JamesBass Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 Where in the UK stocks the US series of G&L basses? Namely the LB-100 I'm thinking I want/need to try one before buying my next P bass... Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cato Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 (edited) I think Bass Direct have a few, but I don't think many US G & L instruments reach these shores. I've been keeping half an eye open for an Asat to try for years and I've only ever found a couple in stock in the whole of the UK, usually at the other end of the country. Edit : Just had a look on BD's website and it all seems to be tributes at the moment, sorry. Might be worth speaking to them though. Edited October 10, 2016 by Cato Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LZD56 Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 I think the only LB-100 in the country is this one! http://greatbritishbasslounge.com/product/gl-lb-100/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesBass Posted October 10, 2016 Author Share Posted October 10, 2016 Cheers, perhaps a few emails shall be sent soon then! Any ideas why they are so scarce in the UK? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skychaserhigh Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 They had loads in guitar centre in LA when I was there last week....if you're passing that way !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 [quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1476117670' post='3151485'] Cheers, perhaps a few emails shall be sent soon then! Any ideas why they are so scarce in the UK? [/quote] Not sure but I once had a bass player come up at a gig and ask me what the heck was I playing. A G&L L2000 tribute I replied. Never heard of them he says. And he had been a bass player for years. And here lies the problem. They don`t seem to have a high profile and not many stockist, especially the US models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embra Posted October 17, 2016 Share Posted October 17, 2016 All three of my G&L's I bought from a 'G&L Premier dealer' in the US; it's always a risk buying unseen but after owning an ASAT for a while I felt that it was a risk worth taking. Plus, I wanted a custom build for each one (LB100, JB and the SB-2 I'm selling on here) and they were all in the same ball-park or cheaper than buying a US Fender P or J here in the UK (I sold my Precision and Jazz after directly comparing them to the LB100 and JB once they arrived). I know the £ isn't doing well at the moment but it may still be worth investigating, particularly if you're not going to add too many cost options (e.g., all mine came with quarter-sawn necks). Not sure if I can advertise the dealer on here but PM me if you're interested and I'll send you his link - he was great to deal with and once G&L delivered to him he shipped it over quickly and at reasonably cost. The LB100 is my favourite G&L bass, it's the one I'll never get rid of. Great neck, light (mine has an empress body and the whole thing is 7.5 lbs) and sounds superb with flats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GazWills Posted October 17, 2016 Share Posted October 17, 2016 I had an LB100, sold it on here fairly recently, mine came from bass direct, as a nearly new second hand bass. It was absolutely lovely to play, so well made, great quarter sawn maple neck, but I just prefer the sound of my fender P basses. The G&L was a bit too modern / soul-less almost, by comparison. Just my take on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted October 18, 2016 Share Posted October 18, 2016 I'm a big G&L fan, but you are correct they are difficult to source here in the UK. I took a punt on an ASAT solid body and got it shipped from the states after seeing it on Talkbass and doing a bit of research. All in including shipping and tax etc. It worked out either cheaper or the same as the prices here, but of course they did not have one like that over here. Best thing i ever did, i have gone on to own an L1500, which is their take of a stingray and now and ASAT Semi-Hollow. Like Gaz says they are some of the best made and sounding instruments you will find for the price anywhere in the world, yes he moved his on as he preferred a Fender sound which is cool, but its not a love or hate type of bass, you will either love it or really love it and not want to let it go. Quick look on the internet there are a couple on gumtree and ebay, and to get the neck specs then its on the G&L website. If its a defo P Bass you want LB100 is the classic sounding one, SB-2 PJ but you still get a Ptype sound, but with versatility, SB-1 is a P bass on major steroids. If you are going to take the plunge bear in mind they are 'hotter' pick ups than most other basses and the controls both volume and tone were designed to sit around 75% at max. The only negative side is that if you do make a purchase from wherever and you want to move the bass on, you my have to be patient because of the reason you stated that its not big in the UK, despite being fairly big across the pond and fantastic instruments. Good luck and let us know how you are getting on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBerriff Posted October 18, 2016 Share Posted October 18, 2016 (edited) I have owned a few G&L basses and I can confirm they are excellent, practical instruments. I was foolish enough to sell my 4-string basses when I moved to 5, otherwise I would not have had to start buying G&L again when I realised I missed the simplicity of 4 strings. If you want to know why they are scarce then I think it is the old story of buyers playing safe with a certain known make. As jezzaboy implies, they don't realise that the L in G&L stands for Leo, as in Leo Fender. The other problem is that the Tribute range is too good. I have a Tribute JB-2 and a USA MJ-4. The MJ-4 is undoubtedly the better bass but I still find myself gigging with the JB. I bought them from Drew at The Great British Bass Lounge. If you have not looked at his Facebook page recently, then you should. He discusses the current state of the retail market for basses. Edited October 18, 2016 by DBerriff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted October 18, 2016 Share Posted October 18, 2016 [quote name='Cuzzie' timestamp='1476768397' post='3156998'] If its a defo P Bass you want LB100 is the classic sounding one, SB-2 PJ but you still get a Ptype sound, but with versatility, SB-1 is a P bass on major steroids. [/quote] I couldn't agree more, I got my SB-2 in a trade while looking for a precision with the intention of selling it on and then realised that the SB-2 was what I wanted. The control system is superb, it feels gorgeous and I haven't heard a better tone yet. If you come across one give it a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krispn Posted October 18, 2016 Share Posted October 18, 2016 I'm off to the USA next week and I'm keen to try an LB-100as well as whatever I can get my mitt's on - Boston, MA is first on my list! