• 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.

Highway 1 or Geddy Lee Jazz?

#3
I found the Hwy 1 to suit my hands a bit better. I don't know if it was just the setup on the particular basses I was trying but that was my take. I ended up buying the Hwy 1 and dropping an Audere pre in it. I'm thinking about getting some other pups for it too. To me it was about getting the right feeling instrument regardless of electronics as they can be changed easly enough. Just my .02
I also dig the finish on the Hwy 1 as it's only half a year old and people ask if its vintage all the time. It gains the weathered look really fast. Cool if you're into that; not if you're not.
 
#6
Looks like I'll be the first to endorse the Geddy. I have gone through alot of basses in the last year or so (thanks to talkbass inspired GAS) and the geddy is one that I've found I could not part with. I have a highway 1 P (~2003), and the construction quality is total crap compared to the Geddy. Whatever you end up choosing, do not buy it sight unseen (and unplayed) whatever you do. If there's anything I've learned, it's that Fender QC is really spotty these days. But if I may be redundant here, I really like the Geddy. The neck is really really thin (which is good if you like that), and with the blocks and binding and and the high gloss finish it's a great looking bass (I'd switch the PG for a black or tort one myself). You'll get alot of opinions here on TB (good opinions) but ultimately, choose whichever feels better in your hands, and is built well. You can change the sound all you want down the road. Good luck.
 
#7
I may be becoming overly "left brain" in my renaissance years, but lately when I buy a bass, particularly a new bass, I am mindful of the resale value. Since I've limited myself to a particular total number of basses, overall I’ve had better resale value luck with MIA Fenders than MIJ’s when it’s time to dump something to get my next “must have” piece.
 
#8
I've spent time with a Geddy and I own a late model Hwy 1 and like them both.

Geddy: '70s pickup placement and skinny neck. Available in black only if that's a factor for you.

Hwy 1 (late model): Graphite rods in neck for stability and matte nitro finish. '60s pickup placement and probably better (for that reason) for old-school tone.

The Hwy 1 I own has the best neck I've seen/played on ANY production Fender in quite some time. Skinny enough and I can set the action real low. IMO, YMMV, etc.
 
#9
When I search the used market I find the Geddy and newer H1s to go for about the same.

The two big differences are the necks and finishes. The Geddy has a smaller neck. Some folks find this uncomfortable, others really like it. (I fall into the latter category:D). A try before you buy thing for sure.

The H1s have a thin Nitro finish, which will wear (or "relic", depending on who you are) much faster than a standard gloss finish. Not a bad thing by any means (I own a H1 P).

I don't see you going wrong with either.
 
#10
I think the finish on the h-1 adds to the tone... I took the pick-guard off and it seems to"breath" better to my ears. Also added vintage style Gohto tuners and bridge. More mass at the headstock. Oh -- and TUSQ nut and bridge saddles! Makes a HUGE difference in tone.
 
#12
H1. Love the finish, love the neck, and love the pickups. I've had mine for about a month, and it's absolutely fantastic!

jazz1.jpg


As for the finish, it almost seem liks un-polished finish. I've had my bass for about a month, and where my forearm rests, it's become nice and shiny; just like the US reissue '57 P finish. I love it. I want to start just rubbing it, so that the entire finish will be shiny, lol.
 
#13
GeddyisGod said:
When I search the used market I find the Geddy and newer H1s to go for about the same.
Click to expand...

Don't get me wrong, I've played a Geddy and I think it's a nice bass, great neck, and I love the look of block markers. For the money it's a lot of bass. But it's still pretty new, I suspect in a few years the HW1 will be an "American Fender" and the Geddy will be a used bass. Give it a decade or so and then search ;).
 
#16
edbass said:
Don't get me wrong, I've played a Geddy and I think it's a nice bass, great neck, and I love the look of block markers. For the money it's a lot of bass. But it's still pretty new, I suspect in a few years the HW1 will be an "American Fender" and the Geddy will be a used bass. Give it a decade or so and then search ;).
Click to expand...

I don't know. If Fender stops production on the Geddy they could skyrocket. H1s will always be less than the US Standards.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back