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G&L Tribute SB-2 Bass Guitar

Jszfunk

Jszfunk

Aug 18, 2020
63
79
#1
Somewhat new,to the world of bass, but not guitars.
Was looking at the G&L Tribute SB 2 on Reverb . Checking out the specs and it only has 2 volume controls and no tone. I guess the volumes can be used as a blend /pup selector, but just struck me as odd without tonal control. Any thoughts or insight?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SB2TSG--g-and-l-tribute-sb-2-bass-guitar-surf-green​

1753233462650.jpeg
 
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#2
That is how the SB2 was originally set up. Most approach the bridge pickup similar to how they would a tone control (roll it up for more treble and bite).

Some prefer having a tone and rewire these to VVT. This is a popular enough option that G&L recently started selling the U.S. SB2 with this as the standard setup (it was an option prior to that).

Great bass either way. You could easily add a tone knob if you feel you are missing it. I have played both layouts and was happy with the sound/amount of control from either setup (noting VVT certainly has more control).
 
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#8
Jszfunk said:
Somewhat new,to the world of bass, but not guitars.
Was looking at the G&L Tribute SB 2 on Reverb . Checking out the specs and it only has 2 volume controls and no tone. I guess the volumes can be used as a blend /pup selector, but just struck me as odd without tonal control. Any thoughts or insight?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SB2TSG--g-and-l-tribute-sb-2-bass-guitar-surf-green​

View attachment 7281395
Click to expand...
I agree, no tone, no deal. Here's another one with a tone and a split coil switch for the same price. I had one and sold it. Wish I had it back.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...l-tribute-kiloton-bass-guitar-candy-apple-red
 
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#9
ahbass2500 said:
That is how the SB2 was originally set up. Most approach the bridge pickup similar to how they would a tone control (roll it up for more treble and bite).

Some prefer having a tone and rewire these to VVT. This is a popular enough option that G&L recently started selling the U.S. SB2 with this as the standard setup (it was an option prior to that).

Great bass either way. You could easily add a tone knob if you feel you are missing it. I have played both layouts and was happy with the sound/amount of control from either setup (noting VVT certainly has more control).
Click to expand...

Pep said:
I agree, no tone, no deal. Here's another one with a tone and a split coil switch for the same price. I had one and sold it. Wish I had it back.

https://reverb.com/item/91456803-g-...&utm_id=445192&cto_pld=UKJWJy5jAADwCqfGiDyypA
Click to expand...
There is a Kilton on Reverb I am eyeballing as well. Its mentioned the pup selector is not workin, so it would be an easy fix. But I just prefer straight on humbucking mode any ways.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...l-tribute-kiloton-bass-guitar-candy-apple-red

1753277961788.png
 
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#11
Jszfunk said:
Do you have a link to that model vvt? I cant seem to find one.
All I can find is just the 2 volume models.

Tribute Series SB-2 | G&L Musical Instruments

glguitars.com glguitars.com
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American made models are VVT (https://glguitars.com/product/fullerton-deluxe-sb-2/). It was available as an option prior to being the standard setup (they changed it to standard in the last few years). It is not available VVT as a Tribute (at least not yet, they could potentially change it in the future). Would not be difficult to change the Tribute to VVT or even VTVT using stacked pots.

In terms of Kiloton versus SB2 that has recently come up in the thread, really depends on what you want to do with the bass. They are going to give you a different sound.
 
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#12
Top notch instrument for the price, imho.

I thought the no-tone would be a deal breaker, but I found it to be a non issue. They're pretty hot and aggressive so they end up being mid forward. I can always tame at the amp. And boosting the master at the amp and dialing bass's volume back to 6-8 tames the aggression too. But yeah, you could always mod for a tone knob.

Doesn't really sound like a P bass (maybe a little) but it's a very useful tone, punchy and articulate.

Necks are awesome at well. As good or better than any MIM Fender I've played.
 
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#13
You could replace the 2 volumes with a single concentric volume pot for both pickups and add a capacitor to the bridge volume control and use it for tone. Or replace both volumes with 2 concentric volume controls (vol/tone) for each pickup ala 1960 Jazz Bass configuration. There are a lot of options, the SB2 is a great sounding bass, I use the SB P pickup in my Fender American Standard P, it's awesome.
 
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#14
Jszfunk said:
There is a Kilton on Reverb I am eyeballing as well. Its mentioned the pup selector is not workin, so it would be an easy fix. But I just prefer straight on humbucking mode any ways.

https://reverb.com/item/91456803-g-...&utm_id=445192&cto_pld=UKJWJy5jAADwCqfGiDyypA

View attachment 7281607
Click to expand...
I have the fallout (short scale version of the kiloton). I clipped the capacitor on the switch and got rid of the OMG mode because it added 60Hz Hum. So now its - 3 way - Series or Parallel humbucking or single coil. I also installed a Duncan blackouts 2 band concentric preamp to replace the tone control, there is plenty of room for a 9V, it is a great addition.
 
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#16
The VV SB-2 is one of my favorite basses of all time that I dont use. My gripe is I want the D and G to sound like the E and A. As it goes with PJs, they dont and they never will.

The volumes only thing doesnt bother me. The output is very hot so there is volume to spare before it is at the level of most basses. The levels can be played with.
 
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#18
I, too, was initially concerned about the lack of a tone control on my Tribute SB-2. Then after playing around with it, I discovered just how many different sounds can be had via the two volume controls and the interaction between the two pickups. I really came to appreciate just how different it was than a traditional tone control. My only issue was altering volume on the fly after I had found my desired balance between the two pickups. I solved this by putting both pickup volumes on a concentric pot and adding a master volume control. Now I can adjust my volume without affecting the tone. Works well for me.

Kim
 
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