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Fender Geddy Lee tuners

JayAmel

JayAmel

Supporting Member
Mar 3, 2002
3,683
97
67
Carcassonne, France
#1
Hi folks,

I'm looking towards a Geddy Lee Jazz Bass.
Since I can't try one in real situation (no shop has any around), I read many reviews (including here), and many players seem to complain about the tuners. Though, I'm afraid I did not quite understand what the problem is.

So what's wrong with the tuners ? Are they loose ? Are they unable to keep the bass in tune ? etc.

Many thanks,
Jay
 
#3
Yep wrong forum but here's my take.
They are made out of a different metal than all other Fender tuners, mine have sort of tarnished (only Fender bass I own that have done this). It's like the plating is wearing off and the bass is only a year old! I own MIM basses that have not done this! As far as the bass staying in tune I have no problem with that as the bass stays tuned. It's just the look of the tuners (really vintage looking on a clean bass):hmm:
 
#4
I have two of these. On one, the tuners felt loose at first, but have stiffened up nicely. Neither bass has actually had tuning stability issues at any time. I have not suffered any tarnish problems either, but I do clean them every time before they go back in the case.
 
#5
Too early for me to tell, I just bought mine Thursday night!!!

One thing I can say though, this bass is definitely worth it! I paid $625 for it, and for that price, you can't go wrong, its quality, sounds great, plays great. If the tuners are an issue, just switch 'em out!
 
#6
I've had mine for almost 3 years. The tuners kinda feel loose, and rattle when their are no strings attached, but I've never had a tuning problem with it. Just looked at them in the case, no tarnish at all. Nice and shiny!
 
#15
My tuners on my mim p rattle when there are no strings on them. i've tried tightening them, but the screws are tight as can be. I'm thinking they're supposed to be like this so they can function when there is alot of tension on them. i've also noticed mine leaning toward the nut ever so slightly (from the pull of the strings) because i can see space under the rings around the tuners (those inserts in the headstock).

4
 
#17
While not an owner (yet) between the reports I've read and the store models I've played the tuners are a bit substandard and usually the only thing keeping the GL from being 100% quality, but I've played much, much worse. They're a bit "gritty" and loose, but hardly beginner bass quality. When I buy one I'd likely replace them with a better drop-in set/Hipshot on the E, but it wouldn't need to be a first day-of-ownership change.

...or first month, for that matter.
 

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