I have a USA JB 2 at home that Sam Ash is letting me try out. I ordered an Ibanez SR 750 but, asked if they would let me take home the SB 2. I am considering both guitars. The SB 2 is a superb quality bass that I am really enjoying the heck out of. It has a nice mellow sound, the quality and finish are great, and I love owning American Made. The Ibanez has the Korean Bartolini MK1-4 pup's and also has a nice mellow tone like the SB 2 but, the SR 750 has quite a bit of versatility that can be dialed in to it. I plan on doing a final taste test Sept. 12 when the SR 750 comes in. I haven't joined the G & L Club yet because I want to wait on the final decision. I like playing blues, classic rock, and the church praise band. The G & L SB 2 seems to fit the bill for those styles of music. My son plays in the school Jazz Band and I could also see myself playing Jazz when my skill level gets there. Now I'm interested in the feedback I get. Many will say go with what feels good to you and I'm sure that a lot of G & L forum members will be thinking and posting "OMG how can that be any kind of a decision, the G & L obviously". I do love the G & L with all my heart. Just want to make sure I make the decision that is best. Feedback is welcome and I am thick skinned so bashing is also welcome. This will also give me a chance to meet the Forum Members. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.
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Test Driving 2004 JB 2
- Thread starter nordman
- Start date
Will be interested in how they A/B. My ASAT has the best neck for my hand of any bass I have ever had in it. That's why I bought it ultimately, figuring I could tweek the sound later if necessary. Little did I know how many sound's I'd be able to get out of it!
I have found Asian basses that were pretty good, but none that could match the feel of my USA made ASAT. Closest I have gotten is a Lakland Jazz clone.
I have found Asian basses that were pretty good, but none that could match the feel of my USA made ASAT. Closest I have gotten is a Lakland Jazz clone.
I noticed that there are not very many postings about the JB-2. Hopefully I did not buy and undesirable model as Sam Ash does not carry G & L's and this one was used. It is pristine condition and I thought that $675 was a decent price. It is Sunburst with a Rosewood Fretboard. Pic is of my son playing. Gotta bring em up right.
This is interesting as I own an SR700. While I do not own a JB-2 I have played a couple. The only G&L I own is a L2000.
Keeping in mind that this is MY opinion, I really don't care much for the electronics on the SR700. If you search the MK1's on the basses forum you will find numerous threads about peoples gripes. I find the sound to be very weak and compressed with a boomy low end and a very harsh high end that never really achieves any clarity. The pickups are very forgiving in that they don't punish sloppy playing (i.e. they don't amplify sounds such as your fingers sliding on the strings or bad fretting) but that is not necissairly a good thing if you are wanting to improve. another annoying trait that is inherent to the MK1's is poor volume balancing across the strings (i.e. any note played on the E or G is louder than the A or D). Upsides to the MK1's are that they are completely silent with no buzz or hum at all.
Because of these issues the bass gets virtually no play time since I got my L2000. One of these days I am going to order a set of Nordstrand big singles and an aguilar pre-amp to put in the SR because it really is a nice bass and my wife loves it.
This brings me to the upside of the SR700: The bass itself is flawless and beautiful. There is not a single finish imperfection on it at all. The routes are perfect and there is no neck pocket gap. It takes a very good setup and the unfinished neck is very nice (a bit thin for my taste). I have had no issues with stability and it is always in tune when I pull it out. The flamed maple is beautiful and the hardware seems of very good quality.
It just sounds lousy.... TO ME. Others may like it.
I have played two JB-2's and quite liked both. They have a great jazz bass sound although the pickups are the opposite of the Ibanez in that they are very clear and will showcase any ham fisted playing. This is not a bad thing, my L2000 is very sensitive to technique as well and has made me a better player because of it.
Definately give that SR a good try out before you buy and listen for the things I have listed. I am not the only one to have these gripes.
If you dig the tone of the JB and don't mind the transparent pickups than that is where I would put MY money.
The above is MY opinion only, so please use your judgement when deciding as too many people like to tell others what to do. You have a great oppertunity here to really try both.
Happy playing!
Keeping in mind that this is MY opinion, I really don't care much for the electronics on the SR700. If you search the MK1's on the basses forum you will find numerous threads about peoples gripes. I find the sound to be very weak and compressed with a boomy low end and a very harsh high end that never really achieves any clarity. The pickups are very forgiving in that they don't punish sloppy playing (i.e. they don't amplify sounds such as your fingers sliding on the strings or bad fretting) but that is not necissairly a good thing if you are wanting to improve. another annoying trait that is inherent to the MK1's is poor volume balancing across the strings (i.e. any note played on the E or G is louder than the A or D). Upsides to the MK1's are that they are completely silent with no buzz or hum at all.
Because of these issues the bass gets virtually no play time since I got my L2000. One of these days I am going to order a set of Nordstrand big singles and an aguilar pre-amp to put in the SR because it really is a nice bass and my wife loves it.
