Which G&L - JB-2 and SB-2 players, please help.

[Jimtoonz]

For quite a while now, I have been playing only L-2500s as shown here:

I love both of these basses and plan on keeping them while adding a four-string to the stable. I am considering 4 different instruments:

G&L ASAT
G&L JB-2
G&L SB-2
Fender American Deluxe P-bass.

Knowing that the ASAT is the same "sound" in a different package, I would like to hear from owners of the other basses I mentioned. There is no dealer around here that stocks the JB-2 or SB-2 so I am unable to go play them. If anyone can offer informed comparisons between them and the "L" series basses, OR general observations on the tones, I would appreciate your comments.

 

[spideyjg]

The JB-2 gets a fine Jazz sound. The SB-2 is a real aggressive "P"ish sound

Jim

 

[plankspanker13]

My JB2 Tribby is a grab & go anywhere axe with hot output and good shielding. I now covet a US-made version.

 

[lmfreeman9]

I have 2 '83 SB-2's with the old headstock and 2 jazz style pups.
It was a cheaper, student model with only one volume, one tone and one pup selector switch. They are highly underrated and sound like vintage jazz basses at one sixth the price.

A new broom can clean, an old broom knows where the dirt is.

 

[stretch80]

I know this is OT, but those are two beautiful L-2500s. What a great arsenal. A fretless 2500 must sound great - I'm just imagining bridge pickup series ....

The combo of maple top and maple neck on the fretted bass is very cool.

I sadly haven't played SB2 or JB2s..

 

[craigb]

I feel obligated to reply although I'm not sure how much value there will be beyond Jim's succint summary.

To date SB-2s have been my favorite G&Ls but I recently picked up a Tribby JB-2 and it is locked in a no-holds-barred cage match to the finish for the #1 fretted position in my collection (actually #1a as my Reverend Rumblefish PJ is #1 but fails me ergonomically).

My first comment will be that I've found I really like JB-2s (US or Tribute) as long as they have the OEM pickups. I've had a couple of JB-2s with non-original pickups and they weren't the same sonically (physically/ergonomically they were great, but sonically they weren't all that for me). I think that means I like true single coil J pickups. YMMV but since JB-2s use fairly standard J-size pickups they can sound a lot of different ways depending on what pickups are in there.

My general take on an SB-2 vs. an L2K is that the SB-2 has more clarity, less overall lows and a little less growl. But that works for me as I find the L2K lows to be overpowering (in series mode) and the SB-2 gave the sound I was always looking for with an L2K. The unmatched single coil bridge pickup can add noise and I think the bass really benefits from adding a tone control (there are various control configurations I've seen used to do this). I like the slightly smaller/different body shape compared to the L2K and a #6 neck (the older standard on SB-2s) is ideal for me.

The JB-2 seems to have a bit better definition in the lows than the SB-2 and more growl. The highs are a bit less sweet/muted (J vs. P) and the single coil pickups can be noisy when not matched. The JB-2 is very low output when compared to the SB-2 or L2K. I'm thinking about trying a series/parallel switch on it for grins and to have a different/bigger sound available when wanted. The JB-2 is a razor where the SB-2 is a ball peen hammer (how's that for dancing about architecture?).

The great thing is you can't really go wrong either way and the Tributes are an awesome value for the buck. Heck, you could get one of each as a Tribute for less than a single US one.

 

[earlgray]

The JB-2 gets a fine Jazz sound. The SB-2 is a real aggressive "P"ish sound

Yep. that's basically it.

Got a late 80's SB-2 & an '04 JB-2 (and a few L-2x00s, including an L-2500 fretless). Here's my experience between both these fine instruments.

The SB-2 is probably my favorite player out of the entire bunch. Its got a great feel and an awesome sound. Simplicity at its finest -- 2 volume controls and a jack. The bridge pickup (J-style) is kinda weak on its own, but the combo works beautifully when dialed in as an accent to the split-P. I've never missed the lack of a tone control once I figured out how to blend the pickups. This is the bass I swap out with my RIC because it lasers thru the mix and its a hell of a lot more user-friendly than a RIC. The slim, fast neck, balance and body are just about the most comfortable I've ever run across. All in one package. Amazing.

