redstriper

No wonder it honked if you were only using the bridge pup - hope the Wizards do the job for you.

Cheers funkgod I haven't found much on G&Ls here, but it may just be the search function struggling to find anything. I totally agree with you that these things are very subjective and my tastes are not like most other players - I play a jazz bass, but I don't like the traditional jazz sound at all. I had one of the first Wals in the late 70s, but never got on with it, much as I wanted to - it sounded too middly and modern even back then. The L2000 sounds similar in the youtube review and I don't think it's for me really. I agree that a heavy bass is good for a deep tone and I will always keep my old jazz for recording, but I need something lighter for gigs. I don't like glossy or satin necks, my preference is smooth unfinished wood like on my old worn bass and the JB-2 looks quite old skool in the few pics I've seen. I've been through quite a few basses, but I always come back to the trusty old jazz - just wish it wasn't so heavy and I can't help thinking the perfect solution is out there somewhere.

I think you'll be surprised how much the pup volume affects the tone and I would definately try it before changing pups.

Thanks Deaky, Good to hear an endorsement of the quality of these basses, I also use flatwounds for a smooth deep tone and feel. The L2000 probably has more features than I need and I think it's a fair bit heavier than the JB-2, but I would like to compare them. I'm looking for more of a one trick pony tone wise - simple and passive, like me!

G&Ls don't seem very popular on BC and I haven't found much information here, there is more on Talkbass but none quite answers my questions. Is there a reason for their unpopularity, or is it just that there are more trendy alternatives out there? I'm thinking of buying a JB-2 Tribute because I like the precision body with jazz neck and pups and I don't know of another bass with that combination, apart from my 'customised' 1963 Fender jazz which had a home made precision body fitted in the 70s and suits me fine, but it weighs too much for my old back. The single coil jazz neck pup produces a clear deep tone, while split coil and humbucking pups are too rich and growly, but I find jazz bodies overly large after many years with the precision body. I like a deep smooth tone with no honk, bark, middle or treble so I only use the neck pup with the tone off and all the mids and tops cut on my amp. I haven't been able to try a G&L yet and wonder if anyone here can offer an opinion or suggest a suitable alternative, (I have also considered a Squier 50s P bass)? Any input is much appreciated. Steve.

Have you tried turning the bridge pup off completely and reducing volume of neck pup to about 60% ? Turn up gain on amp to compensate and you should hear no honk.

I have an eminence Delta 15" driver in excellent condition you can have for £40.00 delivered. PM me if you're interested.

I wonder if I could tell the difference between any Squier/Fender P or J bass that was set up the same if I played them blindfolded. The ones I've played so far, (only a handful) all feel and sound very similar despite age, price or country of manufacture.

I presume the same is true for 62RI jazz basses? Are the ones with US hardware exactly the same in terms of feel and build quality, or is there a noticeable difference? Why do some say made in Japan, while others say crafted in Japan? Buying a Fender used to be a simple choice between a P or a J - now there seems to be one made for every budget from a Squier to a custom shop and I wonder if you really do get what you pay for.

I keep coming back to my first love despite feeling sure there's something better out there. I've played much 'better' basses, but they leave me cold, while my ugly old battered customised (home made) 63 jazz makes me feel like I'm 25 again and I love it despite myself. There's more to it than specifications and build quality, I can't put my finger on it but without getting too deep, let's just say 'The essence is invisible'.

[quote name='Conan' post='840604' date='May 18 2010, 10:30 AM']Interesting subject matter, but that is one of the dullest videos I have ever seen! [/quote] Try watching it after a few beers and it's suddenly one of the funniest videos you've ever seen!

PMd

I'm definately going to get one of those, my usual method for weighing basses is to weigh myself on bathroom scales with and without the bass - not very accurate. You've got some heavy basses there.

[quote name='artisan' post='840088' date='May 17 2010, 07:45 PM']i couldn't do a direct comparison between the two as there was no AV basses in the shop at the time, but i have been playing Fender J & P basses for the last 31 years & have owned more than i care to remember,including various AV models ('62P '62J & a '75 J),& trust me these 'ere RW basses are equally as good. I can gaurantee if you play one you will be impressed with it,as long as the "made in mexico" logo on the reverse of the head stock doesn't bother you. + i fairly recently owned a classic series 60's jazz bass & whilst it was a really nice bass it was absolute leagues away from the RW in all respects,the RW bass sounds much better & the build quality is extremely high. i did do a direct comparison between my RW & a classic 50's P they had in stock & there was no comparison at all,the classic 50's didn't sound anywhere near as good,feel anywhere near as good & had no where near the bulit quality of the RW. infact i was only supposed to be spending around the £500.00 mark but you know what happens to those kind of plans. [/quote] Thanks for the information, I haven't tried many new Fenders and I can't say I've been madly impressed by the ones I have tried. They seem well made, solid instruments, but the sound seems thin compared to my old bass. It might just be the new roundwound strings that put me off - Now I want to get my hands on a RW. - They should fit them with 10 year old flats

[quote name='artisan' post='839933' date='May 17 2010, 05:18 PM'] it is a lovely bass & now i've set it up it's amazing to play & sounds absolutley fantastic,no need to change or mess with anything at all. i love these road worn basses,i was never a "relic" fan but these things are amazing quality instruments, [u]easily as good as an american vintage re-issue[/u]& the tone of them "wow".[/quote] That's quite a statement considering the price difference - did you compare the AV directly with the RW ? Is the RW basically the same bass as the Classic series, with no difference apart from the relic finish and the price ? I tried a Squier CV but it sounded thin and modern compared to my old '63 jazz.

Mike is an excellent chap, he bought my Yamaha RBX4 A2 and he was a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommended.

I had a similar issue with a jazz bass and found it suits me best with a slight forward bow in the neck, acheived by loosening the truss rod - it seemed to reduce fret buzz and allow a lower action, but there are many variables and every bass is different. It might be worth getting it set up by someone who really knows what they're doing. If you want to sell the old TIs, I would be interested.