Geddy Lee Tone help

Mikata · #1 03-29-2010, 05:07 PM

Hey guys, my first post here. While i've been a lurker for quite sometime i have been unable to come up with an answer to my dilemma.

I recently bought a Geddy Lee jazz bass and i've been trying to get a similar tone for playing Rush covers (i love his Rush in Rio tone). While i read all the threads on here and on google i still cant come up with the best move for myself at the moment. I first ended up buying a Behringer copy of the Sansamp bass driver, then their copy of the gt2, and lastly the acoustic driver. While i can still send them back for a refund and buy a used Sansamp RBI or RPM, is that the best move for a hobbyist musician looking to do some video or jam with friends. Another solution is the Sansamp Para driver, basically the RBI in pedal form. And if so, how close is the RBI to the RPM to the average hobbiyist? Also how does the behringer pedal(s) compare to the Sansamp Para driver? I'm just looking to get as close as i can for a reasonable price for me.

I know most are going to reply its all in the hands, and Geddy can sound like Geddy on anything. While i agreed, i have been perfecting my right hand technique for quite some time and i have been careful watching geddy like a hawk (from videos online). while i dont anywhere near the endurance, accuracy, or speed that he has, i can come close with an attack that fits me.

I also know about running 2-3 channels all with different settings (clean, dirty, etc.), which i have been doing in reaper.

I haven't been able to play with all 3 behringers yet to see if i could come close, just played with the bass driver and gt2 copies. And is it just me or is there no one of the net with good Rush bass covers?'

Thanks for reading. Keep jamming.

faceinbass · #2 03-29-2010, 05:11 PM

Does SansAmp make a "Geddy Lee" simulator pedal yet?

bobm2112 · #3 03-29-2010, 05:11 PM

You're thinking too hard bro. Use a nice distortion, dial in an aggressive bright sound, and spank the strings hard.

Mikata · #4 03-29-2010, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobm2112

You're thinking too hard bro. Use a nice distortion, dial in an aggressive bright sound, and spank the strings hard.

i know that, i just feel as if im missing some of that mid range twang. Go to google videos, there type in Rush in Rio and you can watch the whole show. Great video and amazing bass tone, i dont know if what im chasing is even obtainable in a smaller format.

as for my pedal dilemma, at the end of the day is the behringer pedals close enough to the sansamp for a hobbyist? i cant seem to get a content answer. and is it a good idea to run the acoustic driver with a bass driver to make up for the lack of mid control on the bass driver; or basically use the acoustic driver and us the bass driver to make up for lack of drive (or presence).

thanks again for quick responses. i know i must look like a n00b but its been bothering me.

RickenBoogie · #5 03-29-2010, 05:22 PM

Yeah, and use a big amp with lots of speakers. Alot of any particular tone comes from the amp and cabs. (I know Geddy doesn't use them, but just the same...)

Mikata · #6 03-29-2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Yeah, and use a big amp with lots of speakers. Alot of any particular tone comes from the amp and cabs. (I know Geddy doesn't use them, but just the same...)

well the pedals are basically my amp and im running straight into guitar rig into a pretty flat bass setting or straight into repear.

faceinbass · #7 03-29-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikata

well the pedals are basically my amp and im running straight into guitar rig into a pretty flat bass setting or straight into repear.

..mystery solved.

Mikata · #8 04-09-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faceinbass

..mystery solved.

i love the ignorant yet arrogant reply, it doesnt even make sense. why would i want to eq twice, when im already using the generic sansamp setup and going into guitar rig or reaper.

**DosiYanarchy** · #9 04-09-2010, 05:28 PM

I always thought the BDDI got pretty close to geddy. The VTbass is quite different, but with enough tweaking you might be able to get closer than with the BDDI or the Paradriver.

him666 · #10 04-09-2010, 05:35 PM

Also be sure to use a light gauge of Rotosound Stainless Steel. Together with that harsh sound of a Sansamp gets me close, i guess..

jimmyjames77 · #11 04-09-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobm2112

You're thinking too hard bro. Use a nice distortion, dial in an aggressive bright sound, and spank the strings hard.

+1 on ^ If you have a jazz that's half the battle right there. Just get some mild OD and turn it up accordingly and make it bright in the upper mids. Not just highs but upper mids. Playing finger style helps but I can get the tone with a pick.