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Geddy Lee Jazz Bass - Advice appreciated

The OP should probably....

  • Order the MIM Geddy Lee. If there's an issue send it back you can't get two bad bridges in a row

    Votes: 19 23.8%

  • Look for an older CIJ Geddy Lee - they are better and most sellers are OK guys

    Votes: 46 57.5%

  • You should buy another bass entirely

    Votes: 7 8.8%

  • I like pie

    Votes: 8 10.0%
  • Total voters
    80
redhotblues

redhotblues

May 7, 2017
123
201
Near Cincinnati
www.theredsoldier.com
#1
I'm primary a guitarist but decided to get into bass to pick up some more gigs. So a while ago I bought a squier jazz bass as my first bass. So far its been going OK, but after several gigs there are a few things I wanted to improve, one of which being that as a guitarist I really wanted a neck that is very small for bass. I wanted a little better tone too. I didn't want to sink a bunch of money into a squier when for the same amount I could just get a better bass.

I tried the MIM Geddy Lee Jazz Bass and really liked the neck and tone, so I am considering purchasing one. I've seen a lot of things regarding these having misaligned bridged however. I'm wondering if this issue is rare, or frequent. I'd be buying form an online retailer so I could always send it back, but we all know that's a hassle and if it is a common issue I might send it back only to get a second one with the same issue. I've also seen the older Japanese made versions are better regarded [or so it seems] but of course buying a used bass online without being able to hold it 'in hand' presents its own challenges [things not represented truly, worn/rusted/damages not shown, broken truss rod, etc], and returns with individuals can be dicey and/or difficult sometimes.

Any insight anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.
 
#4
petrus61 said:
Check out the Sweetwater bass gallery. They provide good photos of the actual bass you'd be buying and it's easy to determine if the bridge is off with the straight on photos they provide.
Click to expand...

I did that, and its hard to tell if they are exactly straight on or not. The string look centered by the neck but not by the pickups poles, but then again that's often times normal too... Sweetwater is who I was considering. Have you looked at the four they have online? got a recommendation? Appreciate your time.
 
#5
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#7
redhotblues said:
I think even thinner would feel better, but there aren't any local to me where I could try one and know for sure. Even the MIM one was a friends he let me play [and won't sell ;-) can't blame him though]
Click to expand...
I know it's a little bit more pricey, but consider the US version as well. Can't go wrong whichever route you go.
 
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#8
If you're in the market for a thin neck and lots of tonal options, I might suggest you check an Ibanez Soundgear (any of them, whichever you like better and fits your budget best). I know it's not what you started the thread for, but it doesn't hurt to take a look. They are usually very light, have extremely thin necks and pack one of the best bang-for-your-buck you'll ever find. I've owner several in the last few years, and you'll find it hard to read a bad review for them.
 
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#11
BobKos said:
Not to get off topic, but doesn't the US Geddy Lee have a beefier neck than traditional GL Jazz Basses? I haven't played one, but that is the impression I was left with after reading or viewing marketing info somewhere.
Click to expand...

I have one... If I'm not mistaken the neck is the same thickness as a 70's U jazz but has a slightly bigger width. It's also got some sort of sanded and oiled back finish that sort of feels like a used vintage bass. It's very comfortable no matter what and one of the best necks, but it's not the thinnest.
 
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#15
redhotblues said:
I'm primary a guitarist but decided to get into bass to pick up some more gigs. So a while ago I bought a squier jazz bass as my first bass. So far its been going OK, but after several gigs there are a few things I wanted to improve, one of which being that as a guitarist I really wanted a neck that is very small for bass. I wanted a little better tone too. I didn't want to sink a bunch of money into a squier when for the same amount I could just get a better bass.

I tried the MIM Geddy Lee Jazz Bass and really liked the neck and tone, so I am considering purchasing one. I've seen a lot of things regarding these having misaligned bridged however. I'm wondering if this issue is rare, or frequent. I'd be buying form an online retailer so I could always send it back, but we all know that's a hassle and if it is a common issue I might send it back only to get a second one with the same issue. I've also seen the older Japanese made versions are better regarded [or so it seems] but of course buying a used bass online without being able to hold it 'in hand' presents its own challenges [things not represented truly, worn/rusted/damages not shown, broken truss rod, etc], and returns with individuals can be dicey and/or difficult sometimes.

Any insight anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
If you want thin and guitar like necks, you might broaden your search a little. The jazz necks are certainly in the competition but you may want to consider something from the Ibanez SR lines as well. The necks fit your description and there are a number of options and price points to choose from.

That said, if your only concern is bridge alignment, get the MIM Geddy Lee. The problems you are referring to have to be extremely rare.
 
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#16
Great bass for the money. I had the MIJ model and had a twisted neck "issue" that was eventually swapped out for a straight neck. I loved the thin neck and classic sound of this Jazz bass. I eventually acquired a Will Lee Jazz from Roger and sold the Geddy Lee.
 
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#20
I would think here (classifieds) would be the place to find a used CIK Geddy Lee. Here's my Modded CIJ Geddy Lee and she is a Keeper.
geddyupgrade.JPG
 
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