Fender Amer Stand Jazz, G&L US SB-2 - which one???

dgce · #1 03-25-2011, 02:19 PM

I'm generally a G&L man. And my gut tells me the SB-2 is likely a better built, more solid machine with kick butt passive pickups and more heavy duty hardware. However I must admit, the new and improved Fender Jazz has got me wondering.

There are no shops around for me to test out a SB-2 to compare to the Jazz. Anyone care to lend some friendly advice?

Thanks!

Nedmundo · #2 03-25-2011, 02:43 PM

I think the pic you posted provides the answer: BOTH! Seriously, my top two basses are a vintage white/tort/rosewood SB-2, and a 2003 MIA Jazz. (My new G&L JB is in the mix too, but it's essentially another MIA Jazz with G&L goodness baked in.) I could easily accomplish everything I do with those two. I guess if I had to pick one, it would probably be the Jazz, because it's a little easier to fit into just about anything, especially with the noiseless Lindy Fralins pickups I use.

It's a close call though, because the SB-2 is an incredible instrument, and is plenty versatile in its own right. For some material, I have a strong preference for the SB-2 over anything else. If you want the most heavy duty split-coil tone imaginable with the playability of a great J-bass, it gets no better. Actually, my SB-2 has slightly better playability than my Jazz. It kicked two basses out of my arsenal, and a third is in serious jeopardy.

In terms of construction and overall quality, they're pretty close, but the edge probably goes to G&L, and G&L's finishes are better. I also like the low action afforded by G&L's Plek fret levelling, which produced incredible results on my SB-2 and formerly owned L-1500. My new JB is more comparable to my Fenders in that respect, but still has excellent playability and could probably get better with a pro setup.

**Chef** · #3 03-25-2011, 02:43 PM

Wow...those are gonna be *really* different from each other.

dgce · #4 03-25-2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

I think the pic you posted provides the answer: BOTH! Seriously, my top two basses are a vintage white/tort/rosewood SB-2, and a 2003 MIA Jazz. (My new G&L JB is in the mix too, but it's essentially another MIA Jazz with G&L goodness baked in.) I could easily accomplish everything I do with those two. I guess if I had to pick one, it would probably be the Jazz, because it's a little easier to fit into just about anything, especially with the noiseless Lindy Fralins pickups I use.

It's a close call though, because the SB-2 is an incredible instrument, and is plenty versatile in its own right. For some material, I have a strong preference for the SB-2 over anything else. If you want the most heavy duty split-coil tone imaginable with the playability of a great J-bass, it gets no better. Actually, my SB-2 has slightly better playability than my Jazz. It kicked two basses out of my arsenal, and a third is in serious jeopardy.

In terms of construction and overall quality, they're pretty close, but the edge probably goes to G&L, and G&L's finishes are better. I also like the low action afforded by G&L's Plek fret levelling, which produced incredible results on my SB-2 and formerly owned L-1500. My new JB is more comparable to my Fenders in that respect, but still has excellent playability and could probably get better with a pro setup.

Hmmm... Well I love my G&L ASAT bass but would like to have another axe that’s a bit more straight forward without all the whistles and bells. The SB-2 seems to be a no-brainer considering they share the same neck and heavy duty hardware. However, I am a little concerned about lack of a tone knob. I actually use mine and have in the past when I played EMG equipped Fender Jazzes. Any comments?

**Chef** · #5 03-25-2011, 02:56 PM

The SB2 is the one bass I never minded not having a tone knob on.
Right hand placement and technique seemed to work well enough.

Nedmundo · #6 03-25-2011, 03:03 PM

I added a tone knob, which makes a big difference to me. Rolling off treble at the amp was okay, but didn't have quite the same effect as a passive tone control. (You can also reduce treble by dropping the split-coil's volume, but where's the fun in that?

) I'd probably prefer an SB-1, because it has the tone knob, and I almost never use the bridge pickup anyway. It just takes up real estate that should be covered by the awesome finish.

If you already have an ASAT, the Jazz might add more tonal variation. You have the MFD sledgehammer effect on tap, and a J would complement that perfectly IMO. Take a look at the G&L JB too.

dgce · #7 03-25-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

I added a tone knob, which makes a big difference to me. Rolling off treble at the amp was okay, but didn't have quite the same effect as a passive tone control. (You can also reduce treble by dropping the split-coil's volume, but where's the fun in that?

) I'd probably prefer an SB-1, because it has the tone knob, and I almost never use the bridge pickup anyway. It just takes up real estate that should be covered by the awesome finish.

If you already have an ASAT, the Jazz might add more tonal variation. You have the MFD sledgehammer effect on tap, and a J would complement that perfectly IMO. Take a look at the G&L JB too.

I've thought about the JB-2 but would prefer to have that P pickup in the mix. Though if I saw a sweet deal on eBay, I’d definitely consider it. As for the full on JB model, they’re over $1,500, which is slightly out of my range though I'm always on the look out for used. Still, I would prefer that P pickup!

Getting back to the SB-2, I was thinking that replacing the vol knob for the J pickup with a concentric J-vol/master tone would be the least evasive way of adding a tone knob without any drilling. What did you do?

Nedmundo · #8 03-25-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgce

Getting back to the SB-2, I was thinking that replacing the vol knob for the J pickup with a concentric J-vol/master tone would be the least evasive way of adding a tone knob without any drilling. What did you do?

That's exactly what I did, and I like the config. Unfortunately the concentric knobs I found don't match the split-coil volume knob perfectly, but I don't notice when the MFD is running full bore!

**Chef** · #9 03-25-2011, 05:38 PM

Word

There really isn't anything like a G&L MFD P.

Aspidites · #10 03-25-2011, 05:38 PM

SB-2, it is not even a contest.

**RaginRog** · #11 03-25-2011, 06:38 PM

I've never played an SB-2...but I think they look great, and love their pickup placement. If you want a tone knob...mod-it and add one.

That being said....I love Jazz basses...and prefer them because of the customization options available on the after-market. If someone told me I couldn't mod my Jazz bass by adding Dimarzio Model J's....I might go SB-2.

mcm · #12 03-25-2011, 06:52 PM

they both are killer, but very different. i would take the jazz because of the alnico sound. g and l's are awesome though

dgce · #13 03-26-2011, 03:56 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys. Unless I stumble on an offer I just can't refuse, I think I'm going with the SB-2. Down the road, I'll add that concentric vol/tone knob.

erigod23 · #14 03-26-2011, 04:45 AM

I'm in the "both" camp.

tylerwylie · #15 03-26-2011, 04:46 AM

G&L no doubt.

dgce · #16 03-30-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

That's exactly what I did, and I like the config. Unfortunately the concentric knobs I found don't match the split-coil volume knob perfectly, but I don't notice when the MFD is running full bore!

Say, what company did you order that concentric knob for your SB-2 from? How much did it cost you? How much was installation? Are you happy with its functionality; smooth roll off, not a sudden drop in tone, no scratch pot? Got a pic?

Yeah, a lot of questions but I'm seriously thinking of pulling the trigger on a SB-2 and I need to factor in the tone knob mod.

Thanks!

Mastermold · #17 03-30-2011, 03:00 PM

I know this thread is about the SB-2 but I'm curious how different (if at all) the G&L JB pickups are from Fender's Jazz pickups.