Today's G&L family photo is the last of the series. I do own a couple of other basses outside the G&L brand and while I realize it's fair game to post them here, I think I'll refrain out of loyalty to Leo. So behold our last visual installment for the week, the inimitable SBs (as before, the photo quality leaves a bit to be desired):
The SB-1 on the left is an '86 that qualifies as a true rustic. This one shows the most wear on any bass in my collection. I think one of the previous owners must have played in a punk band and worn this thing around his knees, because there are deep pick scratches above the guard. As you can see, it sports some impressive forearm wear on the contour (which doesn't exactly jibe with my punk/knee-level theory). Despite being the second year of production of the 2nd generation SB-1, this particular example has the factory installed "prototype" Schaller PBX pickup (virtually identical to today's DiMarzio Model P). While some might bemoan the lack of an MFD, the PBX is a super fat sounding pup. Not the same as what now adorns the SB series, but nothing to scoff at. Of all my basses this one cops the vintage P tone with the least amount of effort (she's wearing Chromes, which helps in that regard) -- set it and forget it. I consider this one a "rescue" bass. When I got her she was wearing a pearloid guard that was not a perfect fit and had some ugly, worn gold toned knobs. I did my research and ordered a single-ply matte black guard from Chandler (the OEM for G&L guards) and lucked out to find a pair of knobs off an early SC-2 on eBay, the same style used on the 1st gen SB series and early 2nd gen SB-1 models. Aside from a couple of extra holes beneath the guard to make the pearloid guard fit, she's pretty much as good as stock now. Frets are pretty well worn, but nicely level so the action is just right. I figure keeping her strung with flats will help avoid (or at least postpone) a refret which I'd rather not spring for anytime soon.
The SB-2 on the right is a mid-90s three-bolt model. Not sure of the exact year, but it was my first G&L purchase back in 1996. Ten years later I took her in for a pro setup and the tech discovered that the truss rod bullet was frozen in place. It was then that I realized it had about a month left on the warranty so I frantically contacted Chris Robosan at G&L and, long story short, a bit over a month later had my bass back with a completely new quarter-sawn neck. I have to say, the service was a big boost to my already high opinion of the company. Shortly thereafter I sold a Thunderbird that wasn't really working for me and bought another SB-2 brand new. That one, though great, has since moved on.
I've got a first generation SB-2 (allegedly) being shipped to me as we speak. Another eBay adoption, but sadly it doesn't look like it will arrive in time to be featured in this week's report.
G&L discussion topic of the day: This one relates to the picture above. Have you ever acquired a G&L that had been modified and attempted to "restore" it? Ever come across one that was mangled (routed for a non-stock pup, etc.) and modify it further into something else entirely? I've had several come to me or pass through my hands that I've tried to leave in better condition than I found them, but the SB-1 here represents my greatest effort, in that those knobs are something of a rarity.
Not-exactly-G&L-related topic: Are you a tinkerer by nature? Are you more likely to buy instruments with an eye toward modifying an existing platform to your heart's desire, or are you more the type who looks for all the features you need/want in a pre-configured package? I have one Frankenbass (J) I've toyed around with, but generally prefer to keep my more expensive buys stock. That's one thing I like about G&L. The bridge is (IMO) as good as they get. They don't cheap out on tuners or electronics. Generally nothing to do to 'em as far as I'm concerned, unless one comes along in condition similar to the SB-1 above.
Well, untill tomorrow folks ...
Fats
p.s. Picking through the users who have posted this week, I'm having a hard time finding anyone who hasn't already handled the Lunch Reporter duties recently. Anyone who's not had a chance yet care to step up? This being my first time at bat, I can attest it's an enjoyable exercise (and the free stompbox is sure to punctuate the whole experience nicely). Speak up! First newbie volunteer gets it!