The JB-2 is a different beast altogether and is really a refinement of the classic Jazz bass -- a demonstration of how good a basic bass G&L can build. Mine's a beautiful ash body with a clear orange finish, GOT maple board quartersawn neck, and almost perfect balance on a strap. The 6-bolt neck makes this thing resonate and ring like a neck-thru bass.

The stock JB-2 pickups have an aggressive jazz-bass sound. They remind me of Lindy Fralins with more tooth to them (I actually prefer the Fralins and if I changed anything there, it would be to swap a set of Fralin pickups I've got in another bass). To me, the JB's too hot with roundwounds, but TI Flats tamed it beautifully.

I rarely play the JB-2, but I brought it out for a 3 1/2 hour gig last nite and it was amazing. I ended up having a blast playing it and wondering why I don't play it often. I think it earned a spot back in the rotation.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either, but it depends on what kinda sound you're looking for. I think the SB-2 is more "G&L-like" in overall sound, but both are miles away from an L-2x00 in overall flexibility.

hth.

 

[Jimtoonz]

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this! The comments are very helpful.

 

[Nedmundo]

Since you obviously like the punch of MFD pickups, I'd stay away from the American Deluxe Precision. I had a 1999 for awhile, and, to be fair, it was possibly the best playing and most beautifully finished bass I've ever owned. But the tone did nothing for me. It didn't get a real P-bass sound to my ears, and let's just say that hefty looking humbucker isn't exactly an MFD. Perhaps the more recent 18v preamp helps matters, and I'm sure a different P pickup would help, but I still don't see one of these adding much to your arsenal tone-wise.

That leaves the SB-2 and JB-2. I have an SB-2, and love the tone. It's a really thick, ballsy P-bass tone that can be mellowed out by adjusting the volume controls. And you can add some definition with the bridge pickup. If you're addicted to the effortless punch and thickness of MFD humbuckers, but want something closer to a Fender tone than your L-2500's, I think it's a great choice.

I've played a couple of JB-2's, and I have a Fender Jazz. These are few steps further away from MFD-humbuckerville than the SB-2. (Well, duh-- J-basses don't have MFD's! ) But if you want to maximize tonal variety in your arsenal, the single coil J-bass tone might be exactly what you want.

 

[FidgetStone]

-: Caution @ potential thread hijacking :-

Jimtoonz,
What strings have been your favorite on the fretless L-2500? I have TI flats on mine now and love them but my lust for the ultimate string never ends.

On the subject of lust, I am eager to get my hands on an SB-2 as well. I can't find one hanging on the wall anywhere in the Dallas area though.

Thanks . . .

 

[Jimtoonz]

-: Caution @ potential thread hijacking :-

Jimtoonz,
What strings have been your favorite on the fretless L-2500? I have TI flats on mine now and love them but my lust for the ultimate string never ends.

On the subject of lust, I am eager to get my hands on an SB-2 as well. I can't find one hanging on the wall anywhere in the Dallas area though.

Thanks . . .

The fretted L-2500 is currently carrying D'Addario XLs nickelwound. The fretless is strung with D'Addario half rounds. I am not sure that I really love either set of strings, but they are both much better to me than the factory installed set. There is a big temptation to install a set of flats on the fretted one. Even though I haven't played flats in over 25 years, I remember them as a more defined attack than rounds. As I am now participating in the "hijack", I would love to hear any thoughts about L-2500 strings.

 

[4Mal]

The SB-2 is a P on steroids sort of bass, of the basses you list - for my stable it is the one I'd pick.

Asat's ... I really can't imagine why anyone buy's these things... neck dive is a real issue and unless you just have to have the look for that Jennings/Owens/Haggard/Volkalert tribute band ... why ? (Yes I know there is a strap extensder thing but that's really no excuse for a poor design...)

As a dedicated Jazz Bass guy - the JB-2 is a great Jazz - if you don't really like jazz bass feel or jazz bass tone. Maybe this is the bass I would buy right after the Asat if you get my drift... Want a J, do yourself a favor - get a good J... My MIJ 75 RI smokes the MIA JB-2's that have run through here ...

