• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Ernie Ball Cutlass vs G&L LB100

TemplesOfSyrinx

TemplesOfSyrinx

Sep 8, 2013
1,222
3,138
Florida
kingslevel1.bandcamp.com
#1
I have a 2016 EBMM Cutlass bass. An absolutely perfect bass in tone, fit and finish IMO. I have had GAS for some time about acquiring a G&L LB100, especially in a metallic or flake finish.

Found one at a local Guitar Center in Red Metallic with a Tort pick guard and a beautiful wood, top binding.

I really don't need an 8th bass, so I brought in the Cutlass to see what trade I would get.

What a disappointment the LB100 was. Knobs seemed loose and cheesy compared to the Cutlass. The color was beautiful, but the neck and fret dressing was terrible compared to the Cutlass. Both necks were 1⅝ at nut.

Was this just an aberration? I keep hearing about how awesome USA LB100's are. Not my experience so far.

Anyone else out there played both? Just wondering what your thoughts are. I'm not trying to trash G&L. Needless to say, I kept my Cutlass bass.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Ellery, murphy and HD007
#5
TemplesOfSyrinx said:
I have a 2016 EBMM Cutlass bass. An absolutely perfect bass in tone, fit and finish IMO. I have had GAS for some time about acquiring a G&L LB100, especially in a metallic or flake finish.

Found one at a local Guitar Center in Red Metallic with a Tort pick guard and a beautiful wood, top binding.

I really don't need an 8th bass, so I brought in the Cutlass to see what trade I would get.

What a disappointment the LB100 was. Knobs seemed lose and cheesy compared to the Cutlass. The color was beautiful, but the neck and fret dressing was terrible compared to the Cutlass. Both necks were 1⅝ at nut.

Was this just an aberration? I keep hearing about how awesome USA LB100's are. Not my experience so far.

Anyone else out there played both? Just wondering what your thoughts are. I'm not trying to trash G&L. Needless to say, I kept my Cutlass bass.
Click to expand...
Send you Cutlass to Marty Bell for a refinish of your choice . Don’t get rid of a bass that you like that much. You’ll regret it. The grass isn’t always greener .
 
  • Like
Reactions: onamission, MCF, K-2 and 3 others
#6
LadyLoveStingRay5 said:
Send you Cutlass to Marty Bell for a refinish of your choice . Don’t get rid of a bass that you like that much. You’ll regret it. The grass isn’t always greener .
Click to expand...

I actually had a bass refinished by Sean at CinCity Customs earlier this year. He did an amazing job. The thought has crossed my mind...
 
  • Like
Reactions: MCF, lowdownthump, HD007 and 1 other person
#9
jd56hawk said:
I played a Music Man Sting Ray a few weeks ago that was a shame to the brand name.
Looked beautiful but felt like something you'd expect to find in a yardsale, something that hadn't been touched in twenty years. I couldn't believe how bad it sounded.
Sounds like the same for this G&L...one in a thousand.
Click to expand...

I've played a couple Tributes that were finished much better than the one I played today. I'm thinking it's that one bad apple.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MCF and jd56hawk
#12
TemplesOfSyrinx said:
It was a 2016 used. It looked great, just didn't feel great.
Click to expand...

Well, with any used instrument, who knows how well it was or wasn’t taken care of by the prior owner.

The knob situation sounds like it’s loose, which is a simple fix and could happen on any bass. As for fret dressing, it should have been PLEK’d at the factory, so I’m surprised to hear there’s a fret issue. A poor setup could be just as easily explained as the knob, back to the prior care and maintenance of the instrument.

G&L makes some fine instruments, as does EBMM. And any company can let a dog out occasionally. Similar to @jd56hawk I played an EBMM that was a dud (Caprice) and left me severely underwhelmed after all the praise I’d heard about them. I know EBMM makes some great gear, so it hasn’t soured me on them as a brand, though admittedly I don’t own any either.

I guess what I’m getting at is, if you’re happy with the Cutlass for all aspects other than color, there is the refinish option. But don’t rule out G&L from just one example.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TemplesOfSyrinx
#13
metron said:
What's a cheesy knob?
Click to expand...

The knobs aren't cheesy, but they make a nice nutmeg grater.

img_9872f_1024x1024.jpg


Seriously, my US-made G&L LB-100 is a really beautifully-made instrument. It's hard to imagine what the story is behind the one that the OP ran into. That said, I had a chance to play a Caprice a while back—very, very nice.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BassPilot and HD007
#17
TDR1138 said:
Well, with any used instrument, who knows how well it was or wasn’t taken care of by the prior owner.

The knob situation sounds like it’s loose, which is a simple fix and could happen on any bass. As for fret dressing, it should have been PLEK’d at the factory, so I’m surprised to hear there’s a fret issue. A poor setup could be just as easily explained as the knob, back to the prior care and maintenance of the instrument.

G&L makes some fine instruments, as does EBMM. And any company can let a dog out occasionally. Similar to @jd56hawk I played an EBMM that was a dud (Caprice) and left me severely underwhelmed after all the praise I’d heard about them. I know EBMM makes some great gear, so it hasn’t soured me on them as a brand, though admittedly I don’t own any either.

I guess what I’m getting at is, if you’re happy with the Cutlass for all aspects other than color, there is the refinish option. But don’t rule out G&L from just one example.
Click to expand...

Yes, it was PLEK'd at the factory. The original invoice was in the case. That being said, I can only imagine that the prior owner did not take great care of the instrument. It was only 2 years old. The frets in many places felt like they were protruding from the sides of the neck.

I'm glad I was able to try it out before buying. I agree with the comments that this is not indicative of G&L. Just one bad apple.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back