/ Register

  1. Please take 30 seconds to register your free account to remove most ads, post topics, make friends, earn reward points at our store, and more!  

SPB-2 vs. SPB-4 vs. G&L LB-100 pickup

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by JN8642, Apr 15, 2018.


Tags:

Choose your sauce \o/

  1. SPB-2

    3 vote(s)
    20.0%

  2. SPB-4

    8 vote(s)
    53.3%

  3. LB-100 Pickup

    4 vote(s)
    26.7%
Page 1 of 2
  1. Apr 15, 2018 #1
    JN8642

    JN8642

    Aug 19, 2015
    Hey all!

    So after nearly a year with my G&L MFD's, I think it's for a change. The output is just wayyy too high for my tastes. I've been looking into the three listed above (They're also the only one's in my price range that I'm digging) as of late.

    I play rock-style music with a pick (mostly) and rounds and use a lot of effects so I can't do anything that's too mild of an output like the SPB-1's, I know those are well liked but they just wouldn't fit for either of my projects. I need to stick with a thick sounding pickup, just a lower output.

    I know the SPB-2 is pretty hot but not nearly as much as the MFD's, the SPB-4's seem to sound good, and the LB-100 pickups sound a lot thicker than a standard MIA Fender pickup.
    Would love to hear your thoughts/experience on these three and which one you would choose. All opinions are welcome and appreciated!

    Also, if I go the SPB-4 route, can I put new covers on them (I still have covers from my old MIM P pickups laying around)? I'm not really into signature's on pickup covers hehe.
     
  5. Apr 15, 2018 #2
    jallenbass

    jallenbass Supporting Member Commercial User

    May 17, 2005
    Bend, Oregon
    I can only comment on the SPB's since I've never heard or played an LB-100. Both of those Duncan pickups sound really good to me. The 2 is a thick sounding pickup and has a lot of mids that I like for live playing. Sometimes too much if you really dig in. It is a hot pickup but you can always back it away for the strings to tame that a bit. The 4 is similar to the 1 but with some extra high mids and a little more output as I recall. I don't play with effects so no comment there.
     
    JN8642 likes this.
  10. Apr 15, 2018 #3
    JN8642

    JN8642

    Aug 19, 2015
    I gotcha! Was there a big difference in the pickups' thickness if you recall?
     
  14. Apr 15, 2018 #4
    jallenbass

    jallenbass Supporting Member Commercial User

    May 17, 2005
    Bend, Oregon
    Yes. The 2 is very fat. The 4 is more open.
     
    JN8642 likes this.
  18. Apr 15, 2018 #5
    Zoobiedood

    Zoobiedood Commercial User

    Sep 1, 2015
    Writer/Ambassador/Artist/Resident Bass Expert for Seymour Duncan
    If you use a pick, I'd use SPB-4s (and you might even try 500k pots). As far as the logos, the logo comes off with Brasso. But before you try that, see if your old ones fit. This pickup can also be ordered with a plain cover, or just order a separate plain cover with it.
     
    JN8642 likes this.
  22. Apr 15, 2018 #6
    JN8642

    JN8642

    Aug 19, 2015
    I actually have 500k pots in it currently, would the 2's be a little overkill with those pots?
     
  26. Apr 15, 2018 #7
    Slater

    Slater Leave that thing alone.

    Apr 17, 2000
    The Great Lakes State
    I think the SPB-2 sounds better with 500k pots. It brightens things up a bit.
     
    Zoobiedood and JN8642 like this.
  31. Apr 15, 2018 #8
    sprag

    sprag

    Sep 15, 2011
    Melb Australia
    Im no help with a decision here. But i can facilitate the purchase by offering to take the mfd off your hands. :D:hyper:
     
  35. Apr 15, 2018 #9
    mpdd

    mpdd neoconceptualist

    Mar 24, 2010
    LA
    the 90s LB100 supposedly had a kent armstrong or gotoh in the vein of a 62 p bass and the new ones are supposed to be wound to sound like the 90s ones
    my LB100 is not aggro and it sits great in the mix for 70s rock and roll with dunlop rounds or more classic 60s stuff with my ti flats, it's less intense and focused than the sb series pickups for sure with a nice warmth, quite clear and not muddy at all
     
  39. Apr 15, 2018 #10
    JN8642

    JN8642

    Aug 19, 2015
    I'll definitely message you when I decide on something if you'd like!
     
  43. Apr 15, 2018 #11
    sprag

    sprag

    Sep 15, 2011
    Melb Australia
    Cheers, I would like.
     
    JN8642 likes this.
  47. Apr 15, 2018 #12
    JN8642

    JN8642

    Aug 19, 2015
    Are the new ones supposed to sound like the 90's ones more or less? While searching through old threads I remember seeing people saying it (LB100) was a little too hot for them, in your opinion would they essentially be considered hot compared to vintage pickups?
     
  51. Apr 15, 2018 #13
    mpdd

    mpdd neoconceptualist

    Mar 24, 2010
    LA
    according to the g&l website they're supposed to sound the same as the 90s ones
    i lowered the pickups to exactly two nickel widths below the strings and it's perfect, they aren't even as hot as the neo punch hanson pickups in the lakland skylines
     
    One Way and JN8642 like this.
  55. Apr 15, 2018 #14
    JN8642

    JN8642

    Aug 19, 2015
    I gotcha thank you!
     
    mpdd likes this.
  59. Apr 15, 2018 #15
    mpdd

    mpdd neoconceptualist

    Mar 24, 2010
    LA
    glad i could help you out
     
    JN8642 likes this.
  64. Apr 15, 2018 #16
    JN8642

    JN8642

    Aug 19, 2015
    For reference, I had the SPB-3's in the past and cannot even begin to describe how much I despised them.
     
    Slater likes this.
  68. Apr 15, 2018 #17
    JN8642

    JN8642

    Aug 19, 2015


    Played with a pick; tone & volume at 100%

    5:25 - 5:44 SPB-2
    11:43 - 11:53 SPB-4

    The 4's sound a lot crisper and even while the 2's sound fuller and more low and mid heavy. Dang like em both
     
  72. Apr 16, 2018 #18
    Resonance129

    Resonance129

    Feb 15, 2011
    Purgatory
    I can't comment on the SPB 1 or the MFD, but I have the SPB4's on my P and LOVE em for rock. I basically wanted what you're describing and I haven't been disappointed. With rounds and a pick, they really do push. The mids boost really makes your sound push, and with a little extra bass in your EQ signal, the things sound wonderful, IMO. Maybe too much push for some, but as someone else mentioned before, you can always lower your pickups a bit, or play around with your EQ to get the desired effect.
     
    JN8642 likes this.
  76. Apr 16, 2018 #19
    Zoobiedood

    Zoobiedood Commercial User

    Sep 1, 2015
    Writer/Ambassador/Artist/Resident Bass Expert for Seymour Duncan
    I've played some basses with SPB-2s that sound great with 500k pots. Some sound better with 250k. Have a few of each handy. They are cheap.
     
    JN8642 likes this.
  80. Apr 16, 2018 #20
    JN8642

    JN8642

    Aug 19, 2015
    Thank you for posting! Did they ever come across as too bright to you if you were playing with any type of OD or just in general?
     
  84. Primary

    Primary TB Assistant

    Here are some related products that TB members are talking about. Clicking on a product will take you to TB’s partner, Primary, where you can find links to TB discussions about these products.

     
    Feb 28, 2021
Page 1 of 2

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...