Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

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

What type of wood is used for the body of the G&L SB-1 Bass?

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.

What is the neck profile of the G&L SB-1 Bass and how does it affect playability?

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.

What kind of pickups does the G&L SB-1 Bass use and what tones can I expect?

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.

Is the G&L SB-1 Bass suitable for beginners or advanced players?

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.

Does the G&L SB-1 Bass come with a case or gig bag?

Yes, the G&L SB-1 Bass comes with a gig bag, providing basic protection for transport and storage.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

G&L Fullerton Deluxe SB-1 Electric Bass Demo

Video thumbnail for G&L Fullerton Deluxe SB-1 Electric Bass Demo by Sweetwater

G&L Fullerton Deluxe SB-1 Electric Bass Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

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

  • The SB-1 is equipped with MFD pickups, praised for their powerful output and ability to enhance sound quality across various rigs.

    Source
  • Despite typical expectations, some '90s models sport surprising finishes like a sparkle glossy black paint, challenging assumptions about the era's aesthetic choices.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The G&L SB-1 is noted to outperform many Fender P-Basses, with owners citing its superior tone and manufacturing quality.

    Source
  • Despite its quality, the G&L SB-1 may not hold as much resale value as a USA Fender Am Pro due to brand recognition disparities.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report long-term satisfaction, with one noting no issues over a 30-year span, highlighting the bass's reliability and durability.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Build quality

  • The G&L USA models are recognized for their high-quality manufacturing in California, comparable to custom shop standards.

    Source
  • 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

  • Upgrading to a thicker black pearloid pickguard from sources like pickguardheaven can enhance durability and aesthetics.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Replacing oxidized knobs and installing new brass saddles are common restoration steps, costing around $170 for all new parts.

    Source
  • A common issue is high action due to damaged truss rod nuts, which can be fixed by replacing the "bullet" nut to lower string action significantly.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A US-made 1983 G&L SB-1 was acquired for $270, viewed as an exceptional bargain, especially outside the US.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Fat Mike uses G&L SB-1 Bass

Fat Mike

Singer, Bassist

NOFX

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this live performance, fat mike can be seen using a P-bass style G&L.

See how Chris Joannou uses G&L SB-1 Bass

Chris Joannou

Bassist

Silverchair

...
Verified via Music Feeds

Chris Joannou, bassist for Silverchair, owns a black G&L SB-1 Bass, as reported by Tom Williams in Music Feeds.

See how Aaron Beam uses G&L SB-1 Bass

Aaron Beam

Bassist

Red Fang

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Jeff Dimpsey uses G&L SB-1 Bass

Jeff Dimpsey

Bassist, Composer

HUM

...
Verified via Amateurchemist

In the concert photos featured in the Amateurchemist blog, Jeff Dimpsey is seen playing a black G&L SB-1 Bass.

See how Joe Raposo uses G&L SB-1 Bass

Joe Raposo

Bassist

Lagwagon

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Brad Davis uses G&L SB-1 Bass

Brad Davis

Bassist

Fu Manchu

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"... my 1992 G&L SB-1—the first bass that I purchased to play with the band... "

See how Gord Sinclair uses G&L SB-1 Bass

Gord Sinclair

Bassist, Composer

The Tragically Hip

...
Verified via Photo

The G&L SB-1 is Gord Sinclair's current #1 bass. In this photo from Salmon Festival 2013, Gord is shown using the G&L SB-1 onstage.

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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