New JB-2, and what an eye-opener!

asg618 · #1 06-19-2008, 03:32 PM

About 3 weeks ago I received a new 2008 JB-2, purchased from thatnewsound.com and delivered straight from G&L. Here's a link to some pix (the vendor took far better shots than I ever could): http://www.thatnewsound.com/product_...l-quilt-mp.htm

It looks even nicer in person, with a really unique finish that G&L calls Natural -- I call it "Scarred Butterscotch." It looks amazing.

But the finish is just the eye candy. In that and every other department, this bass has it all over any newer Fender J-Bass I've ever played, including the 2008 American Standards. While the 2008 Fenders are great basses, the craftmanship on this JB-2 simply blows 'em out of the water. And it sounds incredible, with so much tonal range that I can't help but wonder why these basses aren't much more popular. Great feel, light weight, awesome and versatile tone, and a looker to boot!

Just trolling the G&L sponsored forum here suggests that, even among the G&L faithful, the JB-2 doesn't get nearly as much "chat" as the L or SB series. Those are definitely great basses, too, but for those in the market for a passive J-style bass, I will be telling everyone who asks that they've got to A/B a JB-2 next to a Fender J, or any other quality brand, before making a decision. With the exception of a truly terrific Sadowsky Vintage J that I own (at twice the price of this one!), this JB-2 is simply the best I've ever played.

Any other happy JB-2ers out there?

Cheers!

peterbright · #2 06-19-2008, 03:37 PM

She's beautiful!

FidgetStone · #3 06-19-2008, 05:03 PM

Smokin! In addition to the beautiful body, I like the "no dot" finger board. Really sweet.

Congratulations . . .

fearceol · #4 06-20-2008, 03:52 AM

It's a beauty allright.

I agree that there's not as much talk about the JB2 here as there is about the SB2 or the "L". I have a Tribute JB2 and while not quite as good as the USA one, is still an amazing bass with a beautiful tone.

Congrats and best of luck with it.

vates · #5 06-20-2008, 05:35 AM

Wow! What a looker!

asg618 · #6 06-20-2008, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FidgetStone

I like the "no dot" finger board. Really sweet.

Yeah, that clean fingerboard sometimes really adds a touch of ... elegance? I've owned many basses, and the dot-free look usually catches my attention only on darker woods. This is the first no-dots maple fingerboard I've owned, and I must say that on first glance, the clean fingerboard caught my attention as much as the quilted finish on the body. They just really compliment each other.

Thanks for all the positive posts!

duke12 · #7 06-20-2008, 06:06 PM

Nice looking axe!

I had a JB-2 for a while and I agree that it blows the new Fenders. I've since sold it off as I discovered Lakland's jazz copies do a far better job for my J tendencies (and yeah, a bit more expensive, but I have the money....)

I think most people dig the G&L brand for the MFDs -- sorta the "more is better" idea that Leo was going for. And the JB-2 is sort of a weird little mutt, since it's the same body as the L series axe, but with traditional J pups and electronics. It's hard to make a stand in a crowded boo-teek vintage-looking J market (Lakland, Sadowsky, Celinder, Lull, Fender Custom Shop) and really, the MFD sells itself on the sound alone.

I think that's why more attention gets paid to the L stuff rather than the JB-2......

Templar · #8 06-20-2008, 08:19 PM

Nice feature-combo on that one. All it takes is a couple upgrades to make your very own "custom shop" G&L bass.

I've had several JB-2's, and while the pickups are not for everyone, I still say the JB-2 is one of the most articulate, expressive basses around.

Mine all LOVED premium flats.

Congrats.

asg618 · #9 06-25-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Templar

Mine all LOVED premium flats.

What kinda flats have you used on a JB-2, and for what styles of music? I've always loved TI jazz flats, but only played them on my P-Basses. I'm tempted to throw a set on my JB-2 just to check it out.

Templar · #10 06-25-2008, 09:02 PM

Labella Deep Talkins, Chromes, and TI's all sounded marvelous. The Labellas gave off a darn good motown vibe.

plankspanker13 · #11 06-25-2008, 09:43 PM

[quote=Templar;5886658]while the pickups are not for everyone, I still say the JB-2 is one of the most articulate, expressive basses around.[quote]

CONCUR!

Life changes; you get into things besides music, and play less. Of my 3 instruments, I pick up the JB-2 the most, despite it being the only passive axe of the bunch, and the only one not having 24 frets. Interesting, no? Perhaps the time is approaching where I'll do the unthinkable and sell my Warwick FNA Jazzman 2002 LTD, along with my other axes, and perhaps pocket a little dough after acquiring a US-made JB-2 with a honeyburst QMT, and a dotless rosewood board (not quite a dotless wenge board, like on a 'wick tho').

It's very funny that there's been this tremendous "vintage modified" trend going on in recent years, where archetypal instruments are getting some modern tweaks and features. The Fender J24 is J-bass a la 'wick, right down to the quick & tool-less battery change ability. The JB-2 is simply the ultimate evolution of the passive J, and one could always drop in a set of the pickups of their choice, if the stock ones are not to their liking.

A sub-$500 Tribby JB-2 is quite the amazing instrument. It's certainly a worthy backup, and a good main axe for a younger player on a budget. It might be a first "step-up" instrument for a kid who may have had a Squier Affinity as their first bass.