SB-2 Vital Statistics

3dbdown · #1 12-15-2007, 12:42 PM

Would anybody on the forum know if there is a way for me to research the serial number of my SB-2 to determine its birthday, features, etc??

r_a_smith3530 · #2 12-16-2007, 02:05 AM

Serial numbers are a difficult way to date G&L instruments, especially if they are older. The serial numbers are on stamped metal parts and generally were not used in numerical sequence. Two instruments built right next to each other could have serial numbers hundreds apart.

The best way to date a G&L is to separate the body and neck, and then get the dates off of those. Usually, the instrument would have been built within a couple weeks of the neck date.

Years back, when I tried to get info on my old G&L S500, that is pretty much what I was told. It turned out that it was a 1983. The same held true for my '85 L-2000

3dbdown · #3 12-16-2007, 11:13 PM

Thanks, Rob....for the info. This is my first exploration of G&L. and I traded a '75 Jazz American re-issue for the SB-2. I'm fairly certain it is an '88 or '89, but I do notice that the neck decal, under the G&L logo, says "By Leo Fender", as part of the decal. I have not seen this on other GL SB-2 basses. I need to lower the action just a taste anyway this week, so I may just as well pull the neck and check the date at that time. I assume the micro-tilt workd the same as it does on the Fenders, but I have not as yet found a manual for the G&L. I think we made a good trade, and I am definitely satisfied with the playability and tone on the guitar.

Thanks again,
Rick

earlgray · #4 12-17-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3dbdown

I'm fairly certain it is an '88 or '89, but I do notice that the neck decal, under the G&L logo, says "By Leo Fender", as part of the decal. I have not seen this on other GL SB-2 basses.

I've got an 87 or 88 with a similar decal. Its my favorite bass.

Quote:

I need to lower the action just a taste anyway this week, so I may just as well pull the neck and check the date at that time. I assume the micro-tilt workd the same as it does on the Fenders, but I have not as yet found a manual for the G&L. I think we made a good trade, and I am definitely satisfied with the playability and tone on the guitar.

check here....

http://www.guitarsbyleo.com/PICS/HOWTO/86MANP23.GIF

snappytom · #5 12-17-2007, 10:53 AM

Look in here; Before you complain about your bass: try a basic setup from G&L

Has a link to the G&L site with a PDF manual.

3dbdown · #6 12-17-2007, 07:03 PM

Thanks, guys....I got the link to the manual, and I pulled the neck today....Body built Jan03 of 90, neck built Apr 03 of 90, and there is some sort of faded signature on the neck in the pocket, but I can't quite make it out. I found the truss rod adjusted easily, and my action is now fast and low, just where I like it. I will miss my '75 American Jazz Re-issue, but not enough to get off the SB-2 !!! Thanks so much again !!
Rick