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krismpos Posted October 18, 2016 Share Posted October 18, 2016 Did a gig at a hotel some months ago. Between the two sets, a mother and her two sons move to the table in front of the band. None of them took their eyes off us during the second set. When we finished, the guy comes to me and says "I saw you play an G&L, is it a USA made?" Turns out he was a guitarist, his brother a drummer and her mother an upright bassist.. Lovely family. My L-2000 is a beast but it took me several months to tame it, but now I feel confident about dialing the proper tone for "every" situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted October 18, 2016 Share Posted October 18, 2016 Yep, tinkering with L2000 circuits is so much fun. I thought I have my ASAT figured and then i got a semi hollow version and it's opened up even more avenues. Between the solid and the semi ASAT, I am very happy and can get most sounds from a P type sound through to very modern deep bass and brighter sonic territories. A G&L is for life, not just for Xmas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubster Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Lots of great choices in G&L. Just returned from 25 years living in USA - NYC, Miami, Seattle principally. Became an admirer and collector of G&L early on and have owned multiple L2000 and L1000, plus SB2, JB2, Legacy Bass and LB100, Lynx and more. Still have an 80s SB2 with the Jazz pickup replaced by an El Toro pickup. Many people have commented on the limitations of having a bass with 2 volumes and no tone. IMO, SB-2 has infinite tone possibilities and is the ultimate 'cut through the mix' instrument. Have a newer L2k in Empress wood. Others have commented on the complexity of the interaction of 3 knobs and 3 switches resulting in a plethora of tonal shades. It takes time to learn but it's well worth the investment. The Empress wood makes the bass super light which contrasts with some of the 13+lb early 80s models I have owned but the depth of tone of those early ones seemed to accord with the heft. Anyway, rambling a bit now! There are a number of G&L experts on Talkbass and some good specialist dealers. Can't mention here but PM if interested. Glad to see basschat interest in USA G&L models - great company with amazing and different basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krismpos Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 [quote name='Tubster' timestamp='1476997892' post='3159208'] . Others have commented on the complexity of the interaction of 3 knobs and 3 switches resulting in a plethora of tonal shades. It takes time to learn but it's well worth the investment. [/quote] True. However, I had never lost faith. I just set a (killer) tone throughout the gig. Now, I feel I've passed the learning curve. Anyway, are there any Tribs fretless around? I cannot afford another USA model, so a Tribute would be more than decent for my first fretless. Haven't any though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 If you have a good Luthier, pick up a tribby and de-fret? Maybe a Frankenstein bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krismpos Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Yes, it has crossed my mind. I may pull the trigger on a used one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uk_lefty Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 The G&L website occasionally sells necks and other bits as seconds for stupidly low prices. I bought a lefty all maple tribute neck, shipped and taxed from USA for about sixty quid IIRC. It's worth a look every now and then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBerriff Posted October 30, 2016 Share Posted October 30, 2016 (edited) I could not find one in the stores, but it doesn't matter as I have just bought this from Embra and it could easily have passed for brand new: Rather good it is too. I played an SB-2 for a few years before moving to 5 strings, and sold it 2 or 3 years ago. Guess what? I have been missing it so when this was listed, I weakened. I am familiar with the quirks of the model and know how to get the pickups to work for me. I prefer the neck on this: 1-5/8" and 7.5" radius. The traditional radius immediately felt natural. Now, the sound. Has Paul Gagon been tweaking the pickups? It has the weight and clarity I remember, but more clarity and more controlled bass. So I am a really happy bunny. A beautiful, pristine bass added to the fold, and one I know I can use. So if you are looking for a USA G&L, I can only encourage you to keep looking. Edited October 30, 2016 by DBerriff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embra Posted October 30, 2016 Share Posted October 30, 2016 [quote name='DBerriff' timestamp='1477826532' post='3164619'] I could not find one in the stores, but it doesn't matter as I have just bought this from Embra and it could easily have passed for brand new: Rather good it is too. I played an SB-2 for a few years before moving to 5 strings, and sold it 2 or 3 years ago. Guess what? I have been missing it so when this was listed, I weakened. I am familiar with the quirks of the model and know how to get the pickups to work for me. I prefer the neck on this: 1-5/8" and 7.5" radius. The traditional radius immediately felt natural. Now, the sound. Has Paul Gagon been tweaking the pickups? It has the weight and clarity I remember, but more clarity and more controlled bass. So I am a really happy bunny. A beautiful, pristine bass added to the fold, and one I know I can use. [/quote] Glad you like it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBerriff Posted October 30, 2016 Share Posted October 30, 2016 Happy? Ecstatic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embra Posted October 30, 2016 Share Posted October 30, 2016 I still have these two though [URL=http://s844.photobucket.com/user/jspaterson/media/Public/Talkbass/06ea871a-87dc-4679-94bb-16134b0b2b8f_zpshvgtefbs.jpg.html][IMG]http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/jspaterson/Public/Talkbass/06ea871a-87dc-4679-94bb-16134b0b2b8f_zpshvgtefbs.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embra Posted October 30, 2016 Share Posted October 30, 2016 And a ten minute fiddle and the JB becomes a PJ [URL=http://s844.photobucket.com/user/jspaterson/media/Public/Talkbass/fullsizeoutput_306f_zpsudtaoik5.jpeg.html][IMG]http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/jspaterson/Public/Talkbass/fullsizeoutput_306f_zpsudtaoik5.jpeg[/IMG][/URL] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embra Posted October 30, 2016 Share Posted October 30, 2016 and without the sadowsky preamp [URL=http://s844.photobucket.com/user/jspaterson/media/Public/Talkbass/IMG_1486_zpsnmkpppzl.jpg.html][IMG]http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/jspaterson/Public/Talkbass/IMG_1486_zpsnmkpppzl.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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