I did a search on this and really didn't find my answers to my questions. Ok I've only been playing the bass for 8 weeks now and bought a Geddy Lee which I like alot. The only real problem that I have and don't like is the tuners (machines), pick-ups. Well after talking with my wife about Christmas gifts, I thought hell I would have more money in the Geddy with upgrades than an American jazz. Also I know I would gain the S-1 switch as a bonus as well and be able to get the Chrome red which I really like. So my question is would you trade a Geddy Lee for a American? Is the American jazz that much better over the Geddy Lee other than $200 differance. Thanks for any input and help!
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Fender American jazz or Geddy Lee?
- Thread starter BDR
- Start date
ibanezcollector
Yoyo's Hurt When You Crank It Into Your Face
I will give you the most important advice anyone will ever give you on this forum...
Go with what you think feels and sounds best.
Never, Ever second guess yourself based on what others say. I would rather be happy with a cheap off brand bass if it had the tone and feel I liked, then play something someone recommended and not be happy.
Trust your gut..
Go with what you think feels and sounds best.
Never, Ever second guess yourself based on what others say. I would rather be happy with a cheap off brand bass if it had the tone and feel I liked, then play something someone recommended and not be happy.
Trust your gut..
a few thoughts on your question..
Whenever you get a "model" instrument you get that particular instruments distinctive features sounds. You get the good and the bad of that type, pick up, etc. It's these things that make that instrument special.
Do you just "not like" the tuning machines or does the bass not stay in tune? You could have a neck, string or intonation issue. You could change the tuners if you want.
One thing to be careful of, sometimes making modifications to your instrument will have a marked influence on resale value.
The pick ups could be changed too.
Color shouldn't be a reason to keep or get rid of your bass. I do have to admit, I like the color on my red P Bass.
Ibanezcollector gave some GREAT advice. It's not the name or the color it's how does the bass play and sound.
You should try the American Jazz bass with the "S1" switch" , see how it sounds and plays. Play your Geddy Lee through the same amp and let your ears hear the differences. THAT should be the real decision maker for you. Does it sound and play better than the bass you have.
People often later regret getting rid of their first bass or guitar. See the thread "So nice you bought it twice". I know I wish I had kept my Aria Telecaster copy.
Michael
red MIM P-bass, C-Tech headphone amp
Whenever you get a "model" instrument you get that particular instruments distinctive features sounds. You get the good and the bad of that type, pick up, etc. It's these things that make that instrument special.
Do you just "not like" the tuning machines or does the bass not stay in tune? You could have a neck, string or intonation issue. You could change the tuners if you want.
One thing to be careful of, sometimes making modifications to your instrument will have a marked influence on resale value.
The pick ups could be changed too.
Color shouldn't be a reason to keep or get rid of your bass. I do have to admit, I like the color on my red P Bass.
Ibanezcollector gave some GREAT advice. It's not the name or the color it's how does the bass play and sound.
You should try the American Jazz bass with the "S1" switch" , see how it sounds and plays. Play your Geddy Lee through the same amp and let your ears hear the differences. THAT should be the real decision maker for you. Does it sound and play better than the bass you have.
People often later regret getting rid of their first bass or guitar. See the thread "So nice you bought it twice". I know I wish I had kept my Aria Telecaster copy.
Michael
red MIM P-bass, C-Tech headphone amp
i had the sam dilemma, but i was chosing which one to buy. basically it came down to what ibanezcollector said, go with your gut. i got so many opinions on what to do, but my gut told me to get the geddy, even though i dont care for rush (but defenetly appreciate his playing/ability).
i just liked the geddy more overall, it was cheaper, it had the old school block inlays, thin neck, and it was just more "for me". whatever one you choose, you'll be happy. just think about yourself, when it comes to bass gear, be selfish!!
i just liked the geddy more overall, it was cheaper, it had the old school block inlays, thin neck, and it was just more "for me". whatever one you choose, you'll be happy. just think about yourself, when it comes to bass gear, be selfish!!
..... first off, this is my FAVORITE dilemma "Which of these two killer basses should I buy?"
Great advice so far! I have purchased at least 4 instruments b/c it's "Exactly what I want" only to later find that I really didn't like it, and was swayed b/c of more expensive pickups or yes, I have to admit the "looks". Go with your hands and your ears as your decision makers, and THEN and only THEN use your eyes.
peace
"Which of these two killer basses should I buy?"Great advice so far! I have purchased at least 4 instruments b/c it's "Exactly what I want" only to later find that I really didn't like it, and was swayed b/c of more expensive pickups or yes, I have to admit the "looks". Go with your hands and your ears as your decision makers, and THEN and only THEN use your eyes.
peace
What makes the American Fender Jazz so great? I can understand maybe a vintage custom shop or something, but if you're trading a new Geddy (Korean) for a new American Jazz just because it's "American" you should really weigh out the two together. I bring this up because I recently traded my 90's American Jazz for a brand new Geddy.
