G&L JB-2 vs Fender Jazz .... thoughts ?

[sratas]

Currently I'm simply loving the JB concept. I mean, it has been years and years that I love the idea of a high end jazz bass but I have never liked the confusing Fender line of instruments. I mean, man! It' a jazz bass, how many versions are necessary? The G&L seems to have boutique-grade attention to craftsmanship and detail, they are the heritage of the great Leo, and have balanced prices for what they offer. It seems right to me. In this days I'm blowing my country trying to find a G&L JB and nobody seem to sell one...
Now I'm searching in foreign countries, I hate to do so, but the fever goes on...
Anyone has experience of their different neck finishes? I lean toward the vintage tint but actually I have no idea of the appearance of the other ones or the pro/cons of each, regarding look and most of all playability. Every input will be greatly appreciated. ciao

[Green Lantern]

Thinking about a new 5 string American standard Fender jazz bass or the G&L JB bass. I agree that the G&L were better than the Fender until Fender improved their American Standard with a better bridge, updated pickups and graphite in the neck. Not sure which one to get at this time....will be adding a Aguilar preamp to the bass.

Which one would you get and why

[Youngspanion]

That seems like an over bloated price and I would stay away.

I have a MIM Fender Jazz bass and a G&L L2K and besides the 'tone', and the model being different, G&L is not a better instrument. Saddle Lock bridge aside. Don't buy into the "Hand Crafted" bull. G&L is as cookie cutter as the next. Right now, G&L is trying to push its way into the market with all of their different instruments. Besides having two single coil passive basses, they have the traditional. L2k, the M2k, and of course the L2k in the ASAT body. And the SB2 which is the Pbass knock off. They also offer different collections. Like the Naked collection, the Black Ice collection and the Korina Collection. All nice instruments BTW. Don't get me wrong. The G&L is a nice bass, PLEK-ed and everything. But you'll never get the Block Inlays.

So bottom line for me is that the G&L JB2 is a fine bass built by a regular company. But as far as price, its over priced.

[Green Lantern]

Thanks for your reply. I am leaning more towards the Fender right now.

[tdoody]

i have a jb2. took out the pick ups and replaced them with nordys. the smaller body fits me perfectly. best sounding and playing bass i own.

[soulman969]

Hello Music has a maple neck JB-2 Tribute on sale for $329. Import or not that seems like a hell of a good price on a nice bass. Even with a pickup swap you have less than $500 into it. Makes me wish I was in the market for one right now.

http://www.hellomusic.com/items/jb-2...p-ash-sunburst

[Youngspanion]

Thats more like it. Nice sunburst finish. And I bet its a nice bass.

[Scorpo90]

Coming from a professional recording engineer. He prefers my active L2000 bass over others, including Fender Jazz for recording. He said that the sound clarity and signal is one of the best he has worked with in over 15 years of professional experience. I always suggest to play whatever you are thinking of buying, and buy what you really love, if you can't afford it now, save up the $ till you can. Also check Sandowky Basses, they are really nicely built. Good luck.

[Joe Murray]

I wish G&L would redesign their headstock shape. That spur really annoys me. :/

[uOpt]

Fender what?

MIM? MIM RI? MIJ? MIA std? AVRI?

I'm really not too much a friend of Am Std, and obviously it changes a lot over the years.

[mystic38]

Personally i see nothing "high mass" in the new high mass bridge on the Fender jazz... slightly thicker sheet steel.. but thats it... Compared to the saddle lock bridge of G&L its like a cardboard brick

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by Joe Murray

I wish G&L would redesign their headstock shape. That spur really annoys me. :/

Yeah. Probably annoys THEM too! But it's what keeps the Fender laywers from their door!

[Green Lantern]

Originally Posted by Scorpo90

Coming from a professional recording engineer. He prefers my active L2000 bass over others, including Fender Jazz for recording. He said that the sound clarity and signal is one of the best he has worked with in over 15 years of professional experience. I always suggest to play whatever you are thinking of buying, and buy what you really love, if you can't afford it now, save up the $ till you can. Also check Sandowky Basses, they are really nicely built. Good luck.

The L2000 lacks that beautiful bell tone that jazz pickups give you. That is why I sold my G&L 2500 though it has many good sounds. Since there are no 5 string JB basses, I am looking at Fender again with Augilar pickups.

[Jeff Scott]

Originally Posted by Joe Murray

I wish G&L would redesign their headstock shape. That spur really annoys me. :/

Once I noticed the negative space I thought differently.

[DrSpunkwater]

You guys are crazy. I think the "spur" on the headstock looks great. Better than the old headstock did, even.

[Makatak]

Ive picked up a Tribute JB-2 . Sold my Jazz Bass after 10 years and swearing never to let it go , JB2 gives me everything I want and more , smaller body etc . Having it shielded and fret ends filed at the moment , its a keeper !

[zortation]

Fender J all the way..