G&L LB-100 vs. SB-1

[Nedmundo]

I think the bridge pickup adds a lot to the range of sounds you can get out of it, so I definitely would prefer an SB-2 to an SB-1.

I've had an SB-2 for five years, and have come around to this view. I did add a tone control to mine, and it's worthwhile, but I think the bridge pickup is more useful on these. It's cool to add that growly edge to the monstrous MFD split-coil tone; it just kills in a band mix. Some P/J's don't work all that well IMO, but these pickups were designed to work together, and they do. The single coil hum usually isn't too bad.

 

[velalv]

Hi I see you are in NOVA, which means to me Northern Virginia. If that is the case, go to Jive Sound in Alexandria. He has an SB-2 Tribute in stock and that will let you get a sense of what it sounds like and what it feels like.

If I were not hung up on getting a 5 string, I would get it in a heartbeat

 

[9mmMike]

sub'd

 

[SJLee]

Unfortunately my plans for a new SB-2 or LB-100 got sidelined due to some much needed home renovations, but I am still looking. Right now I'm leaning towards the SB-2. I have also been impressed with the demo Ed Friedland did on the MJ-4. Apparently he states that he is going to review the entire roster of G&L basses.

 

[SturmUndDrang]

Bought an SB-1 and flipped it. Tried an SB-2 and thought that it was much more versatile than the beastly SB-1 but still didn't care for the fundamental characteristics inherent in the MFD.
It's no coincidence that lots of people love the traditional Precision design and G&L decided to start making the LB-100 again.

 

[Ender_rpm]

Bought an SB-1 and flipped it. Tried an SB-2 and thought that it was much more versatile than the beastly SB-1 but still didn't care for the fundamental characteristics inherent in the MFD.
It's no coincidence that lots of people love the traditional Precision design and G&L decided to start making the LB-100 again.

The SB series pickup is also closer to the bridge than a trad P, makes it a bit zingier.

And you'll pry my SB2 from my cold dead hands

I'm also in NOVA, (Fairfax) would be happy to let you try mine out.

 

[StuartV]

Quite so. Fixed!

My opinion on my SB-2 is that that treblyness totally disappears once you're playing in a band mix.

 

[StuartV]

ps. but I did add a Tone control (and a Master Volume) to mine and I feel like it lost nothing and gained quite a bit in the versatility department.

 

[GlennRH]

I played a 1989 SB-1 for nine years. Maple body, Bahama Blue finish, crinkle black pickguard and bridge, curved-under rosewood fingerboard. That MFD split-coil pickup is so alive (hot) that it makes an LB-100 seem anemic.

Sample both models. You'll be able to tell the difference easily.

G&L needs to satisfy the market that believes that the Precision bass was George & Leo's greatest achievement in bass, and who dig the one-up authenticity of the G&L brand. That is primarily why the LB-100 model has ever been in the catalog.

 

[zortation]

They would do well to make a true PJ version of the LB-100, you might as well please the traditionalists out there....I mean, they would do well as in I would buy one

 

[PawleeP]

They would do well to make a true PJ version of the LB-100, you might as well please the traditionalists out there....I mean, they would do well as in I would buy one

Maybe they have an agreement with fender to not make an original style pj bass!
pure speculation! pp

 

[BlueAliceOasis]

Maybe they have an agreement with fender to not make an original style pj bass!
pure speculation! pp

Musicman has the Caprice though.

 

[krovx]

Seems like a vintage pup in an SB1 could cop an LB100. Someone mentioned the SB pickup is not in the traditional spot. Is that true?

 

[JPaulGeddy]

Musicman has the Caprice though.

Discontinued. Not (likely) due to the Fender thing, just pointing it out. 'cause it's sad, I liked that model.

G&L used to have an Empress wood option, which is considerably lighter. Would also be an upcharge, but worth checking out if you're looking for light-as-possible.

 

[Randall]

If ordering can one request light wood or do you just get what you get?

my sb1 in empress is very light!

 

[ComeHomeShane]

Just checking in here... gL JB player. FWIW, custom made with Empress body. It took 6 months on back order but it was totally worth the weight... my JB weighs in at 8.4! I use it for my cover band gigs where I'm on stage 4 hours a night. One thing to consider with the empress, it makes the balance of the instrument very close to nose dive territory. On the JB with the narrow #8 neck, the balance is just right. However, I've played an LB100 with empress body and the neck felt a good pound heavier! It was nose dive constantly and a very poor playing experience (I can't stand nose dive). With the SB, I'd imagine the same thing because it uses the same neck as the LB100. If I had $1500 to drop right now, I'd buy an SB2 w/ standard woods w/ #8 neck.

Does any body know of some recordings with the bassist using an SB2?

 

[lug]

Anyone with a matte finished neck? How's the neck feel?

I have the satin finish on the #8 neck on my L2000. It is the greatest feeling/playing neck on God's green earth. Others may disagree and I support their right to be wrong.

Options list for US made G&L's.
http://glguitars.com/bass-options/

 

[noeinstein]

Others may disagree and I support their right to be wrong.

Just what I needed this morning, thanks!

 

[lildrgn]

Just checking in here... gL JB player. FWIW, custom made with Empress body. It took 6 months on back order but it was totally worth the weight... my JB weighs in at 8.4! I use it for my cover band gigs where I'm on stage 4 hours a night. One thing to consider with the empress, it makes the balance of the instrument very close to nose dive territory. On the JB with the narrow #8 neck, the balance is just right. However, I've played an LB100 with empress body and the neck felt a good pound heavier! It was nose dive constantly and a very poor playing experience (I can't stand nose dive). With the SB, I'd imagine the same thing because it uses the same neck as the LB100. If I had $1500 to drop right now, I'd buy an SB2 w/ standard woods w/ #8 neck.

Does any body know of some recordings with the bassist using an SB2?

Here's a recording of me on my SB-2 from 2008. The bass is a 96, if I recall correctly. Still have it!

Get Up

Here's that same bass from last year:



And then that bass live:

 

[ComeHomeShane]

Here's a recording of me on my SB-2 from 2008. The bass is a 96, if I recall correctly. Still have it!

Get Up

Here's that same bass from last year:



And then that bass live:

Sounds great in all 3 scenarios! Such a unique tone, to my ears, it's somewhere between a LB100 and a Ray. These are actually the first recordings I've heard where I know it's an SB2 and now I want one even more. What rigs were you using in these 3 scenarios? Strings/pedals etc? Just looking for the whole picture...