Anyone have an idea when the new run of basses will be released? I understand that the new ones will have better tuning pegs and I'm ready to finally get one but if I can wait to get the ones with the better pegs I'll try if it's soon enough.
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Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Question
- Thread starter Rush Fan
- Start date
Would you be upgrading them to ultralights anyhow? If so, then why wait? If not, well...wait.
On the other hand, there are many here, myself included, who have had zero problems with the stock tuning machines.
Sorry though, I don't know the answer to your question.
On the other hand, there are many here, myself included, who have had zero problems with the stock tuning machines.
Sorry though, I don't know the answer to your question.
One problem is even once they are released.... it might be over a year or two before your local store will actually have one becuase everyone will be clearing out stock of the old models before putting out the new ones.
Would you be upgrading them to ultralights anyhow? If so, then why wait? If not, well...wait.
On the other hand, there are many here, myself included, who have had zero problems with the stock tuning machines.
Sorry though, I don't know the answer to your question.
"Oh Tim you are a busy man ..." I had to put the Python reference in there.
I'm glad to hear of you not having any problems with the pegs. What got my attention was hearing Geddy in an interview even say there were problems. But in lieu of Bert's comment, I guess I'll get it as soon as I can. I'm just having to wait on a friends connection on a discount (supposedly).
Thanks guys for the feedback (Rush reference intended).
Ive played a few at the store with crappy tuning pegs. I bought mine online figured id replace them when i got it but they work perfectly fine. I guess it differs from bass to bass cause just like tims mine work fine and no need of replacement.
Have no info on the new release but most manufacturers release around the Summer NAMM (this week) or Winter NAMM shows (January 08).
Personally - I have had no issues with the tuning pegs on mine. Stays in tune (even in weather changes).
Personally - I have had no issues with the tuning pegs on mine. Stays in tune (even in weather changes).
I wanna check one out too, gotta check out the new "sanded neck" feel on it.
Side note, my tuners were ok but replaced them anyway with ultralites...
edit- still wish they offered some colors other than black
Side note, my tuners were ok but replaced them anyway with ultralites...
edit- still wish they offered some colors other than black
Mine had flawless tuning pegs. They worked very well. The neck was the issue on mine, it bent ridiculously in slight changes of temperature because it was so thin. If that wasn't an issue I'd still have it.
My tuners are a tad cheesy, it does need tuning more than any of my other basses except my Lakland D55-01.
I have had no other issues with the bass. The neck is very stable, the stock pickups sound great. I wish that I could find a 5 string that sounded exactly like this bass. If I did, that would be pure heaven.
I have had no other issues with the bass. The neck is very stable, the stock pickups sound great. I wish that I could find a 5 string that sounded exactly like this bass. If I did, that would be pure heaven.
Add me to the list of folks that originally figured on replacing the tuners based on the posts I'd read, but have yet to have the first problem with the stock ones. Yeah, they're not as smooth or high of a ratio compared to nicer stuff, but I've never ever had a problem tuning it or having it stay in tune. Ever.
I'd say just get the darn thing and only replace the tuners IF you have a problem.
Oh, and my neck is also very stable, but I did install a MM style adjuster wheel on mine just to make the occasional tweak that much easier.
I'd say just get the darn thing and only replace the tuners IF you have a problem.
Oh, and my neck is also very stable, but I did install a MM style adjuster wheel on mine just to make the occasional tweak that much easier.
A satin neck and upgraded tuners would certainly be a great start but I second the call that additional colors would be a slice of fried gold for an "Geddy Lee Mark II Signature Bass". Fender can certainly keep the theme of what Geddy actually uses onstage and add Invalid Link Removed and Invalid Link Removed, both of which he's used live the past several tours (typically one with the E-string downtuned to D for "Driven", one fully downtuned to D for "2112" to help with Ged's vocal range).
This might cause a raise in the price as Fender would have to start using 2-piece bodies for transparent colors, but I for one would pay an extra $100 for the option of a "Red Geddy" with perhaps a thin veneer to mimic the flamed maple on his Custom Shop bass. I'm sure there are a good deal in the same camp, and as many who would love a Sunburst Geddy as well.
This might cause a raise in the price as Fender would have to start using 2-piece bodies for transparent colors, but I for one would pay an extra $100 for the option of a "Red Geddy" with perhaps a thin veneer to mimic the flamed maple on his Custom Shop bass. I'm sure there are a good deal in the same camp, and as many who would love a Sunburst Geddy as well.
