Moving Pictures album would be the starting point for the GL Jazz Bass. Prior to that he played the Ric almost exclusively. He then moved on to Steinbergers and Wahls. To achieve Geddy's ripping bass tone, you will need to add some overdrive.
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RUSH - Fender P
Fly By Night" throuh Permanent Waves - RICK (Fender J on Spirit..)
Moving Pictures - All Fender J except "Red Barchetta" and Camera Eye" (both Rick)
Signals - Rick except "Digital Man" (Fender J)
Grace Under Pressure - Steinberger
Power Windows through Roll The Bones - Wal
Counterparts through Snakes and Arrows - Fender Jazz
Yep. That's the sweet spot. I would add to that "All the World's a Stage".
The All the World's a Stage version of 2112 is freaking awesome. It shows off both Geddy and Neil (the best rock rhythm section on earth IMO) in their absolute prime.
As someone who grew up in Canada, my older brother and his friends tell me that in Toronto during that era when "The Temples of Syrinx" was played live, the whole audience went into a modern style "pogo dance/mosh pit". Folks tell me that this is the first time they ever saw that - and they didn't see it again for a whole lot of years. In some ways I believe it because as hard rock goes, that song was a solid 10 years ahead of its time sound and rhythm-wise.
ugh... too bad it runs off freakin' winamp!
2112, A Farewell to Kings, Permanent Waves, Hemispheres, and Moving Pictures.
Best Albums
So far, no love for Snakes and Arrows, which I think is their best since the early 80's
Being a Rush junkie (and proud Canuck) I just gotta chime in!
-If you can play Cygnus X-1 Book 2: Hemispheres from start to finish, then you've arrived! It took me over a year to learn it on guitar, and I'm trying to learn it on bass. A really tough song that will stretch you both musically and technically.
Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures are my two favorite albums from Rush,... All the World's a Stage is still my favorite live recording.
RUSH - Fender P
Fly By Night" throuh Permanent Waves - RICK (Fender J on Spirit..)
Moving Pictures - All Fender J except "Red Barchetta" and Camera Eye" (both Rick)
Signals - Rick except "Digital Man" (Fender J)
Grace Under Pressure - Steinberger
Power Windows through Roll The Bones - Wal
Counterparts through Snakes and Arrows - Fender Jazz
i heard somewhere he used his rick on tom sawyer.![]()
+1For me it was 2112 & Fly By Night. It was the first time I heard the bass being played in a way that seemed (at the time) counter to everything. Really the first time I became aware of the instrument itself. Then my ears opened up.....

+1
When I listened to Something for Nothing for the first time at :14 I said "What is this new sound to my ears? I must replicate it!"![]()
The other great thing about Rush (and we can think Neil Peart for this) is that the lyrics were both thoughtful and extremely positive in nature.
I'm now in my early 40s, and there is no doubt that Neil's "lessons on life" played a role in shaping who I am. So many kids grew up listening to music about violence and abuse. Using "Something for Nothing" as one example, I (and many of you) remember listening to this when I was 10 years old;
You won't get something for nothing
You can't have freedom for free
You won't get wise with the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what you dreams might be
What you own is your own kingdom
What you do is your own glory
What you love is your own power
What you live is your own story
In your head is the answer, let it guide you along
Let your heart be the anchor and the beat of your song
Just incredible, positive life lessons.
You know as I was typing this, it occurred to me that there's perhaps a chance that Geddy could scan this thread and read these posts. If so, I'd like to say thank you - to you, Neil & Alex for affecting so many people in such a positive way.