Thanks, yes, the SB-2 is sonic blue but I don't think the photo does the blue justice, I'll try and get a good shot when we have some decent light here in Edinburgh (could be waiting a few months....).
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Thanks, yes, the SB-2 is sonic blue but I don't think the photo does the blue justice, I'll try and get a good shot when we have some decent light here in Edinburgh (could be waiting a few months....).
I am so happy with all the sounds I can get from my SB-2 (with the 2 volume knobs only), but I now need a fiver. G&L has no passive 5-strings except the L-1005 (very limited edition of 6 pieces, out of stock now), or the old L-5000 (narrow string spacing) or the L-1505 (all of them with a single pickup). I am not interested with the M-2500 (I sold mine) or the MJ-5.
Can someone tell me if a L-2500 in passive mode and with the single coil option delivers the very same tone as a SB-2, i.e. emulates the single coil MFD pickups of the SB-2? Are the SB-1/SB-2 split MFD pickup tone and punch unique ? I think a dual volume or a pan pot would then be needed (to do more than a mere pickup switch). And why don't they do a SB-5? Oh, just dreaming....
Thank you.
Can someone tell me if a L-2500 in passive mode and with the single coil option delivers the very same tone as a SB-2, i.e. emulates the single coil MFD pickups of the SB-2? Are the SB-1/SB-2 split MFD pickup tone and punch unique ? I think a dual volume or a pan pot would then be needed (to do more than a mere pickup switch). And why don't they do a SB-5? Oh, just dreaming....
Thank you.
you'd think with enough people whining for more 5 string offerings (myself included) someone at G&L might perk up their ears and go for a SB-5
I'm hoping the MJ5 is the beginning of this, but then it is a lot of new design, rather than just a wider JB. So a lot of engineering went into that, so it's likely an SB-5 would go with the same sort of redesign. G&L doesn't seem to be content to always just do a wider version like they did with m2000 and L2000.
I'm hoping the MJ5 is the beginning of this, but then it is a lot of new design, rather than just a wider JB. So a lot of engineering went into that, so it's likely an SB-5 would go with the same sort of redesign. G&L doesn't seem to be content to always just do a wider version like they did with m2000 and L2000.
They already have the neck and the bridge ready. They need to redesign the machining of the body (neck pocket and pickup recesses), have a new pickguard drawn and moreover to engineer 2 different new 5-string single coils MFD pickups (bridge PU + split PU at the neck), and maybe even more than that. Plus the risk evaluation on the market volume for running the economics. More complex than making a short batch of L-1005. That's a lot for G&L to think before taking such decision (if not taken yet). On the positive side, G&L have a reputation for doing a fantastic B-string, that they can rely on, but I am not optimistic.
from what I can speculate, I would agree -- the effort would mostly be on the electronics side and they'd probably go with active, as they did with MJ5. as far as marketing the active option would seem to expand the market and get away from the quirky tone control of the SB-2 and they have more and more experience with active pre-amp controls, but it would mean more design.
could also be they're looking at how the MJ5 is selling and it doesn't exactly seem to be piling up orders
if I can't find the 'right' L5000 by April (birthday), I will be putting an order in for an MJ5, just to do my part. thinking graphite metallic and maple fretboard
could also be they're looking at how the MJ5 is selling and it doesn't exactly seem to be piling up orders
if I can't find the 'right' L5000 by April (birthday), I will be putting an order in for an MJ5, just to do my part. thinking graphite metallic and maple fretboard
Well.... I have an SB-2 and an L-2500 with single coil option. But, I've never really compared them like you're asking for. They both sound like monsters. But, I don't think any of their pickups are in exactly the same spot. And then, of course, the neck pickup on the L is not a split coil. So, without even directly comparing them that way, I would say no, they don't have exactly the same tone. But, I would say they both share the same MFD aggressiveness. And the L bridge pickup definitely sounds more full than the SB-2 bridge pickup.
If that isn't enough for you, I can possibly do some sample recordings of both, back to back, so you can compare and hear the differences for yourself. They don't have exactly the same strings, though. My SB-2 has tapewounds and my L has TI Jazz Flats. So, similar, but not the same. Oh, and my SB-2 has Master Volume and Tone controls added (and still has individual vols for the two pickups). I think it still sounds the same, with the Master and Tone wide open.
However, I would almost suggest that you avoid even listening to sound clips to compare them. Instead, you need to get an L in your hands to play with. Even if you insist on single coil mode only, the pickup switching combined with the passive tone controls plus the tone changes you can get using the volume knob, I would say no sample recording of an L will be thorough enough to let you really hear all the possibilities. It would require incredible luck for the person doing the recording to hit on the combination that really sounds "right" to you, and missing that would be likely to make you decide an L is not for you, when maybe it would NAIL what you want, if you just spent some time yourself dialing it in.
