Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass

This is just a good old Fender Jazz bass, no matter who signed the headstock...Volume/Volume/Master-tone knobs, standard Jazz bass set up..nothing more or less. This model does feature the old mid-to-late 70's Larry Graham style block inlays. I rate this guitar a 9 as I think the Fender Jazz bass is the best bass guitar ever created, & this is a very good Fender Jazz bass.

Sounds like a Jazz...'nufff said...

Bought it used, but the layed perfectly...

A+

Never dealt with Fender & hope never to from what I've heard...

I play pro guitar & bass for a living & this bass is one of the few times I've done well in a pawn shop purchase...( They didn't know what they had )I've played ffor over twenty years as a pro, guitar & bass, & feel I have at last found my "No. 1" bass. Very solid, very true intonation & good electronics...

Geddly Lee features have all been covered in prior reviews.

This is where it excels. Mine had almost no single coil hum when soloing either pick up. The tone is old school Fenderish, very hip, especially for slap (some one else elaborated on the slap tone and he was 100% correct). If you use the Fender nickels (super bass) it produces BIG/PHAT tones and lots of the Fender treblish slap accents. Too cool, way cool. Can you tell I love this bass? I am using a Aguilar DB 924 with it...Talk about clean boost and punch! I could go on but then I'd never get through the review.

Japanese quality...Its a Fender so the neck is unsurpassed in comfort, enough said? One more thing: Get a black MOTO pick guard...someone else in this string recommended it and he was right...this bass is awesome with a black MOTO pickguard.

Its a Japanese made Fender, I dont expect any problems

Who knows? I've never contacted them.

25 Years experience, I checked this bass out before I bought it and knew what it was capable of (I just wanted to get the hook up on a deal)I would buy it again 'fo sho' cause it captures the old school jazz tones (and it has the old school slap tones I hear in my head). The only other passive Fender that I might have considered in its place is the 75 reissue (similiar tones, more punch due to the ash body and bridge P/U position). One last thing to share: If you love Fender tones this bass delivers (IMHO better than some of the new Amercian Standards).

2001 Fender Geddy Lee MIJ Jazz Bass. I won't go into a description as it has been already covered in the other reviews. Except If the tuners were better ( I find them a little loose) I give it a 10 for features.

I own quite a few Fender P Basses. I always wanted a nice jazz but never found one that really grabbed me until I played this one. When I first started playing I owned an original 74/75 jazz with maple neck, black inlays and natural ash body, but it was super heavy, had a chunky neck (the bad type)and really didn't have that much character. The GD Jazz is one smokin' bass, great growl , great for funk, more versatile than a P Bass. It has the U.S sixties pickups which I find very smooth from string to string. I also adjusted them dowm a bit as I find them loud and full. I play it thru an Eden/Mesa Boogie system.

Made in Japan is a very good thing when it comes to this bass. The neck on my bass has a beautiful flame maple. The fretwork is excellent. As stated above the U.S pickups are great. The body is medium weight alder with an excellent black finish. Action from the store/factory is excellent. Strings stay in place with the Badass bridge. The only fault I find is the tuners are medium quality.

Fenders can take the use/abuse.

Never dealt with Fender.

This the best value in a maple neck jazz bass period. Actually I'm quite surprised Fender actually presently builds a bass of this quality for the price. I find most of their Mexican and U.S jazz basses don't match up in value. Most real players want the old Fenders (and I have a few) but this bass captures that Fender magic.

I just bought it new at muscians friend, i got a 15 % discount for a bad experience i had there so i got the bass at a great price.The bass is very nice,they sure make them good in japan, at least as good in the US!The finish,the neck,it is a very nice instrument . To be honest , i like this bass better than my American made Fender Jazz

Sounds very nice through my Carvin Pro Bass Amp

Finish is stunning,just beautiful,excellent craftsmanship

This thing is solid,and i dont need a backup for sure

Have not had to deal with Fender

I really like this bass and i have owned other Fenders, this one is sweet and very very attractive