The Geddy doesn't give me the same deep woody tones as the US did, which I miss very much, (I've heard changing out the nut helps) but the Geddy plays soooooo much nicer and faster, and that approach works better for my band's style too. And when it comes down to it, if it plays nicer, then you can make it sound nicer. Do what's best for you. Hope this helps! Good luck!
The Geddy doesn't give me the same deep woody tones as the US did, which I miss very much, (I've heard changing out the nut helps) but the Geddy plays soooooo much nicer and faster, and that approach works better for my band's style too. And when it comes down to it, if it plays nicer, then you can make it sound nicer. Do what's best for you. Hope this helps! Good luck!
I agree with Philbiker. The Geddy is a great bass to have when starting out. Seems too early to make such a quick decision, but if you try out some basses in persona and find one you like better then pull the trigger. Not liking the tuners or pickups is very vague. What don't you like about them? Also make sure to test out the bass on a good, solid amp. There's a huge difference to me between bedroom sound and "real" playing.
Thanks for the input guys. The reson I'm thinking about it is because I'm having a few problems which I thought was me. The tuners loose their tune very easy and yes I have had a guitar shop adjust them which they said may need to be changed. The pick-ups work ok for me with a little hum, but I could live with them for now. But after buying new tuners and pick-ups later I thought hell might as well up-grade to a American if I can. So I'm thinking about it and it's not about color but it's a bonus I could get a red one.
Red is way cooler than black.
Not that I'm advocating replacing the bass for that reason, I'm just sayin'.....
Single coil pickups hum, that's their nature. They also deliver a specific tone that is worth the small inconvenience of the hum IMO.
Not that I'm advocating replacing the bass for that reason, I'm just sayin'.....
Single coil pickups hum, that's their nature. They also deliver a specific tone that is worth the small inconvenience of the hum IMO.
It doesn't seem like there'd be a whole heckuva lot of improvement that you'd notice if you switched to an american fender, if any. When I played a geddy at a store not too long back I remember thinking the pickups weren't fantastic, but other than that it was a pretty stellar bass. Shortly afterwards i tried a few american jazzes, but I actually liked the feel of the Geddy better.
What don't you like about the tuning machines, out of curiousity? If you're having tuning issues it may be related to your nut rather than the actual machines. Something to consider.
And I personally don't care for the S1 switch, but that's just me. After only playing for 8 weeks, I think the important thing to keep in mind that the Geddy Lee is definitely no slouch of a bass; it might need a setup or something, but it's not a junk bass by any means.
What don't you like about the tuning machines, out of curiousity? If you're having tuning issues it may be related to your nut rather than the actual machines. Something to consider.
And I personally don't care for the S1 switch, but that's just me. After only playing for 8 weeks, I think the important thing to keep in mind that the Geddy Lee is definitely no slouch of a bass; it might need a setup or something, but it's not a junk bass by any means.
I don't know how I missed it 
but I used the same strings that came on my Geddy when I got it at GC and I wasn't happy with how it sounded...
Under closer inspection, they were actually unraveling near the tuning pegs and I switched them out for some Ernie Balls and it was a 90% improvement! Consider that too. Small things instead of changing the pickups right away can really effect the sound/playability of the bass.
but I used the same strings that came on my Geddy when I got it at GC and I wasn't happy with how it sounded...Under closer inspection, they were actually unraveling near the tuning pegs and I switched them out for some Ernie Balls and it was a 90% improvement! Consider that too. Small things instead of changing the pickups right away can really effect the sound/playability of the bass.
Well ""As the World Turns" I tried the American and fell in love with the sounds of the s-1 switch and the feel. The only problem was this guitar was on the shelf and not opened yet so the frets needed oiled. Because of this the frets were a little ruff on the side so they oiled them up and they were much better. After talking with them about my problem they cames back with one hell of a deal, $916.00 for a brand new, never been on the rack guitar, so I bought it. On the way home my wife told me I should keep the Geddy and let my 15 year old son learn on it with me. I'm very blessed to have a good job and wife that spoils me.
So for right now I own 2 Fenders.
So for right now I own 2 Fenders.Lucky you, have fun learning bass. I would have wet myself if my dad bought me a Geddy as my first bass.
well there you go. I would have done the MIA in a heartbeat. Now do us a favor. Play 'em side by side and report back on how you like each.
i went with the geddy. but i upgraded the pups to model j's and did the seris paralell wiring also, it gives it a more personal feel to the geddy, so its not just a tock S-1 thats standard on the americans. just some extra flavor added to the geddy
Well ""As the World Turns" I tried the American and fell in love with the sounds of the s-1 switch and the feel. The only problem was this guitar was on the shelf and not opened yet so the frets needed oiled. Because of this the frets were a little ruff on the side so they oiled them up and they were much better. After talking with them about my problem they cames back with one hell of a deal, $916.00 for a brand new, never been on the rack guitar, so I bought it. On the way home my wife told me I should keep the Geddy and let my 15 year old son learn on it with me. I'm very blessed to have a good job and wife that spoils me.
They oiled the frets? What am i missing?
