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Fender American Std Jazz or G&L JB-2

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by SVTbird, Dec 29, 2014.

  1. Dec 29, 2014 #1
    SVTbird

    SVTbird

    Dec 17, 2014
    Joliet IL
    Got the itch for a jazz bass after playing some locally, problem is they have a nice american standard sunburst with a tort guard that is just beautiful, and a JB-2 blackburst (quartersawn, swamp ash, rosewood fretboard).

    The G&L feels tighter, and seems to have a brighter sound, the fender feels "broken in" already, and seems a lot warmer.
    Both play great, just a matter of pick your poison I guess.

    Any thoughts? I do like the traditional look of the fender j, but the G&L is really nice.
    I already have a LB-100, so I'm definitly not anti-G&L, but there's no used G&L JB's around here to A-B with, so it's either the fender or the JB-2.
    Both about the same price too.
     
  2. Dec 29, 2014 #2
    zeffbeff

    zeffbeff

    Dec 14, 2014
    I own the same MIA Jazz, and it's fantastic. Plays like butter, and I did some detailed direct recording to analyze the pickups-- they're unreal! So articulate and growls.
     
  3. Dec 29, 2014 #3
    west al

    west al Road Rex (ROAD KING) Supporting Member

    Mar 14, 2014
    "In this country town, where the laughter sounds"
    That's a tough choice between the two. Flip a coin, and see who's heads.
     
    Jay Mastro likes this.
  4. Dec 29, 2014 #4
    Jay Mastro

    Jay Mastro

    Jun 23, 2014
    New York
    Though the feel of the MIA might be right I would go with the SB-2, and I'm a jazz guy, but I'll take a good G&L find over a MIA standard all day
     
    gsgbass likes this.
  5. Dec 29, 2014 #5
    west al

    west al Road Rex (ROAD KING) Supporting Member

    Mar 14, 2014
    "In this country town, where the laughter sounds"
    I know what you mean, I had a couple of USA SB-2's that played great also.
     
  6. Dec 29, 2014 #6
    RedHotFuzz

    RedHotFuzz

    Mar 16, 2014
    Why not stand out from the crowd? G&L.
     
    Mike A and gsgbass like this.
  7. Dec 29, 2014 #7
    SVTbird

    SVTbird

    Dec 17, 2014
    Joliet IL
    I AM kind of leaning towards the G&L. Both are nice. Both are used, and of course both are USA, and the JB-2 looks like its brand new. Honestly if you told me it was new I'd believe you, and I can get it for $699, $799 for the fender which is in great but not "new" condition.
    Main drawback with the JB is the gloss neck. Not sure if I'm crazy about that.

    I know the fender will hold a better resale value, but if the JB-2 is anything like my LB-100 I don't know if I really care lol.
     
    gsgbass likes this.
  8. Dec 30, 2014 #8
    SVTbird

    SVTbird

    Dec 17, 2014
    Joliet IL
    So I went back to play some more today, was basically set to get the G&L, then I saw it...

    Long story short, I didn't get either, and I walked out with a USA SVT-CL.

    Nice amp, but I think I might have a serious GAS problem :(
     
  9. Dec 30, 2014 #9
    OutToPlayJazz

    OutToPlayJazz

    Dec 30, 2007
    Gloucestershire, UK
    If the reputation of the LB is anything to go by, the JB should be stunning. The other thing I'd consider is that G&L's are produced in much smaller numbers and we all know how on/off patchy Fender's quality control is...

    Also, I know a lot of people aren't caring for the Am.Std Custom Shop 60's pickups. They're a lot darker and muddier than the 2008-2012 ones which had the proper scooped Jazz sound & burp.