FWIW: many players prefer basswood for its "tone." i prefer it for its light(er)weight properties. in the scheme of things = doesn't make much difference.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
G&l or fender bass
- Thread starter 4stringkyle
- Start date
FWIW: many players prefer basswood for its "tone." i prefer it for its light(er)weight properties. in the scheme of things = doesn't make much difference.
The only issue I have with basswood is neck dive. Maybe not a factor on 4-string jb2, but my basswood L-2500 has it pretty bad.
A few things to consider...
You mention liking a flatter radius. G&L wins there, as there’s is 12” vs the 7.25” radius on the Fender.
You like the look/aesthetic of the JB-2.
The JB-2 is quite a bit cheaper.
The sonic blue JB-2 is a fairly new addition, which is probably why a) you haven’t seen people posting weight and b) it’s back ordered.
I’d bet that the Fender would have a little better attention to detail with regards to fretwork. Not saying the G&L will be bad, but I think those Roadworns get some pretty good attention at the factory.
One thing I’m not sure about but may be a thing to consider is the pickup size. For a long time, the Tribute JB-2 used the same size pickups for neck and bridge, as opposed to the slightly wider bridge pickup that the Fender would use. Not sure if that’s still the case, but it would be something to keep in mind for doing pickup swaps in the future.
To that point, Fender does have a great luxury of easily replaceable or upgradable parts, being somewhat of a standard. G&L, not so much. So, if your thought is to leave it stock, I’d lean towards the G&L. If you’re a modder, I’d go with the Fender. But I really don’t think G&Ls need mods either...
You mention liking a flatter radius. G&L wins there, as there’s is 12” vs the 7.25” radius on the Fender.
You like the look/aesthetic of the JB-2.
The JB-2 is quite a bit cheaper.
The sonic blue JB-2 is a fairly new addition, which is probably why a) you haven’t seen people posting weight and b) it’s back ordered.
I’d bet that the Fender would have a little better attention to detail with regards to fretwork. Not saying the G&L will be bad, but I think those Roadworns get some pretty good attention at the factory.
One thing I’m not sure about but may be a thing to consider is the pickup size. For a long time, the Tribute JB-2 used the same size pickups for neck and bridge, as opposed to the slightly wider bridge pickup that the Fender would use. Not sure if that’s still the case, but it would be something to keep in mind for doing pickup swaps in the future.
To that point, Fender does have a great luxury of easily replaceable or upgradable parts, being somewhat of a standard. G&L, not so much. So, if your thought is to leave it stock, I’d lean towards the G&L. If you’re a modder, I’d go with the Fender. But I really don’t think G&Ls need mods either...
Damn, thats a great price, and a color I havent seen before in a JB Tribute. I got the burst finish G&L Tribute recently and its an awesome bass.
Thanks for the input y'all!
@Esteban Garcia I've considered neck dive but havent read any complaints, I think the jb2 has aluminum tuners? @Tommyc might be able to chime in on that
@TDR1138 I've read that about the pups, I'm looking for a bass that wont need mods. I played around with different pups a couple years ago, its alot of fun but I read good things from both road wron and jb2 tribute pups. Although different, jb2 is more modern brighter? Havent heard much of the fender road worn but I'm guessing 60s vintage, warm not to bright sounding. Putting flats on the jb2 would be interesting.. so many options lol
@Esteban Garcia I've considered neck dive but havent read any complaints, I think the jb2 has aluminum tuners? @Tommyc might be able to chime in on that
@TDR1138 I've read that about the pups, I'm looking for a bass that wont need mods. I played around with different pups a couple years ago, its alot of fun but I read good things from both road wron and jb2 tribute pups. Although different, jb2 is more modern brighter? Havent heard much of the fender road worn but I'm guessing 60s vintage, warm not to bright sounding. Putting flats on the jb2 would be interesting.. so many options lol
If that means what I think it means, that would be good since I really miss my early '80s wunkay.
Yeah, and with less neck and one fewer tuners than my L-2500 it's likely not an issue at all. Just worth consideration that with all other things being equal, lighter body wood can lead to neck dive.
Yes, they have a non offset body with arm relief so the ergonomics don't work for me.
Of course theres a fine line between trying to find a light bass and one that feels heavy cuz it's all in your left hand lol.. or right depending on how you play
I was about to reflexively say G&L but I had a 60s Roadworn Jazz a ways back and it was absolutely spectacular. The only reason I got rid of it was bc a guy offered me a gorgeous stingray for it. I really believe the MIM 60s Jazz basses and MIM 50 Precisions are a large step above other MIM basses.
If we're talking JB-2 tribute I'd say Roadworn. USA JB-2? Go G&L. Or hell jump on that $349 deal and get both, you shoud be able to get $349 back on that JB-2 easy if you decide you don't like it.
If we're talking JB-2 tribute I'd say Roadworn. USA JB-2? Go G&L. Or hell jump on that $349 deal and get both, you shoud be able to get $349 back on that JB-2 easy if you decide you don't like it.
Fender Roadworn all the way!! I suppose G&L is a nice option if you can deal with that headstock shape..
I think that deal is for a g&l jb not the jb2. Still a wicked deal but I have my sights set on either jb2 or a road worn. I do have the option to go play a road worn. It's at the music store on the other side of the city. Not the one I'd purchase cuz the one I'm looking at has a rosewood board not a pau ferro. They're not making anymore rosewood fretboards... I dont have a chance to play a jb2, it's about 400$ cheaper and from what the reviews say close to the us made jb2
Dammnn that's a nice bass! I dont mind the G&l headstock shape. Its grown on me and now when I see one I instantly think g&l lol that's the idea right?
If anyone has photos of their Fender road worn or G&l jb2s post them up!
I'm more comfortable saying that the Tribute L-2000s and SB-2s are pretty darn close to their USA counterparts given that they have the same bridges/MFD pickups/(maybe electronics?). I'm not sure that the Tribute JBs are as closely related to their USA versions in terms of the components used apart from the bridge.
I'd go play the Roadworn before making a decision if I was you. I was shocked by how good mine felt and played. It was something special.
@4stringkyle I didn’t mean to imply that the Fender would need mods. Just that it would be easier to do if you’re the kind of person that can’t leave well enough alone.
For what it’s worth, I’ve been eyeballing that particular JB-2 and wouldn’t have any qualms about buying it whatsoever. I really like G&Ls.
For what it’s worth, I’ve been eyeballing that particular JB-2 and wouldn’t have any qualms about buying it whatsoever. I really like G&Ls.
Nice looking bass. I see that you've replaced the standard Fender Garbage Bridge that comes installed on almost all of their basses. I was pretty surprised that my American Jazz Bass Deluxe came with such a crappy bridge... considering how much the bass cost, they could have buried a lump of gold somewhere under the bridge.
Just buy what you like better sounding, if you can't try, listen carefully to different reviews. When i bought my Ibanez gwb1005 i had the same situation but didn't miss.
