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Difference Between The Geddy Jazz and the US Jazz

J

JohnLovesRush

Oct 4, 2007
195
0
Dublin Ireland
#1
I have recently purchased GL jazz for 900 euro from musicstore.de. (hasn't arrived yet) I bought it because I love jazz basses, Geddy Lee and the reviews for this bass are EXCELLENT

But what is it that actually makes it different from the US jazz... tone wise?..is there a big difference?

And if so does it justify the price gap to buy a US fender?.. or would you have to get a vintage reissue?...and still at that.. would the geddy sound like the reissue?

Basically I'm asking what makes the Geddy Lee Different... is it just the neck being extra thin?

thanks
 
#2
Main features of the GL model are:

- Bridge pickup according to the 70`s placement (closer to the bridge).
- Black block inlays
- Thinner neck
- BA II bridge
- Crafted in Japan

You`ll see some of that features in other models, but AFAIK not all of them together, as in the Geddy.
 
#3
thanks... Has anyone bought a US vintage Jazz reissue and put a bad ass II on it.. and or/ the GL neck...

I'm just trying to get an understanding for the difference in tone.. I know geddy uses overdrive pedals among other things to get that killer tone.

Also just interested in how the GL compares to the US Vintage reissue!

thanks
 
#4
The neck is thinner as you know. The neck has a maple board which is obvious and may or may not be a factor for you. IIRC, the electronics are identical. The GL obviously has a Badass II bridge which may or not be of consequence. The GL is probably the coolest looking production Fender Jazz Bass for sale right now.

I own several USA Jazz basses and I really like them alot. I have played a number of GL Jazz Basses and I don't particularly care for them. I think it's a preference thing - especially concerning the absence of a rosewood board. I am of the school that the character sound of a bass is derived to a large degree from neck qualities. I am not satisfied with the sound and feel of the GL bass. That's just my opinion.

To answer your question - I know there's a distinct difference between a GL Jazz Bass and a USA Jazz Bass. Which is better is entirely subjective and to the requirements of the individual player. Both are quality instruments and very good representatives of the Jazz Bass pattern instrument - of which there are MANY derivatives good and bad. It all boils down to your needs and wants. If the GL is what you want, you'd be hard pressed to do better than that model. If it isn't what you want, you'll probably like a USA Jazz Bass better and migrate to that instrument line.

FWIW - I'm a HUGE Geddy Lee fan and so much tried to justify owning a copy of his signature bass. Can't do it.
 
#5
JohnLovesRush said:
thanks... Has anyone bought a US vintage Jazz reissue and put a bad ass II on it.. and or/ the GL neck...

I'm just trying to get an understanding for the difference in tone.. I know geddy uses overdrive pedals among other things to get that killer tone.

Also just interested in how the GL compares to the US Vintage reissue!

thanks
Click to expand...

I have a USA JB that came with a BA II on it. I took it off and went back to strings through. I can't tell the difference except that the strings through might be slightly warmer sounding. Maybe not. I don't personally put much weight on bridge technology.

GL gets that killer tone from his technique. His right hand does not follow conventional bass playing technique and that's where it's all at. It's amazing. Watch some of his videos and you'll see what I mean. He could make a P.O.S. bass sound like that. Don't sweat the miniscule details.
 
#6
Same here.. I'm flying over to Manchester to see Rush in 7 days!.. Geddy is an inspiration IMO, a genuinely fantastic bassist. Geddy and Squire of Yes are my two favourite bassists..I love the tone they achieve.. especially squire's overdriven Ricky tone..(on roundabout for example)

I am looking forward to getting my Geddy and bashing around with it.. buy an overdrive pedal (or maybe a POD) too...followed by a decent amp and try and play YYZ:D.

I've read a lot of people are replacing the vintage stock PUs.. I'd be hesitant about doing so as I would fear it'd take away from the vintage tone.

When I was looking at the bass the made in japan thing was a slight put off..seen as the bass is only about 150euro off a US fender but it seems that they MIJs are up there with the MIAs.

One thing I find unusual though..is that most vintage jazz re issues are fit with 2 Samarium Cobalt Noiseless Jazz Bass Pickups.. and the Gls are just vintage PUs..even though the price of these is just about 20-30 dollars difference..
I wonder if this is an attempt by Fender to purposefully downgrade the GL so it is not quite as good as the US version?..or maybe i'm totally wrong lol
 
#8
seen it already!... amazing!

I have only been playing a few months..and one of the biggest challenges (yes yes I know it's p*ss easy) but I did very little practice and have only started really playing recently, is that bass bit in Tom Sawyer, after the synths play the dododododo..dodododo..dodododo.. and then geddy takes it up on bass!.. I found it so difficult for awhile..I kept on playing with two fingers..and then watched the study video of geddy playing Tom Sawyer and he only used one finger..but he glides up and down the strings.. it's one of the most beautiful techniques to watch.. as if he's brushing the strings.. Ever since i started playing it that way it's been easy.. a very fun riff to play!.

I've moved onto learning Red Barchetta at the moment (trying to learn all songs on Moving pictures) and then maybe move on to all those other fantastic albums..
however for a beginner like me.. geddy's stuff is very very hard.. I have to take a break and play some Beatles..or Pink Floyd..

But it's a challange to say the least..especially YYZ!..that bloody scale before the main riff is crazy:hmm:
 
#10
JohnLovesRush said:
any further tips on Geddy technique?
Click to expand...

Geddy is fairly easy to play once you start getting used to his style. He play lots of octaves and stays in the 3rd-9th fret area for quite a bit of his music.

I have been playing Rush tunes for almost 25 years, so maybe I have absorbed some of Geddy's style by osmosis (and living in Toronto makes it impossible to avoid their music!), but the more of his stuff you learn, the easier the harder tunes get.

I would recommend starting with Freewill, Spirit of the Radio and Closer to the Heart. On songs like Circumstances, it is easier to learn the roots, then add all the flashy riffs after you are confortable with the basics of the tunes.

Work at it though. Learning Geddy's stuff has really helped me grow into a fairly decent bassist (in my own mind, I guess!)
 
#12
I get his tone from the GL Jazz or any other Jazz and I roll the treble knob a bit higher than usual (usually 5 vs. the usual 2-3). I also bought a used SansAmp RBI (about $200) and that really helps to give you that bit of reverb/distortion he uses from time to time.

I use Ampeg amps/cabs, but likely the bass and the RBI are giving me most of the tone.

JohnLovesRush said:
cheers thank you.. I will do that.. I have Tom Sawyer.. but I'll put the rest of moving pictures on hold, may I ask do you try and get his tone? ... if so how do you achieve that.. I mean amp/effects wise... like .. technique set aside
Click to expand...
 
#13
ahh thanks...as I said the GL is in the post!.. I really am "addicted" to that tone.. I know that sounds nerdy but hey..all the tones he got.. with the wal, the jazz and the Ricky. wasn't a fan of the steinberger though

Some day down the road I'd love to get a rick, which will help get the Chris Squire tone as well..

I will learn those songs you talked about... each of them are great songs..

Did you change anything about your GL bass? like PUs etc
 
#14
there are two used usa reissue 62 jazz basses for sale at a local guitar store. I have played them both. I have never played a GL Jazz. The reissue Jazz basses will be different from the GL - if for no other reason - seperate tone and volume for each pickup. I can't really hear a tonal difference between a BA bridge and a vintage Fender bridge - but that's probably - just me. I hear good things about the GL Jazz.
 

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