Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Geddy's bass tone
- Thread starter rickenbaker
- Start date
I wholeheartedly agree! I would definitely be busting out the bass's I used on the songs I recorded them with (but thats just me...a guy with no deal from Fender lol)
I wholeheartedly agree! I would definitely be busting out the bass's I used on the songs I recorded them with (but thats just me...a guy with no deal from Fender lol)
As a musician, seeing/hearing all the different basses would be cool... but think about the implications of taking 10 different basses out on tour.
At that level, Ged is going to want a backup of each bass (just in case), so that means 20 basses have to be transported/maintained throughout the whole tour. When the majority of them might only be used for a song or two, it's easy to see why Ged chooses to keep it simple.
Less cartage, less work for maintenance, more consistant for the sound guys, more consistant for Ged (not constantly changing basses), then you have the Fender endorsement.
I'm not sure if this has been answered yet, but does GL have any type of rituals that he does in preparation for a show? Personally my ritual is probably pacing, and it's not even a ritual just a way of preparing myself mentally for the show. Does he have any good luck charms or things that must be in place before the show starts?
May 24th, MTS Centre, row 15 seat 18 woot!!will be my first time seeing them.
Have a blast. I'm not even a fan. I mean, I sure admire them as musicians, and I do like some of their work, but I saw them on the Power Windows tour because a friend scored free tix and lemme tell you-- they put on a Class Act all around.
First off, the opening act cancelled (I think it was Gary Moore and he had sustained a hand injury, but I don't recall) SO, they played an extra 45 minutes to make up for the opening slot. Is that not cool? That, to me, shows TONS of dedication, professionalism and fan love.
On top of that, they are, of course, just wizards on their instruments. And, most importantly to me, and most unexpected, they were obviously having a blast. Lots of humor, lots of grins. It was cool.
At one point they went into this kind of brooding, minor-keyed instrumental section. The lights went down, and then this screen came down from behind the drum riser with Bob MacKenzie on it made up to look like Dracula. He was looking down at the band and going "Oooooh...listen to ze scarrrryyy muuuuusic...."
It was great.
It also didn't hurt that I was dosed to the gills
, but either way it was a killer show. Made a believer outta me.You are not far off on that one, LOL!
As far as rituals, I don't really know. I put a bass in the tuning room for him and I think he warms up a bit and goes through some vocal warm-ups as well before the show.
I don't usually see Ged after sound check until show time.
After sound check for me is dinner, relax on the bus for a bit and about a half hour before start time, I head to the stage and start tuning, putting fresh batteries in the wireless transmitters, making sure there us water and a towel on stage. I go through all the transmitters and make sure everything is working properly.
Ged has never asked or mentioned anything about good luck charms etc.
As far as rituals, I don't really know. I put a bass in the tuning room for him and I think he warms up a bit and goes through some vocal warm-ups as well before the show.
I don't usually see Ged after sound check until show time.
After sound check for me is dinner, relax on the bus for a bit and about a half hour before start time, I head to the stage and start tuning, putting fresh batteries in the wireless transmitters, making sure there us water and a towel on stage. I go through all the transmitters and make sure everything is working properly.
Ged has never asked or mentioned anything about good luck charms etc.
watching baseball
and eating soup at soundchecks haha
Interesting quote,
For what it's worth, for a band like Rush and others, we never think about taking too many guitars, gear, etc. If the artist wants to use 20 guitars per show, we deal with it. Cartage, maintenance is not a problem. At this level of touring, money is not an issue for this sort of thing. If you guys only new what it cost to have those chicken roasters, for Geddy, built.........
I have done a few tours with John Mellencamp and I had around 26 different stringed instruments to deal with every show. About two-thirds were used during the show!
When it comes to the amount of gear we have for Ged & Alex is NOTHING compared to the amount of drum cases of equipment we haul around for Neil!!!
Our drum tech is one busy roadie during the day!
Ged keeps it simple only because he loves the sound of his main '72' Jazz, and if wasn't for a couple of songs in different tunings, he would play that same bass the whole show.
For what it's worth, for a band like Rush and others, we never think about taking too many guitars, gear, etc. If the artist wants to use 20 guitars per show, we deal with it. Cartage, maintenance is not a problem. At this level of touring, money is not an issue for this sort of thing. If you guys only new what it cost to have those chicken roasters, for Geddy, built.........
