JB2

Big Thump · #1 06-30-2006, 10:54 AM

I'm thinking of ordering one,Can you guys give me thoughts on a few things. Alder vs ash (tone ,weight)rosewood vs maple and are the alnicos hotter than Fenders pups or warmer,growlier etc. I'm leaning towards a Alder ,Rosewood in tobacco or 3t burst ,I'm looking for something that will sit in well with blues,classic rock ,funk with out that shrill,brittle top end, kinda like my Geddy with a little more booty,any thought would be great. cheers

Templar · #2 06-30-2006, 04:49 PM

I have a few JB-2's. Where to start...

Well the alnicos are pretty hot, and tend to be microphonic. This is good tho, cos they reflect the natural tone of the body wood in a big way. IMO it's what seperates the JB-2 from other jazzes.

Controlling them is tricky, a shielding job is highly recomended. In fact, I'm gonna have to pot the pups on my two fave JB's, as they tend to want to squeal. It's worth the trouble to me.

On mine, there is a stark tone difference between the ash ones and the alder ones. As you might expect, the alders are mellow for the most part, while the ash are bright and punchy, big time.

I like the ash best, with premium flats (TI's are sublime) the bass just sings. Marvelously expressive instrument, with tons of bouncy nuance on tap. I always feel like I'm "hotwired" directly to the strings and the wood. It's inspiring, really.

Tip: With the JB-2, it's imperative that the pup mounting springs are damped. None of mine were damped from the factory, and were virtually unplayable until I stuffed the springs with foam rubber. Ten minute job.

Big Thump · #3 06-30-2006, 09:30 PM

Thanks Templar great tips,What are your thoughts on An Alder,rosewood with rounds,will the rounds bring out the growlies with Alder,or is it going to still be kinda mellow,my thought were that if pups fairly hot then the alder rosewood should do it for me or alder maple,I'm not opposed to ash,I just wonder if with rounds it might be too bright for me,I like jazz growl ,but not to much of that brittle active kinda top end.(Why I'm trading off the Thumb)Cheers and thanks again very helpfull

Big Thump · #4 06-30-2006, 09:31 PM

Do they not shield them at the factory? or dampen the springs?

Templar · #5 07-01-2006, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Thump

Do they not shield them at the factory? or dampen the springs?

They were undamped from the first year (2001) thru 2003 at least. I've heard rumors that lately G&L may be damping the springs, not sure.

The only shielding I've seen on any stock G&L has been painted control cavities, which is'nt enough to totally silence the MFD equipped basses, much less the JB-2. It helps, but more is needed IMO.

In the case of the JB-2, with its single coil alnicos, shielding paint in the control cavity does'nt do much at all. The JB-2 likes to buzz and sometimes squeal at volume. I just deal with it, myself.

They're quirky basses for sure, but I love 'em for their distinctive voice. It's the pickups, G&L winds them in-house and they sound a lot different than most other jazz pups. I even bought a pair for a project bass.

Rounds...new G&L's come stock with those clanky-ass SIT rounds. A poor choice for the JB-2, IMO. Way harsh and brittle sounding. I got pretty good results from TI Powerbass rounds and also DR nickels.

If you're buying brand new, it might be worth a call to TB member "flash99". Matt is a NYC G&L dealer that knows what he's doing. He may have what you want in stock.

Good luck.

**MAJOR METAL** · #6 07-01-2006, 09:03 AM

How about ash for the body and rosewood for the body , best of both worlds ?

Templar · #7 07-01-2006, 07:46 PM

PM sent to Big Thump.

spideyjg · #8 07-01-2006, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Templar

They were undamped from the first year (2001) thru 2003 at least. I've heard rumors that lately G&L may be damping the springs, not sure.

Tried a figured maple, root beer, JB-2, with a rosewood board at Buffalo Bros today. No spring ping.

Jim

flash99 · #9 07-01-2006, 11:53 PM

I don't think they're using the same pickups they originally did. The newer ones seem to be a whole lot less microphonic than they used to be. They also now arrive with plastic over the pickups which makes me think that they are outsourcing them and that they are outsourcing them to a different company than they originally did.

vicenzajay · #10 07-02-2006, 12:28 AM

Is that I love my JB-2...I mean REALLY love it. I wasn't sure how it was going to work for me - given the basses that I have. However, it really is a wonderfully playing bass, very comfortable and light, super neck and fretboard, and the bass just has a great growly, thumpin' tone.

Where it really comes alive is while recording. I have been VERY impressed (surprisingly so) when it goes to tape (or computer). It has a beautiful way of sitting in the mix just right...wow.

YMMV

Jay

spideyjg · #11 07-02-2006, 02:27 AM

Maybe I need to try one recorded or playing to a CD but I have tried Fender Jazzes, Lakland, Carvins, G&L, and some others, the dual single coil alnico just doesn't do it for me.

My other basses have sounds that make me all giddy but the "Jazz" is meh.

Unless there is some magic in the recorded or live sound versus alone, I'll pass.

Jim