Fender Precision or G&L LB-100?

[Antisyzygy]

I liked the #7, more so than the #8, which is the popular one. Felt too thin to me. But give me the vintage radius any day of the week...

Vintage radius for me too. I suspect that's why the RW 50s bass worked for me. Well, that and it's a thinner profile. It's just a wide neck.

The pickup placement on the LB is a bit toward the bridge compared to a Fender. Subsequently, the LB pickup was spec'd to 10,500 turns (versus standard 10,000 turns on Fender) to compensate for the placement, particularly in the mids. So, essentially the pickup is 5% overwound.

Interesting. I didn't know the pickup was moved a bit towards the bridge. I suppose that makes sense given the extra fret, they must have moved it for aesthetics so the pickup still looked centered.

Anyway, that explains to a degree what I noticed with the tone of my LB-100 when I had it. It's definitely a bit brighter.

The other factor is that I was comparing it to a Geezer equipped P which is overwound to like 12-13k.

I did know the pickup is closer to the bridge on the SB-1s.

 

[Dbassmon]

It does not really matter.... you tell me, the differences are pretty minor...

 

[darwin-bass]

LB-100. You can get your choice of neck on it. I eventually went with the narrow J (1.5") on the one I bought new and it is great.

I like the looks of the Fender better but the G&L is otherwise the better instrument.

NBD: G&L LB-100 (vs. Fender Precision) - Pics.

G&L LB-100 Empress vs Alder.

Photo comparison of LB100 and P bass.

 

[BlueAliceOasis]

I'd say G&L most definitely. Far superior to the American Standard Precision, which I personally don't care much for. Fender has better Precisions for less IMO, YMMV, etc.

 

[secondbestcody]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I'm curious as to everyone's opinions on a Tribute LB-100 vs. an MIM Standard P. I want a natural finish bass and they currently offer the Tribute LB's in natural. I would eventually throw an MFD pickup in it because I love the sound of them but I don't have the money to buy a USA one or find a used one in my area.

 

[JES]

I prefer the tribute G&L in theory — but you have to play the bass to see if you want it. I've played both and there is some different from one to the next so you could get a great Fender or a bad G&L. In a mix they will sound similar. With a MFD they will sound killer. The Tribute body shape is slightly more to my liking, and the upper fret access is better. A good MIM will play well too. If you mail order either, be sure to do or get a decent setup before judging the instrument. Obviously, the Fender says Fender.

 

[tvbop]

By-pass the G&L Fender stress game and get yourself a Squire CV 70's P. I've owned tons of vintage P's and these 70's CV's are ridiculously good...low action, thumpy PU's...it almost doesnt need to be better.

 

[ComeHomeShane]

I prefer every passive G&L that I've ever played over every passive Fender I've ever played.

 

[Tikola914]

I can't think of anything a P can do better than a G&L, its the direct evolution of the P by the guy who invented it. Get a P if you like tinkering with off the shelf compatible parts, or just want to sound and look like everybody else. Get a G&L if you want a rock solid workhorse that's already been "improved" by Leo Fender, no further tinkering required. I've had my G&L L2000 since 1983, literally zero problems in all those years, built like a tank, original frets barely worn, a survivor and it can sound like almost anything.

Very well put my friend.

 

[Clipped]

Never had a Fender P, but I've had two LB100's (one with frets and one without). Super solid. Great tone. Can't imagine the Fender being better.

 

[tvbop]

Well Ive just watched the LB100 Ed Freidland vid and as usual he does a very fine job indeed...but...it sounds just a bit too refined for my taste. I kinda like the awkward charm P basses have.....Quiet E strings, unevenness across the board...not to pushy in the upper mids. Even my new CV70 feels like a pair of old jeans, the G&L just seems almost too perfect.
Having said that I'd still like to try one, who knows?