G&L Club Part 7

[RocketMusic]

I've got some interesting news! It sounds like the G&L sales guys have been hearing some feedback. I know they've heard it from me, and I'm guessing also from a bunch of other dealers because there's been some action taken.

Effective immediately, "Build To Order" prices have been dropped $401. Where the starting price effective as of March 2023 was $2400, it's now $1999.

The former nut width and radius options are still not options, so that's a bummer. But the movement on pricing is a very welcome change!

Of course, no good deed goes unpunished. So my first question to my G&L guy upon hearing this was what do I do for the folks who've ordered BTO basses at the higher price between March and now? And that includes myself, I'm currently stocking 3 basses that were ordered at the $2400 baseline. My G&L guys says "we will work with you to make it right for everyone." I'm not sure exactly what that means yet, but I'll run through that exercise using myself as the guinea pig. Then I'll do my best to track down everyone in that boat (who ordered through me) to make whatever adjustments are feasible. If you want to make sure I handle your case, please drop me a PM.

Happy Friday!

I just now updated the BTO pricing in the pricing thread in my forum (see post #1).

Other than the price drop, the only other major change I see is that their gig bag idea appears to have died on the vine. It's no longer an option, while at one point it was supposed to be the new default for BTO orders.

 

[Iridescentone]

I prefer EB Slinky Cobalt flats (most of my G&L's sport Dr nickel rounds) but with these particular pickups the more subdued TI's work well. Chef used to call these the best jazz pickup ever and I tend to agree but they're more than that. Pics below of the infamous JP "John Paul Jones" 1st gen body I got from Chef a few years back.

My take is these big singles are similar to a Dark Star with a thumb rest. While clearly in the L1000/2000 camp, single coil mode in those hummers can't touch these. The Flynx is fretless to die for- mwaaaa ha ha.

Yeah it's true. And of course those are the pickups G&L will never reissue. And for good reason....they out-perform all other MFD's, including G&L's flagship pups....and that's really saying something. How the SB "student" (if that moniker is factual) line ever ended up with those pickups is a mystery.

Even though my Lynx weighs a full 10lbs, and is virtually useless to ever play out anywhere for that reason, I'm reluctant to sell it. Too hard to replace with a lighter one (if any lighter ones exist). I've kept my eyes peeled for 20 years for a used pair of these pickups to pop up for sale...nada. If I had a spare set I'd build an 8 lb parts bass around them.

 

[svtbass]

Yeah it's true. And of course those are the pickups G&L will never reissue. And for good reason....they out-perform all other MFD's, including G&L's flagship pups....and that's really saying something. How the SB "student" (if that moniker is factual) line ever ended up with those pickups is a mystery.

Even though my Lynx weighs a full 10lbs, and is virtually useless to ever play out anywhere for that reason, I'm reluctant to sell it. Too hard to replace with a lighter one (if any lighter ones exist). I've kept my eyes peeled for 20 years for a used pair of these pickups to pop up for sale...nada. If I had a spare set I'd build an 8 lb parts bass around them.

I second those emotions.

Mine was 9.1lbs with original neck & tuners. That neck has some issues hence using the ASAT fretless & with ultralights she's 8.8. The SB2 1st gen with ultra's is 8.4. I've been working hard the past few years to get my G&L collection to basses under 9. Even my El Toros are under 9 with UL's. The holdout is my SB2 2nd gen fretless at 9.45 & she's holy hell not going anywhere I just play her sitting down.

Every SB model bass I've had has killed.

 

[Iridescentone]

I second those emotions.

Mine was 9.1lbs with original neck & tuners. That neck has some issues hence using the ASAT fretless & with ultralights she's 8.8. The SB2 1st gen with ultra's is 8.4. I've been working hard the past few years to get my G&L collection to basses under 9. Even my El Toros are under 9 with UL's. The holdout is my SB2 2nd gen fretless at 9.45 & she's holy hell not going anywhere I just play her sitting down.

Every SB model bass I've had has killed.

I think it's the maple bodies that makes them heavy. Before the Lynx, I snagged a 1st gen SB-2 off ebay back in the day for $250. It weighed well over 10lbs on a postal scale. Too bad, 'cos it sounded fantaz and looked cool as F with a 2-tone burst finish. Had to let it go at that weight though. Figured I'd wait for a lighter one to come along...never happened. I don't see SB-2's or Lynx's for sale anymore, regardless of weight, so I'ma keep my Lynx boat anchor.

