Price for used SB-1

Trestles · #1 05-26-2006, 03:47 PM

Hello G&L aficionados,

I am looking to buy a G&L P bass. I originally wanted to get an SB-2 but it looks like there aren't any for sale in all of southern california, and the wait to build one is several months.

Luckily I found a store selling a used SB-1. I love its sound and would love to take it home but the price is a bit steep: $775. Is this completely out of line? Or is this a fair price? The store seems very reluctant to haggle. Initially they refused, but when I said I could order a new SB-2 for around $950 they appeared more willing to come down.

What's the scoop? Am I about to be ripped off?

Thanks,

Trestles

Templar · #2 05-26-2006, 11:02 PM

Ya, $775 is definitely high, barring any special circumstances, such as upgrades, rare finish, or NOS condition.

However, the SB-1 has (sadly) been discontinued for years now and they don't seem to pop up on ebay much these days. I'm a big SB-1 fan and have several, but the most I've paid for one is $565.

Alternatively, you could get the same glorious SB-1 sound by slapping a MFD in a garden variety P bass. Cost ya about $40-50.

bassman blue · #3 05-27-2006, 08:07 AM

the sb1 is a great bass. depends what you are after... do you want a p neck or j neck? i've had both the sb1 and sb2. personally i found the jazz pickup of no use on the sb2 and i like the p vibe the sb1 gives me. personally i'd pay up to 5-6 hundred for a nice sb1, but 750 seems too high. they do/have come up for much less if you wait and watch.

Buetra · #4 05-29-2006, 03:49 PM

I bought a SB-1 used on Craigslist LA for $350. They don't come up often, but if you look everyday you can find anything.
I've seen SB-1s and SB-2s lately on Ebay that end with no bids. Just keep looking til you find your price. Of course, if you've found your perfect instrument, you may not want to lose it!

spideyjg · #5 05-29-2006, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trestles

Luckily I found a store selling a used SB-1. I love its sound and would love to take it home but the price is a bit steep: $775.

Trestles

Is that in Oceanside? There was a shop there with a red early SB-1 with a single coil pup that was beat to crap.

Rip off if that is the one.

Keep your eyes open and one will show up.

Jim

Trestles · #6 05-30-2006, 02:41 PM

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the info. This SB-1 seems to be in pretty good shape. I played it for a while and there are no intonation issues, no buzzing, all the notes sound clear with good sustain, and the body is in decent shape for a 10 year old instrument. I'm heading back tomorrow to get a better look with a more critical eye. The only problem is the price.

With the knowledge I have now I should be able to get a better deal. And if not, in the long run it doesn't really matter if I overpaid by 100 bucks. It's a great sounding bass that I really want to play!

Trestles

Templar · #7 05-30-2006, 02:48 PM

Cool beans, be sure to post pics.

spideyjg · #8 05-30-2006, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trestles

in the long run it doesn't really matter if I overpaid by 100 bucks. It's a great sounding bass that I really want to play!

Trestles

Exactly! If the bass speaks to you and inspires you, it is worth whatever you pay.

Jim

Trestles · #9 06-01-2006, 12:36 PM

Woohoo! I am the proud new owner of a G&L SB-1. It has a light, sparkly blue finish (almost a cross between baby blue and electric blue) with a black pick guard. At first I didn't care for the color, but my perception changed after my girlfriend tossed in the word "masculine." I like it a lot better now! I'll post some pics as soon as I get my hands on a digital camera.

The only problem is that I need a new amp now, too. I have an Ibanez SW35 for practicing. It sounds decent, but I only hear the true quality of the bass using headphones or a better amp.

I got them to go down from $775 to $650 plus a gig bag and strap. Maybe I could have found one for a bit cheaper but I am happy with the deal. Thanks again for your help, all.

Trestles

Templar · #10 06-01-2006, 06:12 PM

Good job, Trestles.

Sounds like maybe Lake Placid Blue?

dgce · #11 06-11-2006, 08:06 PM

I bought a SB-1 off eBay over a year or so ago for $355 with case. The case was a mess, but the bass was and IS in great shape for an '85. Its basically a really good P bass, black body and pickgard, maple fingerboard. I gig with it all the time along with my ASAT. But wait there’s more! The bass came with an EMG P pickup installed. Believe it or not it still sounds like a proper P bass, just with more output and better balance. I'd hold off on paying $775 on a SB-1 or at least negotiate. The SB-2s are awesome, btw! However if the price is a bit steep, hang in there with eBay, eventually one of the discontinued Tribute SB-2s pop up on the cheap. Just have to be patient.

r

dgce · #12 06-11-2006, 08:10 PM

Here's a shot. Pretty sweet for -$400 wouldn't you say?

r

spideyjg · #13 06-11-2006, 09:06 PM

I'd yank that EMG out of there and put in an MFD for the real SB-1 experience.

Jim

dgce · #14 06-12-2006, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

I'd yank that EMG out of there and put in an MFD for the real SB-1 experience.

Jim

Actually I've thought of that! In fact I thought that was the one mod I'd do on this bass when I first got it. But you know what; having gigged out with this bass for almost 2 years, I can't say I really have any complaints. Sounds good to me. Fat, full, yet still articulate. Sounds like a good P bass, not sterile the way I thought it would sound. Sure, the original MFD would be nice but...why make a fuss? I mean, if it ain't broke...

r

MtnGoat · #15 06-15-2006, 09:20 PM

Here's my 1985 SB-1 that I bought a couple years ago. I need to replace the input jack, but everything's original.

P_bass · #16 06-23-2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtnGoat

Here's my 1985 SB-1 that I bought a couple years ago. I need to replace the input jack, but everything's original.

Mine looks exactly the same, it's a 1985 also. It really is a nice bass for an old P Basser like myself.

I went to clean the volume controls and ended up breaking one of the black plastic knobs... I am bummed about that. Be careful if you take yours off, they are pretty fragile. There does not seem to be anyone selling anything similiar, will have to put some chrome knobs on until I can find one replacement.

I have also noticed that the pick guard in the input area is real thin, I am very careful when unplugging the cable.

spideyjg · #17 06-23-2006, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P_bass

I have also noticed that the pick guard in the input area is real thin, I am very careful when unplugging the cable.

Bah, get a new one from Chandler and put and put away the kid gloves.

Before it was holding with superglue and a prayer.

After, no worries. I saved the original for the neurotic collecter that wants a beat to crap one.

P_bass · #18 07-05-2006, 08:53 PM

Nice, I will have to do that! It looks great!!

Does this use the same mounting holes as the original?

spideyjg · #19 07-05-2006, 09:01 PM

They were not 100% but I'd say 95% lined up perfect. A couple are slightly angled but no biggie.

Jim

GeneralElectric · #20 11-05-2008, 05:23 PM

Whats the going rate for a late 80s SB1?