NBD! Fender Geddy Lee

[ntang]

Hello everyone! This is my first NBD!
I've finally got the bass I've wanted since I started playing 10 years ago. And not just any Geddy Lee Jazz, it's a 2008 CIJ Fender Geddy Lee Jazz bass! I've played many Mexican models over the years but never a Japanese one. So when I saw this one for sale I had to have it.

A few things I love so far.
1. The tone! Especially the E string has such a great bottom end with a punch. Possibly the best-sounding bass I've played.
2. The neck is not as thin as I was expecting. But still the thinnest neck I've ever played other than an Ibanez. Very comfortable and fast.
3. It looks a lot better in person than on youtube and in the pictures.

A few things I don't love.
1. The poly finish on the back of the neck can get sticky after some sweat builds up. I'll probably get it sanded down in the future.
2. There's a bit of humming noise when the pickups aren't on full. Maybe it's just a jazz bass thing.

Overall, this bass is awesome. And my fingers are already in pain from all the Rush I've been playing on it so far.

 

[SgtHulka]

Great choice for a first NBD. A true, killer, workingman's bass. And I think the all wood headstock is a plus instead of a matching jobby.

 

[bassist4dalord]

A true, killer, workingman's bass.

I see what you did there!

Congrats, OP. The Geddy is a spectacular bass. Get some Rotosounds on that thing and get to work!

 

[Bleecker]

Nice bass! Congratulations!

 

[Bleecker]

View attachment 4226672

I see what you did there!

Congrats, OP. The Geddy is a spectacular bass. Get some Rotosounds on that thing and get to work!

Is that Duck Dunn on his shirt?

 

[LowEndLobster]

Pickup hum is normal when both pickups aren't equal. That's what happens with single coil pickups.

 

[Relayer71]

Congrats! The Geddy had been on my wish list for years and then once I got into Spectors, I sort of forgot about it until I come across these threads.

Nice bass. I'm sure you paid a decent amount for it, because you don't get Something for Nothing, but it will get you In the Mood to play. I bet you're on a Mission to play it all day and have Marathon sessions! Make sure to try Different Strings on it.

I came across one at a pawn shop once, but it was Big Money. "Hold Your Fire", I said to the clerk. That thing has way too many Scars and War Paint. I think I will (the) Pass and Leave That Thing Alone!

 

[Swerve]

Is that Duck Dunn on his shirt?

I was thinking Phil Lynott.

To OP, awesome bass! I almost bought one years ago when they were first coming out. I kept going back and forth between the CIJ Geddy and a CIJ Jaguar. Ending up getting the Jag but I'm sure I would have been happy with both.

 

[P. Aaron]

Congrats on your very first killer new bass. Here’s to hoping it makes your music playing even more fun.

FWIW, I use a scotch brite pad on the backs of my basses. Just lightly, every now & then to dull the finish and then wipe the dust off & then back at playing the thing.

 

[Spirit of Ox]

It’s an amazing bass. I have a black 08 just like yours and a 2016 3tsb.
First of, shield the pickup cavity and make sure there is a ground wire from your jack soldered to the common ground. Mine didn’t have one so I added one and shielded the
Cavity and it quieted the pickups down a bit.
Secondly, don’t change those pickups. You might get the urge and you will hear stuff on this and other forums.
Trust me, these pickups are perfect for this bass.
Enjoy!

 

[Methaneman]

Hello everyone! This is my first NBD!
I've finally got the bass I've wanted since I started playing 10 years ago. And not just any Geddy Lee Jazz, it's a 2008 CIJ Fender Geddy Lee Jazz bass! I've played many Mexican models over the years but never a Japanese one. So when I saw this one for sale I had to have it.

A few things I love so far.
1. The tone! Especially the E string has such a great bottom end with a punch. Possibly the best-sounding bass I've played.
2. The neck is not as thin as I was expecting. But still the thinnest neck I've ever played other than an Ibanez. Very comfortable and fast.
3. It looks a lot better in person than on youtube and in the pictures.

A few things I don't love.
1. The poly finish on the back of the neck can get sticky after some sweat builds up. I'll probably get it sanded down in the future.
2. There's a bit of humming noise when the pickups aren't on full. Maybe it's just a jazz bass thing.

Overall, this bass is awesome. And my fingers are already in pain from all the Rush I've been playing on it so far.

View attachment 4226385

View attachment 4226389

Nice score! I changed the pg to black. All black with maple neck is killer.

 

[REV]

I think the Geddy Lee Jazz bass is the best Jazz bass that Fender makes. The CIJ Geddy is especially great.

 

[SgtHulka]

Nice score! I changed the pg to black. All black with maple neck is killer.View attachment 4227456

If you wanna go blacker take a Sharpie to the edge of the pickguard!

 

[DJCalamari]

Nice score! I changed the pg to black. All black with maple neck is killer.View attachment 4227456

Congrats! Did the same thing with mine. Love it.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Congrats on the new bass. Looks great.

 

[bubinga5]

Pickup hum is normal when both pickups aren't equal. That's what happens with single coil pickups.

Not necessarily. I have a Suhr with single coils and I have no noise. Lovely bass btw.

 

[SgtHulka]

I think the Geddy Lee Jazz bass is the best Jazz bass that Fender makes. The CIJ Geddy is especially great.

CIJ? Crafted in Japan? I thought it was MIJ.

 

[west al]

Congrats on a really fine Jazz!

 

[JRA]

yeah, that jazz looks awesome, OP! neat ax to have and to play --- congratulations on your new instrument!

 

[Spirit of Ox]

CIJ? Crafted in Japan? I thought it was MIJ.

It used to be CIJ and at some point in the early to mid 00's they changed it to MIJ. It had something to do with the manufacturing.