This brings me to the upside of the SR700: The bass itself is flawless and beautiful. There is not a single finish imperfection on it at all. The routes are perfect and there is no neck pocket gap. It takes a very good setup and the unfinished neck is very nice (a bit thin for my taste). I have had no issues with stability and it is always in tune when I pull it out. The flamed maple is beautiful and the hardware seems of very good quality.
It just sounds lousy.... TO ME. Others may like it.
I have played two JB-2's and quite liked both. They have a great jazz bass sound although the pickups are the opposite of the Ibanez in that they are very clear and will showcase any ham fisted playing. This is not a bad thing, my L2000 is very sensitive to technique as well and has made me a better player because of it.
Definately give that SR a good try out before you buy and listen for the things I have listed. I am not the only one to have these gripes.
If you dig the tone of the JB and don't mind the transparent pickups than that is where I would put MY money.
The above is MY opinion only, so please use your judgement when deciding as too many people like to tell others what to do. You have a great oppertunity here to really try both.
Happy playing!
There is nothing undesireable at all about the JB-2. G&L's are not as common due to lower production scales. $675 for a mint example seems a good price as used G&L's seem to float around the 400-900 range depending on the model and condition.
JB-2's don't seem as popular as other models because they have garden variety alnico magnet pickups instead of the much lauded MFD pickups found in other models. Nothing at all wrong with them, just more of a traditional sound.
Your opinion is greatly appreciated and I plan on bringing the SR 750 home for a couple of days because I really feel that playing a bass in the store does not give you a good enough time to evaluate. Being fairly new to bass I have noticed that the JB-2 does amplify my fingers sliding on the string. Tells me one thing. I need to improve my playing. The tone from string to string and fret to fret transitions very well on the JB 2. The SR 750 seems like a more bells and whistles approach. Being an old fashion old fart, simplicity is the name of the game for me. You have given me some items to consider and that is what I am looking for. Can't get my image to upload. Guess my Forum skills are not any better than my playing skills.
The traditional sound will bode well with me. I really do like the JB 2 and am glad to hear that it is not the red headed step child ( I actually really have a 30 year old red headed step child, he is cool though). The quality of the G & L is superb, the sound is good, and I like it being a true blooded American Made Product. The SR 750 will have to be one heck of a superior ax to replace the JB 2. Still working on resizing my pic.
The main impediment for me with the JB2 is that there are a number of good Jazz-style basses for the price of a new G&L... On the other hand I doubt that you can find another Jazz for under $700 that plays as well and is as good quality overall as a mint JB2.
Don't know the Ibanez, but if it were me, I'd get the G&L. If you decide that you love the sound, then great. If you don't there are a TON of great Jazz pups that can be swapped.
The other bass may be fine, but I don't see how you can go wrong with a JB2 at that price!
HA!
Thats a great looking JB. I should point out that it has a premier finish on swamp ash (upgrade) and it looks like the neck is finished in hand rubbed gun oil (upgrade) making this a pretty nice piece. You would essentially be getting it for almost half price.
A jazz is a great choice for an all around bass as it sounds pretty good in any style of music from jazz (obviously) to heavy metal. A JB-2 is just a jazz bass with a precision bass shaped body. My next bass is going to be some form of jazz for sure. Another great feature that Fender3X noted is that if you wish to change the tone it is really simple to fit a set of any number of aftermarket pickups. Jazz sized pickups tend to be pretty cheap.
US G&L's are a great instrument and are still largely hand made in fairly low numbers. Those who like them tend to really like them.
That is really fantastic that you are getting the chance to try both at home.
Yeah I got the feeling that this is the one that I will end up with. That is great that it has the premier finish and I never really thought about it having the Gun Oil Rub. It is a really light guitar especially compared to my Squire Affinity P Bass. As far as sound goes I think it has a clear full deep tone. My Squier P Bass is upgraded with Fender 62 pup's and sounds harsh and brash next to the JB 2. Just the two of you are making me feel good about the JB 2. I could see myself being one of those who really like G & L's. As far as changing pups that would be down the road. I also have the OHSC and Certificate of Authenticity. I feel like I own a piece of history, something that I would never feel about the SR 750. The JB 2 is obviously a piece to be proud of.
One thing to remember about the tone is how big of a role the strings play. Who knows how old the strings are on that thing. Usually jazz basses have a bit of growl to them and a new set of strings could be just what the doctor ordered. Makes a huge difference.
If you wish to be really objective about the comparison when the 750 gets here then both should have the same strings. The Ibanez will come with coated elixers (not my cup of tea) and who knows what are on the G&L. Most stores sell double packs of D'addario XL's (a good all around string) for in the 30 buck range. If you decide to keep the G&L just restring the Ibanez with the Elixers and give it back. You now have an extra set.
The hard shell case is another great feature as G&L charges something like $130 for them (replacement). My Ibanez came with....... nothing.
