G&L has a new Jazz Bass

[Darkstrike]

color does not look that appealing.. just my opinion.

They offer many colours. Thats just one for the stock pic.

 

[Bassmunnky]

I'm not sure what to say. A quality bass company releases a proven popular design with one of the main gripes fixed (bridge), your choice of 18 finishes standard and another 14 for a $100 upcharge, your choice of 4 different neck sizes, fretted or fretless and three neck finishes, matching headstock available, 6 pickguards and ******* neck and/or body binding and people are actually complaining. This would be funny if it weren't kinda sad.

Mike

Yes, great observation:

Damned if you do: Fender Designs

Damned if you don't: EBMusicMan Designs

Pretty much the ONLY spot you can get a cool bass, proven design in very cool colors without spending $3k

 

[TimWilson]

Only Leo could say whether he'd have ever had G&L offer up his J design, and he's busy elsewhere, so it really is a moot point, this arguing about whether or not this was a 'right' move for G&L. It's here now and it's not going away. They'll sell a ton of 'em (and more power to 'em).

...and If G&L offers this with their tri-tone chip (the circuit that makes L2000s, L2500s, and ASATs so amazing), my money will be on the counter. It can be done: There are plenty of humbucking J pups around—surely G&L can make them, too.

 

[megadan]

I like it. Hopefully it comes in some other colours, and without the matching headstock (never been a fan of that).

 

[naturalkinds]

BUILD
MORE
JAZZ
BASS

 

[3toes]

Just to further drive the point home...

Also, looks like 60s pickup placement to me. I'm a fan.

 

[mike_v_s]

I like it. Hopefully it comes in some other colours, and without the matching headstock (never been a fan of that).

G&L offers 38 different finishes, 18 at no charge, 14 for $100 upcharge and 6 for, uh, a bit more. The matching headsdtock is an option.

megadan's statement exemplifies my point. People are so used to seeing jazz basses at this price point offered with no variance that he's hoping they offer it in a different color without the matching headstock. Peruse the website, my man. You might be surprised at what's available.

Mike

 

[cbass1]

I am sorry, but I love the jazz design, and I love the fact that G&L has one to offer, I would and have bought G&L over everything so far, and I really want another jazz, Fender is way over priced and the quality is so so. all other jazz basses are completely overpriced for what you get e.g. sadowsky, mike lull (they are great, but man 3-4k for a jazz bass) G&L offers the same or better quality as any of those boutique basses with a huge amount of options at a responsible appropriate price. My money will be with G&L. I REALLY want to see some pickup options though, how about some MFD's up in there !!! I want it to speak like a G&L !!

 

[SlingBass4]

Looks good, lots of available options, BUT......the proof's in the playin'

 

[unclejane]

I am sorry, but I love the jazz design, and I love the fact that G&L has one to offer, I would and have bought G&L over everything so far, and I really want another jazz, Fender is way over priced and the quality is so so. all other jazz basses are completely overpriced for what you get e.g. sadowsky, mike lull (they are great, but man 3-4k for a jazz bass) G&L offers the same or better quality as any of those boutique basses with a huge amount of options at a responsible appropriate price. My money will be with G&L. I REALLY want to see some pickup options though, how about some MFD's up in there !!! I want it to speak like a G&L !!

Hell I think it's a great idea. If you can get it with the #8 neck in unlined fretless, I'm going to have to strongly consider getting one.

If you want MFD's it's a no brainer - just get the L2000 with #8 neck (that's what my L2000 is).

LS

 

[Joe Murray]

What is a jazz bass??






IMO...(like you guys need another one, but thats what TB is for)...I have a JB-2 tribby and its awesome, esp. for the money spent for it. I have played the USA versions of their basses and they are amazing as well. Mike has a valid point, G&L offers a great product with numerous options at a price point that most everyone can afford. Plus they are made in the USA to boot (excluding the Tribute series of course) . I can't see where there is any downside here to G&L's new offering.

 

[RexNFX79]

I'm sure it's nice but I already have a Jazz Bass.

 

[hover]

I can't see where there is any downside here to G&L's new offering.

The only downside is that it seems like this is a move they felt they needed to do vs. wanted to do. Again, just imo. Why else would they have not even mucked with the design at all? Kept id dead-on to the standard (save for the bridge) as to not deter any potential buyers?

And no one has touched on the question I posed WHY did they wait 30 years into their business history to do this and really do nothing to the design to refine or improve, except a *comprehensive options package*? I never said the bass wasn't good. I never alluded to it not being a player either. I never said one negative thing about the bass itself other than it's just another Jazz bass.

And in my opinion it's a desperate bid for market share, hence my "needed to do" comment. Sorta like when Parker offered the Nitefly (made of regualr woods for the body) and the Zons with the wood necks...(it was Zon, right?)

I guess we'll have to disagree on this one. And nope Mike, you still haven't sold me on it. I wish no ill will and nothing but sucess to G&L, but moves like this and the relic stuff seem awful "last bid" and "me too" and I wouldn't be surprised if in the next 3-5 years they go the import-only route. I hope to God I'm wrong. I know I'm incredibly cynical with stuff like this, but I also feel like my opinion is not being considered as being as valid as the pro, "for it" opinions, and that is, sadly, not terribly surprising to me with this forum of late. I am not trolling here, I flesh out every point I make. That said, I'm not asking you to agree, just hear me out.

