G&L LB-100 Bass Lake Placid Blue

The G&L LB-100 is a nod to Leo Fender's other groundbreaking creation, the Precision Bass. Fender's most iconic bass configuration, the LB-100 respects the past but moves forward with thoughtful improvements and broad range of tones. With classic styling, a classic Lake Placid Blue finish and G&L build quality, the LB-100 gives traditionalists a true taste of the G&L experience.

This G&L USA bass features

• Lake Placid Blue on Alder, 8.6 pounds
• Satin clear tint finish maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Medium C profile, 9.5” radius, 1-1/2” width at the nut
• G&L tuners with lightweight aluminum split posts
• G&L's hefty saddle lock bridge for outstanding tone and sustain
• 3-ply Parchment pickguard
• G&L Alnico V P-style split middle pickup, noise cancelling
• Volume and tone controls
• Plek laser guided fret finishing
• Deluxe tolex hardshell case
• Made in Fullerton, CA

Test Rig: BBE Bmax preamp, Carvin DCM1000L power amp and Carvin 4x10 Bass Cab

Leo Fender's original precision bass was developed to help acoustic bass players compete the electric guitars, and the increasing volume levels of Western Swing Bands that were so popular in the 50's. The "precision" part of the name comes from having frets, which of course traditional acoustic double basses don't have. So the heritage of the LB-100 is obvious, but totally justified given Leo Fender's association with G&L. The body is fully contoured, and at under 9 pounds this bass balances nicely on the shoulder for long gigs or jam sessions.

Leo's refinements include tuners with aluminum posts help save a little weight and provide better balance. But weight is not spared on their saddle lock bridge. Solidly constructed and anchored into -- not just on -- the body, the saddle lock bridge also features a locking set screw on the side. The set screw is used to clamp the solid brass saddles together tight for increased coupling, sustain, and fewer sympathetic vibrations.

For a single pickup bass, the LB-100 is not a one-trick pony. The G&L-made Alnico 5 pickup has a nice wide response, and even with its central mounting location provided an ample amount of high end content. The tone is round, with a smooth moderate midrange that was well balanced, and a great blend of fullness and attack. Playing with a pick is bright and bouncy like early Joe Jackson tunes, and players who are more accustomed to using their fingers will still enjoy well defined note attack with a smooth, clear top end. The volume and tone controls are hand-wired full-sized CTS pots, and provide plenty of usable range. So if woody and thumpy is your bag, you have do that too.

The neck on this ASAT bass is what they call their 'Modern Narrow' profile. It has a 1.5" width at the nut and 9.5" radius, which generally places it in J-bass territory. It is a comfortable C shape that is easy to navigate and the moderate radius works for just about any style of playing. And as with any USA G&L the Plek® finished neck is very consistent with no dips, high spots or rough fret ends. 

Conceptually, the LB-100 is about as basic as it gets. But the beauty -- and the tone -- is in the top notch materials, construction and finish. The result is a big authoritative voice with lots of presence, sustain, and just plain old mojo. When you get the fundamentals right, you don't need a lot of bells and whistles.

We are an authorized G&L Premier dealer located in Bellingham, Massachusetts, and this is a new guitar with all tags, tools, paperwork and certificates. We have over 40 G&L’s in stock at all times, and please feel free to browse our other listings, or contact us for information on a custom order.