Here's the video link.
Link Removed
Geddy only says they are going to upgrade the tuners, not change the neck finish.
I, like others have had no problems with my tuners. I did take them off and clean and lube them. They work fine as is.
My only wish list item for this bass is a slightly different pickup. While the bass sounds pretty darn good as is, I would like a slightly overwound (2-3% more) neck pickup. This would give it that lower mid sound. The bridge pickup is fine on this bass.
I would also love to have it offered in red.
Link Removed
Geddy only says they are going to upgrade the tuners, not change the neck finish.
I, like others have had no problems with my tuners. I did take them off and clean and lube them. They work fine as is.
My only wish list item for this bass is a slightly different pickup. While the bass sounds pretty darn good as is, I would like a slightly overwound (2-3% more) neck pickup. This would give it that lower mid sound. The bridge pickup is fine on this bass.
I would also love to have it offered in red.
He doesn't say so in the video (I just discovered that bit of coolness as well ) but in the accompanying article in this month's BP he does state that the neck finish will be changed from a poly to a satin finish.
) but in the accompanying article in this month's BP he does state that the neck finish will be changed from a poly to a satin finish.Well if thats the case, then lets go crazy.
Vintage tint the headstock while were at it.
Put a CS overwound pup in the neck position.
I've never had a problem with the neck finish. I do polish the back of the neck though. A little rubbing compound really smooths it out, makes it slicker than snot on a glass dooorknob.
Vintage tint the headstock while were at it.
Put a CS overwound pup in the neck position.
I've never had a problem with the neck finish. I do polish the back of the neck though. A little rubbing compound really smooths it out, makes it slicker than snot on a glass dooorknob.
I'd throw in a few more bones for the above for sure. I'd also like to have real black inlays as opposed to the current painted ones. I'll look around at NAMM Winter '08 and give a first hand report (if I remember then).
Get this, with my trade in of my old Guild Pilot bass w/case, I'm getting a new Fender Geddy Lee Jazz w/case for $589 (USD). 
It's on its way from the factory and I'm hoping to get it this week some time. I'd like to say where I got it but I got such a great deal thanks to a friend of a friend I just can't divulge that information. I hope I can get a similar deal for a MM Stingray next but in the meantime I'll be waiting for my new toy eagerly.
It's on its way from the factory and I'm hoping to get it this week some time. I'd like to say where I got it but I got such a great deal thanks to a friend of a friend I just can't divulge that information. I hope I can get a similar deal for a MM Stingray next but in the meantime I'll be waiting for my new toy eagerly.
I am just wondering how the upgrades may change the price of the Geddy...upgrades tend to = more out of pocket for the consumer....
As for the sanded neck, anyone with steel wool and fine sandpaper could do that to any bass over the course of 2 beers or whatever....
Honestly, if I thought the quality of the tuners was an issue I would want to change em out too. The fact that Fender is either apparently listening to their customers or the artist who's name is on the bass is a good thing, enough people or Geddy himself must feel there is a need for better tuners or else Fender probably wouldn't change them, right?
As for the sanded neck, anyone with steel wool and fine sandpaper could do that to any bass over the course of 2 beers or whatever....
Honestly, if I thought the quality of the tuners was an issue I would want to change em out too. The fact that Fender is either apparently listening to their customers or the artist who's name is on the bass is a good thing, enough people or Geddy himself must feel there is a need for better tuners or else Fender probably wouldn't change them, right?
For under $100 you can get some HipShot HB1's and you're set. Probably better than any upgrade Fender is doing anyway.
I just put a set on my new "poor man's Geddy" (70's vintage Squire) and it helped a lot. Of course, the originaly tuners on my Squire were probably far worse than the original tuners that come of the GL, but still...
I just put a set on my new "poor man's Geddy" (70's vintage Squire) and it helped a lot. Of course, the originaly tuners on my Squire were probably far worse than the original tuners that come of the GL, but still...
Thangfish
...overly qualified for janitorical deployment...
Agreed. Mine worked fine and stayed in tune... they just felt, uh, cheap. The Hipshots feel fantastically smooth and precise. Top shelf.
I've been planning to sand the neck since I got it, but just haven't gotten around to it. Maybe I'll try the compound that glwanabe mentioned, first, but I really prefer a satin finished neck... body too for that matter.
I did feel slightly gypped when I found the the blocks were painted on. That's just wrong. Damn Chinese SX doesn't even do that.
I guess the bass was cheap enough though so whatever...
