Very Excited about new Bass but did I get ripped off?

ckulasekere1 · #1 05-21-2007, 03:47 PM

Hello All,
First time to the G&L forum. I just picked one up at the local GC and am loving it. It was a used item obviously and I was able to get if for $505 out the door, no bag or case. It is a SB-2 Model USA, however it has two Jazz style pickups instead of the P/J that is now being sold. Is this a reasonable price as I still have about 25 days if i want to make a return.

At first I though someone changed the neck but i was able to find some info saying that the SB 2 started as a Jazz style bass but then evolved to P/J.

One last thing, how doe these older ones compare to the newer jazz basses that G&L is selling? Thanks for any and all information.

spideyjg · #2 05-21-2007, 03:58 PM

I'd say the "market value" on those is about $450. However if it is a good fit for your needs and the sound inspires you to the point you say you are excited about it, play on.

A great sounding bass in the hand is not worth returning over a few bucks.

If you didn't love it I'd say take it back.

Jim

**Chef** · #3 05-21-2007, 03:59 PM

The old JJ pup's SB2 is a great bass. I have 2!
The older version was intended to be "a student model," has hotter pups, and is "more G&L.''
The newer one is more of a "pro model," with more refined build quality and finish, but returns more to the Fender J tones...
$500 is a fair enough price if it's in nice shape.

ckulasekere1 · #4 05-22-2007, 11:35 PM

that's a little disheartning to know that it is student model and is worth a little less than I paid for it, but it really is inspiring and feels very nice in my hand. I paid cash for it and it's all paid off so I guess I'll hang onto it. Thanks again

GGJaguar · #5 05-23-2007, 05:44 AM

Not a student model, but rather a "budget" model but still made with the "pro" level electronics.

GG

**Chef** · #6 05-23-2007, 07:09 AM

Greg; that's a more accurate way of saying it.
ckulasekere1: don't be discouraged by "your new bass not being top of the line," build and finish quality is still excellent/very high, the hardware and electronics are top notch. It seems to me that "where they skimped" was leaving the bass a slab body, with no top or back contours, which doesn't bother me in the least...and the limited color selection, which again, doesn't bother me.
I have two of these, one fretless, one fretted, they kick butt!
Stay excited about your new bass...it's vintage, it's very high quality, and you seeemed to like it real well in your first post...keep on doin' so!

DaveDeVille · #7 05-23-2007, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

Stay excited about your new bass...
it's vintage, it's very high quality,
and you seeemed to like it real well in your first post...
keep on doin' so!

i'm diggin' my new-to-me 1984 SB-2 .
fantastic tone with my Ampeg rig ...

Leo Fender's early design basses had slab bodies ...
if it was good e'nuf for him , it's good e'nuf for me !!

**Chef** · #8 05-23-2007, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david meissner

Leo Fender's early design basses had slab bodies ...
if it was good e'nuf for him , it's good e'nuf for me !!

Not all of them did:
L1000, L2000e, El Toro had contoured bodies.

DaveDeVille · #9 05-23-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

Not all of them did:
L1000, L2000e, El Toro had contoured bodies.

true , true ...
my L1000 was contoured .

i guess i should have stated
his early Fender design basses { Precision , Telecaster ...}

Wesley R · #10 05-23-2007, 11:50 AM

Perhaps you need to consider why you bought this bass. I doubt if it was to make sure you recieved as great a deal as possible. It probably was,to get a bass you could love. This bass struck you, feels good, sounds good and you are happy. My last in love type bass was with me for 28 years. If you paid $50 to much that about $1.79/yr or $.15 per month.
And think for a moment about those of us who do not yet own a G&L or those who do not love their bass. You sir are a fortunate and blessed individual

Best of Lyuck,
Wesley R.

metron · #11 05-23-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckulasekere1

that's a little disheartning to know that it is student model and is worth a little less than I paid for it, but it really is inspiring and feels very nice in my hand. I paid cash for it and it's all paid off so I guess I'll hang onto it. Thanks again

