• 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.

Question(s) about the Geddy Lee bass...

SanDiegoHarry

SanDiegoHarry

Inactive
Supporting Member
Aug 11, 2008
17,143
9,104
San Diego, CA
#1
I've seen enough posts on this list to surmise that this particular Fender Jazz bass is very well respected - dare I say LOVED by folks on this list. So I played one while I was at Bass Player live - and it was nice. I liked the feel of the neck (it seemed thinner to me). I didn't have much chance to hear it (like you're gonna hear ANYTHING at a show like that) but it did feel good.

So I have some detailed questions:
Is this US/Japanese/Chinese/Mexican made?
What are the exact differences between this and any other J bass (aside from the obvious bridge issue)?

I'm not wild about black basses or painted black blocks on the fretboard... but a neck like that is worth looking for....

thanks
 
#2
Mainly it's the thin neck, the 70's pickup placing and the Badass.

It's made in Japan.

It was made to be an exact replica of Geddy's '72 Fender that he found in a pawn shop. But he didn't let them open up the insides because he was afraid something would be changed if they took it apart. So it's pretty close, but not exact.
 
#3
EagleMoon said:
Mainly it's the thin neck, the 70's pickup placing and the Badass.

It's made in Japan.

It was made to be an exact replica of Geddy's '72 Fender that he found in a pawn shop. But he didn't let them open up the insides because he was afraid something would be changed if they took it apart. So it's pretty close, but not exact.
Click to expand...

At the risk of sounding dim, what was the difference in the "1970's pickup placement"? Visually, I have never seen a difference and yet I've heard this mentioned before. Did Fender shift the p'ups around a bit in the '80s and beyond?
 
#4
BigOldHarry said:
At the risk of sounding dim, what was the difference in the "1970's pickup placement"? Visually, I have never seen a difference and yet I've heard this mentioned before. Did Fender shift the p'ups around a bit in the '80s and beyond?
Click to expand...

During the 70's the bridge pickup was about an 1/8 of an inch closer to the bridge, which gives the bass a bit more trebley tone. They moved the pickup forward closer to the neck after that.
 
#5
Fender Jazzes from the 70's had the bridge pickup is a little closer to the bridge (not much--around 1/4", I think) than those from the 60's, and after the 70's/early 80's Fender reverted to the earlier placement. So "70's placement" means the bridge pickup is shifted a little.

Mike
 
#6
All differences stated, but also note the vintage tuners, which I have yet to find a problem with (you have to string them differently). The main beauty is the neck all else aside. I'd say that the neck is, if not almost, the thickness of a guitar neck. The width is also very small at the nut. I love this bass. Love it love it love it.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back