A few years ago someone posted a NBD with a beat up very early red Lynx...the only Lynx I ever saw with a maple board, which meant it must've been a transition model from the 1st gen SB-2 which all had maple boards (I think). If that bass ever pops up I'm gonna grab it. The "collector" in me still loves the old G&L's...can't resist them!

 

[Iridescentone]

I prefer EB Slinky Cobalt flats (most of my G&L's sport Dr nickel rounds) but with these particular pickups the more subdued TI's work well. Chef used to call these the best jazz pickup ever and I tend to agree but they're more than that. Pics below of the infamous JP "John Paul Jones" 1st gen body I got from Chef a few years back.

My take is these big singles are similar to a Dark Star with a thumb rest. While clearly in the L1000/2000 camp, single coil mode in those hummers can't touch these. The Flynx is fretless to die for- mwaaaa ha ha.

Okay I'll bite, why was it the "JPJ" body? (I should know this, forever fan of JPJ since Day 1)

 

[TheKillersFan]

I've got some interesting news! It sounds like the G&L sales guys have been hearing some feedback. I know they've heard it from me, and I'm guessing also from a bunch of other dealers because there's been some action taken.

Effective immediately, "Build To Order" prices have been dropped $401. Where the starting price effective as of March 2023 was $2400, it's now $1999.

The former nut width and radius options are still not options, so that's a bummer. But the movement on pricing is a very welcome change!

Of course, no good deed goes unpunished. So my first question to my G&L guy upon hearing this was what do I do for the folks who've ordered BTO basses at the higher price between March and now? And that includes myself, I'm currently stocking 3 basses that were ordered at the $2400 baseline. My G&L guys says "we will work with you to make it right for everyone." I'm not sure exactly what that means yet, but I'll run through that exercise using myself as the guinea pig. Then I'll do my best to track down everyone in that boat (who ordered through me) to make whatever adjustments are feasible. If you want to make sure I handle your case, please drop me a PM.

Happy Friday!

That's awesome news! From the updated pricing post it looks like block inlays still aren't available for option order?

 

[TheKillersFan]

Does anyone know where I can get lollipop replacement tuners for a G&L? The only tuners that Hipshot lists as a direct replacement for G&L don't have a lollipop option

 

[RocketMusic]

That's awesome news! From the updated pricing post it looks like block inlays still aren't available for option order?

That's right. They mainly just changed the pricing, no significant options changes other than the gig bag seeming to have gone away.

 

[jglunt]

Personally, I find it offensive to know that, if I spend upwards of $2,000 on a bass, I have to pay extra for a way to carry and protect it. If I were to get an option order bass, I'd sure as hell spend money on a case or bag...but I'd spend it with Gator or Roadrunner or Fender or any number of other case and/or gig bag manufacturers. That's a slap in the face to G&L's customers. Now, please move out of the way so I can step down off my soapbox.

 

[svtbass]

Okay I'll bite, why was it the "JPJ" body? (I should know this, forever fan of JPJ since Day 1)

It came to Chef with JP carved in the back so he joked about it. He was going to refin but the neck was toast and after looking for a replacement for some time gave up on it. I had the fretless neck on it until the Lynx popped up so sold off the loaded body. Just a chance to post a Chef-ism.

 

[RocketMusic]

Personally, I find it offensive to know that, if I spend upwards of $2,000 on a bass, I have to pay extra for a way to carry and protect it. If I were to get an option order bass, I'd sure as hell spend money on a case or bag...but I'd spend it with Gator or Roadrunner or Fender or any number of other case and/or gig bag manufacturers. That's a slap in the face to G&L's customers. Now, please move out of the way so I can step down off my soapbox.

I hope I didn't give you that impression, but I certainly wasn't explicit about it. The gig bag is gone, but the hardshell case remains included in the price.

Sorry if I got your heart rate up!

 

[jglunt]

Dang! It's a good thing I have my cardiologist on speed dial. In other words, you have to take the HSC. You cannot get a gig bag in its place. Is that it? Or is it that you can't get a gig bag in addition to?

 

[RocketMusic]

Dang! It's a good thing I have my cardiologist on speed dial. In other words, you have to take the HSC. You cannot get a gig bag in its place. Is that it? Or is it that you can't get a gig bag in addition to?