That is the beauty and the beast of an L-2500 - especially with the single coil option. It is so tonally diverse, it actually puts some players off of the bass because they either don't have the patience to learn it and found the sound they're looking for, or they have some inner "need" to use all the options a bass offers, even though it might be that the bass has 1000 sounds and exactly 1 of those is what the player really wants. If they could ignore the rest of the knobs and switches, they would be happy. But, because they can't, they end up not liking the bass.
Thank you, StuartV, it's very kind from you to deliver this very exhaustive review that I find really matching all my interrogations. I agree with everything you say, and the obvious conclusion is for me to now experiment with the real thing. I am now almost ready to get an L-2500 and nothing else. I had been hesitating until now because of a disappointing experience that I had with a US M-2500 that, even with a K switch, I was never able to get a pleasing sound from, I mean to my taste. Tribby or US L-2500, I now have to make my choice. Thank you again.
From my excessive number of basses (per the War Department), I chose my LB-100 to play last night in the Man Cave. With the tone rolled off, it sounds fat and sweet. Playability is off the charts. Great bass. If I were a one-bass guy, that one could be The One.
I have only seen ONE single MJ-5 around (at Rocket Music's) since the beginning... Am I wrong ?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-G-L-pr...n-/321617653118?pt=Guitar&hash=item4ae1e7ed7e
1991 the idea has come and gone
and I read somewhere, undoubtedly on talkbass, that that particular model was a disappointment
and AFAIK prime G&L dealer Rocket Music has had only had the one MJ5 order
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/so-the-g-l-mj5.1105129/
so too much talk, not enough action
1991 the idea has come and gone
and I read somewhere, undoubtedly on talkbass, that that particular model was a disappointment
and AFAIK prime G&L dealer Rocket Music has had only had the one MJ5 order
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/so-the-g-l-mj5.1105129/
so too much talk, not enough action
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I think the disappointment you refer to was within the notes accompanying the other ASAT bass prototype that is on eBay from the same seller and in the same price range, and that was commented here on the TB forums. That 4-string ASAT bass has 2 single coil MFD pickups that were strangely located (too close to the neck) compared to other G&L basses.
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I'm still tempted by those. My jazz v is great but not versatile. I'm waiting to either try or hear more reviews. My lb 100 is great and with flats like ghs precisions it's vintage again while rounds make it way better for rock cut than a fender p
thanks for the clarification on where the disappointment was directed
glad someone's there to keep me honest
so all that needs to happen now is for someone to buy that SB-5 prototype and be so thrilled with it that it creates quite a stir in the entire bass community and that creates such a demand that G&L puts that model into production.
were Tunaman to succumb to temptation and buy an MJ5 we would at least get a review of its character. So far all I've really heard about the MJ5 is it needed additional shielding
glad someone's there to keep me honest
so all that needs to happen now is for someone to buy that SB-5 prototype and be so thrilled with it that it creates quite a stir in the entire bass community and that creates such a demand that G&L puts that model into production.
were Tunaman to succumb to temptation and buy an MJ5 we would at least get a review of its character. So far all I've really heard about the MJ5 is it needed additional shielding
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In Memoriam
Ed Friedland has a decent review of the MJ4.
IF anyone ever had an MJ5 in stock I could play, odds are high I'd buy it.
I dunno if I'd ever take the leap on just ordering one.
I'd be more optimistic about liking it if it were 18/19mm string spacing.
IF anyone ever had an MJ5 in stock I could play, odds are high I'd buy it.
I dunno if I'd ever take the leap on just ordering one.
I'd be more optimistic about liking it if it were 18/19mm string spacing.
I'd definitely order mine with maple for a bit more bite. The Rosewood combined with the Streamliner makes it pretty warm in Eds Demo.
Some complaints about noise with these, which is surprising no being single coils. @seansbrew has one on order & I trust that dude to tell it like it is
Heres a maple review but this is through the amp\cabs I hate the most so hard to tell here too!
Playing starts at 1:30
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In Memoriam
Chef
In Memoriam
Chef
In Memoriam
You know...something simple yet classy like this. Add binding to the neck for more of a '62 J thing.
Ash body; ebony board. tobacco burst. No p/g.
I wonder if they'll build to a target weight...?
Ash body; ebony board. tobacco burst. No p/g.
I wonder if they'll build to a target weight...?