Well, you left the L-2000 off your list. Maybe it's 'cause you have the tonality covered with the 2500's ? but you did have the Asat on there ...

The Deluxe precision would be way down the depth chart I think.

So SB-2, then L2K would be my recommendation.

 

[Iridescentone]

I'd say that if you want a jazz bass that sounds like all the other jazzes out there.....then avoid the JB-2 like the plague. It is not your run of the mill jazz, just get a Fender or any of its myriad clones.

OTOH, if you want the purest possible connection between your hands, the strings, and the wood...then an early ash body JB-2 is a great choice, especially in that price range.

The difference is in the pickups. They pick up absolutely everything. Which is good for a nuance player, and bad news for sloppy players who just want a rock bass with a skinny neck.

As mentioned, the JB-2 craves flats. Spend the money for good ones, the JB-2 knows the difference.

 

[Freddels]

I've got DR low riders on my JB-2 and it sounds darn good.

I tried Chromes but the tension was too high for it and I wasn't comfortable with the stress that I was seeing on the neck.

I may try TI flats. I have an extra set laying around.

 

[tkozal]

I'm with nedmundo and some of the others...I thought the Fender MIA Precision Deluxe did not do a P tone well. I compared it to a 62 RI P, both played through the same SVT, and the 62 RI blew the other one away in the realm of P bass sound.

A JB-2 would be cool, I almost bought a SB-2, but I play in NYC where I have usually have to use the house supplied amp, and I need tone controls on my bass...which my L2000 has in abundance...

 

[rok51]

...The JB-2 is a razor where the SB-2 is a ball peen hammer...

LMAO!

How true!

Kim

 

[4Mal]

I'm with nedmundo and some of the others...I thought the Fender MIA Precision Deluxe did not do a P tone well. I compared it to a 62 RI P, both played through the same SVT, and the 62 RI blew the other one away in the realm of P bass sound.

A JB-2 would be cool, I almost bought a SB-2, but I play in NYC where I have usually have to use the house supplied amp, and I need tone controls on my bass...which my L2000 has in abundance...

L2K and / or a Radial Bassbone ... that little puppy is a life saver!

 

[Rockit]

I got a Tribute SB2 a few months ago off Craigslist for 300.00 and it has quickly become my favorite bass. Volume wise, it's louder than both my Jazz's and comparable to my Epi Tbird. It's got plenty of bottom and a lot of growl especially when you dig in. It was made in Indonesia but I wouldn't hold that against that particular line. I'm sure the USA SB2 is pretty awesome but I'm really impressed with the Tribute.

I'd be inclined to get another one because the sound and playability are pretty great.

TKozal, try an MXR M80 Bass DI+. I never gig without one and it's saved me tone wise on a few plug and play gigs where the supplied backline was less than stellar.

 

[earlgray]

Since you obviously like the punch of MFD pickups, I'd stay away from the American Deluxe Precision. I had a 1999 for awhile, and, to be fair, it was possibly the best playing and most beautifully finished bass I've ever owned. But the tone did nothing for me. It didn't get a real P-bass sound to my ears, and let's just say that hefty looking humbucker isn't exactly an MFD. Perhaps the more recent 18v preamp helps matters, and I'm sure a different P pickup would help, but I still don't see one of these adding much to your arsenal tone-wise.

I agree totally. I have a P Am Deluxe and its a great playing bass, but the sound is just not there. Doesn't sound quite like a P & doesn't sound as good as a G&L. Its been in its case in my closet for the last couple years (battery removed).

I also had a Jazz Am Deluxe and it was a similar situation -- construction and feel is top-notch, but the sound just isn't quite right. Luckily, I traded it even for a RIC 4003 and never looked back.

hth.

 

[earlgray]

-: Caution @ potential thread hijacking :-

Jimtoonz,
What strings have been your favorite on the fretless L-2500? I have TI flats on mine now and love them but my lust for the ultimate string never ends.

TI SuperAlloys on my L-2500 fretless. Give it a growl so nasty, you 'll feel the need to shower after playing a gig with it. The ebony boards are pretty hard, so I've not had much wear from using rounds.

hth.