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G&L JB vs JB-2
- Thread starter SJan3
- Start date
I am aware that used USA made G&L's currently sell for around $1,000 to$1,300
We are talking about the current average price of a new Fullerton made JB ($2,000) vs Tribute ($500). Which makes it a much higher price difference than the $700 difference I listed prior. Does that $1,500 difference buy a bass that is that much better?
I purchased a Tribute JB-2 about eight months. It is a solid bass and a couple months I paid a tech $75 to install a bone nut on it and set the action as low as possible while getting the neck as straight as possible.
Pablo stated he has two USA made and one Tribute and they are all sound fantastic. To be fair I have never played a Fullerton made G&L bass. I have played a few USA made Fender JB's and I could tell some small differences between them and my Tribute. Quality of neck wood being the most significant difference.
I like the Tribute JB-2 enough to buy a used Tribute JB in excellent condition ($400) about four months ago. The Tribute JB is closer in sound to the traditional Fender JB sound. I prefer the JB-2 over the JB, but they are both solid basses for the money.
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I've read about the potential for the neck/fretboard ski-jump issue with Tribute basses. Fortunately, neither of mine have it. I need to play a USA made to feel and see the differences for myself. Can't find them new in my area. GC just happened to have the Tribute I purchased locally and I haven't seen one there since. The used Tribute JB I purchased I drove almost an hour and a half to buy.
I do intend to buy a L2000 at some point. Likely will try for a used USA made I can find for around a $1,100. However the Tribute version used can be found around $500.
Another reason not to consider a new US model. Can likely find used Tributes starting around $300.
I’d rather find the US models. I’ve played both.
I'm inclined to agree with both of these statements. I do agree that the JB-2 was an excellent step forward for a jazz type bass platform. I've always loved the look and enjoyed playing one when I had the opportunity to try one out. But the success of the JB4, and lack thereof for the JB-2, proves what sells and what people want. Modern refinement but in a vintage aesthetic package. Just my 2 cents.
I think resale will go up once the new prices hit the street.
It happened that way to Musicman.
Last week I brought my Tribute JB to the same tech installed a bone nut and setup my JB-2. He installed a bone nut and a setup on the JB and I went to their bass section to try it out in case it needed more adjustments. Felt pretty good other than the action is a bit high. He said he keep it with him for a couple days and he will adjust it.
Anyway, it turns out they are the assigned/licensed G&L repair shop in our area. They have a new Tribute L2000 hanging on the wall. Having never played one before I tried it out for a bit and now I don't feel the need to buy one. I prefer the JB and JB-2 over it. Mostly the neck differences and I didn't find the range of tones much more useful than a JB/JB2 through a compression pedal and Zoom PD-01 OD pedal I have.
Anyway, it turns out they are the assigned/licensed G&L repair shop in our area. They have a new Tribute L2000 hanging on the wall. Having never played one before I tried it out for a bit and now I don't feel the need to buy one. I prefer the JB and JB-2 over it. Mostly the neck differences and I didn't find the range of tones much more useful than a JB/JB2 through a compression pedal and Zoom PD-01 OD pedal I have.
Obviously, the L2000 has more tones, but for my taste not all are interesting. All tones on the JB/2 are good.
I played a Jackenbacker Jackson CBXNT DX IV at GC a while ago and it sounded and played better than this Tribute L2000
I played a Jackenbacker Jackson CBXNT DX IV at GC a while ago and it sounded and played better than this Tribute L2000
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The L-2000 has a ringing (microphonic) sound in the bridge pickup. I am going to apply some foam in the middle of the adjustment springs to hopefully solve it.
Well, I just purchased a G&L JB-2 Tribby from GC. Can't wait for it to show up. Listed in excellent condition, so with their 45 day return policy I'm covered if there's anything wrong once I receive it.
I had a L-2000 Tribby that I absolutely LOVED, but it was just too damn heavy. LINK Hopefully the JB-2 will be just as nice but lighter. Nice to have a 2nd J-style bass to play around with as well.
I had a L-2000 Tribby that I absolutely LOVED, but it was just too damn heavy. LINK Hopefully the JB-2 will be just as nice but lighter. Nice to have a 2nd J-style bass to play around with as well.
That's what I did, too. Never saw anyone talking about that problem in the forums. I sold them anyway, somehow they did not work with my bands.
My Indonesian Tribute had a ski jump too. For a few years I added a "reverse shim" under the neck and tightend the screws. After 4-5 years I removed the shim, the jump is gone. Don't know what happened, but it happened.
Cheers Pablo
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