Questions about G&L

[secondbestcody]

So, I’m looking at getting a G&L, preferably USA made with the MFD pickups. Looking at either an SB-1 or a Kiloton. I also saw they did a run of Tribute models in Japan.

My questions are as follows:
1. Are there any lemons when it comes to G&L? I know there are Mexican Fenders they are lemons, but I’m not familiar with American Fenders.

2. Is overall US G&L quality superior to US Fenders? What about the MIJ Tributes (if you have any experience. And yes, I’m looking at the one in the classifieds.)

3. I know they are completely different animals, but how does a Kiloton compare to an SB-1? Or even a Stingray?

I have never played a G&L SB-1, but I have played a tribute Kiloton l, but unplugged. Any help or experience would be appreciated.

EDIT: I forgot to ask this originally, is there a time period where the quality is more consistent? Kinda like how MIM Fenders are better after 2010. There are a few 90’s SB-1’s on Reverb I’ve been looking at.

 

[James Collins]

There are lemons of every bass manufacturer. If you are buying from someone with good ratings, they would likely accept a return minus the shipping cost. You are in general better off trying before you buy. G&L basses are very well made. I own a tribute guitar.and it is not as nicely finished as the two USA basses I have, but it is not bad by any means. I would recommend the tribute line to anyone. You will be able to EQ either (sb1 kiloton) within a reasonable amount to the same tone. SB1 will sound like a pbass.

 

[jd56hawk]

Someone started a thread about a problem he had with a G&L in 2017. Sure, there are lemons occasionally...same goes for Fender, Music Man, Rickenbacker, Warwick, Spector, Sire, etc, etc, etc...but one bad experience shouldn't be enough to dissuade you from buying a bass from what is essentially a great company.
You should be very happy with a USA-made SB-1 or Kilton...G&Ls are easily on par with anything Fender makes...not to mention you get plenty of neck choices (the rolled fretboard on mine is a big plus) and some great finish options.
My only question is, why notan SB-2T or L2000?

 

[DCFanatic]

I've owned 3 G&L Guitars (US Made - Two ASATs and One Legacy Strat). Quality, Fit and Finish was excellent on all of them. I bought my first one sight unseen. The Factory PLEK set up means its going to play great right out of the box.

I would imagine their basses are of similar quality. I'd go for their P-style bass personally.

 

[bdgotoh]

Good points made already, I'll just add that the SB-1 sounds like a P bass but more full range and a little higher output. The Kiloton is a different beast, sort of like a passive single H Stingray but not exactly.
I'll second the idea of checking out an L2000. There are lots of them out there and it's one of my all time favorite basses for feel and tone.

Tributes are great for the money, same pickups as the USA models, cheaper but solid tuners, not shielded, necks don't feel quite as nice, but they will get you close to a USA in performance for about 1/2 the cost.

 

[Pings Bass]

I think you can make an L-2000 sound like a Kiloton, but you can't make a Kiloton sound like an L-2000.

I love my Tribute L-2500, I think it's early 2000s Korean. YMMV. Seems like L-2000s can be had for under $400 used. That's a lot of bass for the buck.

 

[secondbestcody]

My only question is, why notan SB-2T or L2000?

I have been checking out SB-2’s as well, I didn’t even know there was an SB-2T but that is on my list now also. I just prefer a basic volume/tone setup compared to an L2000 with the switches and knobs. I also prefer the look of a bass with a pickguard.

 

[jd56hawk]

I have been checking out SB-2’s as well, I didn’t even know there was an SB-2T but that is on my list now also. I just prefer a basic volume/tone setup compared to an L2000 with the switches and knobs. I also prefer the look of a bass with a pickguard.

I know what you mean, that's why I use my L2000 in passive mode 95% of the time and had a custom pickguard made.

I’ll be buying an SB-2T soon if I find the perfect one, if not, I’ll just buy another L2000, maybe Silver Flake or Ruby Red Metallic.
Very nice Blue Flake on reverb right now and if it doesn’t disappear, I might grab it next month.

 

[secondbestcody]

I’ve got another question now. How would you compare an SB-1 to the new Fender Player series P’s?

 

[rohi]

My US Kiloton 5 is my only bass-- it's a tank and sounds amazing. I have consistent access to a Fender P yet I always opt for the Kiloton. Can't add much more to the discussion other than that.

 

[Camarillo]

My L2500 was from Indonesia.
Very good instrument anyway

 

[Marley's Ghost]

I had an SB2 I ran with flats. It was a beast with wicked punch. Two knobs. Wish I still had it.

 

[wizerd]

I had a JB2 tribute that played just perfect right out of the box. No issue with citrus on it or the ASAT tale either.

 

[ProfFrink]

I had a JB2 tribute that played just perfect right out of the box. No issue with citrus on it or the ASAT tale either.

erm... What's citrus?

 

[skidmarkbass]

My first G&L was a Tribute 5er and never sounded right. Now I have a US SB-1 and ASAT. To me the SB-1 is just an awesome pbass simple with GREAT sound. The ASAT is beautiful, but very heavy, and has many tone options, almost too many. Lately the SB-1 is backup to my Stingray, but I have total confidence in it.

 

[City]

So, I’m looking at getting a G&L, preferably USA made with the MFD pickups. Looking at either an SB-1 or a Kiloton. I also saw they did a run of Tribute models in Japan.

My questions are as follows:
1. Are there any lemons when it comes to G&L? I know there are Mexican Fenders they are lemons, but I’m not familiar with American Fenders.

2. Is overall US G&L quality superior to US Fenders? What about the MIJ Tributes (if you have any experience. And yes, I’m looking at the one in the classifieds.)

3. I know they are completely different animals, but how does a Kiloton compare to an SB-1? Or even a Stingray?

I have never played a G&L SB-1, but I have played a tribute Kiloton l, but unplugged. Any help or experience would be appreciated.

EDIT: I forgot to ask this originally, is there a time period where the quality is more consistent? Kinda like how MIM Fenders are better after 2010. There are a few 90’s SB-1’s on Reverb I’ve been looking at.

I had an L2000 Tribute that I felt was a lemon. Made the mistake of not playing it first...e-purchase. First it was very heavy. Second, never found the sound. String changes and other tweeks couldn't land me in the promised land that others feel here. The sunburst finish was good though. I traded it in at a pawn shop at a loss.

 

[Crash 56]

I love my M2500, and would love to get a couple more G&L's. I think Leo's apex was with the technical innovations made at G&L, and refinements that make them hard to beat.

 

[groooooove]

I would agree that fender, across all it's levels (perhaps not custom shop) has lemons. it also will have gems as we all know. specifically with the MIM range, lemons and gems are everywhere.

I personally think G&L is far more consistent. The USA models are really all very nice instruments. The tributes are great for the money, but i've never heard of a "good tribute" being "Better than usa," the way a MIM fender can easily be superior to a MIA fender.

all just my experience, but i have seen an awful lot of all 4 lines in question.

long story short - of the 4, a MIM lemon is possible, but really a rare bird if i'm being honest. a USA G&L is a killer purchase in nearly any scenario - perhaps, in some peoples eyes, might even be the best bass for metal.

 

[Kukulkan61]

Check out the Classifieds on here, some great deals on USA G&Ls, even a couple Vintage ones !!

 

[MG Wolf]

You may also want to consider an LB-100 if you're looking for a P-style bass.