Fender Precision or G&L LB-100?

scyzoryk

scyzoryk

Jan 12, 2004
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4,551
Vancouver, BC
#1
Fellow precision bass lovers... when comparing a Fender Precision and G&L LB-100, is there a clear winner in this camp? Is one clearly 'better' or 'different' than the other?

I've stumbled upon a beautiful thing: Fender Precision + Diamond Compressor. It sounds magical in the mix, but I've always wanted a P with a maple neck and wonder if I should spend my money on another Fender P or venture into the G&L camp (which is hard to try-before-you-buy in my neck of the woods, Vancouver BC). FYI, I usually roll tone off about 50% or more.

And then there's the PJ... Fender PJ/G&L SB-2. Too many choices!
 
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#2
Depends. The G&L is what I would consider to be next in the evolutionary chain as far as P-type-bass design. Plus there's that extra fret. :thumbsup:

Seriously, I don't think you'll know for sure unless you sit down with examples of both, plug in, and play. That experience should answer most, if not all, of your questions. They're both well made instruments, but only you will know which one is best for you by playing them.

Good luck, and happy hunting!
 
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#5
I never said you need to modify the Fenders. Just that it's easy to if you wanted to. Save for the electronics, everything on the G&L is not interchangeable with non-G&L stuff (ok, maybe the tuners are universal). But G&L can be customized at the factory to get what you want out of the gate.
 
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#9
AngelCrusher said:
I played a G&L and was very impressed with the playability. The tone was a lot more sterile though, compared to a Fender.

I have never had a need to modify any of my Fenders.
Click to expand...

That is exactly how I felt when I had my G&L it was probably the best playing bass I have ever owned. As much as I tried I could never get the sound out of it I needed to hear. I don't have that problem with a P.
 
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#15
dc-upright said:
That is exactly how I felt when I had my G&L it was probably the best playing bass I have ever owned. As much as I tried I could never get the sound out of it I needed to hear. I don't have that problem with a P.
Click to expand...
That's how I felt about my L2500. But I think that was 'cause the MFDs just weren't my bag. I'd go LB100 in a heartbeat if it felt and played like my previous G&L experience, yet sounded like a really nice P.
 
#19
I'd vote LB100.

G&Ls are good out the gate. Everything is top notch. They have PLEK jobs and a bone nut. They can take crazy low action. The tuners are aluminum post tuners so they look like full sized tuners but are lighter weight. The bridge is set deep in the body and it really resonates in the wood.

One thing I noticed is how useable thier tone knobs are. If you don't like the sound wide open because it's too bright, roll it back 10%. If you still don't then repeat until you find what you like.

The LB100 I had was much brighter than my Fender 50s P equipped with a Geezer. So use the tone. You'll be surprised at the range it provides. The brightness is there for when you need it.

I traded my LB100 off for a different G&L model because my SB-1 gets more play time. I love G&Ls. Every bass I own (3) is a G&L except for a Ibanez cheapo I have.

There is a certain appeal about owning a Fender for the looks though.
 
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