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Well, while we wait, allow me to share this belated NBD of my own! Had been looking to take a step up from the bass I'd been playing since high school. Even though it was some time in the last couple weeks, I really just can't remember how I came across G&Ls, but came to think that a Tribute would be a great place to go (in significant part after poking through this thread). I found a lightly used Tribute SB-2 advertised as being in excellent condition, and at an excellent price, on Reverb and didn't hesitate to go for it. Arrived earlier this week, the night before a work trip, but I took a few minutes to tune up and plug in - wow, this thing is HOT! (high output too 
). And as advertised, in great shape.
Now that I'm back for the weekend I took some time to check the setup. Unfortunately I am not able to seat a wrench in the truss rod - not sure whether it's stripped or just angled too far downwards - and I think the tension is a bit too high. And I think a previous owner set the action at the nut very, very low for the E string, as there is considerable fret buzz starting at the 6th fret (though it doesn't seem to come through the amp very much, which is nice). I have heard of the CA glue + baking soda tip for the nut, but the truss rod issue makes me more inclined to take it in somewhere. I believe it still has the stock strings on it (D'Addario EXLs) but I think I'd prefer flats and am going to try Chromes on it, which I see are a popular choice for the SB-2. So I may have to do a more complete setup anyway.
Those issues aside, it looks great and sounds even better. I tightened the saddle lock bridge and can't believe the sustain it has. Glad to join this club as I am getting back into playing bass!
don't mind the clutter...
). And as advertised, in great shape.Now that I'm back for the weekend I took some time to check the setup. Unfortunately I am not able to seat a wrench in the truss rod - not sure whether it's stripped or just angled too far downwards - and I think the tension is a bit too high. And I think a previous owner set the action at the nut very, very low for the E string, as there is considerable fret buzz starting at the 6th fret (though it doesn't seem to come through the amp very much, which is nice). I have heard of the CA glue + baking soda tip for the nut, but the truss rod issue makes me more inclined to take it in somewhere. I believe it still has the stock strings on it (D'Addario EXLs) but I think I'd prefer flats and am going to try Chromes on it, which I see are a popular choice for the SB-2. So I may have to do a more complete setup anyway.
Those issues aside, it looks great and sounds even better. I tightened the saddle lock bridge and can't believe the sustain it has. Glad to join this club as I am getting back into playing bass!
don't mind the clutter...
Well, while we wait, allow me to share this belated NBD of my own! Had been looking to take a step up from the bass I'd been playing since high school. Even though it was some time in the last couple weeks, I really just can't remember how I came across G&Ls, but came to think that a Tribute would be a great place to go (in significant part after poking through this thread). I found a lightly used Tribute SB-2 advertised as being in excellent condition, and at an excellent price, on Reverb and didn't hesitate to go for it. Arrived earlier this week, the night before a work trip, but I took a few minutes to tune up and plug in - wow, this thing is HOT! (high output too
Now that I'm back for the weekend I took some time to check the setup. Unfortunately I am not able to seat a wrench in the truss rod - not sure whether it's stripped or just angled too far downwards - and I think the tension is a bit too high. And I think a previous owner set the action at the nut very, very low for the E string, as there is considerable fret buzz starting at the 6th fret (though it doesn't seem to come through the amp very much, which is nice). I have heard of the CA glue + baking soda tip for the nut, but the truss rod issue makes me more inclined to take it in somewhere. I believe it still has the stock strings on it (D'Addario EXLs) but I think I'd prefer flats and am going to try Chromes on it, which I see are a popular choice for the SB-2. So I may have to do a more complete setup anyway.
Those issues aside, it looks great and sounds even better. I tightened the saddle lock bridge and can't believe the sustain it has. Glad to join this club as I am getting back into playing bass!
don't mind the clutter...
View attachment 3526567
Got a Tribute SB-2 just like that and it's a great instrument. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I got mine from a fellow who said he thought it wasn't much of a bass and he couldn't bond with it. Just about everything was set up wrong and, once I corrected all that, it was a clear winner. That sparkly ruby finish is very pretty. BTW I had Chromes on mine and have subbed them out for Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats. They're a really nice fit for the punch this baby can produce. Have fun!
