What did my SB-1 used to look like?

Madcity Fats · #1 06-02-2008, 08:53 AM

Hi, Folks. Longtime lurker, first time poster. I added a new G&L to the family over the weekend, and I'm interested in its history. Hoping maybe one of you G&L buffs can help me out.

It's an SB-1 with a neck dated March 27, 1986 and a body dated April 1st of that same year. It appears to be an early enough version that it has the "experimental" Schaller PBX pickup (like this: http://www.ggjaguar.com/sb-1pu.htm ) instead of the MFD.

Looks original except for the pick guard, which is a 3-ply pearloid, and the knobs, which are metal similar to the 90s SB-1 style (but not quite--looks like maybe they were gold tone). Otherwise it looks pretty much like the one on the ggjaguar site linked above, only much more broken in (seriously, this plays as nice as any vintage P I've plucked on).

From what I can tell, all SB-1 basses of this era would have had a 1-ply black guard and the knobs would have been those black plastic deals with the silver caps. Are my assumptions correct?

Not sure I'm interested in restoring it, but just in case, does anyone know which pick guard option at Chandler would be closest to the original stock? Any chance of finding replacement knobs for these things, or is it just a matter of keeping watch on the 'Bay?

Sorry to be long-winded. Looking forward to future discussions here.

Spiritfield · #2 06-02-2008, 09:51 AM

The one I had from '85 had the Schaller split P pickup in it (sounded really good to my ear), single ply black pickguard and the "radio" type knobs. I don't know of a source for the knobs, I'd suggest just keep your eyes peeled maybe here, www.guitarsbyleo.com (register your bass over there in the registry) and keep a look out on the bay. The knobs are the same as used on the early SC series guitars so that may broaden your search parameters a bit.

My '86 SB-1 had the single ply black pickguard, the radio knobs, and the MFD split coil.

Spiritfield · #3 06-02-2008, 09:59 AM

You might also put out a shout here: http://badassbassplayers.com/forum/viewforum.php the G&L braintrust hangs there and someone may have a set in the parts box....

Templar · #4 06-02-2008, 11:02 AM

Some from that era came with maple bodies, and possibly a black krinkle aluminum guard (at least some of mine came that way).

The radio knobs turn up on ebay at times, and should'nt cost much....unlike trying to find original L-series knobs!

tramp · #5 06-02-2008, 05:11 PM

I have an SB 1 that I bought new in March 1988. Is has the same pickups on it that you have but I replaced them with emgs. I still have to origional pickups though. I had to replace the pickguard around 1995 and I bought a pickguard that was black white black. I recently replaced that with an origional looking one from Chandler. I ordered the #28 Black Matte and it looks just like the origional. I have an origional color flyer and it appears to be the same. Having emgs on the SB 1, I had to file the pickguard down around the pickups but no big deal. I had also replaced the plastic knobs with chrome ones but I went back to the plastic for the origional look. Tramp

Madcity Fats · #6 06-11-2008, 02:26 PM

Through some careful hunting, I managed to find some knobs on the 'Bay that look virtually identical to the early (2nd gen) SB-1 plastic dealies:

(BTW, there were other similar ones out there. These were listed as ham radio parts, so it pays to broaden the search--just in case anyone else is on the hunt.)

So they arrived yesterday and they're pretty flimsy. I'm wondering if any of you (tramp?) can tell me if the G&L originals were the same way. These are entirely plastic except for the set screw and cheesy metal disc on top. I guess I was expecting some sort of metal sleeve that would slip over the shaft of the pot. These seem like they might not hold up so well over time.

So I'm having second thoughts on installing them. If the originals from G&L had more heft to them, I may keep looking (honestly, I'm not obsessive about this stuff, but it's a great time-killer hunting around for parts to make her look like she did when the factory gave birth to her).

But man, as-is, this bass is simply awesome. I paid less for this one than for any of my 3 other G&L basses, but it might win the tone battle. Certainly holds its own. And remember, this is without the MFD!

Don't rule out the Schaller pickup if you run across an older model, G&Lers. It's certainly a different sound than what G&L eventually settled on, but it's nothing to scoff at.

tramp · #7 06-11-2008, 08:04 PM

I just checked mine. They look exactly like the ones you have pictured. Mine are pretty hard plastic. If I squeeze them, they won't bend if that is what you mean by flimsy. Like I said, I had put chrome knobs on my bass but went back to the origional look.

Tramp

Madcity Fats · #8 06-12-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tramp

I just checked mine. They look exactly like the ones you have pictured. Mine are pretty hard plastic. If I squeeze them, they won't bend if that is what you mean by flimsy.

Yeah, I guess "flimsy" is sort of a relative term, huh? Actually what I meant is that the knobs are very light weight. The plastic itself is fine (and I think the plastics they made back in the day were superior to the crap they make now). They certainly seem to be the right vintage.

Really I was surprised that there was no metal core to them. But I guess if the set screw is firm they really shouldn't wear out from normal use.

(Damn if this conversation wouldn't bore the pants off 99.999% of America, so I really appreciate you humoring me.)