• 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.

NBD - G&L LB-100 (Build to order)

#21
Ian774 said:
View attachment 4763213





Hey people of TB, today is a NBD for me.
The G&L LB-100 (Build to order) that I ordered on April 27 has arrived today, July 27. I was quoted 6/7 months, it's here 3 months after the initial deposit. Well done G&L! Big thanks to Greg @RocketMusic for the incredible customer service.

As you can see, I went very classic: alpine white finish on Empress body, black pickguard, Indian rosewood fingerboard, quartersawn maple neck, and logo delete option for the headstock (model number is removed, only showing G&L).

First impressions: it's light! Apparently not the lightest for an Empress body bass at 7.4lb but I'm fine with that as it already has a bit of neck dive, however nothing major and maybe a different strap would fix that. I feel like I'm holding a guitar!
I gotta say, such a light bass is a weird feeling. You feel like you've kind of been ripped off, that you're holding a chinese plywood instrument that you bought for $90 on AliExpress :D

But it actually is a great instrument. Really liking it so far. It sounds quite punchy through my sh*tty home amp, can't wait to play it in practice with my band on a bigger amp. Very resonant!


Finish is quite good, not much to write home about, it's what you'd expect of an American made instrument.
I might do what I've been recommended, which is to give it a proper shielding as there's a bit of noise. Shame G&L can't do that properly, it seems to be a common issue.

Overall, happy with the bass, it arrived waaay quicker than expected, plays great, looks rock'n'roll af.

I played it safe with the options/look, but I've always loved white basses. I'm already thinking of the next one though, not to replace it of course, but to complete it. Probably a JB-5, still in Empress. We'll see…


Any thoughts? How do you guys like the LB-100?
Click to expand...
Awesome!! Congratulations:)

I love my LB-100!
 
#22
Sweet bass! I love my '96 G&L SB-1 (very similar but with MFD pickup) and am kicking myself for missing out on a lovely ash/maple LB-100 that just got sold in TB classifieds last week. I had wondered about balance/neck dive on empress LB-100, sounds like a different strap will take care of it.

Play it in good health!
 
#23
Ian774 said:
View attachment 4763213





Hey people of TB, today is a NBD for me.
The G&L LB-100 (Build to order) that I ordered on April 27 has arrived today, July 27. I was quoted 6/7 months, it's here 3 months after the initial deposit. Well done G&L! Big thanks to Greg @RocketMusic for the incredible customer service.

As you can see, I went very classic: alpine white finish on Empress body, black pickguard, Indian rosewood fingerboard, quartersawn maple neck, and logo delete option for the headstock (model number is removed, only showing G&L).

First impressions: it's light! Apparently not the lightest for an Empress body bass at 7.4lb but I'm fine with that as it already has a bit of neck dive, however nothing major and maybe a different strap would fix that. I feel like I'm holding a guitar!
I gotta say, such a light bass is a weird feeling. You feel like you've kind of been ripped off, that you're holding a chinese plywood instrument that you bought for $90 on AliExpress :D

But it actually is a great instrument. Really liking it so far. It sounds quite punchy through my sh*tty home amp, can't wait to play it in practice with my band on a bigger amp. Very resonant!


Finish is quite good, not much to write home about, it's what you'd expect of an American made instrument.
I might do what I've been recommended, which is to give it a proper shielding as there's a bit of noise. Shame G&L can't do that properly, it seems to be a common issue.

Overall, happy with the bass, it arrived waaay quicker than expected, plays great, looks rock'n'roll af.

I played it safe with the options/look, but I've always loved white basses. I'm already thinking of the next one though, not to replace it of course, but to complete it. Probably a JB-5, still in Empress. We'll see…


Any thoughts? How do you guys like the LB-100?
Click to expand...


Nice!


I'm seriously considering adding some kind of P-bass to my "arsenal" this year, and most likely it'll be either a G&L LB100, or a Fender American Professional II.

The advantage of the Fender is I can walk into any U.K. store, and pick one up ; but I'm still much more drawn towards the G&L.

