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Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Question

#41
thumpbass1 said:
I have a 2000 Geddy Lee and I find the tuners work just fine
in all of their vintage spec wonky glory just like every actual
vintage Fender tuner I've had and do have on my 78 P-Bass.
It ain't perfect but it does the job.

I do believe that a fellow TB'er settled the block fretboard
marker question of being real inlay work or painted on by
sacrificing his GL neck to the band saw after replacing his
GL's neck with a Warmouth neck more to his liking. The
Geddy neck had real block inlay work and not paint! I'm
sorry that I haven't linked to it but it should still be found
in these hallowed forum archives.

Now if Fender did switch from real inlay work to just painting
the block markers on then shame on them! Other than that
I love my Geddy Lee!:bassist:
Click to expand...

So do your tuners have some slop and is it common for these tuners? Mine holds the bass in tune, it's just mainly when you "down-tune" is when it's sloppy. Say the tuning is sharp and you have to let off of the string. I turn the peg and it just loses tension, then when I try to tune it back "up", it may turn 1 to 2 times before it "bites" the gear and actually turns it to tune. Once tuned it stays that way. At least my Standard Jazz (MIM)does. I'm not sure about the Geddy yet, it just started this last night while changing strings. Btw, I use EB 2804 flats on both basses. Thanks. You guys are helping me, believe me.
Do you know by chance how the Hipshot Ultralights are and what model would work on my basses? Thanks again.
 
#42
mello_bedwetter said:
So do your tuners have some slop and is it common for these tuners?
Click to expand...
Yes, it's common for the tuners on the Geddy, as Fender's intent was to keep it fairly faithful to the '72 it's modeled after. However, I believe I read where Geddy's been involved more recently and newer models will have nicer tuners... they may even have a satin finish on the neck.

Mine has the "sloppy" tuners as well, and I've never had a problem tuning my bass or keeping it in tune. FWIW.
 
#43
Vic said:
Yes, it's common for the tuners on the Geddy, as Fender's intent was to keep it fairly faithful to the '72 it's modeled after. However, I believe I read where Geddy's been involved more recently and newer models will have nicer tuners... they may even have a satin finish on the neck.

Mine has the "sloppy" tuners as well, and I've never had a problem tuning my bass or keeping it in tune. FWIW.
Click to expand...

OK, that's good to know. I know the tuners on my Standard jazz do the same thing(Schallers)and it stays tuned. Where you at in Illinois? I'm in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. Thanks for the info.
 
#44
Yep, my Geddy J bass had kind of rough, sloppy-feeling tuners...but it wasn't an issue of staying in tune. It could stay tuned just fine. For me, I just can't stand cheap-feeling tuners, and I had to put Hipshots on it. I love the feel of a good quality machine. All my fender-basses have Hipshots.

YMMV.
 
#45
mello_bedwetter said:
So do your tuners have some slop and is it common for these tuners? Mine holds the bass in tune, it's just mainly when you "down-tune" is when it's sloppy. Say the tuning is sharp and you have to let off of the string. I turn the peg and it just loses tension, then when I try to tune it back "up", it may turn 1 to 2 times before it "bites" the gear and actually turns it to tune. Once tuned it stays that way. At least my Standard Jazz (MIM)does. I'm not sure about the Geddy yet, it just started this last night while changing strings. Btw, I use EB 2804 flats on both basses. Thanks. You guys are helping me, believe me.
Do you know by chance how the Hipshot Ultralights are and what model would work on my basses? Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Yes they do have a bit of slop or 'wonkiness' to them;just
like real vintage Fender tuners do. The vintage spec tuners
work as designed but yes there are better units available.
 
#47
THB_bassman said:
Yep, my Geddy J bass had kind of rough, sloppy-feeling tuners...but it wasn't an issue of staying in tune. It could stay tuned just fine. For me, I just can't stand cheap-feeling tuners, and I had to put Hipshots on it. I love the feel of a good quality machine. All my fender-basses have Hipshots.

YMMV.
Click to expand...

Which Hipshots did you use(model)? Were they a direct fit or did you have to drill holes? Did all of the hardware come with them? Sorry for all of the questions but thanks for your help.
 
#48
mello_bedwetter said:
Which Hipshots did you use(model)? Were they a direct fit or did you have to drill holes? Did all of the hardware come with them? Sorry for all of the questions but thanks for your help.
Click to expand...

Well, I hope I can remember, it's been a while -and I've since sold the bass...I'm pretty sure I used the Hipshot HB-2, because that is what would go on a fender of the supposed year of the Geddy bass. The mounting holes had to be drilled....I think...maybe not?...they do come with all screws and bushings.
I got mine from "bass parts resource" and I recommend them.
If you email Jason at Hipshot he can tell you what exactly you want to do. He's a great guy and it's a great company, IMO.
Good luck.
:bassist:
 
#50
THB_bassman said:
Well, I hope I can remember, it's been a while -and I've since sold the bass...I'm pretty sure I used the Hipshot HB-2, because that is what would go on a fender of the supposed year of the Geddy bass. The mounting holes had to be drilled....I think...maybe not?...they do come with all screws and bushings.
I got mine from "bass parts resource" and I recommend them.
If you email Jason at Hipshot he can tell you what exactly you want to do. He's a great guy and it's a great company, IMO.
Good luck.
:bassist:
Click to expand...

I looked on that site and seen the HB2's. As of now I have the tuners on the Standard MIM tight. I took them off a while ago, took them apart, did a little revamping. I don't know how long it will last. Next time I change strings I'll probably put some Hipshots on it. I guess I'll tie into the Geddy now.
When I decide to swap the pegs out I'll give Jason an email to see what I need. Thanks.
 
#51
mello_bedwetter said:
I looked on that site and seen the HB2's. As of now I have the tuners on the Standard MIM tight. I took them off a while ago, took them apart, did a little revamping. I don't know how long it will last. Next time I change strings I'll probably put some Hipshots on it. I guess I'll tie into the Geddy now.
When I decide to swap the pegs out I'll give Jason an email to see what I need. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yeah, sorry about my failing memory...I honestly can't recall if I had to drill the mount holes. I'd guess that I did have to drill them. Fender has used many versions of tuners over the years. But, drilling's not really a bad thing if you intend to keep it forever anyway, right? It's a minor detail to me, and you can't even tell from 10 feet away...but I am aware of how it affects the resale value.

I hate to say it but your temporary fix my not last long...You can feel a difference in well-made machines. The tolerances are much tighter, the things work the way they should. I have the old "wavy" Grovers on my early Rics, and they are a SWEET tuner- IF the backs are securely in place. Smooth as silk.

The reason I suggested emailing Jason is, Hipshot's always coming up with new tuners...maybe they have a bolt-on replacement for the MIJ tuners on the Geddy bass by now? For example, when I upgraded my HWY 1 a couple years back, they had JUST begun making tuners to fit a HWY 1 without drilling...and didn't have them in stock yet. So I used the HB-2 and drilled for them.
I've also used high-ratio Schallers with very good results on Fenders, and even genuine Fender tuners are quite good.
Best wishes and good luck!
 
#53
THB_bassman said:
I'm pretty sure I used the Hipshot HB-2, because that is what would go on a fender of the supposed year of the Geddy bass. The mounting holes had to be drilled....I think...maybe not?...they do come with all screws and bushings.
:bassist:
Click to expand...

I used the HB2's as well and they were a direct drop in. No drilling or anything. Came with all bushings and screws. No more slop!
 

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