I have done a few tours with John Mellencamp and I had around 26 different stringed instruments to deal with every show. About two-thirds were used during the show!
When it comes to the amount of gear we have for Ged & Alex is NOTHING compared to the amount of drum cases of equipment we haul around for Neil!!!
Our drum tech is one busy roadie during the day!
Ged keeps it simple only because he loves the sound of his main '72' Jazz, and if wasn't for a couple of songs in different tunings, he would play that same bass the whole show.
Hi Russ,
Thanks for the insight.
I thought cartage/maintenance would be more of a consideration... even at that level.
Guess if you've got the money... and don't have to do the heavy lifting... you can take anything you want.
I'll bet those chicken roasters make a nice tax deduction.
Thanks for the insight.
I thought cartage/maintenance would be more of a consideration... even at that level.
Guess if you've got the money... and don't have to do the heavy lifting... you can take anything you want.
I'll bet those chicken roasters make a nice tax deduction.
Hi Russ,
Going back to the past for this one. Do you remember what gear ( amps/ overdrive unit specifically) that Geddy was using during the Test for Echo Tour? I just listened to Different Stages the other day and Geddy's tone seems to be "fuzzier" for the lack of a better term. Was he using Sansamp back then?
Thanks,
Brent
Going back to the past for this one. Do you remember what gear ( amps/ overdrive unit specifically) that Geddy was using during the Test for Echo Tour? I just listened to Different Stages the other day and Geddy's tone seems to be "fuzzier" for the lack of a better term. Was he using Sansamp back then?
Thanks,
Brent
I had the honor of meeting Geddy and Alex a couple years ago and saw Geddy try out a bass. His right hand technique isn't like anything I've seen before, he doesn't really hit downward its kind of an all finger clawing, flamenco kind of thing that's really crazy. Really powerful but not just banging away. Also at that show I was able to be backstage and parked myself next to his aguilar bleed cabinet that runs off the rack. Just raw Geddy solo, that was very revealing to get a sense of how complex and vigorous his playing is, and not perfect, which was nice to hear in a way, very expressive and beautiful.
I was reading a post on thirs forum (I think) authored by someone who claimed that geddy doesn't bring his main '72 jazz on tour with him but instead uses his own off the shelf sig bass. Any truth to this?
I feel the poster may have been confused by the fact Geddy replaced the neck of his bass with one from his signature model. But who knows.
I feel the poster may have been confused by the fact Geddy replaced the neck of his bass with one from his signature model. But who knows.
Russ, thanks for your information on everything.
Two questions, if I may:
1. I know you're not a luthier, but would you reccomend new tuning machines for my Mexican-made P-bass (Mike Dirnt artist model)? I got it used and it never seems to hold onto tunings too well and the D feels stiff, almost like a bike chain that needs WD-40.
I love how it plays, sounds etc, but the tuning is a pain. The intonation also needs more work. The people at the shop I took it too did a half-assed job of adjusting it. Do you think new tuners would help it stay in tune better once I get this intonation thing taken care of? Or is this something Fenders do (I remember you mentioning Geddy's Jazz needed lots of attention)?
2. Does it ever get annoying, dealing with people who are consumed with learning everything about Geddy's style, gear, tone and so on? What would you say is the weirdest experience you've had in that regard?
Once again, thanks.
Two questions, if I may:
1. I know you're not a luthier, but would you reccomend new tuning machines for my Mexican-made P-bass (Mike Dirnt artist model)? I got it used and it never seems to hold onto tunings too well and the D feels stiff, almost like a bike chain that needs WD-40.
I love how it plays, sounds etc, but the tuning is a pain. The intonation also needs more work. The people at the shop I took it too did a half-assed job of adjusting it. Do you think new tuners would help it stay in tune better once I get this intonation thing taken care of? Or is this something Fenders do (I remember you mentioning Geddy's Jazz needed lots of attention)?
2. Does it ever get annoying, dealing with people who are consumed with learning everything about Geddy's style, gear, tone and so on? What would you say is the weirdest experience you've had in that regard?
Once again, thanks.
You're all welcome!
