Tribute JB-2

85vf500rr · #1 02-05-2009, 05:07 PM

I've been wading through the various threads since the search function won't pick up on JB-2, but I still have some questions. How does the neck compare to a MIM or MIA Fender Jazz? From the specs it looks like it is Jazz width (1.5"), but has a flatter profile on the fretboard (12" radius). I don't have any shops close by that carry G&Ls, so I'm looking for feedback on how the Tribute JB-2 neck feels. Is it chunky, or slim like the Fender Jazz?

Thanks in advance.

gjbass · #2 02-06-2009, 04:53 AM

The JB-2 neck is very similar to the Fender jazz neck (if not the same).

Insense · #3 02-06-2009, 05:06 AM

What about the pickups, how are they sounding compared to the Fender J?

85vf500rr · #4 02-06-2009, 07:01 AM

There are some other posts about the pickups and the consensus is that they are not the same, but there are other contributing factors into the different sound. The JB-2 is not exactly a Jazz clone (6 bolt neck, beefy bridge, smaller body, etc.) so those factors I imagine would also affect the tone. If I end up with one, I'll play it as is and if I decide to fool with the pickups, it sounds like the Nordy NJ4 is a good choice.

JB2 pickup swap

Thanks for the reply gjbass. I really like the feel of the Jazz neck, but the recent price hike on Fenders has me shopping. Are the Tribute necks known for being pretty sturdy, or can they get sloppy like some of the MIMs? The prices on used MIA Jazzes have come down enough where I'm trying to decide if I want to buy a JB-2 or save a bit more and get an American Jazz. I know I'm not comparing apples to apples, but I really like the looks of the sunburst JB-2. Looks sexy without having a pickguard to cover up the grain.

If it is close enough to a jazz for a noob like me, I might go for the JB-2.

Assumer · #5 02-06-2009, 07:32 AM

I have never played the tribute but I have a JB-2 and have owned the Fender American jazz deluxe. I felt the JB-2 had a more raw sound that cut through better. The fender was rounder if that makes sense. I still have the JB if that says anything but the fender was a nice bass.

eddhann · #6 02-07-2009, 02:20 PM

generally the build quality of G and L tribute basses, is better than mexican fenders (if that helps :P)

85vf500rr · #7 02-08-2009, 08:23 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. I managed to get a good deal that I couldn't pass up on a sunset orange transparent American Jazz this weekend, so it looks like my GAS has been satisfied. I know, no pictures, no bass. I'll try to get some good ones today. It is really hard to capture the beauty on film. I'll try to get some in the sun today any you may be able to see the figuring in the ash. The body is made from two nicely bookmatched pieces of ash and actually has some nice subtle flame to it. I hadn't seen that on ash before. I'm excited to say the least.

Thanks again.

plankspanker13 · #8 02-10-2009, 06:18 AM

Congratulations. If you only need 20 frets, then you have chosen well.

85vf500rr · #9 02-10-2009, 06:58 AM

I may eventually need more, but for now, I've got plenty to work on before I try moving that far up the neck. I still think the sunburst Tribby is a gorgeous instrument. The transparent finish and maple fretboard were what clinched the deal on the Jazz for me. Icing on top of a REALLY tasty cake.

TDR1138 · #10 02-10-2009, 08:48 AM

Gotta say, I love that transparent orange + maple on a Jazz, especially when you throw a black pickguard on there...

85vf500rr · #11 02-10-2009, 11:24 PM

It has the black pickguard. I couldn't resist after seeing it, much less playing it.