NBD : G&L SB-2...and a few questions

[bassfiddlesteve]

Today I picked up a used G&L SB-2 that a previous owner rewired to have a master volume, tone control, and three-way pickup selector. There's also a mini-toggle switch by the output jack that doesn't seem to do anything (the "producer switch").

My first thought is to obtain a new pickguard and restore it to the original two volume setup as I like the idea of being able to blend a touch of the J pickup in the with P pickup. I see that some people add a tone control to this model via a stacked pot/knob and that seems like a more elegant solution than what I currently have. I tend to use the tone control on my Precision Bass a lot, but not so much on my Jazz Bass, so I'm not sure how much I'd miss having one.

I'd be interested in hearing opinions from anyone who had one of these basses with the original wiring or who has modified it to have a tone control. Also, does anyone know the official name for this color? It's a black-to-metallic red sunburst.

- Steve

 

[jd56hawk]

 

[spufman]

I've always been very happy with the V-V controls on mine. Th J blends in nicely, not unlike having a tone control.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

I've always been very happy with the V-V controls on mine. Th J blends in nicely, not unlike having a tone control.

Thanks! I've been reading some older threads about this bass and that's seems to be the consensus. Here's a good example:

Top tip, use the volumes as tones... The MFD pickups sound much darker and fatter when backed off some.
With volumes wide open it can get very bright and aggressive.
I usually use the P pickup around 80% and use the J to taste.

- Steve

 

[Iridescentone]

Today I picked up a used G&L SB-2 that a previous owner rewired to have a master volume, tone control, and three-way pickup selector. There's also a mini-toggle switch by the output jack that doesn't seem to do anything (the "producer switch").

My first thought is to obtain a new pickguard and restore it to the original two volume setup as I like the idea of being able to blend a touch of the J pickup in the with P pickup. I see that some people add a tone control to this model via a stacked pot/knob and that seems like a more elegant solution than what I currently have. I tend to use the tone control on my Precision Bass a lot, but not so much on my Jazz Bass, so I'm not sure how much I'd miss having one.

I'd be interested in hearing opinions from anyone who had one of these basses with the original wiring or who has modified it to have a tone control. Also, does anyone know the official name for this color? It's a black-to-metallic red sunburst.

View attachment 4551228

- Steve

That's "Metallic Redburst".

I think G&L only offered that finish in the 90's.

Very cool, very uncommon. Grats!

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

That's "Metallic Redburst".

I think G&L only offered that finish in the 90's.

Very cool, very uncommon. Grats!

Thanks! Based in the serial number list on guitarsbyleo.com it's from 1994. I paid $600 for it which I think was a good deal for a US made G&L, even though it's been modified.

- Steve

 

[Iridescentone]

Chandler should have an OEM-fit guard for it. I'm sure they already have the template, no need to send your guard or a tracing to them.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

I took the pickguard off and found a few surprises including a very ugly route for the volume control and the fact that the mini toggle isn't actually connected to anything. I don't think this bass is well-served by the pickup selector and I'm looking forward to restoring the original volume-volume circuit.

Here's a few pictures in natural light that show the color better:

- Steve

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

I received my new pickguard from Chandler. Now the restoration begins.

- Steve

 

[Nedmundo]

I have a 2007 USA SB-2, and added a tone control by replacing the bridge pickup volume with a stacked vol/tone pot. I'm glad I have the tone control, but it isn't necessary. Before I had the tone control, I adjusted treble at the amp. Usually this worked fine, but some amps' treble EQ controls don't approximate an on-board passive tone knob, hence the mod.

 

[Swipter]

That is a very rich red. It looks great.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

I have a 2007 USA SB-2, and added a tone control by replacing the bridge pickup volume with a stacked vol/tone pot. I'm glad I have the tone control, but it isn't necessary. Before I had the tone control, I adjusted treble at the amp. Usually this worked fine, but some amps' treble EQ controls don't approximate an on-board passive tone knob, hence the mod.

I'm going to start with the original volume-volume circuit, but I have a set of stacked 250K pots and matching knobs that I can use if I decide that I want a tone control.

- Steve

 

[Harpo61]

And now that bass is mine thanks Steve !!!!!!

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

And now that bass is mine thanks Steve !!!!!!

Your secret identity has been revealed!

- Steve