SB-2 or Model-T

bmb73 · #1 07-21-2011, 05:51 PM

I have been playing a Squier Standard Jazz for close to two years. It has been awhile, but I have decided to purchase a new bass. I want something that will last awhile, and am able to dial in more tones than I can currently.

I feel like I have outgrown this bass, don't know any other way to explain.

I don't like the neck on the Jazz, it feels small to me. Tone wise, I would like to get more out of it. I have tried experimenting and am really not noticing a difference.

I also would like to be spend money now(300-600) range. I realize it is not alot, but that is all I will be able to afford for the time being.

The two basses I have been looking at is the Model-T, and the G&L SB-2. Looking through reviews here on TB has helped my decision. The only shop withing driving distance does not carry these brands so this will be a blind buy.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

ghostdog93 · #2 07-21-2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmb73

The two basses I have been looking at is the Model-T, and the G&L SB-2. Looking through reviews here on TB has helped my decision. The only shop withing driving distance does not carry these brands so this will be a blind buy.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

My only unbiased piece of advice? If you're buying without playing first, make sure that the seller has a good return policy.

Biased advice - Tribute SB-2.

bmb73 · #3 07-21-2011, 06:42 PM

Good point, the seller has a great return policy.

Thanks for the input!

Aspidites · #4 07-21-2011, 06:46 PM

Used USA SB-2 for just a little more than a new Tribute series.

bmb73 · #5 07-21-2011, 06:54 PM

I saw this on zzounds;

G&L Tribute SB2 Electric Bass at zZounds

mpdd · #6 07-21-2011, 06:55 PM

the new usa sb2 i have has a jazz neck

Spiritfield · #7 07-21-2011, 06:57 PM

Another SB-2 vote here..

madbassplaya · #8 07-21-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmb73

I saw this on zzounds;

G&L Tribute SB2 Electric Bass at zZounds

If you're going to go new, I have to say that I would get the Model T.

I am a BIG G&L fan and I've owned a USA G&L Sb-2. It was a great bass and the build quality was excellent, but I also owned a Schecter model T and that bass played great and had a phenomenal sound! It is the ONLY P bass that I regret getting rid of.

If you're looking at a used USA made Sb-2 and a Schecter Model T I would say that you have a tough choice. If you're looking at a foreign made Sb-2 I say go for the Schecter without question.

This was my experience.

bmb73 · #9 07-21-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madbassplaya

If you're going to go new, I have to say that I would get the Model T

If you're looking at a used USA made Sb-2 and a Schecter Model T I would say that you have a tough choice. If you're looking at a foreign made Sb-2 I say go for the Schecter without question.

This was my experience.

If you dont mind me asking, are the foreign made not as good a quality? Looking on the website I was not able to really tell if it was made in the US. Then again, I am a noob also

Aspidites · #10 07-21-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmb73

If you dont mind me asking, are the foreign made not as good a quality? Looking on the website I was not able to really tell if it was made in the US. Then again, I am a noob also

The Tribute series are made in Indonesia with US made pickups. While the Tribute build quality is pretty good US made G&L's are quite a bit nicer and used are not much more than a new Tribute.

bmb73 · #11 07-21-2011, 07:30 PM

Gotcha, I am kind of hesitant about buying without playing though. Zzounds does offer a thirty day guarantee, so that is not too bad.

ghostdog93 · #12 07-21-2011, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpdd

the new usa sb2 i have has a jazz neck

On USA G&Ls, the 1 1/2" nut is one option. You can also get a 1 3/4" nut, and either a 7 1/2" or 12" fretboard radius. The SB-2 Tribute only comes with a 1 1/2" nut and a 9" radius.

But I do see your point. The OP said he didn't like the Squier Jazz neck, and the G&L neck has the same nut width. I don't know what the specs are on the Schecter.

CLMSHQ · #13 07-22-2011, 03:39 AM

I am a Fender Bass Nut, but I have also been eyeing the Schecter Model T.

I had a Schecter Elite from an impulse buy about 8yrs ago, and they are well made basses.

jfh2424 · #14 07-22-2011, 04:29 AM

I own two Indo Tribute SB2s. Zero issues, USA sound, tiny price. I would definately get the same thing again if need ever arises.

John

bmb73 · #15 07-22-2011, 04:45 AM

Would it be worth it to look at the Classic Vibe series? Preferably a P Bass. Don't like the Jazz neck, so I know I would like to go the P bass route, or something with a thicker neck.

Matt Freeman looks nice, also the Epi EB-3.

again, thanks in advance...

fenderhutz · #16 07-22-2011, 04:49 AM

If you don't like the jazz neck stay away from the SB2.

Personally I would go on Guitar Centers used site and look every couple days.

They have Model T's dirt cheap on there. I have seen SB1 USA basses go as low as 400-500 bucks. They have a slightly bigger than jazz neck as well.

Spiritfield · #17 07-22-2011, 07:07 AM

Give the G&L SB-1 a good look then... P style neck, one single split coil MFD pickup, tone/vol controls. There's a used one in the marketplace now. I just picked up a used, mid 90's SB-1 shipped to me across the country for $675. Beats the pants off any current made US Fender P imho. As ever, ymmv.

ghostdog93 · #18 07-22-2011, 03:42 PM

To the OP: based on your original post, I thought you were interested in a P/J setup, given that the two basses you listed fall into that camp.

If you just want to get away from the J bass neck, and you don't care about pickup configuration, your options are plenty. Any of the VM or CV series Squier P basses are a good bet - the VMs are nice, the CVs a little nicer. The Matt Freeman sig is basically a CV 60's P with a maple board. The 50's P (SCPB) is another good choice.

Again, I don't know the neck specs on the Schecter T40 - I can't seem to find them listed anywhere - so it may or may not fit your needs.

If you're going to look at used, all the previous suggestions apply, minus the SB-2 (unless you can find a used USA model with the 1 3/4" nut). I'd also suggest looking at any used MIM Fender P that you can find.

VincentGrim · #19 07-22-2011, 04:00 PM

Squier CV basses are a great option to look into, my Matt Freeman sig is amazing!

bmb73 · #20 07-23-2011, 09:33 AM

Pickup options are not really a deciding factor for me. It boils down to the neck.

I have boiled it down to a CV p bass, matt freeman, or model t.

Thanks for all the inputs.