SB-2 v Fender Aerodyne P Bass v P Bass

sk8 · #1 10-03-2007, 01:26 AM

Sorry about the post but the forum doesn't like searching for 3 characters or less

I'm after a P/J Config and was originally heading for the Aerodyne but after initially being interested in the Tribute L2000 i wondered what else G&L had and obviously found the SB-2.

I have a Hohner Jazz at the mo but want a P bass sound but like the flexibility that a Bridge Jazz Pup could give me.

My other option is to just get a straight P

Can anyone give some views, insyte in the the SB-2

Thanks in advance

plankspanker13 · #2 10-03-2007, 06:42 AM

Here in the States, the SB-2 runs about $200 cheaper than the Aerodyne P, which, I must admit, is a rather tasty axe.

Nedmundo · #3 10-03-2007, 08:53 AM

Take a look at this thread in the "other" G&L bass forum, which includes my "honeymoon period" views of the SB-2:

http://badassbassplayers.com/forum/v...hp?f=48&t=6645

The Aerodyne is a very nice bass, but the G&L pickups are much hotter and more aggressive sounding. And the SB-2 isn't a traditional P/J bass because it lacks a tone control, and the bridge pickup isn't designed to be soloed. It functions more as a tone control, and in my limited experience the interactions between the SB-2's pickups seem to produce many useful sounds. If you're after a more traditional/vintage/mellow Fender sound, you'd probably prefer the Aerodyne.

sk8 · #4 10-03-2007, 09:12 AM

i'm not adverse to aggressive!

lildrgn · #5 10-03-2007, 11:16 AM

DO NOT HESITATE. THE SB-2 IS GREAT!

My little ode to the SB-2. I got mine in early August and it has bumped my other 2 basses (Sterling and ATK300) to the bench.

The SB-2 kills and is such a pleasure to play. It sounds huge and, though the adjustments done on the volume knobs only make subtle changes, the tone of the bass is simply wonderful.

I could not be happier with my SB-2. Love it.

quickervicar · #6 10-03-2007, 01:12 PM

I am a former Hohner owner that made the switch to an SB-2. The G&Ls have a certain....something...that connects with the player. Fenders are not a bad instrument, mind--well put-together and they sound good. However, it seems that Fender owners are Fender owners because of ignorance more than anything. (this is not meant to be a cut on Fender owners) You'd be happy driving a Bedford...until you drove an Alfa. You'll be perfectly happy with the Fender...until you try the SB-2.

snappytom · #7 10-03-2007, 04:27 PM

I recently sold an Aerodyne Jazz here on TB that was a P+J config.
The Aerodyne is a great bass, both sounding and looking. But I was not playing it anymore since getting into G&L's.
The $$ from the Aerodyne went to a Tribute SB-2. I also have a USA SB-2 I picked up used this summer.
As everyone else has said, the SB-2 just kicks.
I plan on doing the tone-pot mod on the Tribute, the USA SB-2 already has it. IMO, the mod adds a lot of versatility to the SB-2.
Actually, I prefer the Tribute to the USA SB-2. My USA has a #6 neck, the Tribute has a neck closer to the #8 (which I have on a L-2000). The #8 G&L neck is my personal favorite.
I also agree with quickervicar, there is something about G&L's that the player can "connect" with, same can be said about Tributes.

plankspanker13 · #8 10-03-2007, 07:47 PM

You know that you're really onto something good when you start reaching for your G&L Tribby more than you do your Warwick limited edition, as is the case with me. While mine is a JB-2, it simply speaks to the fact that Leo's last basses were his best basses, and the ultimate refinements to the archetypes that he bestowed upon us under the Fender name.

...and now I've got GAS again.

Leo is god.

4Mal · #9 10-04-2007, 04:06 PM

Well the Pj is a great config. It cover's a lot of rock, funk and jazz generes easily. The SB-2 isn't a PJ though. As mentioned above the bridge pickup works sort of like a tone control where you can dial in some 'edge' for your sound. I think of the SB-2 as an aggro P ... on steroids. It's a big sounding P Bass.

I have 2 PJ's, no SB-2. I'd have that SB-2 back in a heart beat if I could but I would still reach for the PJ's more often. For the Fender thump 'n bump - a decent PJ is hard to beat.

Infernal Affair · #10 10-04-2007, 04:52 PM

plank: That's spidey's redburst, isn't it? Man, if he ever got rid of it I'd pick it up in a heartbeat.

If you're reading this, Jim, and you ever do have to let go of that SB-2 then please remember me.

plankspanker13 · #11 10-05-2007, 12:02 AM

I just followed Nedmundo's linka and beheld it. I love the finish & the partially black bridge. Gimme one made in the USA with gun oil tint and the tone pot mod.

mellofello · #12 10-05-2007, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickervicar

I am a former Hohner owner that made the switch to an SB-2. The G&Ls have a certain....something...that connects with the player. Fenders are not a bad instrument, mind--well put-together and they sound good. However, it seems that Fender owners are Fender owners because of ignorance more than anything. (this is not meant to be a cut on Fender owners) You'd be happy driving a Bedford...until you drove an Alfa. You'll be perfectly happy with the Fender...until you try the SB-2.

geez ! u just called half the bass players on the planet ignorant. lol. I love my SB-2 with rotosound funkmaster strings. But certain tunes I like my P with flat's. I would say that when I feel the need to "unleash the beast" I don't want anything else in my hands than the SB-2. if you play the slightest bit aggressive it will start to growl and snarl. The P-bass I can play hard and it will stay warm and mellow. hope that makes sense.

quickervicar · #13 10-05-2007, 12:45 PM

Ignorance is the inability to make an informed decision. Stupidity is having the proper information and still making the wrong choice. There is a distinct difference.

...but I may have just insulted half the bassists on the planet with that definition.

Nikoubis · #14 10-06-2007, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8

i'm not adverse to aggressive!

Then go get the G&L. You won't look back.

sk8 · #15 10-06-2007, 09:27 AM

if i said i was after a deep aggressive tone with some treble - what would be best the L2000 or the SB-2?

Jimtoonz · #16 10-06-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8

if i said i was after a deep aggressive tone with some treble - what would be best the L2000 or the SB-2?

IMO, the L-2000 is the way to go as you can dial in as much treble as you want. It has a wider range of tonal options, but you can't go wrong with either.

sk8 · #17 10-07-2007, 04:18 AM

thanks for all the replies

Nedmundo · #18 10-07-2007, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8

if i said i was after a deep aggressive tone with some treble - what would be best the L2000 or the SB-2?

Either one, really. The L-2000 gives you more tonal options, but the SB-2 is very aggressive and has plenty of treble. How much you hear that treble and the additional definition provided by the bridge pickup depends on your rig and EQ (duh), but I've found that through hi-fi 4x10" cabs it's readily apparent. I'd say you should decide which is more important to you: a monstrous split-coil P-bass tone, or the L-2000's flexibility. For me, it's split-coil all the way, and the SB-2's is incredible. The bridge pickup adds versatility, but nothing like the L-2000's electronics provide.

I played my SB-2 in a group setting for the first time yesterday. I started with my Am. Ser. Fender Jazz, which is my "go-to" for auditions and the like, but switched after awhile because I couldn't resist the opportunity to try the SB-2 in a loud classic rock setting. It just killed. The other guys really noticed the difference, with the drummer saying it sounded like someone was trying to pound in the door! He meant that in a good way. Yes, it's aggressive.