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Geddy Lee model vs. Am Std J model Q's.

M

Mike M.

Feb 14, 2010
2,208
174
#1
Wow! Talk about a tough call. Tried a MIJ Geddy Lee model and an Am Std J model today. Very, very impressed with both and for differant reasons.

The Geddy Lee model was one of the finest players I've ever tried. Ever. Great, low action and a huge plus for me was the fact that it played great using fingers and with using a pick. No rattle or buzz anywhere. That is very important to me and for the way I play. It was also light weight which is VERY important. I'm 59 and am developing arthitis in my lower back and anything around the 9 pound mark and I do not get along. My back can't deal with it. Sounded very good although it seemed to sound a bit "light" per say. (I didn't say that was a bad thing, either). But then the bass side of the pickups seemed a bit low. The other thing I noticed was how the D string sounded a bit weaker up and down the neck compared to the other strings. Don't know if this is the way they are or if it was the strings on the bass.

Then I tried the Am Std model with a rosewood fretboard. Right away I noticed how much more defined and how much more "authoritive" it sounded compared to the Geddy Lee model. More bottom, more mids and strong highs. But the D string was just like the Geddy model in that it also sounded a bit weaker compared to the others. The one "bad" thing was that the strings were a bit high of the board for my liking. I'm always a bit leary when I hear "it just needs a setup and it will be fine" because I've had two basses in the past that would NOT setup. This bass also seemed to have a bit more weight to it as well.

If I was the impulsive type I would have bought the Geddy Lee model. It felt great, it needed no setup and it was very easy on my back. But the Am Std sounded better.

I'm going to shop around a bit this weekend and try some more Am Std's. In the meantime...and for those who own the Geddy Lee model....how has it worked out for you? Are you happy with the stock pickups, or have you changed them? Again, I didn't say that bass sounded bad. It didn't. Just wasn't as strong sounding as the Am Std. For all I know maybe a pickup swap in the Geddy model would make this bass a total winner.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I work very hard for my money and want to be as informed as possible.

Thanks for your time.
 
#2
Keep trying until you find one that feels right.

Also, depending on where you were shopping, some places pull basses out of the carton and semi-tune em and slap em on the wall. I frequent a local Mom&Pop that sets up everything that they sell. So try multiple places if that's possible.

A TBer had issues with online order Fender dissatisfaction a few months back. He then ordered an American Standard and was so satisfied he must've been abducted by aliens or something. Hasn't been around since.
 
#6
When the Geddy was a fair amount less than an AM. Standard I though it was a great buy. Now that the prices are much higher in general, and they are closer than they used to be I'd go for the Am. Standard in a heartbeat. I just think it has much better components.

I also wouldn't worry about the setup as much. It's nice to get something that doesn't need any work right out of the box, but you should be able to make anything good with some tweaking.
 
#7
i ended up selling my GL, not because it is bad but because it has too small a neck for my taste; very fast mind you, but so thin that a "thinner" sound comes with it (the BadAssII doesn't help this i think...). but it is a greatly crafted instrument.
 
#8
You really should re think this whole set up thing! All basses can be set up for better or worse.... To leave an instrument in a store that you really like because the action is a bit high is nuts!

Sounds to me like you really like the American ... I have a black jazz myself. Fwiw, I have never picked up an instrument of any quality or brand in a store and thought it was perfectly set up for me. I've owned at least 25 guitars and 7 basses and set them all up after purchase.
 
#9
sammyp said:
You really should re think this whole set up thing! All basses can be set up for better or worse.... To leave an instrument in a store that you really like because the action is a bit high is nuts!

Sounds to me like you really like the American ... I have a black jazz myself. Fwiw, I have never picked up an instrument of any quality or brand in a store and thought it was perfectly set up for me. I've owned at least 25 guitars and 7 basses and set them all up after purchase.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help gang!

Sam. I know what you mean about the whole setup thing. I probably should re-think that one.

You're also right in that I'm thinking about the Am Std. (It just sounded too good!) Fact is that I do have the 5 string model that I bought last December. Wondeful, sturdy, well made and a great sounding player. But it wasn't an easy find. I spent about 6 months off and on driving to various locations trying to find "thee one" and I wasn't going to settle for less. Must have tried out close to 20 of them...all good mind you...but I knew if I stuck to my guns I'd eventually find the one what I was looking for and when I did it was like..."oh, YEAH!!" Just like the Geddy Lee model I tried today it needed no setup what so ever. Fact is since owning it I've only had to tweak the truss rod about 1/8 of a turn once.

So I'm going to do what I did with my 5 string. Starting tomorrow I'm going to take my time, shop and compare and I'll know when I've found the right one.

Thanks again.
 
#10
yeah, except for rare cases of actual defective american standards or geddys, the setup should not even be a factor, either one can be set up to be effortless to play.

it's like passing on a new car because the seat is too far from the steering wheel!

weight and neck shape feel are the things you can't change.

(that said, the graphite neck rods, thicker headstock to reduce dead spots, through-body adjustable spacing bridge, lightweight keys and overall fit and finish make the newest american standards the clear winner here; they even as of this year come with better pickups than they used to, actual custom shop fender pickups like the geddy.)
 
#11
I have a Geddy Lee and a USA 62 RI Jazz. They are such different animals and I love them both. They have a completely different voice.

If I could only have one, my choice would be the 62 RI. It really has the 60's J bass vibe while the GL sounds more modern.

