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New USA Geddy Lee v. MIJ

#21
I got mine last Friday. I never owned a signature model of and sort before. I just wanted a really nice Jazz, and the features were right in line with my wish list.

Regarding the the neck, I don't think it was meant to be a '72 replica. I think it was an attempt at recreating a re-shaped neck matching the work done to Mr. Lee's "Number one".

My impressions are very much in line with El Quijote's. This one's a keeper.

Edit to add: Got it through Sweetwater. Those guys are great. Their Tech sent me an Allen wrench that fits the saddles on the bridge. The normal Fender tool kit did not include one that fit.
 
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#24
Searay said:
I'm comfortable with the CIJ. It's the best value I think I have ever found in a bass.
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I agree. I have had one a couple times. Great bass and value. I'm debating going from all my expensive, ERB basses to a simple Geddy Lee J or maybe a Nate Mendell P. I do like the look of the USA Geddy, but $1,600 is a bit more than I want to pay. A used Nate or Geddy would probably be just fine.
 
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#25
Sorry to dig up an old, but recently resurrected thread, but for those of you who've had both, is the USA worth the $700?

My main for the past 20-plus years has been a pre-FCS Kubicki, and I just love it. I'd like to have a better backup, but I hate to spend $1,600 on something I would use sparingly. Plus, I don't have the largest hands in the world, and the thicker neck on the USA might be a bit too much. Thoughts?
 
#26
SteveC said:
I agree. I have had one a couple times. Great bass and value. I'm debating going from all my expensive, ERB basses to a simple Geddy Lee J or maybe a Nate Mendell P. I do like the look of the USA Geddy, but $1,600 is a bit more than I want to pay. A used Nate or Geddy would probably be just fine.
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I have both a MiM GL and a Nate Mendel P. Both are outstanding basses.
 
#27
MartzMimic said:
Sorry to dig up an old, but recently resurrected thread, but for those of you who've had both, is the USA worth the $700?

My main for the past 20-plus years has been a pre-FCS Kubicki, and I just love it. I'd like to have a better backup, but I hate to spend $1,600 on something I would use sparingly. Plus, I don't have the largest hands in the world, and the thicker neck on the USA might be a bit too much. Thoughts?
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Send me your Kubicki and I will let you try out my US Geddy risk-free.

Seriously though, the neck is pretty much a normal-size Jazz neck. It is just notably different from the CIJ neck which is very thin.

I think you will find the US Geddy to be one you will want to play more often than as purely a backup. The Kubicki might stay number one, but the Geddy is also a joy to play.
 
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#29
rogerbmiller said:
I have played a couple of USA Geddys and I was thoroughly underwhelmed. Didn't feel as well made as the MIJ Geddy and for double the price. It was disappointing.
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FWIW I played one at Sam Ash in San Antonio after having already bought mine. The one in the store was poorly setup and it was a bad experience.

I can say that after owning two US versions for about a year that I ended up selling my CIJ because it simply never got any playtime anymore. The US Geddy when properly setup almost plays itself.
 
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#30
DigitalMan said:
FWIW I played one at Sam Ash in San Antonio after having already bought mine. The one in the store was poorly setup and it was a bad experience.

say that after owning two US versions for about a year that I ended up selling my CIJ because it simply never got any playtime anymore. The US Geddy when properly setup almost plays itself.
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The ones I played definitely were not set up great. also I was surprised that they had glossy necks. I thought that one of the things that Geddy was incorporating in his new models was a satin finish neck like the ones he's playing now.

And lastly, I wasn't sure what to think about the tuning keys. They didn't come off as vintage and the bass didn't come off as a 70s J as much as it did just an artist model, if that makes any sense.
 
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#31
rogerbmiller said:
The ones I played definitely were not set up great. also I was surprised that they had glossy necks. I thought that one of the things that Geddy was incorporating in his new models was a satin finish neck like the ones he's playing now.

And lastly, I wasn't sure what to think about the tuning keys. They didn't come off as vintage and the bass didn't come off as a 70s J as much as it did just an artist model, if that makes any sense.
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The neck is oil rubbed. Even though it is shiny it doesn't tack up the way a gloss finish does.

Honestly my experience with this bass in the store reinforced my view that hands-on before purchasing is overrated. I would rather call up Sweetwater and ask then to send me their best player of the bunch and take my chances.
 
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