That is my opinion as well. The DA strings, which I like on other basses, do nothing for this bass.
I currently have a set of fat beams in my MJ5. They really brought the bass to life.
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That is my opinion as well. The DA strings, which I like on other basses, do nothing for this bass.
I currently have a set of fat beams in my MJ5. They really brought the bass to life.
Been meaning to post about my new G&L, so here it goes. It's an LB-100, Fullerton Red with Satin Frost finish, mint guard, empress body, #12 quartersawn neck, and 7.4 lbs! Haven't gigged it yet, but I'm really digging it so far. The neck feels incredible - as nice as any bass I've owned, including a US Lakland. I haven't bought a brand new instrument in quite awhile, but this one was worth making an exception for.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
Just pulled the trigger on my first G&L it's a new USA L-2000 Music Store Live gave me a great deal I was looking at a new Classic Ray but I couldn't pass up the L-2000 at less than half the price of the Ray.
I'm currently looking at a 1986 SB-1. Does anyone happen to have a G&L catalog from the mid 80s showing the specs for this? I've only ever had a chance to play tribute L2000s, so I have no idea what to expect from these basses. How are the neck shapes?
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I have a '94 model with the #11 neck, which is 1 5/8" nut width, 7 1/2" radius medium C. I suspect the majority were shipped with that but I don't know that for sure. You'll want to find out the nut width at least. Anyway I like it so much I had another built with the same spec which I showed off earlier. How is it? Well, I think it's perfect but that's just me. It sits right in between what you'd expect a P neck and a J neck to feel like. For me that's the 'Goldilocks Zone.' : )
Lowendtech
Happily trending in my own peculiar direction.
Best to have a peek at the G&L website for the USA options and the numbering system for the several different neck profiles. I don't think it's changed much AFAIK.
I have a Trib L2K and swapped the original neck, which is a #10 (1 3/4" P sized nut and 12 " radius), for a #8 , (1 1/2" jazz nut same radius) from a SB-2 Trib. Much better for me.
The USA 4 string models can be ordered with any one of 6 neck profiles.
My USA SB-2 has a #8 neck.
That yellow reminds me of a car I used to own. Sharp. No knobs on the bass?
'80s necks didn't have the standard numbering they have currently. Most were somewhere between 1-5/8" and 1-3/4", usually closer to 1-5/8". And they also generally had the vintage 7-1/2" radius fretboards. Should feel a little smaller and rounder than the Tribute L-2000 necks. They also got thinner front to back toward the end of the 80s, in my experience.
Great necks, IMO.
My experience with my new MJ-5 pretty much lines up with Chef's. I described it in more detail here:
G&L Love
I have the same buzzing but noticed that the pickguard shielding was not connected electrically to the cavity carbon paint. Was annoyed by it at a rehearsal the other night. Even should I put a tab down to make that connection, I don't think the pickups are truly no-hum--despite Ed Friedland's assertions to that effect. And I agree with Chef that the balance control is effectively a 3-way switch.
I really didn't care for mine until I swapped out the TI flats that I put on it right away for some DR Sunbeams. I'm now better-pleased, actually much better-pleased. The set-up is great and it's very nice under the hands. I like the punch with the bridge pickup. I wouldn't call it Jaco-ish, but it's effective on-stage. Big bottom, and useful Mid control, but not nearly as hot level-wise as my L2000 or M2000. The treble is a bit brittle, even with that control at 0.
I've just got a Blue Steel stainless set to try and may report back.
G&L Love
I have the same buzzing but noticed that the pickguard shielding was not connected electrically to the cavity carbon paint. Was annoyed by it at a rehearsal the other night. Even should I put a tab down to make that connection, I don't think the pickups are truly no-hum--despite Ed Friedland's assertions to that effect. And I agree with Chef that the balance control is effectively a 3-way switch.
I really didn't care for mine until I swapped out the TI flats that I put on it right away for some DR Sunbeams. I'm now better-pleased, actually much better-pleased. The set-up is great and it's very nice under the hands. I like the punch with the bridge pickup. I wouldn't call it Jaco-ish, but it's effective on-stage. Big bottom, and useful Mid control, but not nearly as hot level-wise as my L2000 or M2000. The treble is a bit brittle, even with that control at 0.
I've just got a Blue Steel stainless set to try and may report back.
The SB-1 was changed in 1985 to a P bass style pickup made by Schaller, and shortly after that to an MFD P pickup which they have used ever since. I have a 1996 SB-1 and it is an awesome P bass on steroids. The neck widths on these I think were P bass like as stated above - 1 5/8 to 1 3/4.
The best site for early G&L info is here (it's got a couple of 1980s SB-1s):
GGJaguar's Guitarium and Ampeteria G&L Page
I've got the mj5 via fed ex yesterday late afternoon.
I agree with the blend switch acts as a 3 way switch. I read that some feel the m2500 also works that way and I don't find that the case with the m2500.
I do have the buzzing and haven't played under haeadphones yet where this is the Most annoying, but much like the Aguilar hum cancelling single coils, if I reorient where the bass is facing and the angle, the EMI goes away. It is worse than my other jazz bass, but I had that copper foiled.
So interested to hear the cavity circuitry may not be properly grounded to the shielding that is there.
I think I can live with it if I get it under control as much as the othe Jazz.
I also think this bass is just aching to have some bigger rounder strings. Like DM Helix I have elsewhere. The strings it came with sound kind of thin.
Very interested to hear if jmlee put the Blue Steels on and how the
MJ5 responds
I have a 14 days to evaluate, but I don't want to be making a lot of changes if I lean toward returning.
In general I don't think I have the refined sense of what I'm looking for in a jazz bass and I really love the fit And feel of the satin G&L 5 string neck. And this body is alder and so lighter and more comfortable than the Korean Zon RT that's maple.
I agree with the blend switch acts as a 3 way switch. I read that some feel the m2500 also works that way and I don't find that the case with the m2500.
I do have the buzzing and haven't played under haeadphones yet where this is the Most annoying, but much like the Aguilar hum cancelling single coils, if I reorient where the bass is facing and the angle, the EMI goes away. It is worse than my other jazz bass, but I had that copper foiled.
So interested to hear the cavity circuitry may not be properly grounded to the shielding that is there.
I think I can live with it if I get it under control as much as the othe Jazz.
I also think this bass is just aching to have some bigger rounder strings. Like DM Helix I have elsewhere. The strings it came with sound kind of thin.
Very interested to hear if jmlee put the Blue Steels on and how the
MJ5 responds
I have a 14 days to evaluate, but I don't want to be making a lot of changes if I lean toward returning.
In general I don't think I have the refined sense of what I'm looking for in a jazz bass and I really love the fit And feel of the satin G&L 5 string neck. And this body is alder and so lighter and more comfortable than the Korean Zon RT that's maple.
The Wunkay that "almost was".
Had been waiting for a nice early hog/ebony L-1000 for a reasonable price. This December '80 popped up on the bay, exactly what I'm looking for. Seller accepted my offer of $650 shipped. Unfortunately the neck had a really bad ski-jump. The 3-way toggle wasn't working either. If the neck was good I may have kept it, and just fixed the toggle issue. Sadly, I had to return it. Look how sweet....
Had been waiting for a nice early hog/ebony L-1000 for a reasonable price. This December '80 popped up on the bay, exactly what I'm looking for. Seller accepted my offer of $650 shipped. Unfortunately the neck had a really bad ski-jump. The 3-way toggle wasn't working either. If the neck was good I may have kept it, and just fixed the toggle issue. Sadly, I had to return it. Look how sweet....
