Creating A Geddy Lee Bass

theevilplankton · #1 06-23-2011, 08:02 AM

I used to have a GL Jazz - sold it on - love the tone, but had neck issues and it was just a bit too thin for me.

However, I think they look great, and cut right through.

Really just thinking out loud here...but was considering creating a GL-type bass myself.

So 1 Jazz bass, decent pups and a Badass 2.

Not that fussed about the black/white combo, so whatever may fit the bill.

Question is - has anyone else done this? I know I read somewhere about something being done with one of the VM Jazz's.

Which bass/pups could anyone suggest?

Main thing is being financially viable....not concerned about the name on the headstock (Squier, whatever).

What got me thinking in the first place was that Ged doesn't actually play a Ged himself, does he? That old '72 had been modded and had some different fretboards, etc, over the years as well!

Spinal Tapper · #2 06-23-2011, 09:46 AM

Ive seen loaded geddy bodies for around $350...you could snatch one of those. Ive seen the PU's go for around $60-80 used, if you want to find a different body. Snatch up a badassII bridge, and if you dont like the neck, then get an All-Parts.

bassclef112 · #3 06-23-2011, 11:10 AM

I put together a Franken-GL from bits and pieces I accumulated. The only actual GL part is the neck. I wanted to have a bass with that thin profile.

I picked up the body only on ebay - it was an alder Fender from a bass that was parted out. This kicked around for a couple of years in my parts dept. I found the GL neck for sale here on TB, got the matching MIJ tuners on ebay, added a high mass Fender brass bridge from an 80's Precision Special and dropped in a pair of Aeros wired as a passive stacker (also from my parts dept). I made the pickguard.

I used Aeros because I have them in other basses and I like them a lot. This is a personal choice you'll need to make.

The point is, take your time and shop judiciously. You'll be able to find parts at reasonable prices if you're patient.

One thing - it doesn't sound like you're that concerned about having the very thing that make it a Geddy - namely, the neck. It's not just the black blocks. The Geddy has a very thin profile that distinguishes it. Pickups and bridge notwithstanding, I think that would be the reason to have one because you can change out everything else to suit you. Otherwise it's just another jazz bass. My 2 cents.

BarkerBass · #4 06-23-2011, 11:21 AM

I made a GL lookalike out of a MIm body and a VM neck

It was modded to have PJ pickups, Volum Volum Tone (passive/active switch) and a 3 band eq but ahs since been modded back to JJ pickups and the same control system

I can't say how it fairs tonally against a GL since its pickups are humbuckers with big poles not single coil twin pole jazz pickups but the VM neck is nice, a little rough fretwork which I need to get fixed but other than that a nice bass

GrapeApe · #5 06-23-2011, 11:22 AM

Try a Squier CV Jazz. It has a bigger neck than the GL, good pickups, and a high mass bridge - all stock for about $350.

Firesalt · #6 06-23-2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassclef112

One thing - it doesn't sound like you're that concerned about having the very thing that make it a Geddy - namely, the neck. It's not just the black blocks. The Geddy has a very thin profile that distinguishes it. Pickups and bridge notwithstanding, I think that would be the reason to have one because you can change out everything else to suit you. Otherwise it's just another jazz bass. My 2 cents.

Agreed.
I LOVE the neck on my Geddy. There are a couple of other things I would change. Pickups for example. Great jazz sound but I want something meatier...
But I digress... Maybe what you want is a Jazz with a thicker neck?

theevilplankton · #7 06-24-2011, 09:07 AM

Thanks!

Some time ago, somebody suggested I go get a MIM Classic 70's, and fit a BAII bridge - instant Ged!

I actually used to have a CV Jazz - pretty good bass, but not a big fan of the white body.

Also, found the RW neck gave it a darker tone than other MN Jazz's I've played.

Trying to keep the cost down, perhaps I should just go pick up a Vintage Modified Jazz, as the neck has the same look from the front - and I'm assuming - doesn't sound a whole lot different either?