NBD - G&L JB-5

[tk4207]

First NBD in 8 years, first 5-stringer!

Sweetwater return/B-stock via their outlet- $1,159 shipped for the crime of "slight buzz on the first string". "Slight" was doing some heavy lifting here- it was unacceptable as-is, but after relocating and resizing the neck shim + minor saddle height adjustments, it plays exceptionally well! Unclear why it left the factory with such a giant shim, and why Sweetwater didn't address it the first time it sold new. Either way- their loss is my gain!

Near-mint otherwise; a couple barely-there surface scratches and not much else- blank warranty card still included! Strung with some unpleasant rounds currently; set of La Bella low-tension flats inbound to replace.

Pups sound deep and clear, albeit a little noisy when soloed. Going to reevaluate when the flats come in and potentially swap for noiseless Norstrand's.

Verdict: Steal of a deal on a US-made, very traditional workhorse bass; exactly what I was after!

 

[funkinbottom]

Congrats on a great looking bass. Always nice finding a steal deal, even if a little effort is needed to make it excellent.

 

[bassist4dalord]

That’s awesome, congratulations!

 

[Mister_GothFrak]

Unclear why it left the factory with such a giant shim, and why Sweetwater didn't address it the first time it sold new

Even more unclear why such self-proclaimed, and consumer proclaimed, knowlagable professionals didn't bother to try any of the things you did when it came back to them. Sounds like not a whole lot of effort could've gotten them several hundred dollars more in profit!

Ah well. Even better for you!

I really like the highlights and shadows in the wood of the fingerboard. It goes so well with the finish on the body.
That pikguard is hurting my eyes but, that's okay!

 

[tk4207]

That pikguard is hurting my eyes but, that's okay!

You know, I had the same thought initially when viewing online and intended to replace it, but in-person it’s a subtler parchment shade that’s actually pretty nice! Mixed on what would be a more appealing replacement- black or tortoiseshell?

 

[Mister_GothFrak]

what would be a more appealing replacement- black or tortoiseshell?

Wood! lol. I don't know.
It's a G&L, go for a thick chrome piece so you can have it double as a mirror! Nah, I jest. I think whatever fits better with the rest of your rig and personality.

 

[Steve88]

You know, I had the same thought initially when viewing online and intended to replace it, but in-person it’s a subtler parchment shade that’s actually pretty nice! Mixed on what would be a more appealing replacement- black or tortoiseshell?

My Jazz 5 is a very similar color scheme with a bright white pearl pickguard. I might get a black one...I think it would help the wood finish pop more and give a nice refined look.

Tortoiseshell seems like it might be too much in the "brown" color family but maybe it would work.

 

[tk4207]

My Jazz 5 is a very similar color scheme with a bright white pearl pickguard. I might get a black one...I think it would help the wood finish pop more and give a nice refined look.

Tortoiseshell seems like it might be too much in the "brown" color family but maybe it would work.

Oh there's an idea- black pearloid?? That might be the ticket!

 

[Steve88]

Here's some quick images. The first is how it came to me, with the white pearl. Second is with a black pearloid from a different J bass. Third is a pic I found online with a tortoiseshell. I dont have a picture with a plain black pickguard but I think that's the way I'm leaning.

 

[Hotblack]

Awesome basses. Only thing I didn't like on them were the stock pups.

 

[tk4207]

Here's some quick images. The first is how it came to me, with the white pearl. Second is with a black pearloid from a different J bass. Third is a pic I found online with a tortoiseshell. I dont have a picture with a plain black pickguard but I think that's the way I'm leaning.
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Awesome examples- I’m actually leaning towards plain black after seeing those variations!

 

[Mister_GothFrak]

Here's some quick images. The first is how it came to me, with the white pearl. Second is with a black pearloid from a different J bass. Third is a pic I found online with a tortoiseshell. I dont have a picture with a plain black pickguard but I think that's the way I'm leaning.

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That black pearloid on top of the white pearloid is really snazzy looking. The reflections won't always be so in-your-face IRL. Especially on most stages but, will add a little extra something when the stage lights hit it.

I like the tortoise shell one. It matches the pallet of the bass very nicely. It's got similar reds and browns while adding some vibrancy.

Awesome basses. Only thing I didn't like on them were the stock pups.

On the regular G&L JBs, I wouldn't know. They seem a bit lackluster from a couple videos I briefed.
I think those are different than on the MJs. The latter are bi-coils and it's supposed to be a "modern jazz". It definitely kicks! It's likely mostly in the preamp, though.

 

[Hotblack]

On the regular G&L JBs, I wouldn't know. They seem a bit lackluster from a couple videos I briefed.
I think those are different than on the MJs. The latter are bi-coils and it's supposed to be a "modern jazz". It definitely kicks! It's likely mostly in the preamp, though.

The JB-5's I got were passive. They were great E-G, but the B string woofed. No matter what I did, via technique, compression, EQ, I couldn't really tame it. Once I swapped the pups, I was in bliss. On one of them, I put in an active preamp, and it is pretty magical. On the other, I changed out the guts, but left it passive, and it too is wonderful.

They're great basses. I love the neck profile. The weight isn't too bad (definitely not a featherweight, but not horrible). I think they are terribly slept on in the 5-string jazz market.

 

[Z-Bass]

They're great basses. I love the neck profile. The weight isn't too bad (definitely not a featherweight, but not horrible). I think they are terribly slept on in the 5-string jazz market.

I really liked the neck profile on the one I demoed. I prefer a tighter spacing on 5-strings and that didn't disappoint. I liked the neck shape as well. I just don't see them much around where I live, new or used.

 

[tk4207]

I really liked the neck profile on the one I demoed. I prefer a tighter spacing on 5-strings and that didn't disappoint. I liked the neck shape as well. I just don't see them much around where I live, new or used.

Agreed- I find it super comfortable and definitely prefer the tighter spacing, which is why I was seeking out a JB-5 specifically!

 

[tk4207]

The JB-5's I got were passive. They were great E-G, but the B string woofed. No matter what I did, via technique, compression, EQ, I couldn't really tame it. Once I swapped the pups, I was in bliss. On one of them, I put in an active preamp, and it is pretty magical. On the other, I changed out the guts, but left it passive, and it too is wonderful.

They're great basses. I love the neck profile. The weight isn't too bad (definitely not a featherweight, but not horrible). I think they are terribly slept on in the 5-string jazz market.

What pickups did you swap for? Agreed on the weight as well- extremely comfortable.

 

[Hotblack]

What pickups did you swap for? Agreed on the weight as well- extremely comfortable.

I installed LeCompte Triple Threats. Very different from stock.