Well, while we wait, allow me to share this belated NBD of my own! Had been looking to take a step up from the bass I'd been playing since high school. Even though it was some time in the last couple weeks, I really just can't remember how I came across G&Ls, but came to think that a Tribute would be a great place to go (in significant part after poking through this thread). I found a lightly used Tribute SB-2 advertised as being in excellent condition, and at an excellent price, on Reverb and didn't hesitate to go for it. Arrived earlier this week, the night before a work trip, but I took a few minutes to tune up and plug in - wow, this thing is HOT! (high output too
Now that I'm back for the weekend I took some time to check the setup. Unfortunately I am not able to seat a wrench in the truss rod - not sure whether it's stripped or just angled too far downwards - and I think the tension is a bit too high. And I think a previous owner set the action at the nut very, very low for the E string, as there is considerable fret buzz starting at the 6th fret (though it doesn't seem to come through the amp very much, which is nice). I have heard of the CA glue + baking soda tip for the nut, but the truss rod issue makes me more inclined to take it in somewhere. I believe it still has the stock strings on it (D'Addario EXLs) but I think I'd prefer flats and am going to try Chromes on it, which I see are a popular choice for the SB-2. So I may have to do a more complete setup anyway.
Those issues aside, it looks great and sounds even better. I tightened the saddle lock bridge and can't believe the sustain it has. Glad to join this club as I am getting back into playing bass!
don't mind the clutter...
View attachment 3526567
Beautiful bass!
I have an SB-2 Tribute (Trans Orange) and the truss rod nut is quite deep in the hole so it takes a bit of getting the hex key in to adjust it. It's a while since I had to and don't remember which type I used (I have a selection and use the one that fits the best).
Not sure if it helps on the Tribute SB2 but my setup guy pulls a tuner off and uses a long T-handle Allen to get to the truss nut on my L5000. He worries about stripping the nut on that bass (common problem) and feels this is less likely to cause damage. Definitely adds quite a bit more effort to a setup, but it might help you get to it.
Got a Tribute SB-2 just like that and it's a great instrument. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I got mine from a fellow who said he thought it wasn't much of a bass and he couldn't bond with it. Just about everything was set up wrong and, once I corrected all that, it was a clear winner. That sparkly ruby finish is very pretty. BTW I had Chromes on mine and have subbed them out for Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats. They're a really nice fit for the punch this baby can produce. Have fun!
Thanks! I am pretty new to flats so I'll have to see what I like best.
Thanks to both of you! Helpful to know. I may take it to someone but I'll see if I can't figure it out.
Some here have had the same issue on their USA models and did a little routing for access.
Pickup covers.
Anyone know if it's reasonably possible to swap the pickup cover on an LB-100 with something that's a different color? Am I going to run into fit issues if I get one that's intended for a Fender Precision or some such? Thanks!
Anyone know if it's reasonably possible to swap the pickup cover on an LB-100 with something that's a different color? Am I going to run into fit issues if I get one that's intended for a Fender Precision or some such? Thanks!
The G&L website says they manufacture them for early 2016 through now models, but their "store" isn't really that intuitive to use (it doesn't show your selection, which you can't seem to make. Hard to see if you actually are selecting anything; I just tried it. There are several aftermarket ones, but you'd just need to call them and discuss...good luck!
As promised:
2003 L2500, Maple cap, Birdseye maple fretboard, no dots, quartersawn neck, I think alder body. Paid too much for it, but judgement went out the window. Hit too many triggers. As close too "as new" as a 2003 could possibly be.
Alder?
+1
Congrats on the purchase. You'll soon forget about the extra money unless you bought it to flip it at a profit.
I love to see woodgrain, solid colors generally dont get it for me. It has to be a very exceptional instrument for me to get tempted to buy anything painted in any kind of an opaque finish.
The grain figuring on that one is very nice indeed
Took it (Tribute SB-2) in to a local repair shop and he confirmed that the truss rod nut is totally stripped
, so it needs a new one. Bummer, but lesson learned to check under the hood a bit more when buying used. Asked him for a setup since it'll be in for a few days anyway. Oh well! Just more to look forward to in a few days I guess 
I am primarily a five string player but love my SB-2 family more than I love pizza, the day that G&L sees it fit to add one string to these soulful slabs is the same day that I break my hip lurching spasmodically for the check book.
Oooooh, the one with the binding is pretty!!!!!
Wow, and so is the one with the blocks!!!!!
And I love that blank-plank fretless!!!!!
And, FWIW, I 100% agree with you about a five-string SB-2 if one ever comes out. I'll be ripping my hair out trying to decide what I'm going to sell to fund one.
Wow, and so is the one with the blocks!!!!!
And I love that blank-plank fretless!!!!!
And, FWIW, I 100% agree with you about a five-string SB-2 if one ever comes out. I'll be ripping my hair out trying to decide what I'm going to sell to fund one.
