I get it, my Roadworn is 2008 also and the neck is awesome!!
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G&l or fender bass
- Thread starter 4stringkyle
- Start date
Anyone who makes these basses out to be a world apart from one another is probably way too loyal to whatever brand they recommend. They are both jazz basses made by reputable companies and are more alike than they are different.
The Fender Roadworns are very very nice basses. You have to really see one up close to understand it.
When I built my Roadworn from Fender Roadworn parts, you could really see all of the personal detail.
I have much respect for the crew that builds the Roadworn basses. "And I mean that most sincerely". They seem to have very high quality control.
Here's a link to some good Pictures of a Roadworn P-Bass:
'58 RoadWorn Clone
I am thinking the Jazz is even sweeter.
I bet the Skylines are Great. I always see them recommended. But I really dig the Roadworn for their "Custom Shop" characteristics.
There is no comparison between the G&L (import) and the RW jazz.
The RW is gonna be a higher quality bass hands down.
Your comparing a Squier level instrument to the roadworn.
I had the G&L jazz in blue, for what it cost it was ok IMO, it was not outstanding nor on par with upper end MIM instruments.
USA G&L ? That would be the deal breaker on this poll, the import not so much.
Do what you feel ,but beware of the advice that the G&L ( import ) build quality is equal as it is NOT .
Feel free to flame me ,but having had both in the past it is my opinion.
The RW is gonna be a higher quality bass hands down.
Your comparing a Squier level instrument to the roadworn.
I had the G&L jazz in blue, for what it cost it was ok IMO, it was not outstanding nor on par with upper end MIM instruments.
USA G&L ? That would be the deal breaker on this poll, the import not so much.
Do what you feel ,but beware of the advice that the G&L ( import ) build quality is equal as it is NOT .
Feel free to flame me ,but having had both in the past it is my opinion.
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My 0.02 having owned several Fenders and G&L's . . . If you're thinking the Tribute version, get the Fender, otherwise get the MIA G&L.
I would personally buy the Fender. I have nothing against G&L’s. They’re great instruments. But, every time I play one I always just wish it was an actual Fender. You should really sit down with both and buy the one that chooses you!
I have no experience with the G&L either because, well it’s Canada and I haven’t even seen one for 10 years. I do have the RW jazz and it’s my #1 bass. Yes, it does have a warm vintagey tone.
The basswood debate is an old can of worms. Mine’s 9 pounds on the dot, but many are lighter. Here’s my 2011.
A nice little bonus is not having to worry about putting any scratches on it
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The basswood debate is an old can of worms. Mine’s 9 pounds on the dot, but many are lighter. Here’s my 2011.
A nice little bonus is not having to worry about putting any scratches on it
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Sometimes its just about finding a bass you just connect with. Not because it is expensive or the in fad but just because it clicks with ya. Right now i am digging a Fender 50’s P bass and my $4000 Modulus 5 string sits in its case. Their is just something special about the Fender.
I don’t think you’d be interested in a RW if you weren’t into vibe. And there is zero vibe in G&L for me (sorry G&L fans!). I don’t think I’d ever kick one of those fiesta red RW’s out of bed if I ever found one
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The tuners are steel and cannot be refit with the aluminum ones that come on USA instruments without some work on the head stock. I never looked at them one to the other and wished my JB-2 had the US tuners. At the time I wanted a jazz, but wanted a 12” radius like my LB 100, so I listened to a few Indonesian players on YouTube, liked what I heard and ordered one. I got a B stock deal. I can’t address problems some report after purchase. I did once have an issue with A G&L Tele guitar I bought from MF. There was buzzing I couldn’t dial out with the truss rod or string height adjustment and as the nut was high as well ( for me, they all are, but I have nut files) I returned it. Return was easy as all of my dealings with MF are. Good Luck with whatever you choose.
From the pictures I've seen it has forearm and belly contours.
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@MAJOR METAL I listened to a few different videos and you're right, those Nordstrand pickup add depth and warmth. Explains why @jmlee would swap out for barts. Also explains why I'm considering the road worn ( more warmth in the tone) no need to change pups in the future. They both sound great though but would the g&l be hotter and pump more? The jb2 has the body I'd prefer.. but the necks are where the action happens..
Here's a comparison video with the jb-2 tribute
Here's a comparison video with the jb-2 tribute
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I did order the G&L jb2 in sonic blue but it's back ordered and I'm getting nothing from the distributor or g&l on when itll be in. From what I see from other online distributors theyll back in stock in a couple weeks..in the mean time I'll test drive the road worn Fender. I'm going to try and rent one from the music store for band practice this weekend. If it wins me over I'll choose it, if not I'll keep the g&l order
Good plan. I’m sure you’ll be happy with either one... or both.
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