Introduced in 1998, the G&L SB-2 bass represents a blending of Leo Fender’s two major bass designs into what’s now called a P-J configuration. The P-J concept appeared in the 1970’s as bassists, guitarists and third party companies sought ways to extend the sounds of their instruments. For bassists, an obvious step was to give a Precision Bass a Jazz Bass bridge pickup, hence the P-J designation. This setup was immediately popular and has worked its way into many production and custom instruments.

G&L, standing for George (Fullerton) and Leo (Fender), founded in 1979 was the last of Leo Fender’s enterprises, following Fender itself and Music Man (originally Tri-Sonix). The new G&L instruments drew from classic designs, but updated them with improved bridges, tailpieces and electronics. In 2003, G&L introduced the Tribute line, built in South Korea by Cort, to offer a lower price point than the USA-made models.

Here we’re looking at a G&L SB-2 USA-built Sunburst finish bass dating to 2007 and built in Fullerton, California. It is in overall good condition with light wear. There is light finish wear and minimal fret wear; the bass is strung with flat or ground-wound strings, which are easy on the frets. This model uses passive electronics, so there’s no battery compartment.

This G&L SB-2 is sold with its original hard shell case.

Here is the builder on the G&L SB-2:

“When Leo Fender launched the G&L SB-2™ bass in 1982, he packed his latest innovations in pickup and bridge design into a straightforward, hard-working bass. If you prefer a less-is-more aesthetic but hunger for something meatier, the SB-2 is just the ticket.

The SB-2 starts with a familiar shape, though subtle modifications to its sculpting make it more sleek and balanced. Strap it on and it immediately feels at home, yet somehow more comfortable than you expected. The slim, C-shaped neck falls immediately to hand, checking in with a comfortable 9 1/2″ radius and 21 Jescar 57110 medium-jumbo nickel-silver frets ready to deliver silky playability.

Once the SB-2 has nestled into your comfort zone, it’s time to experience just how far Leo evolved the classic duo of split-coil and single coil pickups. You see, these Magnetic Field Design™ interpretations were created by Leo to give you more gusto without losing detail and finesse. A simple dual-volume control setup allows you to strike any balance between the two, even backing off both volumes to dial in a more vintage flavor. What’s more, the SB-2 features an innovative Leo Fender-designed Saddle-Lock™ bridge to transfer string energy right into the body end-grain for an incredibly resonant instrument.

The bottom line: The G&L SB-2 brings the magic of Leo’s own reinterpretation of the P/J configuration in a bass that delivers all the tone and feel you’d expect in a “Latter Day Leo” instrument.

Made in Leo Fender’s historic G&L facility on Fender Avenue in Fullerton, California, the SB•2 is available with a wide range of custom options including body and neck woods, body and neck finishes, neck profiles and pickguard materials.”