G&L SB-1 Spanish Copper Metallic

This USA SB-1 has the following standard features and upgrades:

• Spanish Copper Metallic finish on Alder, 8.8 pounds
• Clear satin finish neck
• Indian rosewood fingerboard upgrade
  
• G&L Medium C neck, 9.5" radius, 1-1/2" nut width
• G&L tuners with lightweight aluminum split posts
• 3-ply Cream pickguard 
  
• G&L MFD P-style split middle pickup (noise cancelling)
• Volume and tone controls
• Plek laser guided fret finishing
• Deluxe tolex hardshell case
• Made in Fullerton, CA

When it comes to the world of electric instruments, not many can live up to the legacy Leo Fender left behind. He was a pioneer who never let success halt his focus toward improvement. Representing a design that premiered in 1951, the G&L SB-1 is a shining example of his engineering thought process.

For this particular SB-1, we selected G&L's 1-1/2" nut width Medium C neck option. We love the feel of the narrower "JB" style neck, and with the 9.5" fret radius this neck is an easy player, and makes a great transition for guitar players who also play bass.

Clearly the greatest departure from the original P-style (or G&L LB-100) bass is their MFD pickup. With its low coil resistance and broad magnetic field, MFD pickups are known for strong output, "Hi-Fi" frequency response, and a rich piano-like tone. They pack a lot of punch, and depending on your amp you can get clean smooth tones, or push the volume control all the way up for a little growl and graininess. Compared to a standard Alnico pickup, it has greater touch sensitivity and more dynamic range. This is a pickup that really responds to playing nuances. We like it best with the tone rolled off just a tiny bit, which adds the right amount of fullness without losing clarity and edge.

In regards to updated construction, G&L's patented Saddle Lock bridge assures great resonance and sustain. The heel of the bridge sits in the body not just on top of it, and the "lock" to the saddle lock is a small set screw on the side of the bridge. Tighten up the screw to lock the saddles together for better sustain and fewer sympathetic vibrations. Topping it off are G&L's lightweight tuning keys with aluminum posts, and laser-guided Plek fret finishing on a 6-bolt neck.

The G&L SB-1 is simple in concept, but bursting with character and versatility. The Alder body is comfortable, resonates well and we have always loved the look of the their Copper Metallic finish. With top notch hardware and the dynamic MFD pickup, the SB-1 is pro-level gear that will allow you to cover a a lot of sonic territory with ease and minimum fuss.