Fender US Geddy Lee

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Over the years, I have generally had good luck with Fenders, but my American Geddy Lee is certainly the best I have ever owned. I am afraid to say it out loud, but could Fender make a five string version of this bass? I doubt if it would ever happen because Geddy Lee is not a five string guy, and I think authenticity means something to him, and his image. Since that is the case, maybe Fender could a Fender Professional Jazz V Seventies style bass that just happened to be very much like an American Geddy Lee Jazz?

Take my money now!!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Take my money now!!

Me too!

 

[Double Agent]

Do you know what pickups the US Geddy comes with from the factory?

i don’t know for sure, but I’ve read that they are tweaked versions of the Pure Vintage 74 pickups, based on Geddy’s input.

 

[80jazz]

Keep in mind that my understanding, based (sic) upon their own website, is that Fender didn't move the bridge pup position until some time in '72 and iirc, Geddy Lee's bass is a '72 so it could have the later spacing.

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I believe the change happened in 1970 regarding pickup spacing.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I believe the change happened in 1970 regarding pickup spacing.

My Geddy’s bridge is noticeably Closer to the bridge.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I am pretty sure it was an MIJ, but it is the funkiest song that I know was recorded on a Geddy Lee Jazz.

 

[ELG60]

I believe the change happened in 1970 regarding pickup spacing.

Not according to Fender.

 

[Cazman]

Try it, you’ll like it!

 

[80jazz]

Try it, you’ll like it! View attachment 3997868

Stop!

Too bad they did not make those as a production model. Those are very nice to look at.

A reproduction of the surf green J he received in 2012 would be nice, but I will believe it when it happens.

 

[80jazz]

Not according to Fender.

I realize it is sold, but here is one example, and a 1971 at that.

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[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I am pretty sure it was an MIJ, but it is the funkiest song that I know was recorded on a Geddy Lee Jazz.

Who played on bass on this track ?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Who played on bass on this track ?

I will have to look it up. I remember the young fellow describing how he recorded this track in an issue of Bass Player. He also had a transcription. I remember surprising some kids in the junior choir when I played between songs at a rehearsal.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I will have to look it up. I remember the young fellow describing how he recorded this track in an issue of Bass Player. He also had a transcription. I remember surprising some kids in the junior choir when I played between songs at a rehearsal.

Jon Jon.

 

[JimmyM]

Do you know what pickups the US Geddy comes with from the factory?

American Vintage ’70s Lee signature pickups.

 

[ELG60]

I realize it is sold, but here is one example, and a 1971 at that.

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I understand, but the date of the instrument is generally considered to be its latest component. I have 66 pots on my 69 but the neck is dated to 69. Don't remember the month. IIRC, the necks tended to be the best indicator of the instrument date. They tended to buy electronic components en mass and use them up over time. I have a '71 as well and will see about the pup spacing next time I'm home. We can all learn new stuff over time.

I'd still tend to rely on Fender's own website regarding the appropriate dates of their modifications.

 

[s_wood]

I believe the change happened in 1970 regarding pickup spacing.[/QUOTE

The change from 3.6” spacing to 4” spacing began in late 1970. You can find basses made at the end of 1970 and all through 1971 with both 3.6” and 4” spacing, and my own experience is that most but not all 71’s have 4” spacing. Fender’s own web site says that the change happened in 1972, but I suppose what that means is that the changeover was complete by 1972. Either that or the website is just wrong.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Geddy saving souls!

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Geddy saving souls!

You were really locked in today. Had that Geddy sounding glorious . Can’t go wrong with Fred Hammond ..... Gospel funk at its finest.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I will have to look it up. I remember the young fellow describing how he recorded this track in an issue of Bass Player. He also had a transcription. I remember surprising some kids in the junior choir when I played between songs at a rehearsal.

The article was in the December 2006 issue of Bass Player.

 

[Pet Sounds]

@lowdownthump, I'm not a USA Geddy owner, though I did own an MIJ years ago. I spent a lot of time a couple of years ago with a USA Geddy at a Guitar Center, and I was very impressed by everything about it -- except for its brightness. This is just my particular preference, but I like a warmer Jazz, and I A/B'd the Geddy with an American Original '60s and liked the AO better. BUT if you like the '70s tone, I would say you'd be happy with the Geddy. I liked the neck on the USA Geddy *much* better than the flatter neck on my old MIJ, and the overall quality was excellent in every way. I also think the USA Geddy is pure class in the looks department.