G&L Club Part 7

[metron]

Just put a set of EB Cobalt rounds on my L2500. The clarity of the B is exceptional. Piano like.

Prior sets on this bass were Fat Beams and DAddario. Both B strings were pretty dull to the point that I almost couldn't stand it. Even when new. These Cobalts are a revelation.

 

[HELLonWHEELS]

What ever happened to those MFD Jazz pick ups. I feel like it's been 2 years since we were teased...

 

[metron]

What ever happened to those MFD Jazz pick ups. I feel like it's been 2 years since we were teased...

I think its been closer to 3 years. Seems like the idea evaporated.

 

[woodyng2]

Tell me more about the pure blues sound wise.

I recently switched to DR high beams 45-100s and really love them. They keep their tone for ages. I love their flexibility too. I had no idea there was so much difference between a round and hex core string.

I dunno, I'm not one to try to describe tonalities like some kinda frequency-obsessed wine connoisseur.
The 2 main reasons i prefer them are the flexible lower tension feel, and the the very tight, smooth wrap. They're easier and more responsive to play than similar gauges of hexcore daddario,rotos,etc.
At the same time, there's no slop in the tone,great definition,edge, and a reasonable thump.

 

[HELLonWHEELS]

I think its been closer to 3 years. Seems like the idea evaporated.

Well if they decide to make them (if you're listening G&L) I will order a set.

 

[jglunt]

Well if they decide to make them (if you're listening G&L) I will order a set.

I don't think they could make them near fast enough to keep up with demand. Instead of waiting a year for a bass to be built, we'd be waiting a year for a set of pickups to be built.

 

[TDR1138]

When I ordered my SB-2T (October '21), I inquired about the MFD J pickups and was told that there wasn't any official date on them, and that G&L wasn't even giving any answers about them. So who knows at this point…

 

[Spidey2112]

... (if you're listening G&L)...

 

[jglunt]

When I ordered my SB-2T (October '21), I inquired about the MFD J pickups and was told that there wasn't any official date on them, and that G&L wasn't even giving any answers about them. So who knows at this point…

How much work would be involved in using a pair of SB-2 bridge pickups in a jazz bass? I'm told on the Tributes that neck & bridge pickups are the same size, but I don't know how close they are to the SB-2 bridge pickup.

 

[Glazenn]

How much work would be involved in using a pair of SB-2 bridge pickups in a jazz bass? I'm told on the Tributes that neck & bridge pickups are the same size, but I don't know how close they are to the SB-2 bridge pickup.

Reading this thread might be useful at this stage (though it does not say the pickup size - if this is your query):
replacement bridge pickup on G&L sb2

 

[jglunt]

That is extremely weird. I have a 2007 USA SB-2 and play directly through a sound system with subs. My bridge pickup is not weak and not real thin sounding. And I agree with the person who said much of the thinness has to do with its placement near the bridge. That also accounts for some of the lower volume because the strings that close to the bridge just aren't putting out as much energy as the strings over the neck pickup.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Just been listening to Ramblin' Dave rambling on while he waved this at the camera. Sadly, it didn't get plugged in

Single pole pieces reverse split in the Stingray spot, with treble and bass boost EQ

 

[metron]

Just been listening to Ramblin' Dave rambling on while he waved this at the camera. Sadly, it didn't get plugged in

View attachment 4615029

Single pole pieces reverse split in the Stingray spot, with treble and bass boost EQ

There are a few videos of the prototype being played

 

[Glazenn]

Hi,
I'm looking at this brand new JB-5 in Tangerine Orange.
Just a few questions before (maybe) pulling the trigger.
Body is "Lightweight American Basswood", not Swamp Ash or Alder (hence a price difference).
PLEK-ed !
Neck is not quartersawn (in the past, all G&L 5-string basses were with a quartersawn neck).
Serial number CLF1705xxx (so maybe not a newer stock).

(Bubbles under the masking film)

 

[Jfp]

What are your questions? I missed them above.

 

[MG Wolf]

Hi,
I'm looking at this brand new JB-5 in Tangerine Orange.
Just a few questions before (maybe) pulling the trigger.
Body is "Lightweight American Basswood", not Swamp Ash or Alder (hence a price difference).
PLEK-ed !
Neck is not quartersawn (in the past, all G&L 5-string basses were with a quartersawn neck).
Serial number CLF1705xxx (so maybe not a newer stock).

View attachment 4616951


View attachment 4616952
(Bubbles under the masking film)

Yes.

 

[One Way]

Looks awesome! I recently acquired a new G&L JB Tribute. The OEM pickups provide amazing tone! What are your questions? If I was in the market I'd certainly jump on that JB based on my experience with 3 new G&L Tributes.

 

[ahbass2500]

Hi,
I'm looking at this brand new JB-5 in Tangerine Orange.
Just a few questions before (maybe) pulling the trigger.
Body is "Lightweight American Basswood", not Swamp Ash or Alder (hence a price difference).
PLEK-ed !
Neck is not quartersawn (in the past, all G&L 5-string basses were with a quartersawn neck).
Serial number CLF1705xxx (so maybe not a newer stock).

View attachment 4616951


View attachment 4616952
(Bubbles under the masking film)

While also missing the questions the things I would note...
- Basswood should be lighter in general, but if you care about weight then get the exact weight. JB5s can be quite heavy.
- G&L did do quartersawn on all basses at one point. That point was probably a good 15 to 20 years ago (I could probably find exact dates if I search the G&LDP, but I am lazy). I have a non-quartersawn JB5 and it is just as stable as any of my other basses. Noting quartersawn is still available as an option at an upcharge.
- I like the JB5, but I can almost guarantee you will need to shield the bass. Many reports of noise issues on them. They all go away if you shield the bass.

 

[jglunt]

Hi,
I'm looking at this brand new JB-5 in Tangerine Orange.
Just a few questions before (maybe) pulling the trigger.
Body is "Lightweight American Basswood", not Swamp Ash or Alder (hence a price difference).
PLEK-ed !
Neck is not quartersawn (in the past, all G&L 5-string basses were with a quartersawn neck).
Serial number CLF1705xxx (so maybe not a newer stock).

My 2018 Fullerton Kiloton's serial number matches the "manufactured on" date on the included spec sheet. That being the case, I'd say this was built in May 2017, making it "new old stock." Nothing wrong with that, but to be almost 5 years old and never having been played? That's a mystery. Interesting color combo, the tangerine orange with tort PG. I like it. Basswood is a decent tonewood and shouldn't be an issue. G&L uses it on a lot of their solid colors. It should still sound like a jazz bass. I'm thinking a 2017 bass should have the dual action truss rod in the neck, but I'm not absolutely certain. If the seller has the spec sheet, that should say. My two G&L Fullertons have that kind of trussrod, and it's very good. Those necks are really solid. Neither of mine is quartersawn, but neither one is a 5-string. More knowledgeable info about truss rods is available at bassesbyleo.com/forum.

 

[Glazenn]

What are your questions? I missed them above.

Sorry, here they are (almost answered by @jglunt):
1) Is the tone difference substantial between Basswood and Swamp Ash/Alder?
2) Has G&L ceased to put quartersawn necks on their USA 5-string basses (unless it's special order)?
3) Has G&L ceased to PLEK their US basses?
4) Is the CLF1705xxx serial number means the bass was built in 2017?
I have requested a copy of the Build Sheet from seller.
Thank you.