I'm looking at these, both the Tribute ($600ish) and the USA ($1300ish). I may sell my Modulus VJ4 to get one of these (and a few other things!). Who has experience with these and would like to share........?
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G&L SB-2
- Thread starter gforce9
- Start date
I love the SB-2 necks... i, personally, just could not cope with no tone controls.
I know plenty of people that gig both US and Tribby SB-2's and love them, though!
Just know that, going in. I would think you'd be loosing a lot of tonal landscape getting rid of the VJ4.
Have you looked at the L2000 or JB/JB-2?
I know plenty of people that gig both US and Tribby SB-2's and love them, though!
Just know that, going in. I would think you'd be loosing a lot of tonal landscape getting rid of the VJ4.
Have you looked at the L2000 or JB/JB-2?
I had the tribute and LOVED it. From what I remember it was basswood and the upper frets needed some dressing. But it sounded huge. I used chromes and also had steel strings on there and it was really great both ways. I did the mod that gave it a tone control and it was nice.
I am actually looking very seriously at getting a USA SB2. I recently had a new L1000 and was just blown away by the quality and I'm sure that would carry right over to the SB2. I would get a tribute but the USA basses are just so great I may have to go whole hog.
I've had a an sb2 and liked it more than any fender I've played,the tone was great as well ,ull hear this a lot but its true when they say g and l are the better fender,
However I wouldn't sel the modulus try to find a mia sb2 or 1 for like 500 ,theryre out there just got to look
However I wouldn't sel the modulus try to find a mia sb2 or 1 for like 500 ,theryre out there just got to look
I own a US L2500 and a Tribute SB-2. G&L basses are monsters. Very aggressive. Different than your Modulus. I'd recommend trying a Tribute first and keep your Modulus if you can. I love my G&L's but they aren't for everyone.
Never tried a Trib but cheap used USA's can be had if you watch TB CL classifieds. Or ebay which is where I got mine.
if u can, get a US version. a near perfect bass in all facets for just over a grand. i would try the l2k also
I only have experience with the Legacy series, but G&L always produce top notch instruments. Tributes are almost as good, plenty of quality for the money. American G&L's are, and probably will remain, my main basses for all purposes. Haven't tried any better bass than my L1500. I wish they made a tribute version of it, just for backup.
I have played two tribute SB-2 basses. The one I still have is amazing. Perfect action, aggressive tone, and near perfect playability. The one I sent back was pretty bad. Terrible action, non functioning bridge pick up, and sloppy frets. From what I've read online I think the tribute series is an awesome value for the money but they do occasionally put out a stinker.
There's a couple Tribute L2000's in the classifieds right now. I'd snag one of those. More versatile than a SB-2.
I wish I hadn't sold my SB-2 years ago. It sounded great and was lightweight. Mine had fret sprout (which would have been an easy fix), and the shape of the P-bass pickup made it feel funny to anchor my thumb there. But those were minor gripes. Someday I'll probably score another.
I've had a couple of L-2000s, and in my opinion they're almost TOO versatile -- I found it hard to dial in a tone I liked, though there are millions of tones to be had. To each his own....
I've had a couple of L-2000s, and in my opinion they're almost TOO versatile -- I found it hard to dial in a tone I liked, though there are millions of tones to be had. To each his own....
If you like Ps, you'll most probably love SB2s. I really see them as the evolution of the Pbass. It does what Ps do, plus more.
I have two Trib SB2s. I used one as my main bass for several months. However, I am totally addicted to my L2000s, can't put them down, so the SB2s are not getting much use.
I would suggest a used SB2. They sound the same as the USAs and you can generally get them used around $350. You are not going to get that much bass for that price for any other model.
Enjoy!
John
I have two Trib SB2s. I used one as my main bass for several months. However, I am totally addicted to my L2000s, can't put them down, so the SB2s are not getting much use.
I would suggest a used SB2. They sound the same as the USAs and you can generally get them used around $350. You are not going to get that much bass for that price for any other model.
Enjoy!
John
L-2000's are more versatile but many people find all the controls that regulate that versatility somewhat confusing. I personally like the controls but have read many complaints of those who don't.
I have a 2007 USA SB-2, and I love it. It's beautifully constructed and finished, and the Plek levelled frets provide amazing playability. And of course the tone is monstrous. The MFD split-coil is just incredible, with deeper lows and vastly more punch than a typical P-bass pickup. And yet it still has some vintage vibe, especially when you roll off the volume a bit. I don't use the bridge pickup much, but it can add some useful bite sometimes. I added a tone control to mine, which was very worthwhile for my purposes.
I like it so much that I've considered selling my beloved Fender P to get an SB-1.
I like it so much that I've considered selling my beloved Fender P to get an SB-1.
