G&L JB-2 Fretless

This is a brand new ('06) Fullerton CA-made 4-string jazz-style bass, lined fretless, natural ash finish, ebony board, and speaks through G&L's own J-type alnico p'ups arranged in typical J-bass configuration. It's a passive instument a la V-V-T. For all intent and purpose, this is a modern version of a straight ahead Fender Jazz Bass made the way they used to make them when Fender was a small intimate shop. It has everything I require in a bass, which is solid construction, tone and playability without a lot of clutter. It's a fairly minimalist instrument that depends on the player.

Sound is definitly indicative of the Fender DNA, given that G&L was Leo's last stand. However, the sound seems cleaner, clearer and richer. I use this bass primarily in my home studio and it suits my style of playing and composing, which is in a modal jazz vein. I play this bass through a Roland Cube 100 set flat with a slight boost in Bass and High Mid frequencies. It's strung with D'Addario Chrome Flats light gauge, which complement it nicely. Great swell in the sound when you hold a note. I use a little chorus and delay (built into the amp)on occassion but I like it straight most of the time.

Beautifully constructed and set up. I would say tat the finish work on this bass is on a par with the boutiques. I was amazed at how much (or little actually) the cost of this instrument was, given it was made to my specs (not that they're exotic anyway!)and I was getting what was essentially a 'custom shop' job for probably a third of the price. The neck is the flattest they offer (12" radius) and it fits my small and somewhat stress injured hands (I'm an ex-drummer)like a glove. I also have a standard fretted Fender Jazz Bass whose neck is more chunky by comparison (I know some players prefer chunkier, but flat is better for me)

This bass will certainly last what I can throw at it, which is currently within a pretty controlled environment. I have been considering getting back into the gigging world on a very part-time basis and in small, quiet venues such as a duo or folk-acoustic-world-jazz scenario. I will probably be sitting more than standing with a strap. Considering my objectives, it should hold up well without a backup. I would also say with confidence that this bass will take MUCH rouger punishment than anything I will ever have the opportunity to throw at it.

Haven't had to go this route. I dealt with a retailer, who handles everything anyway.

Music has been an essential part of my life for the greater part of my life. I'm an ex-pro drummer, played trumpet as a wee lad, music technologist, composer (for my own head for now), but these days I hold a day gig in higher education. I dabbled in bass over the years but finally bought one a couple of years ago (Fender MIM Jazz)to plug real bass lines into my home studio. Then I got hooked... and bought this bass...amazing how that works..

This bass really has everything I need now or plan to use.