It is no doubt a confusing string of events. Here's how it went. In the March BTO price, the gig bag was said to be the new default case for BTO builds. That represented a change, hardshells were the norm previously. I've yet to see the first gig bag, though, so I don't think they ever got one designed & made. With today's price list, they've gone back to the old way of doing things (which is a hardshell case included with every BTO).

There's no mention of a gig bag in today's price list. So it's no longer the default option, and in fact it's not an option at all.

 

[MrB64]

My JB came with a gig bag. It's not really that impressive, only one pocket, but I guess it serves the purpose. I suppose I'm one of the few remaining who actually like a HSC.

 

[Jugghaid]

My JB came with a gig bag. It's not really that impressive, only one pocket, but I guess it serves the purpose. I suppose I'm one of the few remaining who actually like a HSC.

I'm with you on that.

 

[Iridescentone]

It came to Chef with JP carved in the back so he joked about it. He was going to refin but the neck was toast and after looking for a replacement for some time gave up on it. I had the fretless neck on it until the Lynx popped up so sold off the loaded body. Just a chance to post a Chef-ism.

Speaking of Chef, anyone else recall the 1st gen SB-1 he had (and eventually sold here)? It appeared to be Belair Green, which supposedly wasn't on the G&L finish menu at the time that bass was built. Speculation that maybe it had originally been Viking Blue that discolored over the years, but he didn't seem to think so? Or is my memory shot?

 

[Ricky Rioli]

A good chunk of the current G&L brand value comes from the credibility accumulated over many many years of selling customisable basses through specialist dealers.

Something which I disliked about the BTO price hike was that it put the largest inflationary burden onto the business of those same dealers, without whom G&L would not have the reputation they're now currently enjoying.

So, nicely done, G&L, karma will approve. Now give Rocket and Upfront their 1½" nut option back.

 

[svtbass]

It is no doubt a confusing string of events. Here's how it went. In the March BTO price, the gig bag was said to be the new default case for BTO builds. That represented a change, hardshells were the norm previously. I've yet to see the first gig bag, though, so I don't think they ever got one designed & made. With today's price list, they've gone back to the old way of doing things (which is a hardshell case included with every BTO).

There's no mention of a gig bag in today's price list. So it's no longer the default option, and in fact it's not an option at all.

Hey Greg, when I purchased my L-2000 fretless from the online clearance store at the end of March it arrived with this bag. 3rd pic is comparison with an old one. The older one has denser padding and the new one has sides. Decent mid-quality bag and at least the bass isn't moving around in a generic G&G case which is great for storage but most players bag gig. I like having this one.

I'd rather have the bag included and upcharge for those who want a G&G case if that kept the price down. However it eventually plays out, $100 for a G&G hard case is a bargain in todays market.

 

[dwellers]

Hey Greg, when I purchased my L-2000 fretless from the online clearance store at the end of March it arrived with this bag. 3rd pic is comparison with an old one. The older one has denser padding and the new one I received has sides. Decent mid-quality bag and at least the bass isn't moving around in a generic G&G case which is great for storage but most players bag gig. I like having this one.

I'd rather have the bag included and upcharge for those who want a G&G case if that kept the price down. However it eventually plays out, $100 for a G&G hard case is a bargain in todays market.

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Yep, me too. Gig bag with my clearance Kiloton a few months back. Unlike the HSC, I actually have used the bag. FWIW (which is zip) I agree with @svtbass on all counts.

 

[svtbass]

Speaking of Chef, anyone else recall the 1st gen SB-1 he had (and eventually sold here)? It appeared to be Belair Green, which supposedly wasn't on the G&L finish menu at the time that bass was built. Speculation that maybe it had originally been Viking Blue that discolored over the years, but he didn't seem to think so? Or is my memory shot?

No, but I'd like to view a pic of that and see if the color is close to my SB2 1st gen. Since we're on the subject, a few months back I picked up this loaded body in the TB classifieds. 7.2lbs without a neck and it also kills with the fretless that's now on the Flynx. If I keep it I'll have the Lynx neck repaired for it- that has a beautiful slab of rosewood but truss rod pressure cracked the underside of the bi-cut neck joint around the second fret; has some bow and a little bit of ski jump. The rod works but tightening half a turn will open up the crack.