Why aren't G&L basses more popular?

[RusSB-2]

I bought an American SB-2 back in the summer of 2008 on a whim. For whatever reason, I wanted that P/J pickup configuration without really knowing what it sounded like. I knew that G&L made excellent products, and I loved the way this particular one looked, so I bought it. It blew every single other bass that I own out of the water. 08 American Jazz, 03 American Jazz, 04 Stingray, 06 American Deluxe Precision 5 (active, uses TWO 9v batteries), 76 Precision, and 77 Gibson Grabber. The power of the SB-2's passive pickups I have not encountered in ANY other bass I've ever played, especially the two p-style pickups. I run it through an SVT with JJ KT88's and it absolutely slams. Not only is it the most powerful out of my collection, but it has the best sustain, and best playability, and is quite light weight-wise. I've received many compliments on its tone. Its finish is also bullet-proof.

I agree with what everyone else has said so far about why they're not more popular. You never see them in Guitar Center (not that GC could even order them for you anyway) or anywhere for that matter, you never really see any ads for them (Bass Player magazine runs some artist ads in there from time to time, but that's about it), and people think that Fenders and Music Man basses are the end-all-be-all. It's a shame, considering that anything I've played G&L has been superior to just about everything else in a similar price range.

And I love the headstock

 

[Soundchaser11460]

For you non beleivers, you really need to pick up a G&L and look at the build and finish quality. Simply first class all over. Mind sure is!

Man that is absolutely amazing looking.I never saw the Cherryburst with the matching headstock before.

 

[plankspanker13]

Ummmm... OK, but you don't buy a G&L to replace the pickups - you buy it largely FOR the unique pickups. At least, I would be.

I'm sure someone will be STOKED to buy your handmedowns though

We're talkin' J-bass pickups here, not MFD's.

 

[Gizmot]

G & L makes very fine instruments - I own two of them and would put them up against anything for what they cost.
I think G & L is caught in a catch-22 -- they can't do more because they don't have more dealer support and visibility. They just don't have the reach to have more players touch their stuff and buy it. They are good people and will probably always be around - and it would be great to see them be more successful

 

[RCCollins]

We're talkin' J-bass pickups here, not MFD's.

are the J-bass pickups not MFDs?

 

[Ken Baker]

are the J-bass pickups not MFDs?

No, they're classic Alnicos. Home grown, but still Alnicos.

MFDs are ceramic magnet pickups and are a breed apart.

Ken...

 

[RCCollins]

No, they're classic Alnicos. Home grown, but still Alnicos.

MFDs are ceramic magnet pickups and are a breed apart.

Ken...

i hadn't been paying attention. Still, I'm sure someone will want those

I'm familiar with the MFD ceramic/pole piece design

 

[Ken Baker]

You know, if wasn't for those thousands of miles from here (about 6 miles from the factory) to there, I'd say you've been using my backyard...

Ken...

 

[Chebass88]

I think I need to weigh in here with some photos to add to the topic at hand.

Chebass88

 

[Chef]

2008 L2500K with single coil switching:

 

[Chrisk-K]

I just cannot get over with their headstock.

 

[Chef]

Cause Spectors have such a stylish headstock
It's "same as every other Fender-ish bass, plus a point to stave off drunk chics with"

 

[Iridescentone]

Speaking of the stylish Spector....

Not feelin' the beauty, and not crazy about the angled strings, but if I wanted a Spector the headstock wouldn't disuade me at all.

 

[Chef]

Lotsa folks don't dig the Alleva Coppolo headstock neither.
To me, it looks just like my 1980/1981 G&L's, so, win/win for me

 

[PluckyThump]

What's the big deal about the headstock shape? You can't see it while you're playing, and you shouldn't be looking at it while playing anyway.

 

[Chef]

Anyone remember these?
Talk about a headstock only a mother could love...

 

[genstormbringer]

I miss my G&L here she is: If anyone here has this bass juts lemme know I wannna just check on the condition of it see how it is holding up that bass was played to death.

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[BassNGuns]

I don't know, but my Asat is the best 4 string I've ever played.
My next one is going to be an L2500 Tribute.
There is no better 5 string for $799.

 

[genstormbringer]

I had an ASAT Gold Metal Flake fretless4 string w an ebony fretboard I sold it to get the wife's engagement ring I miss that one too no pics of it I cant find em.

 

[metron]

Is that lake placid blue with binding and a matching headstock? Awesome. If that were my bass I would not be able to avoid getting a custom tort guard for it.