P Bass Poll: Fender or G&L

[MVE]

I want to tank Joe for starting this thread, as I too am on the fence between an LB-100 or AVRI or even an MIM 50's P that I almost bought today. I don't really like the American standard simply for style preference.

I must say, I am leaning toward the LB-100.

From what I have read here on TB, everyone raves about the LB-100's great vintage sound and top notch quality.

I have yet to read a single review from a person who has actually played an LB-100 that says they would choose a Fender over it... Not one.

Even all the Fender votes here appear to be from people without any direct experience with an LB-100.

Thanks for liking my post but I think it needs to be updated with the attached photo....

 

[R&B]

A ways back, I voted Fender American Standard by a nose over LB-100. I have both. But now comes this 8.5 pound, late model MIJ PB62-US that just slays them all. My MIA Fenders and LB-100 are on probation.

 

[VWbug]

I voted for Fender, because I just bought myself a new MIA P as a graduation/bday gift and it is an amazing instrument. The main thing that sealed the deal for me with a fender MIA as opposed to another instrument was the weight (8.0 lbs). I bought it 100% for the weight (it was also 3TS which is what I ultimately wanted), and now that I've owned it for a month+ I am all but ready to clear house on my other instruments. It's not that they aren't nice or anything, but this one is just so nice that everything else is on the chopping block.

I would do my diligence and try to play both as much as possible before you decide if you can. Sometimes stuff just happens and you end up going in one direction vs another (killer deal at the time, something like finding a super-light one like I did, etc).

If you plan to purchase online, I just found out that sweet water lists the weight of their instruments that are for sale, so you might be able to wait it out a bit for a really light one if you are into that.

Yup, exactly what I did too!
Don't understand why folks whine about being asked about the weight of a bass. For me the weight was pretty much at the top of the list. Older guys tend to be looking for lighter basses and that group tends to have more disposable income.

 

[audreycashin]

Actually I did choose. I ordered a G&L LB100 a few months ago. For a little more that an off the rack USA Fender P bass I got to pick quite a few upgrades including: lightweight Empress wood body; neck width width and radius; quatersawn neck; vintage Shoreline Gold w/matching headstock; pick guard color. And it came with a G&G case, weighing in at 7.6 pounds. My first passive bass in around 20 years! Feels great and has tons of low end, I can't believe it's not an active bass. Blows away the dozen or so Fenders I've owned.View attachment 646577

drool

 

[Shawn Luckman]

The new American Standard Precision for me, bought one back in January & I wish I'd found this bass 25 years ago. Everything on this bass is just right IMO the tuners are smooth & stable, the necks are great and the posiflex rods keep the neck sounding great on every fret, And I love the Custom Shop Pickups for me this is how I want my precision to sound. Though this is all personal taste & on hearing the Bass Whisper playing the G&L I can understand why they have such a high regard with many bassists.

 

[Frank Orlando]

I sale Fenders at GC and I play G&L's. My LB 100 is by far the best P Bass I have ever Played. TO ME it is not even close. I don't dislike Fenders I just think G&L's are that much better.
View attachment 645247

Ditto...