SB-2 : American Made vs. Tribute

[LowDown Hal]

Can anyone enlighten me on the specific differences? I'm considering an SB-2 and was thinking about trying a tribute. My local dealer tells me the choices are black or red. Neither thrills me so I'm wondering about the American made.

Which actually leads me to a second question. How do I understand the web-site? For the SB-2 it says "standard finishes". There's a lot more choices than red or black?

I'm confused

THANKS

[brian_poole]

http://www.glguitars.com/finishes/index.asp

'nough said.

american made = support our economy and better build...and no tribute logo. more options as far as necks, fretboards and finishes.

[LowDown Hal]

Originally Posted by brian_poole

http://www.glguitars.com/finishes/index.asp

'nough said.

nope.. not enough said????

On the web site it says the SB-2 is available in standard finishes.
Does that really mean all those listed as standard finishes on the web site?
If so what is my dealer talking about that I can only get red or black?

[brian_poole]

the tribute is only available in red and black, but if you order an american you can pick your finish

tribute: http://www.glguitars.com/Tribute/ins...SB-2/index.asp

american: http://www.glguitars.com/instruments...asp?prcode=sb2

notice what it saiys next to "FINISH"

[LowDown Hal]

thanks Brian...

Ah, now I get it. Operator error.
I didn't notice the tribute link and was only seeing the details from the following the links above the tribute headstock.....

I do prefer the idea of buying American!!!

Guess after I get to play the tribute (my dealer didn't have one but placed an order while I was there) I need to talk about available options and build prices for the "real deal"

thanks again

[brian_poole]

no problem. also notice the difference in body woods and the chrome plated brass bridge on the american model versus the nickel plated die cast bridge on the tribute. also, the G&L tuners on the american are sweet. american is the way to go if you can afford it. the tributes remain a good value though

[Nedmundo]

Also, the Tribute SB-2 has a regular four bolt neck plate, whereas the U.S. model has the six countersunk neck bolts like the U.S. L-series basses. I believe the U.S. models now have rolled fingerboard edges too, which is a great change. I wish my SB-2 had those. And the U.S. model is available with a maple fretboard, or fretless. So you get a couple of upgrades, and more fretboard and finish options.

I don't know how the woods are selected for U.S. and Tribute models, but my U.S. SB-2 is among the more acoustically resonant solid-bodies I've tried. It has a rich acoustic tone. The woods seem to be very high quality, especially the nice, thick rosewood fretboard.

[LowDown Hal]

What's the approximate price on the American model?

Obviously I can spend more with "extras/upgrades".
I'm thinking Swamp Ash Body / Birdseye Maple Neck / Maple Fretboard.
Either the natural finish or honey. White pickguard, if I get one.

[brian_poole]

i had gotten a quote a few years back from buffalo bros for an sb2 with maple fretboard, pearloid guard, in lake placid blue. they told me it would retail for $1800 and they would mark it down to $1095. i am not sure now. call up or email buffalo bros or another retailer and ask for a quote for the options you want and they'll give you a quote with no obligations whatsoever. i ended up buying used because i found what i wanted and it was a lot cheaper than buying it new.

[LowDown Hal]

thanks for the help

[sunbeast]

I believe they no longer offer birdseye maple for the necks for basses (they do on guitars still, I think), only fretboards (birdseye maple is less stable than straight maple)... though that could have changed again.

Karl

[plankspanker13]

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

Also, the Tribute SB-2 has a regular four bolt neck plate, whereas the U.S. model has the six countersunk neck bolts like the U.S. L-series basses.

FWIW, my JB-2 Tribby has a 6-bolt neck plate.

[DavePlaysBass]

If I was custom ordering a G&L, it would probably get an ebony board.

[Jimtoonz]

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

If I was custom ordering a G&L, it would probably get an ebony board.

My understanding is that G&L no longer offers fretted ebony, you can only get it fretless.

[4Mal]

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

Also, the Tribute SB-2 has a regular four bolt neck plate, whereas the U.S. model has the six countersunk neck bolts like the U.S. L-series basses. I believe the U.S. models now have rolled fingerboard edges too, which is a great change. I wish my SB-2 had those. And the U.S. model is available with a maple fretboard, or fretless. So you get a couple of upgrades, and more fretboard and finish options.

I don't know how the woods are selected for U.S. and Tribute models, but my U.S. SB-2 is among the more acoustically resonant solid-bodies I've tried. It has a rich acoustic tone. The woods seem to be very high quality, especially the nice, thick rosewood fretboard.

My luthier charges $745 to roll a fingerboard and dress the frets to match. He get's virtually every instrument that come through my doors ... check around - it isn't a hard job for a skilled guy and it's way worth the $75 ...

[Willem]

What's a rolled fretboard?

[tornadobass]

Originally Posted by 4Mal

My luthier charges $745 to roll a fingerboard and dress the frets to match.

Isn't that just a tad expensive? Like, more than some of the basses he rolls...sounds like rolling the owners

[Willem]

I think it was a mistype... because he ends with saying 'it's worth the $75'...

[tornadobass]

I'm sure it was a typo...but it was fun for just a moment

[Willem]