discreet Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 (edited) [b]NBD - USA G&L SB-2 (1983)[/b] [b]*[url="https://soundcloud.com/arkaymith/sb-2-groove"]Audio Clip[/url]*[/b] Many thanks to [i]richardd[/i] (Rich) of this parish, from whom I bought this bass - he is an all-round good bloke and an excellent Basschatter. What we have here is a vintage G&L SB-2 built in Fullerton California USA in 1983, and very nice it is too. It is in excellent original condition and has not been messed with ...too much. These are quite rare instruments, as firstly they were never produced in huge numbers, and secondly they were only produced for a short time between the end of 1982 until 1984. They were marketed as part of G&L's 'budget' line at the time, though the quality of the build and the hardware was no different to the more up-market models. Corners were cut (or not!) by using a very simple design and a slab body; there is a basic radius rout around the periphery of the body, but no contours. They have since gained quite a reputation as players' basses and are quite sought-after. 1983 was during 'the George and Leo time' at G&L, so arguably this G&L is more 'Fender' than the CBS basses from that time. It has been well-used; there are typical checking patterns in the paint, thumb-wear where you'd expect to see it and flaws in the finish that are consistent with a thirty-year-old instrument. Very nice fit in the pocket, and the maple neck has gone a very nice honey colour, too. Those who know me will be surprised to see a black bass; I tend to favour white basses and indeed a white version was available - they turned creamy over time. I intended to refinish this one in vintage white, but I really don't want to destroy the thirty-years' worth of mojo this bass has acquired! [i]Rumple[/i] (Dave) suggested that I get a replica white body made and keep the black one for when I move it on, and I'm thinking about that. Or I may just go against years of preference and keep it black! Another unusual feature is the G&L patented 'Bi-Cut' truss-rod insertion method - as BCer [i]alittlebitrobot[/i] discovered, the neck blank is split longitudinally, channeled and truss rod inserted. Then the two halves are glued and pressed together and the blank is shaped. The advantage to this is less warping and twisting of the neck. Here's the gen from G&L (paragraph 5): [url="http://www.glguitars.com/features/neck.asp"]http://www.glguitars...atures/neck.asp[/url] So what's it like? Well... first impression is that it's light (8.7lbs) and powerful. I generally like to have both pickups on the go and with both selected this bass really chucks it out. It's a tone monster, too. More so than my Hayman, which is saying a great deal. Not as wide at the nut (I'd say 41.3mm), but definitely not Jazz-thin. Not as chunky either, but then not many necks are. I'd say it was very similar to a P neck. It's one of the most powerful passive basses I've played. I've strung it with Status Hot Wire Half-Wounds, and it's immense through my Streamliner/Schroeder rig. I'll post more about how it sounds after Wednesday's rehearsal, and in the meantime I'll record an audio file. OK, enough!! Pics: Edited October 19, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlungerModerno Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 She is a pretty diamond in the rough. Keep her as she is - Jet black . Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Lovely that is, proper lush & overflowing with mojo, good score Mark I'd be tempted to take it to a 'gypsy rose' & see if she could read those lines on the back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 [quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1413200711' post='2575704'] Lovely that is, proper lush & overflowing with mojo, good score Mark I'd be tempted to take it to a 'gypsy rose' & see if she could read those lines on the back [/quote] Thanks, John... it's definitely got a 'spiritual' vibe - it smells of Patchouli..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Nice one Mark. My 80's G&L has been my regular gigging bass for the last four years. Love it. Yet to find a more powerful passive instrument. Hope you enjoy your one as much mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntLockyer Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 I think it is a cracking looking bass. Would be a shame to mess with it in at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myke Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 That is lovely! I definitely agree with everybody above by thinking you should leave it black! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 that's great - the SB2 and el toro are both basses I'ld like to try at some point. oh and a L1000.... interesting about the neck construction too - I think Peavey did the same with the T40 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Lovely looking funk machine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 (edited) [quote name='PlungerModerno' timestamp='1413199849' post='2575695'] ...Keep her as she is - Jet black . [/quote] [quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1413202365' post='2575739'] ...Would be a shame to mess with it at all. [/quote] [quote name='Myke' timestamp='1413205769' post='2575785'] ...definitely agree with everybody above by thinking you should leave it black! [/quote] Could be wrong, but I think I'm starting to see a pattern emerging here... Edited October 13, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 I think I might have to have a go on that at some point Mark - pretty please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 (edited) [quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1413202181' post='2575737'] My 80's G&L has been my regular gigging bass for the last four years. Love it. Yet to find a more powerful passive instrument. Hope you enjoy your one as much mate. [/quote] Thanks Gary, I'm sure I will. Glad you agree about the POWER!! [quote name='Rumple' timestamp='1413207289' post='2575801'] I think I might have to have a go on that at some point Mark - pretty please [/quote] No problem, Dave. Don't want to give you GAS unduly, though... Edited October 13, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 If you paint that white, I'm going to sh*t in an envelope and post it to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 [quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1413208844' post='2575822'] If you paint that white, I'm going to sh*t in an envelope and post it to you. [/quote] Mate, don't hold back - say what you think. You're among friends here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Jamin Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 That looks ace! My brother's got a '81 F-100 and it's quite simply the best guitar I've ever played. MFD pick-ups are the way forward. If you ever decided to move it on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 [quote name='Ben Jamin' timestamp='1413219870' post='2576001'] That looks ace! If you ever decided to move it on... [/quote] At the moment I'm seeing it as a keeper, but I think everyone knows what THAT means... I'll certainly bear you in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Black/maple, it`s a classic and should not be interfered with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1413224825' post='2576087'] Black/maple, it`s a classic and should not be interfered with. [/quote] I won't Lozz - I've already been threatened with crap through the post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mornats Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Don't get rid of the mojo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Horse Murphy Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1413225088' post='2576093'] I won't Lozz - I've already been threatened with crap through the post. [/quote] Imagine what would happen if you refinished it in Sunburst.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Wow, I've never seen one of those before - very interesting - I like the adjustable pole pieces Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Okay, I'm going to get lynched for this, but... You could always get one of those smooth-on vinyl things that the classic car guys use, cut to shape. Cake, had and eaten Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 [quote name='Old Horse Murphy' timestamp='1413226247' post='2576123'] Imagine what would happen if you refinished it in Sunburst.... [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 (edited) [quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1413227322' post='2576143'] You could always get one of those smooth-on vinyl things that the classic car guys use, cut to shape. Cake, had and eaten [/quote] That is a possibility. I could have a vintage white bass without damaging the mojo beneath!! [url="http://axewrap.com/"]http://axewrap.com/[/url] I'm not quite sure if that would result in excrement through my letterbox, though. Edited October 13, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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