40th Anniversary Basses

Celebrating 40 years of the G&L brand created in 1980 by Leo Fender and George Fullerton, a special edition SB•1 will be available to mark this milestone. Made at the historic factory on Fender Avenue in Fullerton, California, the SB•1 bass is superb example of Leo Fender’s design philosophy. the 40th Anniversary SB•1 features Leo’s famous MFD split-coil pickup, okoume bodies showcased by a Clear Ruby Red finish, white pearloid pickguard, and a choice of maple or caribbean rosewood fingerboards. When Leo Fender† launched the G&L SB•1™ bass in 1982, he packed his latest innovations in pickup and bridge design into a straightforward, hard-working bass. At that time the SB•1 had an MFD single coil pickup and no pickguard, which was a departure from the classic single-pickup passive bass. By 1985, however, the SB•1 had taken the form it has today, with an MFD split-coil humbucking pickup and pickguard. In some way, the SB•1 set the stage for several G&L models to come: Leo took a a classic design and applied his core improvements, in this case, the MFD pickup and Saddle Lock bridge. Once the SB•1 has nestled into your comfort zone, it’s time to experience just how far Leo evolved the time honored simplicity of a single split-coil pickup. You see, the Magnetic Field Design™ interpretation of the split-coil was created by Leo to give you more gusto without losing detail and finesse. What’s more, the SB-1 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: SB•1 brings the magic of Leo’s own reinterpretation of a classic design, delivering 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•1 is available with a wide range of custom options including body and neck woods, body and neck finishes, neck profiles and pickguard materials. Founded by Leo Fender in 1980, G&L USA instruments continue to be made in the historic G&L facility on Fender Avenue in Fullerton, California, the Birthplace of Bolt-on™. The G&L name, stylized G&L logo, distinctive "hook" headstock design, ASAT, Magnetic Field Design and MFD are registered trademarks or trademarks of G&L Musical Instruments / BBE Sound, Inc. † The personal name, likeness and signature of Mr. Clarence Leo Fender are property of G&L Musical Instruments / BBE Sound, Inc. and may not be used in any commercial capacity without prior approval. For enquiries regarding the use of the "Leo Fender" name, likeness or signature, please contact us. G&L is not associated with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.