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G&L Club Part 7

#2,541
bassman74 said:
Any jb-2 tribute's owner here?
I have a great deal locally on a tribute jb-2. Is there any good reason to wait for the tribute mj-4?

I mean, does the splitcoils and preamp really worth it?
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My first G&L was a Tribby JB-2, in 2007. I loved that bass. I now have a pair of US JB-2's. These things are born to mod. Tribbys have the same sized pickup routings, somewhat limiting the replacement options, but a set of DiMarzio 'buckers can be put in inexpensively, and can really bring out the tone.

I wouldn't waste a second in pulling the trigger, especially since the Tribby JB-2 is no-longer going to be made. The prices for new instruments are more competitive than Mexican Fenders, and the quality is much higher.
 
#2,542
timber22 said:
I own and regularly gig a JB-2 Tribute. I like it a lot. Looks and sounds really good. Personally, I am partial to passive basses, so for me I'd prefer the JB-2 to the MJ-4. ... One man's opinion.
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Passive J-basses = tonal versatility, without the possibility of battery death wrecking the gig. My American JB-2s are workhorses, but I still have a "beater" Squier Affinity (heavily modded, at a total cost less than a new Tribby JB-2), for unsavory places, tight spaces, and gigs in Mexico.

My only active bass is a limited edition Warwick. I've had "designated beater" active instruments before, but presently cannot justify having one (not doing enough "acoustic" gigs, these days). If I can ever justify getting another active bass, or getting a 5-string, the list begins and ends with the MJ Tribby.

EDIT: All of the above said, I would heartily recommend a Tech 21 pedal at your feet, for more tone-shaping. I use the VT Bass Deluxe, with 6 different sounds (7, if you count the sound of it disengaged, but I mostly use only 2 of them). YMMV on that, but if you are not going wireless, then a pedal tuner and preamp at your feet can enhance on-stage mobility.
 
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#2,543
I agree. Basically $449 for the JB-2 vs. $599 for the MIM Fender. No brainer in my book. The one drawback is only two finish choices for the G&L - Natural/Rosewood and Burst/Maple. I had a Burst/Maple a while ago and sold it. I now have a Natural/Rosewood. I wish they made a Burst/Rosewood. I actually thought about buying another Burst/Maple and swapping the necks. But, haven't actually done that.
 
#2,544
timber22 said:
I agree. Basically $449 for the JB-2 vs. $599 for the MIM Fender. No brainer in my book. The one drawback is only two finish choices for the G&L - Natural/Rosewood and Burst/Maple. I had a Burst/Maple a while ago and sold it. I now have a Natural/Rosewood. I wish they made a Burst/Rosewood. I actually thought about buying another Burst/Maple and swapping the necks. But, haven't actually done that.
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I had natural/rosewood, and one of my US JB-2s is 3-color burst/rosewood. Getting a pair of Tribbys and swapping the necks is a great option, if you are looking to make an all-blonde instrument. If the job is done well enough, you won't have too tough a time in liquidating the Tribby that you don't want. Depending on where you are in life, you may find the the "discard" instrument makes a great starter instrument, for a family member or friend. There are others who would take up the challenge of refinishing the natural body, and coming up with a pair of unique instruments for around $1Kus in total cost. YMMV, but I would recommend pulling the trigger quickly, with the Tribby JB-2 no-longer being produced. The best time for this play would have been a year ago, when Hello Music was blowing them out at $400.

It may be that the Tribby JB-2 is enroute to enjoying a kind of holy grail status among the G&L faithful. G&L basses are like sex and credit; some get them; others don't.
 
#2,546
Just received,my G&L L2000,4string,Black,with brown binding,from a fellow TBer. Would love to have a number assigned. NBD. Thanks!
Head.jpg
IMG_0422.jpg
L2000 Body2.jpg
 
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#2,547
I'm so psyched to be back in the club- I lost my tobacco L2000 with binding to the ex in the divorce in '08, and have had assorted Spectors, Fenders since. After a brief and unsuccessful foray into guitar, I decided I wanted something unpretentious, yet with "wow" factor. My solution is a '96 L1500 with binding, found right here on TB. Can't wait to get it!!
image.jpg
 
#2,548
Johnny Znuff said:
I'm so psyched to be back in the club- I lost my tobacco L2000 with binding to the ex in the divorce in '08, and have had assorted Spectors, Fenders since. After a brief and unsuccessful foray into guitar, I decided I wanted something unpretentious, yet with "wow" factor. My solution is a '96 L1500 with binding, found right here on TB. Can't wait to get it!!View attachment 663511
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I'm never getting married..

And welcome back to the club!
 
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#2,549
Johnny Znuff said:
I'm so psyched to be back in the club- I lost my tobacco L2000 with binding to the ex in the divorce in '08, and have had assorted Spectors, Fenders since. After a brief and unsuccessful foray into guitar, I decided I wanted something unpretentious, yet with "wow" factor. My solution is a '96 L1500 with binding, found right here on TB. Can't wait to get it!!View attachment 663511
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Johnny,I actually just got this bass,from a fellow TBer,on here,from Flushing,NY. Is that on,Long Island?
IMG_0422.jpg
 
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#2,550
Chrome Dome said:
Johnny,I actually just got this bass,from a fellow TBer,on here,from Flushing,NY. Is that on,Long Island?View attachment 663569
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UHH!! I freaking LOVE that bass! Binding REALLY kicks G&L's up a notch, IMHO... Flushing is geographically "on" the Island, but technically part of New York City- where the Mets play- North shore, far west part of the island... Best of luck with that beauty!
 
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#2,553
armybass said:
My experience with the L2500 was not impressive but that was 15 years ago to be fair. I have had two L5500's that had awesome B Strings but the L2500's were kinda weak compared to a 34" scale SR5. Maybe it is time I gave them another shot?
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scubaduba said:
Yes. Give them another shot. Never met a SR5 that could match the B on a L2500.
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seansbrew said:
Definitely give them another shot. I've purchased an MJ-5 and M2500 in the last six months. The B strings are amazing!
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OK OK OK....... :) Took your collective advice and did it. Found a basic nondescript L1505 (never played one... never thought it could match my love for the SR5) for a great price in our very own classifieds and blamo..... you guys are right. BUT!!!! not only is the B string great (bass came with a new set of DR's...big bonus) but I REALLY dig the MFD in that position and in PASSIVE.... What a great sound. The active sound.... not so much. But I set it in parallel, passive with all the knobs dimed and man what a great sounding and playing bass. so my fear of anemic G&L B strings has been debunked. Thanks to all who participated!
 
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#2,556
Old School Tobacco Burst is a newer finish - it is on their menu now. I have an L2500 w Empress and OSTB - it's a great look, and I also like the light weight of Empress. OTSB is supposed to mimic the early '80s tobacco burst G&L had back in the day.
 
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#2,557
vroc38 said:
Anybody seen this finish on a bass? It says Tobacco Burst - Old School on the spec sheet. Guess it's one of those off-the-menu things you can order. I think it looks pretty sharp, especially with that guard. Really loving the look and weight of Empress!

View attachment 666510
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Yep.

image.jpg
 
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#2,560
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