Music Man vs G&L

[ManWick]

I own three Music Man basses and one Warwick. I love the Music Mans but I feel like they are a little redundant. One is a Sterling HS, one is a SLO Special Sting Ray and the last one is a Classic Sting Ray. I love MM quality but I long for a J Bass. I've spent a lot of time looking at Fenders and they just aren't my thing.

I have an opportunity to do a 2 for 1 trade for a new G&L JB in baby blue. Does anyone who owns both have an opinion on G&Ls vs MM? A 2-1 trade would still leave me with a MM and my Warwick. (The Warwick is a keeper.) Would this be a stupid deal? Somehow it seems like parting with 2 basses for 1 bass of equal quality is a poor decision. Thoughts?

 

[GHI]

Somehow it seems like parting with 2 basses for 1 bass of equal quality is a poor decision. Thoughts?

Yeah, I think so too. Unless you absolutely want to get rid of those 2 basses, I say don't do it. I would wait out for a better deal. ...unless there was some serious mojo going on.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Trades are ALWAYS bad... And G&Ls, while fine basses, are always a lower monetary value than MMs. If you gotta have a G&L, sell one of your MM's and buy two G&Ls!

 

[ric stave]

Trades are ALWAYS bad... And G&Ls, while fine basses, are always a lower monetary value than MMs. If you gotta have a G&L, sell one of your MM's and buy two G&Ls!

Sad but true.

I love G&L, but you'd be much better off selling 1 or 2 of the MM's and then picking out what you want, new or used.

 

[chadhargis]

G&L may be the most underrated bass on the market.

They don't spend a lot of money on marketing. You won't find a bunch of "signature models" or endorsing artists.

The money goes into their basses. They are rock solid and sound fantastic.

 

[GLLabelle]

Although I agree with chadhargis and own 2 GL's which I truly love, it has to be said the GL's have poor resale value. The math doesn't work, don't trade 2 for 1.

 

[PSPookie]

Trades with retailers are ALWAYS bad... And G&Ls, while fine basses, are always a lower monetary value than MMs. If you gotta have a G&L, sell one of your MM's and buy two G&Ls!

Adjusted for clarity.

If I were you, I would sell my least favorite MM, pick up the used G&L of my choice, and walk away with some change in my pocket.

 

[pauliebass]

I always like to throw Lulls into the "mix" when I read a post like this.

 

[mcnach]

Trades are ALWAYS bad... And G&Ls, while fine basses, are always a lower monetary value than MMs. If you gotta have a G&L, sell one of your MM's and buy two G&Ls!

+1

I love G&L... but it seems crazy.
Sell an MM if you have to, and then look for a G&L.

 

[bassbenj]

+1

I love G&L... but it seems crazy.
Sell an MM if you have to, and then look for a G&L.

I think we are all in agreement here. The trade is a bad deal. Better to sell and especially look for a used G&L MIA.

Since I've got both MM and G&L basses I have to say that your idea of expanding the MM thing with a G&L bass is IMHO right on. The G&L will be so much closer to what MM basses do than say, a standard Fender and yet will be considerably different.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Adjusted for clarity.

If I were you, I would sell my least favorite MM, pick up the used G&L of my choice, and walk away with some change in my pocket.

Okay, trading with a buddy or other musician is one thing - but the OP is clearly looking at getting hosed by a store if they are suggesting he trade TWO EBMMs for a single G&L. That is a hose-job waiting to happen!

 

[PSPookie]

Okay, trading with a buddy or other musician is one thing - but the OP is clearly looking at getting hosed by a store if they are suggesting he trade TWO EBMMs for a single G&L. That is a hose-job waiting to happen!

Agreed.

 

[craigb]

1) sell least favorite EBMM

2) go to http://used.guitarcenter.com and buy this for $789.99:

3) pocket difference (sell 1 bass, buy one bass, have money left over)

 

[ManWick]

After further consideration, I agree that it's not a good idea. The G&L is a beauty, but I can't think of a MM I could part with. 2 for 1 is never good. I'll just have to wait.

Thanks for all the comments.

 

[mikeswals]

2 for 1 with a retailer, no way!

If you were a supporting member here, you can post a classified ad for a straight trade deal, and would probably find one quick.

 

[ric stave]

2) go to http://used.guitarcenter.com and buy this for $789.99:

Think that's still hanging there, after 5 years?

If it is, I'd offer $450.....

 

[Madwatch]

I didn't think the g&l jazz basses were that old?!?! There was also a nice red one as well. Post it here and someone will buy your mm or trade. Ive really been digging the rustic series.

 

[Bean639]

I have just skimmed this thread. Seems to me that you guys are underestimating the price of a G&L JB. I think I have seen some custom ones go as high as almost $3K.

Here is one for example
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]



I have never played one. From what I've read tho... Well, lets just say I have read some VERY good reviews.

 

[Bean639]

As a matter of fact. I saw a G&L JB baby blue with matching headstock just the other day online. (cant remember where. sorry) I think they where asking somewhere in the hood of $2.8k.

 

[mmbongo]

As a matter of fact. I saw a G&L JB baby blue with matching headstock just the other day online. (cant remember where. sorry) I think they where asking somewhere in the hood of $2.8k.

Looks about $2k too much!
http://cgi.ebay.com/G-L-JB-Jazz-Bass-Guitar-Clean-/170596472071?pt=Guitar&hash=item27b8579507