Washburn Force ABT vs G&L JB-2

[GuitarToBass22]

Hi everyone,

I have played guitar for about 12 years now, and have decided to try picking up the bass finally. I am trying to get a beginner(ish) bass, and need some help deciding which of these two basses would be better.

I like the look of the Washburn more, and it is priced at 299.99 on eBay. But it has been available for quite a long time, so maybe people aren't buying for a reason?
The JB-2 is highly rated and is 399.99 brand new, whereas the Washburn is second hand.

I am looking for something pretty versatile in its use, ranging from jazz to more indie/pop stuff. Rock might be dabbled but isn't a priority.

Thanks

 

[Kaa]

Well, I've not heard any bad reviews of the G&L, and it is probably as versatile a bass as there is. Can you play the JB before you buy?

 

[GuitarToBass22]

i am ordering online, so i dont think so :/
I have only seen good things about both, but the washburn is just much less common? or used less i think? It has less professional looking reviews at least but still good things are said.

 

[TomB]

I suspect either would be good entry level choices. Depending on how the particular ABT is equipped (there seem to be a lot of variations), make sure you’re ready to deal with active electronics. They will help to make the bass more versatile-sounding. The SB-2 is less versatile-sounding, but it’s one heck of an aggressive sound, easily heard in a mix. I’m not sure one or the other is better, they’re just very different - the Washburn more “average” in sound, the SB-2 very distinctive. I’ve owned an SB-2 since 1989. It’s not going anywhere .

 

[Vodyanoi]

I have a '88 fretless ABT and I'm very pleased with it, however it is equipped with a set of DiMarzio DP123 and a Sadowsky preamp that a previous owner has installed; I'm not sure if the bass sounds just as good with the original pickups/preamp though.

If there's a decent return policy on the Washburn, give it a try since you seem to like the look of it more (=hopefully it can inspire you to play more). Worst case scenario: you return the Washburn and going with the G&L.