Going to check out a used Geddy Lee Jazz

[TDog2112]

From a private owner. He says he's the first owner and that the bass is in mint condition. Dont' know the model year, I asked for the serial number and am waiting for a reply.

Is there anything in particular with these that I should be looking for? Are there any model years that should be avoided or at least scrutinized more heavily?

 

[JPaulGeddy]

I believe the older ones had some iffy tuners. Don't know that it's enough to put off a purchase, but maybe a negotiating point.

To add - found at least one forum here, it's an oft-talked about issue.

Tuner discussion

 

[Spinal Tapper]

I apparently got a newer one without the "actual" block inlays - supposedly mine are painted on...but I don't really care. Doesn't make a difference IMO. Bothers some people I guess.

Also the newer ones don't have the Fender "F" on the neck plate. Again, doesn't matter to me. The Geddy is the nicest bass you can find in the price range IMO.

 

[bassteban]

I was gonna mention the inlay thing. It is silly, but it would totally bother me. Beyond that, they are very nice for the price. Top of my current GAS list.

 

[Thor]

I have 2 and I am very pleased with them. The black one I have loaded with Seymour Duncan Antiquity II pups is
my #1 go to bass.

 

[john_g]

Just make sure the neck is straight. The necks are thin, which I love, but are prone to shift in different climate conditions. I have to adjust mine a couple times a year when the seasons change. Small price to pay for an awesome bass. And, for what its worth, I have the painted on blocks and I dont really care...oh and the older tuners too but they have never given me any trouble and stay in tune great.

 

[TDog2112]

Thanks to everyone who has responded.

JPGeddy, thanks for the link, I'll check the tuners closely for looseness and any tarnish.

Does anyone know for sure when they started "faking" the black inlays?

 

[Spinal Tapper]

Mine's an 06, so I think 05 or 06 they started putting in the fake inlays. Although I play my bass ALOT and have never had any problems with the inlays scratching away or anything...tonally, I don't think it's a huge difference...especially not worth it if someone wants to charge you more for it...but if you really want the real inlays, I think the 03-04 models have them.

 

[bassbrock]

What kind of deal are you getting on it, if you don't mind me asking?

I saw one on Craigslist here in town asking $350 for it. Figured it must be a shady deal. Is that normally what they go for, used?

 

[TDog2112]

He wants $550. If it's as mint as he says I figure that it's a pretty good price.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

That's a good price, even with some dings.

 

[wyleeboxer]

yeah I just got a mint 07' for $630, but its really in brand new condition. So far Ive changed the tuners to hipshot ultralites and the pups to Monstertones from a USA schecter, oh the pick guard is now tortise. The pups made a huge difference, much smoother sounding and more vintage like. The stock pups just seemed to have too many hi-mids which I kept trying to EQ out, but the mids may work for you? And the ultralite turners really just help to keep the neck up, which is great if your using a lot of the floating thumb techique.

 

[Thor]

There is one in the classifieds right now for 575, so that seems right on. It is certainly worth all of that.

 

[TDog2112]

Thanks again everybody!

He finally got back to me with a serial number, says it's... S 059026. I can't find this particular scheme on Fender's chart. Anyone know for sure what year this is?

 

[Slater]

Thanks again everybody!

He finally got back to me with a serial number, says it's... S 059026. I can't find this particular scheme on Fender's chart. Anyone know for sure what year this is?

Fender uses a totally different method for assigning serial #s on signature guitars and basses. *I* have never been able to figure it out ...

 

[EagleMoon]

Is it a Crafted in Japan or Made in Japan model? If it's a Made in Japan, it would be a 94-95 model. They only list up to 2005, but those begin with R, so I would guess that a 2006 CIJ would begin with an S. I don't know if they even made Geddy's in '94-95.

 

[SuperSnake2012]

I think the oldest Geddy's are from 1998, so that's not right. Wouldn't the 05 signify a build date of 2005?

 

[EagleMoon]

I think the oldest Geddy's are from 1998, so that's not right. Wouldn't the 05 signify a build date of 2005?

Apparently with the Japan models, the numbers aren't important. It's the letter in front that signifies what year.

 

[OutToPlayJazz]

My Geddy had an 'S' prefix as well & that was a brand new shipped directly 07 model last year. As others have said, only thing to watch out for is the neck. They really do change shape with the weather!

 

[TDog2112]

Well, I went to check it out last night. The seller told me it was only about 6 months old. It was in absolutely pristine shape. Still had the plastic coating on the pick guard. Neck was as strait as anyone could ever want. Nice low action with just a bit of buzz if I really dug in. I felt nothing loose in the tuners and the intonation was dead nuts. One sweet bass. Now it's mine.