I think it was marketed as a student model because its a little more basic than the L2K but thats one of the things I like about it. That makes it no less of a professional instrument. I paid 600 something for mine with OHSC last year and dont regret it for a second. The J/J SB-2 is a great bass!

ckulasekere1 · #12 05-27-2007, 06:23 PM

Thanks Jaguar for the clarification between beginner bass and budget bass. Also thanks for sharing those pics. I looked in the Forum for pics right after buying mine and I think I saw a red one before but that white looks real nice! Also thanks Wesley for the price break down and thanks for making me realize that $50 bucks is nothing for something that might make me a better bass player. Thanks to all others for the responses.

Thanks to all for the responses. I Really Really still like the bass. It has such punch and growl that I wasn't getting from my other Jazz basses. It seems, however, to have an electronics problem. There is a problem with the output jack and I noticed that when I was playing it this weekend at church, it seemed that the tone changed on its own without me adjusting the knob!!!??? I don't know if that is even possible but half way thru one song I lost a lot of my highs and had to turn around and boost it on the amp since it was for a slap section and then all of a sudden there was too much!

Any suggestions?

Templar · #13 05-27-2007, 08:01 PM

Listen, there is no set value on those things. If your bass is in good original shape, $500 is not bad at all.

You'd be hard pressed to find one selling for much less. I got about $600 for one a couple years ago, and it was in nowhere near mint condition.

Fact is, they're outstandingly good sounding basses that have recently become collectable, as well. Keep it a couple years and you'll likely show a nice little profit if you sell.

Hey wait a sec.....where the heck are the PICS ?!

Nino Valenti · #14 05-27-2007, 08:30 PM

IMO, that model SB-2 is a GREAT BASS!!! I've seen a few sell for more than that ($800-900) and If I can find one in the $450 price range, I'm gonna jump all over it!!!!!

**Chef** · #15 05-27-2007, 08:43 PM

One just cloed on ebay today for $450.

Output jack: get some 400 grit emery tape, and roll it up in "a tube shape." Gently insert it into the jack, and twizzle it around. If it pulls out all rust/crud colored, make a new piece, and repeat. Then, when it comes back clean, blow out the jack, put wd40 on a Q-Tip, and insert, wipe it down.

The newer jacks are prone to real failure sometimes. So far, I've never met one of your vintage and type that wasn't just oxidised real bad.

Nino Valenti · #16 05-27-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

One just cloed on ebay today for $450.

I checked eBay right after I posted my reply and saw that white one in Completed Auctions. If I see a black/maple one, I'm gonna snatch it up!!!!!

sunbeast · #17 05-28-2007, 03:35 PM

It seems to be a good time to get a used G&L for little money on Ebay right now! I've seen quite a few great deals...

Karl

DaveDeVille · #18 05-28-2007, 06:40 PM

here's mine ...
all original , with bumps and scratches .

metron · #19 05-29-2007, 09:28 AM

Nice David! You and I have identical twins

fourstringbliss · #20 06-02-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckulasekere1

It seems, however, to have an electronics problem. There is a problem with the output jack and I noticed that when I was playing it this weekend at church, it seemed that the tone changed on its own without me adjusting the knob!!!??? I don't know if that is even possible but half way thru one song I lost a lot of my highs and had to turn around and boost it on the amp since it was for a slap section and then all of a sudden there was too much!

Any suggestions?

I just looked at a wiring diagram for that bass and it's pretty dang simple. I'm guessing it's an older model, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the pots and jack and just rewire it. You might have a short somewhere and it's simpler to replace it all than to try and hunt it down. Make sure to use CTS pots because they're high quality and get a Switchcraft jack.

Try here for your parts:

Pots
Capacitor
Jack
Pickup Selector Switch

I know it's more money, but your playing peace of mind is worth the $30 - especially when playing at church where sound problems can be a distraction to someone's worship.