Why is the G&L SB2 bass are like 300 bucks cheaper than an american fender Jazz or Precision. It seems that G&L claims to be a notch above Fender yet they are cheaper and seem much less popular why is this? I love the tone of my SB2 even better than my american jazzes I have owned. Why don't more bassists catch on to G&L? Is the heapdstock shape or what?
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 versus Fender questions
- Thread starter growler571
- Start date
Because the Fender is the "history" of Electric Basses..and have a "Name".
Most musiciants are traditionals, and prefers Fender basses, like a Jazz and Precision, that have made the story of the music in 50 years..
But, for me, g&L made bests instruments than a Fender!!
Most musiciants are traditionals, and prefers Fender basses, like a Jazz and Precision, that have made the story of the music in 50 years..
But, for me, g&L made bests instruments than a Fender!!
There is another thread about G&L that explains why it isn't as popular... The common reasons include: Limited advertising, awkward controls on the L-series basses, and the fact that they aren't a "name".
Frankly, I prefer they stay the size they are, as I'm all for great product for a reasonable price.
Frankly, I prefer they stay the size they are, as I'm all for great product for a reasonable price.
What am I missing? An SB-2 is $1250 and a US Precision is $1200. A US Fender Jazz is $1250. So how is the SB-2 $300 cheaper?
If you are talking used market then it's all in popularity. A used G&L is a great bargain.
If you are talking used market then it's all in popularity. A used G&L is a great bargain.
I'm with JA here. I think a more direct comparison would be the SB-1, which can be had for around $1000, but I'm betting the Fender P can be found in that range, as well.
Mike
Shhhh... Just don't spread that info around... leaves more G&L's for the rest of us!
I was going to start a "Why are G&L's so crappy, and would you sell me yours?" thread.
I was going to start a "Why are G&L's so crappy, and would you sell me yours?" thread.
G&L? More like GAY & LAME 
Actually I really want a G&L. I played an L-2000 and it was great.
Used ones are sadly pretty rare in England.
Actually I really want a G&L. I played an L-2000 and it was great.
Used ones are sadly pretty rare in England.
Slightly off topic, but I saw AIC last night and other than a Les PAul ( only for 1/2 a song) Cantrell played G&Ls all night, as usual. For a couple songs he played one of his new signature rampages, but most of the night he went back and forth between 2 of his 80s models.
G&L make great basses – and some dogs. Same with Fender. One of the nicest basses I ever touched was a U.S. G&L JB 2. I could not afford it though. It felt and played like heaven in my hands. But, I’ve held others that just didn’t do it for me. And – it’s exactly the same with Fender. I’ve played nice ones and not-so-nice ones.
I am waiting for the day when the SB 2 that feels right and I can rationalize buying comes into my hands (I do like to eat and with a roof over my head)… for now my Fender 50’s P Bass is the player…
I am waiting for the day when the SB 2 that feels right and I can rationalize buying comes into my hands (I do like to eat and with a roof over my head)… for now my Fender 50’s P Bass is the player…
As pointed out, the SB-2 has a second pickup. The price comparison varies with model and features. For example, MF sells the Tony Franklin Fretless Precision for $1699.99.
Invalid Link Removed
MF sells the USA G&L SB-2 in tobacco burst for $1162.50. If custom ordered, the fretless ebony option (to keep the comparison more even) would only add about $100-150, so we're looking at a $400 advantage to G&L.
But bear in mind that there are things that are standard with G&L that are premium features elsewhere. The Saddle Lock bridge is more massive than the typical stamped steel; it's at least equivalent to a Badass or Hipshot bridge. Most G&Ls use 2-piece bodies and can be special-ordered with a one-piece (my ASAT bass is a one-piece). American Standard series are generally 3-piece alder.
Then there's the matter of the L-2000. At MF they are $1275. Fender doesn't make anything like it. Closest thing is a USA EB MusicMan HH
at an average price of $1540, which is $265 more.
$1275:
Invalid Link Removed
$1540:
Invalid Link Removed
Where G&L starts to become a bargain is custom orders. Order a Precision or Jazz from Fender with something other than the 5 standard colors, ask for a different neck profile, different fretboard radius, or left-handed and see what the cost and waiting time is. G&L offers 44 standard finishes in 3 price categories, five different neck profiles at no additional charge, left-handed at no additional charge, alder or ash bodies (and sometimes mahogany); maple, rosewood or ebony boards; and binding, body contouring, various pickguard finishes, and figured maple tops at reasonable upcharges. Total wait for a custom order is maybe three months or less. You can get a tricked out axe in your color, tonewood, neck carve, and trim for around $2-2.5K where from Fender it would come out of the custom shop for more like $3.5K and a 6-month to 1-year wait.
Which begs the question: Why is a MM more than a G&L?j/k I like G&L.
If people pay it, they'll charge it.
I like G&L too BTW.
i think its great from the used market perspective,and as a buyer i like the fact that i can get a way better bass for the buck than with a fender
Thing is....G&L does not sound like Fender, although they are probably more similar than they are different. Some will prefer the more traditional Fender sound, others will the prefer the more aggressive G&L tone. As with all things, assuming the quality is equal in both models, neither one is "better". Its just a matter of personal preference.
Im glad somebody said it. I have only played an SB-2 and an ASAT. They are great basses. No doubt. But they do not sound like Fenders. For that matter, Im not crazy about about PJ basses. The hybrids that I have heard can do both OK but neither really well. I guess Im just a head in the sand traditionalist but I really love the sound of a good ole Fender Precision Bass. And love for my Jazz Bass brethren as well.
The G&Ls seem great to me, but once someone pointed out that they look like toilet seats to me and I've never been able to think they look good after that. haha
