SB-Wondering...

Lowbrow · #1 07-05-2008, 07:44 PM

Some in this little clan may know me as a long time L-1000 lover. But if you can believe it, I've never held an SB-1.
From what I understand, there's an MFD P-type pickup, which I imagine sounds like a P on steroids, true?
What I really want to know is what is the neck profile like? Is it slim vintage P like the L-1000, or more like a Jazz, or in between like a modern MIA P-Bass?

Thanks!

Lowbrow

lmfreeman9 · #2 07-06-2008, 10:00 PM

I too, had never seen or touched an SB-1 until recently. Seen, touched, played, bought. But mine had been modified by another TB'er. MFD replaced with a Hinesly pickup and the neck had been narrowed to 1.5 inch jazz width. My other G&L's are all around 1.625 with the SB-2 being a little narrower. I believe that G & L has always offered different neck options (those options have varied over the years), but the #5 neck which I think I have on mine seems the most common.

goatrider · #3 07-07-2008, 06:45 AM

I have an 87 SB-1 and an 83 L-1000. The neck widths are similar, but the SB-1's is thicker from front to back. More P like in my opinion. It is a great sounding and playing bass. Sound wise its a big fat P sound... just more of everything.

**Chef** · #4 07-07-2008, 07:20 AM

IIRC-and I might not-the SB1 does not have the same MFD P pickup of the later SB2...
I believe it had the same non-MFD P pickup as the LB100...

Then, just to confuse you a little more, there's the first gen SB1 (1983, 1984), which had one MFD Jazz type pickup...

Madcity Fats · #5 07-07-2008, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

IIRC-and I might not-the SB1 does not have the same MFD P pickup of the later SB2...
I believe it had the same non-MFD P pickup as the LB100...

Actually, the earliest versions of the 2nd-gen SB1 had a Schaller PBX pickup with adjustable pole pieces. Check out this example and the related link to a close-up of the pup:

http://www.ggjaguar.com/sb-1-85.htm

The note claims this was only used in '85, but I have a stock example from early '86. After that, the SB1 came stock with the same split MFD you see on the modern SB2.

The LB-100 has a vintage style (non-adjustable poles) Alnico pup. Both the SB1 and LB100 typically have the #5 neck, so the electronics are the only real distinction.

Lowbrow · #6 07-07-2008, 09:46 AM

This is the version I refer to.

**Chef** · #7 07-07-2008, 09:50 AM

That one appears to have the MFD pickup; which would be my preference.
Very hot, massive and grindy.

Lowbrow · #8 07-08-2008, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

That one appears to have the MFD pickup; which would be my preference.
Very hot, massive and grindy.

Thanks, Chef.

And the width at nut is anybody's guess as neck options were always offered?

**Chef** · #9 07-08-2008, 07:05 AM

I believe these were all 1 3/4...

Lowbrow · #10 07-08-2008, 03:46 PM

Tanks again!

peterbright · #11 07-08-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowbrow

This is the version I refer to.

Which version is this?

GaryLC · #12 07-09-2008, 05:00 AM

Here's mine (not the best picture), but I love this beast! Sounds pretty close to my SB2's but even simpler (if you can get much simpler than an SB2).

idoru · #13 07-09-2008, 07:05 PM

Hah - I'm watching this one too, just got re-listed. I think my wife would kill me if I got another BAM bass, but at least I'd die happy. I'd want to go with a black pickguard, like if Roger Waters had better taste in basses

c-

ljazz · #14 07-18-2008, 04:29 AM

I have an '87 SB1...... I absolutely love it! The neck is 1 11/16" at the nut. For the stuff I do, it destroys all of my other basses. In fact, I'm more disappointed now with my SB2 and L2000 than ever. I bought this bass brand new in '87..... Sometimes I forget why I've kept it for so long, hence the purchase of the other basses. Strung with TIJF's, a bit of volume and tone rolled off, and it just sings! It doesn't have a lot of tones, but the tone it has works with virtually everything.

Ljazz

idoru · #15 07-18-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljazz

I have an '87 SB1...... I absolutely love it! The neck is 1 11/16" at the nut. For the stuff I do, it destroys all of my other basses. In fact, I'm more disappointed now with my SB2 and L2000 than ever. I bought this bass brand new in '87..... Sometimes I forget why I've kept it for so long, hence the purchase of the other basses. Strung with TIJF's, a bit of volume and tone rolled off, and it just sings! It doesn't have a lot of tones, but the tone it has works with virtually everything.

Ljazz

You're not helping

c-