JB-2 ==> WOW!

[cybersnyder]

I've always heard of G&L basses, but I've never had a chance to play one. (Need some dealers in the Baltimore DC area!) I thought I'd be interested in the L2K, but I saw a JB-2 at AlleyCat Music in State College, PA during a chance drive by. I may be crazy, but it was a better Jazz bass than "real" Jazz basses. I really liked the slightly chunkier neck than a Jazz bass. It played well and sounded great. But I didn't pick it up because it either spent way too much time on the rack or they were asking too much for a used instrument. So, I think I'll order a JB-2. The all important spousal approval is complete.

Any thing I should consider when ordering? I think I want a honeyburst finish on swamp ash with a rosewood fingerboard. I've seen mention of quartersawn necks. Can you specify that as an option? Also, saw someone that had a 6 piece body. Gotta admit that seems like very low-end construction. I don't think that's typical though.

[Templar]

"Any thing I should consider when ordering?"

Yeah, upgrades. They're all pretty sweet, and some are not expensive.

My faves are natural wood body binding, gun oil tinted neck, and fretboards with no face dots. The gun oil not only looks killer, it also feels great. Sorta like a cross between satin and gloss....."silky".

Check to make sure, but I think G&L may be using quarter-sawn necks on all their USA basses now.

I agree that ash is the way to go on a JB-2. Body wood has an enormous impact on the JB's tone. Alder ones don't seem to have that deft, "rapier-like" quality that the ash ones have.

For all the latest G&L intel, you might want to contact Matt at Guitarman in NYC.

[spideyjg]

Originally Posted by Templar

The gun oil not only looks killer, it also feels great. Sorta like a cross between satin and gloss....."silky".

Jack I thought the GOT was covered with a gloss finish?

If it feels "silky" I'll have to get my mitts on a GOT G&L to see.

Jim

[4Mal]

My trans Orange is a 1 pc Ash bod - and I'd say that it's a bit too rapier with the stock PU's. Great bass but it needed a set of slightly darker pickups to tame the hi end.

The Alder (Oly white and RW) I had was a killer J with the stock PU's. Very vintage sounding but with maybe a bit more focus.

Modern G&L necks seem to be a bit on the sharp side for my taste. I had my luthier roll the neck edges and dress the fret ends to match. That was a major improvement and one I would recommend to anyone with a G&L that wants a more broken in feel.

In general I think of the JB-2 as the uber-J and Fender wishes they could build a J that good shy of the Custom Shop. Seriously sweet basses.

[Templar]

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Jack I thought the GOT was covered with a gloss finish?

It is, but it does'nt feel like a typical gloss finish. At least mine don't.

They could be mixing gloss with satin for the topcoat, dunno.

[cybersnyder]

It's been a good G&L week for me. I ran into a used ASAT at Guitar Center and gave that a try. Construction is still top notch, but the electronics are insane. You can go from deep and woofy to punchy mids to bright and nasal. I don't like the body of the ASAT because it puts the first position out a little farther than I find comfortable when on a strap, so the JB-2 idea is on hold while I look for an L2K. Those are easier to find, so it's a bonus that I like it better. Leo kicks arse!

[spideyjg]

Originally Posted by Templar

It is, but it does'nt feel like a typical gloss finish. At least mine don't.

They could be mixing gloss with satin for the topcoat, dunno.

I don't like gloss so I never bother pickup up a GOT bass. Guess I'll reconsider that.

FWIW I don't like the feel but I got 4 of them.

Jim

[Nedmundo]

Originally Posted by spideyjg

I don't like gloss so I never bother pickup up a GOT bass. Guess I'll reconsider that.

I don't like gloss either, and passed on a very sweet cobalt blue L-1500 with GOT for that reason. I think the GOT is much closer to gloss than it is to satin, but I suspect I could get used to it.

[Chef]

JB2's rule!