• 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.

Is this G&L project worth it? (1985 SB-1)

S

Stevenjm

Guest
Nov 23, 2012
73
8
Milwaukee, WI
#1
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I'm thinking about picking this up... i sent him an email asking for better pictures.

$400 a good deal? Just needs pickups/electronics...

Plus i was born in '85, but i love that burst with the tinted neck & black guard.
 
#3
Yeah I'd get it too if I wanted another P. I'm not an expert on the really early G&L but you might want to inquire if that is an unmodified headstock, I don't remember my old '83 l2k being quite that 'shaved down' looking. I'm talking at the spot where a modern G&L would have a sharp point.

Still, take it to a G&L shop for real electronics and you'll have a killer bass for sure.
 
#4
bkbirge said:
I'm not an expert on the really early G&L but you might want to inquire if that is an unmodified headstock, I don't remember my old '83 l2k being quite that 'shaved down' looking. I'm talking at the spot where a modern G&L would have a sharp point.

Still, take it to a G&L shop for real electronics and you'll have a killer bass for sure.
Click to expand...

I'm not an expert either, but it looks unmodified to me... I *think* the sb-1 and sb-2 had a thinner headstock design than the L1K or L2K.

You can order replacement parts on G&L's website, so i'm looking at about $80 for the MFD pickup, then $10 or so on new pots/jack.

The pickguard looks like it might be broke though, so I may need to look into replacing that too if its not sold already.
 
#5
Crazy talk...

"..putting about $100 into this bass makes it worth $1100."
Click to expand...

If the pickguard actually is broken you'll have a hard time finding another one. They were aluminum with black krinkle finish, and next to impossible to find.

Go check it out, if everything is in order it might be worth $400 plus $100 in fixups.

If it's been modded in any way, or if the neck has issues, or if it needs a fret job, I'd walk away from it. GL

btw, the headstock is correct.
 
#7
If the frets are in good shape and the neck doesn't have a hump, bump, or ski-jump... maybe.

I see nice "complete" SB-1 basses in the $500-700 range all the time.

The seller is dreamin' if he thinks "1985 G&L SB-1 needs electronics, putting about $100 into this bass makes it worth $1100, its the body is aged, but still plays great. call or text 414-nine three nine-6422."
 
#8
yea I've seen the $500-$700 before (i knew $1,100 was dreaming)... i'll check it out. They didn't all have the aluminum PG with the krinkle finish, i think this is one with the matte black plastic PG, so i think finiding a replacement will be do-able. I saw another bass from the same year and same finish online with the matte black plastic PG, so i'm assuming this is the same.

i talked to him about it, I'm hoping i can go check it out this weekend.

Whats the ski jump thing i've seen mentioned? I'll check for any fret buzz and fret wear and any neck issues.
 
#9
Stevenjm said:
yea I've seen the $500-$700 before (i knew $1,100 was dreaming)... i'll check it out. They didn't all have the aluminum PG with the krinkle finish, i think this is one with the matte black plastic PG, so i think finiding a replacement will be do-able. I saw another bass from the same year and same finish online with the matte black plastic PG, so i'm assuming this is the same.

i talked to him about it, I'm hoping i can go check it out this weekend.

Whats the ski jump thing i've seen mentioned? I'll check for any fret buzz and fret wear and any neck issues.
Click to expand...

Lot's of threads on the dreaded "ski-jump." I had a 90's ASAT that I couldn't figure out the setup... turned out it had a "ski jump."

Here's a typical "ski jump" thread: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f18/fretboard-rise-neck-joint-840645/
 
#12
I would pass unless you love relics. Pickup and pickguard you're looking at another $150-$200 - you'll need a custom pickguard, and SB1 pickups are hard to find.

Brand spankin' new from Gearhounds.com, with a hard case, this same bass would be $1050 (with a 6-bolt neck) - your choice of colors. Only $892.50 after their 15% promotion (shipped to your door.)
 
#13
It's fair. If you were to go to Warmoth (for example) and buy a body, neck, bridge, tuners, you'd spend that much, probably more.

But the neck DOES have to be ib GREAT shape, otherwise it's NOT a good deal. Looks like it might be one of thosr bi-cut necks, I've owned several G&L basses with those, they're GREAT!
 
#15
ubnomnar said:
Lot's of threads on the dreaded "ski-jump." I had a 90's ASAT that I couldn't figure out the setup... turned out it had a "ski jump."

Here's a typical "ski jump" thread: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f18/fretboard-rise-neck-joint-840645/
Click to expand...

Awesome thanks, I'll for sure look for that.

I might try a lower offer but G&L doesn't pop up on my local Craigslist ever.

I'm a touring musician so my stuff gets dinged up no matter how careful I am with it, so the wear on the body doesn't bother me at all.
 
#17
I'd tooootaly pass.
Why was it gutted?
It's not in great shape.
These regularly trade in the $600 range, in nice, complete shape.

They're a fine bass, but not that particular one.

that is the right headstock.
 
#18
Chef said:
I'd tooootaly pass.
Why was it gutted?
It's not in great shape.
These regularly trade in the $600 range, in nice, complete shape.

They're a fine bass, but not that particular one.

that is the right headstock.
Click to expand...

word, thanks chef... you seem like a man who knows his G&L.

I think the guy bought it to fix it up but never got around to it, so he's selling.

I already told him i'd pass unless he lowers his asking price.

thanks guys.
 
#19
Stevenjm said:
I offered $300... Adding up all of the parts plus shipping, it's looking like less and less of a deal to me since I'll have to put time and money into it before I can even enjoy playing it.
Click to expand...

"Shipping"? Then it's not local to you, so you can't see it first. Without a hands-on inspection, a bass like that is a disaster waiting to happen. I like crusty old G&L's but now, that thing looks like an overpriced gamble to me. Feelin' lucky? ;)
 
#20
Templar said:
"Shipping"? Then it's not local to you, so you can't see it first. Without a hands-on inspection, a bass like that is a disaster waiting to happen. I like crusty old G&L's but now, that thing looks like an overpriced gamble to me. Feelin' lucky? ;)
Click to expand...

my bad... i worded that funny... the bass is local so I would be able to check it out in person before buying. I just meant buying the parts and paying to have the parts shipped.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back