I know you were comparing the AS with the GL. I've owned two American Standard J basses and they were both wonderful. Traded them for God know what...would love to have them back.

It is always best to shop for the bass that really speaks to you. The one that looks, feels and plays just right.

Setup can be a problem. I do my own setup and bought a GL when they first came out and it had a problem neck that would not set up right so I returned it for credit. Any dealer that wants your business should be willing to set up a bass to your liking.

BTW the amp you were playing through in the store may have had something to do with the D string sounding different. Next time try several amps if you can. Better yet, use your amp.

Chuck
 
#12
Mike M. said:
In the meantime...and for those who own the Geddy Lee model....how has it worked out for you? Are you happy with the stock pickups, or have you changed them? Again, I didn't say that bass sounded bad. It didn't. Just wasn't as strong sounding as the Am Std. For all I know maybe a pickup swap in the Geddy model would make this bass a total winner.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I work very hard for my money and want to be as informed as possible.

Thanks for your time.
Click to expand...
The Geddy is truly a beautiful bass. I don't think that the Am. Standards can beat it in terms of feel, looks and value for money, whereas is of equal (if not better) quality. The first thing you should consider before buying any of them, is what the bass tells you, what your hands, feelings, tell you. The stronger sound can easily be fixed - pickups. I swapped the stock ones for Fender Custom Shop '60s (the same pickups that the 2012 Am. Standards have) and I am completely satisfied by the outcome. High end, Jazz Bass sound, at least to my ears. Furthermore, remember that your amp is far more crucial for your sound than anything else. Since you are dealing with two high quality basses, with a proper amp and amp setup, you can bring out the bass sound you seek with any one of them. (Alright, the Geddy perhaps would be a little more aggressive due to its pickup spacing, but both of them are Fender Jazz Basses. You know the sound you are dealing with.)

All in all, all I say is go for the one you feel better with. ;)
 
#15
I own both an earlier built Geddy Lee and a brand new 2012 American Standard Jazz!!!! I have do not have any issues with the D string on either bass.

I love both basses. Both are excellent. I feel the American Standard is just a little bit better than the Geddy. So I guess the best thing I can suggest is like others have said keep trying to you find the one that speaks to you. Either one would be a great bass for you. I am not sure what the Geddy is going for these days. I bought both of the ones that I owned/own used.

Also my American Standard is very light much lighter than my Geddy. Here is the description on my American Standard http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/nbd-fender-american-standard-908888/

My Standard weighs in at the 6 to 7lb mark while the Geddy is in the 9lbs mark.
 
#16
Glad to hear that the Am Stds are so good. I played a 2012 righty (I'm a lefty), and it impressed me because of its versatility. I've just ordered a lefty model, and it'll be delivered this coming week (the waiting is the hardest part).

Having said that, the Geddy just looks so damned cool!
 
#17
Ric5 said:
I did an A/B test of a Geddy bass and an American jazz years ago ... The Geddy lost.
Click to expand...

I did an A/B/C test of a Geddy, American, MIM...the Geddy won.

As with all these threads, play what you like. What feels good to you. What sounds good to you.

I have tried MANY basses of all makes and models, $300 to $3,000, active, passive, etc. etc. The only one I have left is the Geddy jazz. When I quit thinking about which bass I "should" be playing and started thinking about which bass I "wanted" to play, tough as it was, I kept this simple, 20 fret passive 4 string.

I still love other basses, and someday when money is no object, I may play one again. But for now, I am (really, I am) quite happy to play this bass. I still have much to lear after 30+ years, and I can learn it on this as well as any other bass.

Sorry for the tangent...for me it was the Geddy.
 
#18
Ric5 said:
I did an A/B test of a Geddy bass and an American jazz years ago ... The Geddy lost.
Click to expand...

I did an A/B/C test of a Geddy, American, MIM...the Geddy won.

As with all these threads, play what you like. What feels good to you. What sounds good to you.

I have tried MANY basses of all makes and models, $300 to $3,000, active, passive, etc. etc. The only one I have left is the Geddy jazz. When I quit thinking about which bass I "should" be playing and started thinking about which bass I "wanted" to play, tough as it was, I kept this simple, 20 fret passive 4 string.

I still love other basses, and someday when money is no object, I may play one again. But for now, I am (really, I am) quite happy to play this bass. I still have much to lear after 30+ years, and I can learn it on this as well as any other bass.

Sorry for the tangent...for me it was the Geddy...but I wouldn't mind grabbing a American Standard to go along with it someday. :D
 
#19
Well, my plans are on hold for a while. Things are really dicey here at work, things are really slow and there's a lot of uncertainty in the air. Fact is, last week we were told...."as of Monday there is going to be a huge cut in hours and cuts in all departments." Well, Monday is here, I've just gotten to work (night shift) and no word about anything from the day shift. (???) Not to say that things won't happen this or next week, but as of right now our whole shift is here. So right now it would be rather stupid to go out and buy a bass.

But I'll tell ya what....I keep thinking about that Geddy Lee model I played. That bass just played too good.

We'll see what happens. Time to get to work.
 
#20
Update: they did lay some people off today...2 from day shift and two from our shift and on Wednesday we're suppose to know if hours are cut.

It's out of my hands and what happens is what's going to happen. But if it happens again I've been there before. Got laid off for 14 months before, I made it thru then and if it comes to it I'll make it again.
 

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