front of other people?

In my experience, people who pi$$ on student equipment choices often have an ulterior agenda, very closed minds, or both of the above.

As a teacher (on trombone, not bass) I've dealt with this in the past - it sucks when a student comes in with a truly subpar instrument, and does not have the resources to upgrade meaningfully. What I've tried to do is accentuate what works right, and provide some tips on how to overcome the limitations. If I let them play my axe, they get the message that there is a big gulf between mine and theirs, and if they are motivated, they'll figure out a way to deal...and I'll generally direct them to used instruments.

But here I'm talking about genuine mechanical limitations...meanwhile, in dissing the V/V controls and neck size, your guy is jumping over some aspects that are pretty subjective, and which may work very well for very many people.

Unless you've good reason to believe this guy has something special to offer you, find someone else.

[GeddyisGod]

I wonder what that dude's opinion of the Geddy Lee Jazz bass is.

I'd like him to tell me mine's subpar.

[pbagley]

Of course if you want to sell the G&L I'm sure someone here will give it a good home. ;^)

Seriously, my G&L's are the best instruments for the money I own. Unless there is a real problem (neck warp, etc) stay with the sb-2.

Disclaimer - written by a true fan of a skinny neck. My Godin is skinnier than your SB-2. Really. If I had your SB-2 I could retire my T-40 and it's horribly wide 1.5" neck.

[fcappi]

I would like to hear what his preferences are for basses...
That would give us a better idea of where he is coming from.
-Frank

[CElton]

Keep the bass...get a new instructor.

[spideyjg]

Your teacher is a bonehead!

Betcha he plays an old Fender P or J and he thinks everything else ever made sucks. If so disregard any of this gear thoughts. He is too biased to give a fair assessment of anything.

Jim

[fcappi]

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Your teacher is a bonehead!

Betcha he plays an old Fender P or J and he thinks everything else ever made sucks. If so disregard any of this gear thoughts. He is too biased to give a fair assessment of anything.

Jim

Could be a "Haagen-Dazz Bass Officinato" but most likely your right a "Dyed in the Wool" Fender Guy.

[Madcity Fats]

Originally Posted by Joebone

But here I'm talking about genuine mechanical limitations...meanwhile, in dissing the V/V controls and neck size, your guy is jumping over some aspects that are pretty subjective, and which may work very well for very many people.

Exactly what I was thinking. It's one thing if this guy points out that your action is too high, or your neck is warped, etc. But skinny neck and no tone control? Well you know what they say about opinions ...

I'd be especially careful if this teacher also happens to work sales in the combo department. I used to work at a big (albeit indie) music retailer, and I've seen unscrupulous teachers talk down a kid's instrument in hopes of pushing a sale. Yeah, it's easier to learn on a nice instrument. In your case, it might also be easier to learn on bass with a skinny neck and relatively simple controls.

While I was working at that store I also took the opportunity to play just about every new and used bass that came in the door. And when it came time to buy a back-up for my '68 Jazz (which presumably this idiot wouldn't scoff at), what did I buy? You got it ... an SB-2, even though our store wasn't a dealer and I could have gotten a break on a Fender or whatever. Since then I've bought another one. Never regretted either decision. As for G&L basses in general, well, I've got five right now and another being built at the factory any day now.

The only thing that matters is what you think of your SB-2, and if you're like me, you love it and wouldn't part with it no matter what anyone says. If all your teacher can find wrong with it is its features (or lack thereof), you can rest assured you've got a quality instrument that should last you a lifetime and one which many a pro has slung on gigs bigger than any your teacher has played, I'll bet.

The guy wouldn't know his ass from his elbow. I'd sooner take bass lessons from Sid Vicious, personally.

[GeddyisGod]

If he is "a dyed in the wool" Fender guy I'd love to see the look on his face after being told the L in G&L stands for Leo Fender.

[Spiritfield]

ROFLMAO!! Everybody has an opinion I guess... I have one of that instructor

[Templar]

LOL

Your "instructor" is a tool.

[Wwolof]

This fellow is, at the very least, severely under-informed. Never heard of G&L? My goodness.

Shorter: what everybody else said.