What type of strings does Geddy lee use?

Stingray89 · #1 02-01-2008, 07:02 PM

I've heard that he uses Rotosound R-66 and that's what I've got on my jazz bass right now.But then someone else told me that he uses rotosound funkmaster strings,so which is it? And will funkmaster strings sound good on a geddy jazz bass?

Ampeg SVT · #2 02-01-2008, 07:04 PM

He used funkmasters back when he was using a Wal.
They are really light gauge strings, normal Rotos should do fine.

fremenblue · #3 02-03-2008, 03:13 AM

Rotosound Swingbass 66's nickel, .105-.045.

lokolp · #4 02-07-2008, 02:11 PM

He does use RS 66, but I heard he used a small gauge, like 90-35 or 95-40, not 105-45. I could be wrong though.

Stingray Fan · #5 12-06-2010, 05:39 PM

Geddy uses Rotosound RS66LD strings, 45-105. He used Funkmasters in the 80s on his Wal and Steinbergers, but switched back to RS66LD when he started playing his Jazz Bass again.

billy_barule · #6 08-25-2011, 04:17 PM

IS there a big difference between the Nickel and the Stainless Steel?

Thanks,
~bill

2010 Fender American Deluxe Jazz V
Ashdown ABM 500 EVOII
Ashdown 414T (4x10, 4ohm)

refbassist · #7 08-25-2011, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billy_barule

IS there a big difference between the Nickel and the Stainless Steel?

Thanks,
~bill

2010 Fender American Deluxe Jazz V
Ashdown ABM 500 EVOII
Ashdown 414T (4x10, 4ohm)

stainless steel are brighter while nickles are a bit darker, matter of personal taste.

mmbongo · #8 08-25-2011, 07:53 PM

I've read several interviews with Geddy where he says he uses 30-95 strings. Not sure if he's changed recently.

Sure wish he'd get that Wal bass out. His current tone is hideous.

refbassist · #9 08-26-2011, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

I've read several interviews with Geddy where he says he uses 30-95 strings. Not sure if he's changed recently.

Sure wish he'd get that Wal bass out. His current tone is hideous.

nothing to do with his fender at all he just likes the tone he gets from the RBI god knows why, regarding the strings he used lighter gauge during "grace under pressure" when he used a steinberger

Double Agent · #10 08-26-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refbassist

nothing to do with his fender at all he just likes the tone he gets from the RBI god knows why, regarding the strings he used lighter gauge during "grace under pressure" when he used a steinberger

True...he used the Jazz on a few tracks on Moving Pictures and it sounded great. Also, his first album/tour using the Jazz exclusively was Counterparts. He was still using Trace Elliot gear at that time and it sounded much better than the RBI w/ no cabs that he uses now. IMO.

Ric5 · #11 08-26-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingray Fan

Geddy uses Rotosound RS66LD strings, 45-105. He used Funkmasters in the 80s on his Wal and Steinbergers, but switched back to RS66LD when he started playing his Jazz Bass again.

This ...

mmbongo · #12 08-26-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refbassist

nothing to do with his fender at all he just likes the tone he gets from the RBI god knows why, regarding the strings he used lighter gauge during "grace under pressure" when he used a steinberger

I'd like to hear what his Wal basses sound like through his current setup, because I know it wouldn't sound like the 'cheap Schecter through a $150 amp' sound he has with his Jazz now.

mdogs · #13 08-26-2011, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

I'd like to hear what his Wal basses sound like through his current setup, because I know it wouldn't sound like the 'cheap Schecter through a $150 amp' sound he has with his Jazz now.

Not sure why all the Geddy sound hate here, if you don't like it don't listen...

mmbongo · #14 08-26-2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdogs

Not sure why all the Geddy sound hate here, if you don't like it don't listen...

It's not Rush's music that's the problem, it's Geddy's bass tone. Great music, horrible tone. Such a step backwards.

MisterWraith · #15 08-26-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ampeg SVT

He used funkmasters back when he was using a Wal.
They are really light gauge strings, normal Rotos should do fine.

I used the Funkmasters for a short time when Geddy used them because. At the time I figured "if they're good enough for Geddy and he gets that sound out of them.." Well, that lasted a few months until I got tired of them always breaking right where the exposed core met my bridge ( a bur free, well set up bridge). My playing style was too hard at the time.

mdogs · #16 08-26-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

It's not Rush's music that's the problem, it's Geddy's bass tone. Great music, horrible tone. Such a step backwards.

Ya, I got that you did not like Geddy's tone...

mmbongo · #17 08-26-2011, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdogs

Ya, I got that you did not like Geddy's tone...

Yeah it sucks, don't it?

mdogs · #18 08-27-2011, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Yeah it sucks, don't it?

No

kcole4001 · #19 08-27-2011, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterWraith

I used the Funkmasters for a short time when Geddy used them because. At the time I figured "if they're good enough for Geddy and he gets that sound out of them.." Well, that lasted a few months until I got tired of them always breaking right where the exposed core met my bridge ( a bur free, well set up bridge). My playing style was too hard at the time.

That's not due to the strings, it's from playing too hard.
Been there, done that for years.
I used to break an A string right on the saddle at least once a month no matter what brand I used.
I play more medium-hard now and haven't broken a string in years.

I'll disagree with those who preferred Geddy's Wal tone.
I thougt it was too thin and lacking in balls.
The Steinberger years were 'meh' tone wise.
I prefer the Hemispheres-Permanent Waves Rick tones by far.

However, I seriously doubt that he's even slighty interested in what any of us think about his tone.
He knows what he wants, and will change when it suits him.

If history is any indication, he's probably due to change tone again soon!

MisterWraith · #20 08-27-2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcole4001

That's not due to the strings, it's from playing too hard.
Been there, done that for years.
I used to break an A string right on the saddle at least once a month no matter what brand I used.
I play more medium-hard now and haven't broken a string in years.

I'll disagree with those who preferred Geddy's Wal tone.
I thougt it was too thin and lacking in balls.
The Steinberger years were 'meh' tone wise.
I prefer the Hemispheres-Permanent Waves Rick tones by far.

However, I seriously doubt that he's even slighty interested in what any of us think about his tone.
He knows what he wants, and will change when it suits him.

If history is any indication, he's probably due to change tone again soon!

Well, I was playing too hard as stated, but I did not have this problem when I went back to strings which did not have the exposed core. The Funkmasters broke every time and were money down the drain for me at the time. I'd say that the strings WERE a factor, but agree that I was playing too hard around 1986 when I was using them.