Do you mind me asking how hard you get walloped, over the list price, when you factor in special order requirements, international shipping, and U.K. import duty?
 
#25
Ian774 said:
According to Greg, the lack of shielding is very common with G&L. However I live in an old apartment in Edinburgh, Scotland, so the electrical system might be responsible also.

Good thing to mention: it came perfectly set up (at least to my taste), playable straight out of the case despite doing California -> Virginia -> Scotland.

Stock strings suck though. Will replace asap.
Click to expand...
I'm really a fan of the reinforcement rods that G&L puts in their necks, plus that quartersawn maple. I've had my JB for a year and haven't had to touch the truss rod once. I'll bet they helped your instrument in it's long journey to you.
 
#30
Agree on the strings. The D'Addario nickel rounds I have are not as smooth as the Fender rounds on my other bass. I like the sound of Fender rounds on a P bass.

Lovely bass. It looks like is it dressed up to marry you, and be your forever bass.
 
#32
I absolutely love my empress G&L LB-100. After owning so many instruments, it is for sure a keeper for the rest of my life. It just does all of the things P can do, but better!

Mine is setup for really grindy rock tone (with a pick about 70% of the time). It nails that and then some. The bass is named "The Fervor".
 

Attachments

  • CF26AB54-93DF-4481-923F-79175F0C9FE9.jpeg
    CF26AB54-93DF-4481-923F-79175F0C9FE9.jpeg
    314.6 KB · Views: 46
  • Like
Reactions: 4StringTheory, TDR1138, Lammchop93 and 1 other person
#34
Ian774 said:
View attachment 4763213





Hey people of TB, today is a NBD for me.
The G&L LB-100 (Build to order) that I ordered on April 27 has arrived today, July 27. I was quoted 6/7 months, it's here 3 months after the initial deposit. Well done G&L! Big thanks to Greg @RocketMusic for the incredible customer service.

As you can see, I went very classic: alpine white finish on Empress body, black pickguard, Indian rosewood fingerboard, quartersawn maple neck, and logo delete option for the headstock (model number is removed, only showing G&L).

First impressions: it's light! Apparently not the lightest for an Empress body bass at 7.4lb but I'm fine with that as it already has a bit of neck dive, however nothing major and maybe a different strap would fix that. I feel like I'm holding a guitar!
I gotta say, such a light bass is a weird feeling. You feel like you've kind of been ripped off, that you're holding a chinese plywood instrument that you bought for $90 on AliExpress :D

But it actually is a great instrument. Really liking it so far. It sounds quite punchy through my sh*tty home amp, can't wait to play it in practice with my band on a bigger amp. Very resonant!


Finish is quite good, not much to write home about, it's what you'd expect of an American made instrument.
I might do what I've been recommended, which is to give it a proper shielding as there's a bit of noise. Shame G&L can't do that properly, it seems to be a common issue.

Overall, happy with the bass, it arrived waaay quicker than expected, plays great, looks rock'n'roll af.

I played it safe with the options/look, but I've always loved white basses. I'm already thinking of the next one though, not to replace it of course, but to complete it. Probably a JB-5, still in Empress. We'll see…


Any thoughts? How do you guys like the LB-100?
Click to expand...

Very nice. Congrats!
 
#39
Love my LB100.

I was not aware GL didn't shield.

Are y'all sure? That just sounds weird. Do they use conductive paint or something?

Ive never dissected mine. I have had the same TI Flats on it since a few days after I bought it 7 or 8 years ago, and I don't plan on removing them anytime soon. But if I ever do, I will pull the pick-up and take a look.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Murch
#40
Confunk said:
Thank the PLEK machine for the good set-up. I always put a lighter gauge than stock on my basses (40-95), but I'm surprised that the D'addarios(?) suck.
Click to expand...
G&L does not use a PLEK...it broke down a few years ago . i have a 2018 G&L American Custom Shop lefty LB100 and a new regular American LB 100 on it's way in a few days....it's on the G&L Facebook page .
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back