G&L SB-1 Vintage White Frost 2024 Electric Bass w/Gig Bag

It's easier to improve on a classic when you invented it: The G&L SB-1 is Leo Fender's evolutionary successor to his groundbreaking P-style bass. Characterized by G&L's dynamic MFD pickup and saddle-lock bridge, the SB-1 features thoughtful improvements to a timeless design. Finished in a creamy satin finish Vintage White with stainless frets, this re-imagined classic will stand out on the stage or in the studio. 

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

• Vintage White Frost finish on Alder, 9.0 pounds
• Vintage tint satin finish Maple neck
• G&L Medium C neck, 9.5" radius, 1-1/2" nut width
• G&L tuners with lightweight aluminum split posts
• 3-ply black pickguard
• G&L MFD P-style split middle pickup (noise cancelling)
• Volume and tone controls
• Dual action truss rod
• G&L padded gig bag
• 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 integrity.

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. The stainless steel frets are both wear-resistant and have a slinky low-friction feel that makes it even easier to play.

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 a solidly anchored 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 the Vintage White finish reminds us of French Vanilla ice cream. 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.