Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,849
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "G&L SB-1 Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Product Description:
The G&L SB-1 Bass is more than just a musical instrument; it's a piece of history, seamlessly blending classic design with modern innovation. This electric bass is a reimagining of G&L's iconic 1985 SB-1 model, offering an unrivaled mix of thundering rock output and soulful pop grooves.
Designed by George Fullerton and Leo Fender, the SB-1 boasts a magnetic field design (MFD) split pickup, characterized by strong ceramic bar magnets and adjustable polepieces, delivering abundant, even output across all strings and positions. The satin-backed hard rock maple neck with a medium 'C' profile ensures smooth, uninterrupted play, whether you're cruising the low end or venturing into lead territory.
Comfort is a key consideration too, with the SB-1's ergonomically designed body that's pleasing to both traditionalists and innovators. The instrument's Saddle-Lock bridge is another highlight, designed to reduce lateral saddle movement and enhance resonance and sustain. Experience the power, versatility, and comfort of the G&L SB-1 Fullerton Deluxe, a true testament to G&L's legacy of innovation and quality.
Key Features:
- Reimagined version of the classic 1985 SB-1 4-string electric bass
- Designed by Leo Fender and George Fullerton
- Features a California-built split pickup suitable for rock, country, pop, and soul
- MFD pickup with strong ceramic magnet and adjustable polepieces for even string coverage
- Satin-backed hard rock maple neck with a medium 'C' profile for comfortable play
- 9.5-inch fingerboard radius reduces risk of fretting out
- 21 medium-jumbo frets minimize fret-hand strain
- Saddle-Lock bridge enhances resonance and sustain
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Fullerton Deluxe SB-1 |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Medium C |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Dots |
| Number of Frets | 21, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.625" |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | G&L Saddle-Lock with Chrome-plated Brass Saddles |
| Tuners | G&L Ultra-Lites |
| Middle Pickup | G&L MFD Split Single-coil |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone |
| Strings | D'Addario, .046-.105 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Gig Bag |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the body of the G&L SB-1 Bass?
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The G&L SB-1 Bass features a body made from alder wood, which is known for its balanced tone with a slight emphasis on the midrange, making it versatile for various music styles.
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What is the neck profile of the G&L SB-1 Bass and how does it affect playability?
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The G&L SB-1 Bass has a medium C neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits most players, offering a balance between speed and comfort for both fingerstyle and pick playing.
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What kind of pickups does the G&L SB-1 Bass use and what tones can I expect?
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The G&L SB-1 Bass is equipped with a G&L MFD Split Single-coil pickup, delivering a powerful and punchy tone with clear highs and a strong low-end, suitable for genres like rock, funk, and jazz.
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Is the G&L SB-1 Bass suitable for beginners or advanced players?
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The G&L SB-1 Bass is suitable for both beginners and advanced players due to its high-quality construction and versatile sound, making it a reliable choice for practice, recording, and live performance.
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Does the G&L SB-1 Bass come with a case or gig bag?
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Yes, the G&L SB-1 Bass comes with a gig bag, providing basic protection for transport and storage.
Videos
Sweetwater
G&L Fullerton Deluxe SB-1 Electric Bass Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about G&L SB-1 Bass.
Features and functionality
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The SB-1 is equipped with MFD pickups, praised for their powerful output and ability to enhance sound quality across various rigs.
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Despite typical expectations, some '90s models sport surprising finishes like a sparkle glossy black paint, challenging assumptions about the era's aesthetic choices.
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Comparisons
User experience
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Owners report long-term satisfaction, with one noting no issues over a 30-year span, highlighting the bass's reliability and durability.
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Owners often embark on restoration projects, indicating a strong commitment to maintaining the instrument's original quality and functionality.
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Owners note the bass's ability to deliver a powerful and immersive sound, with MFD pickups that produce a growl even with light string plucking.
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Build quality
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The G&L USA models are recognized for their high-quality manufacturing in California, comparable to custom shop standards.
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Some owners report issues with the pickguard's durability, particularly around the input jack, suggesting a design flaw in the original thin material.
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Despite age, components like the bridge, saddles, and original frets remain rock solid, reflecting G&L's high craftsmanship standards.
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Mods and upgrades
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Upgrading to a thicker black pearloid pickguard from sources like pickguardheaven can enhance durability and aesthetics.
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Setup and maintenance
Use cases and applications
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The G&L SB-1 excels in grunge and stoner rock, with a dynamic range that enables it to cut through mixes with a soft growl.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
Throughout this live performance, fat mike can be seen using a P-bass style G&L.
Chris Joannou, bassist for Silverchair, owns a black G&L SB-1 Bass, as reported by Tom Williams in Music Feeds.
My live and recording set-ups are exactly the same, and it is very, very simple. I play a mid-80s G&L SB-1 bass (which is the only piece of equipment I own that I have absolutely no recollection of buying) through a Sunn Beta Bass amp running a Traynor 4×12 speaker cabinet. The only pedals I have are the channel switcher that comes with the amp and a Boss TU-2 tuning pedal.
In the concert photos featured in the Amateurchemist blog, Jeff Dimpsey is seen playing a black G&L SB-1 Bass.
Joe can be seen using a G&L SB-2 bass in this video. The notch in the headstock indicates that it is a G&L. At the 5:26 to 5:27 mark, you can see the J style pickup in the bridge position, and at the 8:06 to 8:09 you can see the P style pickup in the neck position. He used this bass on RKL's 1995 tour.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use G&L SB-1 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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