I am assuming you know the history behind G&L ? If not then look em up on wikipedia.
Definately try them both out so that YOU decide wich one is for you but I think I can guess which one will be going back to the store
.
If you wish to be really objective about the comparison when the 750 gets here then both should have the same strings. The Ibanez will come with coated elixers (not my cup of tea) and who knows what are on the G&L. Most stores sell double packs of D'addario XL's (a good all around string) for in the 30 buck range. If you decide to keep the G&L just restring the Ibanez with the Elixers and give it back. You now have an extra set.
The hard shell case is another great feature as G&L charges something like $130 for them (replacement). My Ibanez came with....... nothing.
I am assuming you know the history behind G&L ? If not then look em up on wikipedia.
Definately try them both out so that YOU decide wich one is for you but I think I can guess which one will be going back to the store
.That is a thought on the strings. My P Bass was restrung with Roto Sound RS 66LD. Are you suggesting the EXL165TP Knickel Round Wound 45-65-85-105's. I use finger style and don't slap yet. I need to try out different strings anyway until I find what I like. That may take some time. Flat wounds would probably not be a good string for a begynner bass player (been playing around 6 months so I'm not a complete newbie). I want to keep run of the mill items until I develop a preferance. So an average pair of strings and probably stick with the stock pup's for a while.
I have done quite a bit of research on everything bass related including the history of G & L. The history of G & L appeals to me.
What I think is most important in a bass is:
You gotta like the sound.
It has to fit your style appearance wise.
The Bass has to be comfortable.
The Bass has to be affordable
You have to develop a relationship with your instrument that is personal.
The G & L fits all those requirements. I just want to make sure that I don't find one that suits those requierments better. I don't think the Ibanez is going to meet the relationship test as well as the G & L. Thanks to you and Fender3X for all your help and support. I hope to get a few more members to add input.
I have done quite a bit of research on everything bass related including the history of G & L. The history of G & L appeals to me.
What I think is most important in a bass is:
You gotta like the sound.
It has to fit your style appearance wise.
The Bass has to be comfortable.
The Bass has to be affordable
You have to develop a relationship with your instrument that is personal.
The G & L fits all those requirements. I just want to make sure that I don't find one that suits those requierments better. I don't think the Ibanez is going to meet the relationship test as well as the G & L. Thanks to you and Fender3X for all your help and support. I hope to get a few more members to add input.
Yeah, I would say D'addario XL's are a good, inexpensive all around string. The elixirs that come on the Ibanez are a bit different as they have a very thin (plastic?) coating on them. Rotosounds are well liked too. Just keep in mind that different strings can really change the tone. Nickle rounds are your best bet for a nice all around tone.
I will now quit clogging up this thread and allow a few others who may want to chime in. Though I only know of a couple TBers who have that model of SR. By the way, you can also do a search on the SR500 which is more popular and has the MK1's as well for more opinions. Lakland also makes a model which I think is called the 44-01 using the MK1 electronics. Much the same opinions over there: great bass but lousy pickups. I believe Chef (one of the resident G&L junkies) has one which he put Nordstrands in and now loves it.
Best of luck.
I will now quit clogging up this thread and allow a few others who may want to chime in. Though I only know of a couple TBers who have that model of SR. By the way, you can also do a search on the SR500 which is more popular and has the MK1's as well for more opinions. Lakland also makes a model which I think is called the 44-01 using the MK1 electronics. Much the same opinions over there: great bass but lousy pickups. I believe Chef (one of the resident G&L junkies) has one which he put Nordstrands in and now loves it.
Best of luck.
Chef
In Memoriam
Umm... Yes.
I have a 55-01. With Nordstrands and an OBP-3. The Bart electronics were NOT my cup of tea.
Having said that, I kinda like the modern sound of the JB/JB-2 stock pickups. Doesn't mean they wouldn't get swapped out, as that's just the sort of character I can be. But I don't hurl in their general direction.
Ken...
It would be a while before I consider pup's because I am digging the nice clean sound of my JB 2 now. Looks like Nordstrands would be the way I go if I ever made that decision. Right now my ears are not as well trained as a seasoned bass player so I get a lot of enjoyment out of the stock rig. Chef and Ken please chime in on your thoughts of the JB-2 I purchased. Pic is included in one of the above posts.
Hugh Jazz, you are not clogging up the thread. You are filling it with good information that I am learning from.
Thanks,
Nordman
Hugh Jazz, you are not clogging up the thread. You are filling it with good information that I am learning from.
Thanks,
Nordman
Nothing but a new pair of strings is going to happen to this guitar for some time. It sounds good to me now with the existing pups and when the time comes that I want to change the sound than I will probably consider Nordstrands. I will need to play quite a bit and gig with other people to realize what type of sound I am after. I kind of feel if you don't get top of the line pup's for a G & L your quality of sound will probably deteriorate. I am quite sure that the electronics in G & L are far better than average industry standards.
