Ok Mike, so having a differing opinion and not caring for this direction now makes someone's opinion "sad"?
No. Complaining about a viable instrument option that helps G&L compete in the market place while (hopefully) allowing them enough profit to come out with more stuff is sad. But, hey, you ran with your interpretation, so why stop now?
Wrong. Get over yourself on this one. You can get these same options on any one of their more forward thinking (for their time) designs, for the same price points...it's not like they went out of their way just for this model. so your point is moot.
My point was to say that this jazz bass offers a few things at this price point that other jazz basses don't. I'm not trying to compare this bass with other G&L's. Maybe that's where you're having the problem. Saying a point is moot doesn't make it so.
I'd rather they take the ballsy route like Ernie Ball and offer an entirely new model like a Bongo or Big Al something...
Where do you expect all the money it takes to R&D a new bass to come from if they continue to sell the same instruments that you approve of without attempting to grab market share (and profit)?
That said, I love Jazz basses, but really do not feel there's need for yet another...whether the rationale to support it was it was Leo's design first. He gave up the right to that design when he sold and then later left Fender in CBS' hands. I would have figured that's why he didn't revisit it during his tenure at G&L. If I'm wrong let me know.
That's what I'm doing.
Leo's G&L vision had more to do with refining and improving his past design concepts, not looking back on them to cash in. I know he's no longer around, and has not been for some time. I just think it's a step backwards for them. It's my personal opinion and I had this same gripe with their traditional P offering. Don't stoop to cheap shots man. Not necessary.
No cheap shot at all, I find the critique on a bass forum sad. As I stated, this bass has a lot going for it when compared to other jazz basses on the market, I see no need to complain. As for G&L's traditional P offering, Leo released that in 1985, probably for the same reasons.
Again, I'm not sure why anyone would complain about our options for good instruments being expanded. Why do we (as in bass players) always seem to want our brands to stay within our comfort zone (or stuck in time)? How do you expect them to stay viable as the market continues to get more niche?
I firmly belive it was the Tribute line's profit that allowed G&L to release the 3 limted edition BABP basses (the last of which was a new version of the L-1000). I also believe that any money made by G&L can only result in more offerings. some won't appeal to everyone, but the bass playing community as a whole wins.
Mike
...on the pic I could only count 20 frets (maybe I overlooked the 0 fret?)!!!
