G&L JB-2 Tribute vs. MIM Fender Jazz?
 

Been wanting a nice passive jazz style bass. I am a Fender guy and these 2 are what I have narrowed down to and within the price point I am looking at ($500 +/-).

The build quality even on the Tribute G&L is from what I understand going to be top notch.

The MIM will offer more color options. Which honestly is a big deal to me. The JB2 Tribute is rather bland in its options. However both the natural with rosewood and the sunburst with maple fingerboard are very nice and classy looking.

I am intrigued by the G&Ls because I keep hearing and reading about how Leo was basically refining what he had already designed.

I sorta know what to expect with the MIM. Sturdy and solid with mod options galore. The G&L is a bit more mysterious and without ever playing one I expect it to be better. The bridge design and pickups seem to be better. Especially considering how "refined" Leo would have designed these.

The JB2s are a little cheaper. MIMs have more cosmetic options. I am in a bit of a deadlock.

Bump

$449 for the JB-2 is a no brainer. Its a great bass.

Are both of these mail-order (so you cannot try them out)?

The average build quality of the G&L tribute IMO is higher than a MIM standard and the #8 neck on the G&L JB-2 (and SB-2) is a joy to play... JB-2 has great tones and for $150 less it really does makes this a no brainer.

So, other than no aftermarket parts for tinkerers the only reason not to buy a JB-2 over a MIM standard is if you believe your skill and sex appeal will disappear along with the Fender logo.

I've owned both in the past and preferred the G&L. I thought it was more comfortable to play (personal preference perhaps) and the build quality was top notch.

I had both, I still own the JB2. It doesn't replace my American Jazz but it definitely holds its own and I always get positive comments on its tone. It is a joy to play.

I agree completely. The MIM Fenders are quite good these days, and I really like my modded 2010, but the G&L will be better. The #8 neck is wonderful, and the G&L pickups absolutely blow away MIM Fender J pickups. (Also, while you cannot mod the G&L as much as a Fender, you can swap pickups if you want. The G&L pickups are excellent though.)

The pickups aren't easy to swap on the G&L because they are the same size unlike the Fender and the size is longer than a neck pup and smaller than a bridge pup. Although you won't need to swap them. They sound really good.

I had no issues swapping out my USA JB's pickups, so I guess it's a Tribute issue similar to the issue on MIM Fender J's before around 2003. Oh well, you're right there's no need to change them out.