First of all, WD-40 is NOT a lubricant!!!! It is actually a de-greaser! When you first spray it on it might feel like a lubricant but it is not! Put that can away when it comes to wanting to oil something up, and keep that stuff away from any electronics!!!!!!
I recommend a basic three-in one oil type of lube. Try powdered graphite as well.
As far as new machine heads, a lot of variables here but you can't go wrong with GOOD quality pegs. It's not going to change the sound that much and most likely might help with sustain.
Hey, if the pegs are worn and slipping, well, what's more important??
Machine heads have nothing to do with intonation. It's easy for me to say get new pegs because I get them for free but I realize most of you have to drop hard earned money for all this.
Just a thought, if you are having such trouble with intonation, first put on a new set of strings and check that they vibrate properly. If the strings ring true and you have tried adjusting the bridge saddles and still can't get it to intonate, check the nut!
You said you bought it used. The nut may have been replaced and the individual string slots may have been cut incorrectly.
As far as weirdest experiences, too much to write here!!
First of all, WD-40 is NOT a lubricant!!!! It is actually a de-greaser! When you first spray it on it might feel like a lubricant but it is not! Put that can away when it comes to wanting to oil something up, and keep that stuff away from any electronics!!!!!!
I recommend a basic three-in one oil type of lube. Try powdered graphite as well.
As far as new machine heads, a lot of variables here but you can't go wrong with GOOD quality pegs. It's not going to change the sound that much and most likely might help with sustain.
Hey, if the pegs are worn and slipping, well, what's more important??
Machine heads have nothing to do with intonation. It's easy for me to say get new pegs because I get them for free but I realize most of you have to drop hard earned money for all this.
Just a thought, if you are having such trouble with intonation, first put on a new set of strings and check that they vibrate properly. If the strings ring true and you have tried adjusting the bridge saddles and still can't get it to intonate, check the nut!
You said you bought it used. The nut may have been replaced and the individual string slots may have been cut incorrectly.
As far as weirdest experiences, too much to write here!!
Ged is using his original 72 Jazz and yes the neck has been replaced with a GL model neck that has the lacquer sanded off the back of the neck.
Oh gosh,
Test for Echo, Ged was using a Sansamp but I can't remember the model. We also used Trace pre-amps and a Demeter Tube D.I.
These were all taken direct, similar to what we do now.
And yes, Ged used to have more of a distortion drive and only cut back on it on the Snakes & Arrows tour.
Test for Echo, Ged was using a Sansamp but I can't remember the model. We also used Trace pre-amps and a Demeter Tube D.I.
These were all taken direct, similar to what we do now.
And yes, Ged used to have more of a distortion drive and only cut back on it on the Snakes & Arrows tour.
I absolutely LOVE Geddy Lee. He, Mark King, Jimmy Johnson, and Stanley Clarke are my four most favorite bass players of all time. I love their playing and their tone, hence my favs !!
Geddy said, in an interview, that tone comes from the right hand. (assuming you're playing right handed). I love his GROWL. When I use my Trace Elliot, I get my hybrid Geddy Lee/Mark King tone --- really, WHAT COULD BE BETTER ?!!
Geddy said, in an interview, that tone comes from the right hand. (assuming you're playing right handed). I love his GROWL. When I use my Trace Elliot, I get my hybrid Geddy Lee/Mark King tone --- really, WHAT COULD BE BETTER ?!!
Russ,
I wasn't gonna use WD on the bass. I was just using an analogy. I'm functionally ******** with electronics, but not THAT bad lol. The saddles DO need to have their height adjusted. Damn, it's like you've got a crystal ball.
A couple other questions, if you please:
1) Do you find working on a bass any different than working on a guitar when you have to do things like truss rod adjustments etc? Do guitars re-act differently?
2) I know Alex has his own tech, but do you ever work on his guitars or gear or his tech on Geddy's?
Thanks agaib.
I wasn't gonna use WD on the bass
. I was just using an analogy. I'm functionally ******** with electronics, but not THAT bad lol. The saddles DO need to have their height adjusted. Damn, it's like you've got a crystal ball. A couple other questions, if you please:
1) Do you find working on a bass any different than working on a guitar when you have to do things like truss rod adjustments etc? Do guitars re-act differently?
2) I know Alex has his own tech, but do you ever work on his guitars or gear or his tech on Geddy's?
Thanks agaib.
