A JB-2 in a five string? Hmmmm...

dgce · #1 07-10-2006, 06:39 AM

I started a thread on TB asking for advise about passive 5 string basses. I own an ASAT and SB-1 and lately find I'm a bit more drawn to the simplicity and surprisingly good tone of the SB-1. So now that I'm looking for a 5 string rather than immediately thinking L2500!!!!, I'm wondering if a passive 5 is the way to go. Top choices are the Fender American Series Jazz V and the Lakland Skyline Joe Osborne 5. However, I am quite the G&L devotee and would hate to jump ship. Then I got to wondering, has anyone ever heard of a JB-2 five-string model? I've heard of an ASAT 5 proto-type and figured, heck, anything is possible. What do you think of that idea as an alternative to the L2500 or L1505? Like an uber-Jazz, with a kick-butt low B. Cool idea?

r

bradjonesbass · #2 07-10-2006, 07:53 AM

Get the L2500. It has an active/passive switch, so you can play it in passive mode when the feeling hits you. I have not heard of anyone having a JB-2 five-string. You might be able to have it custom made though. You will probably be disappointed in the B on that Fender, and why buy a Korean Lakland when you can get an American G&L?

dgce · #3 07-10-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

Get the L2500. It has an active/passive switch, so you can play it in passive mode when the feeling hits you. I have not heard of anyone having a JB-2 five-string. You might be able to have it custom made though. You will probably be disappointed in the B on that Fender, and why buy a Korean Lakland when you can get an American G&L?

Well my original plan was to get a Tribute L2500, see if I could adjust to a 5 string and if so, then order a domestic L2500 and keep the Tribby as a back up. However as stated, I have to admit, I'm really enjoying the SB-1 over my ASAT. And though 90% of the time I keep the ASAT in passive mode, at high volumes I find the SB-1 just cuts through better believe it or not. Seems like I'm always fiddling around with the ASAT and amp eq when the band cranks up. I'm always too boomy, or too trebly, or too SOMETHING. Then I pull out my simple P-style SB-1, adjust the volume and I'm all set. I guess that's why people love P basses so much. Hey, I LOVE my ASAT and under low and medium volume she's awesome. I also like to get slap happy on her too. However when the band cranks, I find that the SB-1 just makes my life so much easier. So now that I'm going to a 5 string, I've been wondering if there is a passive alternative to the L2500. I wouldn't bother ordering a custom job; it'd likely cost a small fortune. However, I guess I was kinda curious if there a demand for passive 5s and what's the likelihood that G&L might give a 5 string JB-2 a whirl. Could be pretty cool.

r

cb56 · #4 07-10-2006, 10:56 AM

See if you can find an old L5000. The string spacing is very narrow BUT the controls are very simple, volume and tone just like a P bass. But to my ears it doesn't sound like a P bass. It has the thumpy mids like a P bass but also has a growl to it similar to a jazz bass.
Also an L2500 or L1505 would work in passive mode but it sounds like you are trying to avoid all the different tone controls.

dgce · #5 07-10-2006, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb56

See if you can find an old L5000. The string spacing is very narrow BUT the controls are very simple, volume and tone just like a P bass. But to my ears it doesn't sound like a P bass. It has the thumpy mids like a P bass but also has a growl to it similar to a jazz bass.
Also an L2500 or L1505 would work in passive mode but it sounds like you are trying to avoid all the different tone controls.

Wow, I saw one of those L5000 years ago. I never got to plug it in, I only messed around with it for a couple of minutes acoustically. When you say the spacing is very narrow, you ain't kidding pal! WAY tight. It’s as if G&L literally took a SB-1 and slapped on a low B and called it a 5 string. In fact, it may be G&L's very 1st mass produced 5-er. Anywho, I can't see possibly playing that bass without a pick. Slapping is completely out of the question on that puppy. In addition, I reckon they're pretty hard to find though I've seen at least one pop up on eBay sometime back. My guess is that I'll have to really experiment to get my ASAT eq-ed just right for loud gigs and then use a similar setting for the L2500 or L1505. Still, I think a 5 string JB-2 would be pretty interesting.

r

spideyjg · #6 07-10-2006, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgce

Anywho, I can't see possibly playing that bass without a pick.
r

Picks, Pffffft! Don't use no steeenking picks.

Jim

dgce · #7 07-10-2006, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Picks, Pffffft! Don't use no steeenking picks.

Jim

Ha! Well clearly yr not as clumsy as I am especially on a dark stage. I just need a little more room to romp on a fretboard. Actually, I think that bass would be pretty cool for a completely different voice. It wouldn't be my main axe, but I could see setting her up with flats and playing with a pick for a different flavor. I certainly dig the looks.

r

cb56 · #8 07-10-2006, 01:58 PM

I played one for years without a pick .

spideyjg · #9 07-10-2006, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgce

Ha! Well clearly yr not as clumsy as I am especially on a dark stage. I just need a little more room to romp on a fretboard. Actually, I think that bass would be pretty cool for a completely different voice. It wouldn't be my main axe, but I could see setting her up with flats and playing with a pick for a different flavor. I certainly dig the looks.

r

It took a little adapting but I got it really quick. 5 stringers have always been too wide for my taste and with this I'm quite comfortable.

To each their own though.
I can't play for squat with a pick anyhow.

Jim

rbrown13 · #10 07-12-2006, 04:02 PM

yes, fender's b string leaves alot to be desired, I have owned two different amer. jazz v's, and I have been disappointed in both of them, they have the floppiest b you will ever find.

dgce · #11 07-12-2006, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbrown13

yes, fender's b string leaves alot to be desired, I have owned two different amer. jazz v's, and I have been disappointed in both of them, they have the floppiest b you will ever find.

Even the new American Series model with the s-1 switching (not the old American Standard series)?

r

rbrown13 · #12 07-14-2006, 03:55 PM

yes, even the new ones with the S-1, the last one I owned was a chrome sliver with rosewood board and the S-1, the S-1 switch works great, but the B string on this bass was sloppy and the that was possable was high and IMO unplyable, maybe It's not the case with all fender v's, but the couple that Iv'e played were bad.