Look at the big three automakers when all they were doing 5 years ago was pumping out nostalgia pieces and retro-reskins. Look at (well, two of them) now.

 

[mike_v_s]

The only downside is that it seems like this is a move they felt they needed to do vs. wanted to do. Again, just imo. Why else would they have not even mucked with the design at all? And no one has touched on the question I posed WHY did they wait 30 years into their business history to do this and really do nothing to the design to refine or improve, except a *comprehensive options package*? I never said the bass wasn't good. I never alluded to it not being a player either. I never said one negative thing about the bass itself other than it's just another Jazz bass.

And in my opinion it's a desperate bid for market share, hence my "needed to do" comment. Sorta like when Parker offered the Nitefly (made of regualr woods for the body) and the Zons with the wood necks...(it was Zon, right?)

I guess we'll have to disagree on this one. And nope Mike, you still haven't sold me on it. I wish no ill will and nothing but sucess to G&L, but moves like this and the relic stuff seem awful "last bid" and "me too" and I wouldn't be surprised if in the next 3-5 years they go the import-only route. I hope to God I'm wrong.

I'm not selling anything. You weren't seriosuly waiting for an answer on the "why", were you? I assumed that was a rhetorical question. Of course it was for market share. They are not in business to be the cute guitar factory down the road, they are here to make money by producing products people want.

As to nothing on the design, it's a jazz bass, what would you like done? Different bridge? Check. Different pickup flavor? Check. Different neck profile? Check. Different body style? that's available, too. As to the comprehensive options package, you might notice that what G&L offers for their basses are exactly what many people look for when modding theirs.

I think a company that doesn't react to the market is destined to either fail or, at best, remain where they are. Import only in 3-5? Where's the precedent? Lakland's jazz offerings and import line don't seem to have spelled disaster...why would these?

The auto industry is virtually incomparable to this scenario, but they have been selling nostalgia since the early 1970's. Besides, I see a lot of these feelings as being driven by nostalgia for G&L's "golden era".

but I also feel like my opinion is not being considered as valid as the pro for it opinions, and is sadly not terribly alarming to me with this forum of late.

If i'm reading this correctly, you're a pro bass player and that makes your opinion on a bass and how it affects your feelings about a company more valid than others here? It's an opinion.

Mike

 

[Joe Murray]

And in my opinion it's a desperate bid for market share, hence my "needed to do" comment. QUOTE]

Perhaps it is, perhaps it is.
I for one can't blame them for wanting a piece of the pie, or just producing products that they feel will keep G&L relevant in todays market.
I have to believe that their version of the Jazz Bass could be one of the best though....I'm interested if checking one out for myself.

 

[mike_v_s]

To be fair, if people don't like a jazz bass, then this is a ho-hum announcement (I, for instance, don't want one). I just don't understand how it can be a problem for some. I'd have the same reaction if Rickenbacker released a jazz.

Mike

 

[megadan]

Just to further drive the point home...

Also, looks like 60s pickup placement to me. I'm a fan.

Most definitely do want!

Any word on pricing?

 

[hover]

I'm not selling anything.

It's just an expression Mike.

You weren't seriosuly waiting for an answer on the "why", were you? I assumed that was a rhetorical question.

It was, but thanks for the "business 101"...it was more to spark or expand the conversation. I'm not singling you out, and apologize if I appear to be, but you appear to be the strongest opponent to my opinion on the matter.

Import only in 3-5? Where's the precedent?

Just tinfoil hat doomsday scenario speculation on my part. Sorry I shared my thoughts. The auto industry parallel (as loosely as it was drawn) was just illustrative. They went down the "nostalgia trip" hard the past few years, and I was alluding to this G&L move to be similar, as they'd yet to offer a full-on Jazz bass. The Auto industry was not the first segment of industry to go that route and fail. I just didn't want that to be the case here with G&L, that's all. That said, my very first bass was an 82 L-1000. I miss it terribly.

It's an opinion.

Mike

Sure, just felt like I was being chided for my strong feelings for my side of it. That said, I have no real *problem* per se with the move, I just feel strongly that it is a misstep, as not in keeping with I had assumed was their original vision. I am not new to the adapt and survive scenario...sorry if I view the whole deal whilst waxing nostalgic. And we'll leave it as that.

 

[Darkstrike]

If i'm reading this correctly, you're a pro bass player and that makes your opinion on a bass and how it affects your feelings about a company more valid than others here? It's an opinion.

Mike

I think he ment that his opinion isn't being considerd valid as much as the "pro G&L Jazz" opinions, not that he is a pro.

Heh, I like the bass, would like it a whole lot more if a maple w/black blocks&binding was an option, which sadly it isn't, an optional pre would be sweet too, but aftermarket Jazz plate w/active setups are common.

I'm willing to bet that there's no messy rout under the pickguard, so the removed guard/Jaco look is an option.

Another option that would have been sweet, 5 string.

 

[bassist 4 life]

i dig