This is a Japanese manufactured "Special Edition" (although these editions have been manufactured since early 2000) of the Geddy Lee Jazz Bass purchased by myself in late August of 2002. The body is made of alder and comes in the gloss Black with White pickguard/chrome electronics cover that "Rush" Bassist/singer/songwriter Geddy lee has been using as his exclusive Bass. The neck is slimmer than your typical J or P Bass and I'm told has been "Shaved" and modeled after Geddy's own Bass and specifications. The fingerboard inlays are not lacquered paint but actual inlays (material unknown). The pickups are American made Fender single coil "J" style. Electronics are passive. Machine heads are high quality items. Volume and Tone pots seem to be standard fare. The "Badass II" bridge is a welcome addition in lieu of the Fender bridge for intonation and height adjustments. Overall craftsmanship is excellent.

I have been playing Bass both for personal enjoyment and professionally and since 1973 (I'm showing my age here)and I own several Fender Basses as well as other Basses to include a 69 P- Bass, 99 "Hot Rodded" P- Bass, and a Tobias Toby 4. I have to admit, I was skeptical of purchasing what I thought would be just a signature "Knock off" copy of a performer's instrument but was I surprised! This Bass sounds GREAT! The tone generated by this instrument is surprisingly rich and deep. Running straight into my amp without any effects I was able to generate deep tones without a lot of treble or "Twang". However, I was able to get a varied amount of that Geddy "Thunk" out of it by running the instrument through my Line 6 Bass POD. The Bass came strung with Fender 105's and seem okay (I swapped them for medium "Blue Steel" Dean Markley's...seem to get better treble and sustain from them) but do yourself a favor and try a different set of your favorite strings. I have had no problem with noise from the pickups, even when just playing either the bridge or neck pickup exclusively.

The set-up as received was good but the action was a little too high for my tastes. The neck as received was metal-ruler straight but I had my local luthier give it a "Tune up" to adjust the bridge and set the action to my liking. A few slight bridge adjustments and this baby was ripping! The neck pickup as set from the factory needed a slight adjustment. Finish and craftmanship was excellent!

I have only owned this instrument a short while and have only played out with it once. I had only been using my "Hot Rodded" P- Bass as my main instrument, alternating with the Toby...until now! I'm playing mostly classic Rock now with the occasional Fusion session thrown in. The Geddy Lee J-Bass really fits the bill. I do not know how the instrument will do over the long haul but I'd put this model up against any Fender, Yamaha, Ibanez, Guild, and Rickenbacher product for the touring/working Bassist! It's totally dependable, built like a tank, and will take a knocking and still keep rocking!

This Bass is a keeper! If I had it ripped off, I'd purchase another! The only thing I may purchase during the long haul is some good quality metal volume and tone knobs (the plastic ones look like thy're the only weak links in the entire system). The price paid for a new one off the shelf is well worth it for a hybrid (Japanses/American) "Special Edition" Fender that lives up to Geddy's reputation!

Geddy Lee Signature Limited Edition Jazz Bass. Aldar Body, Maple neck and fingerboard, black fingerboard binding and block inlays, and a Leo Quann Badass II Bridge. Also features two U.S. vintage pickups. Passive electronics, like all vintage Fenders. Tuners are vintage, bu very solid. The neck is shaved just like Geddy's, so it plays very fast.

I play a lot of slap style bass, and of all the basses I've tried out at music stores, this one has the best sound of all, honestly. It sounds just like Geddy's bass if you want it to, but you can also change your settings for a warmer tone. I like the overall sound of the instrument, but the single coils emmit some noise if they're not both in use.

I bought the bass used, so I can't say anything about the factory set-up. However, I've heard that Fender does not set things up well at the factory. Even though it was used, my Geddy bass had no flaws. The finish was pristine, the neck straight as an arrow, and the overall look was spectacular.

I've used this bass for several live performances, and I have no complaints. It looks great and sounds great both live and in the studio. I replaced the stock strap pins with Jim Dunlop strap locks, and have had no problems. I've only owned the bass a couple of months, but the truss rod has not needed any adjusting. From reading previous reviews, I understand that the neck is very solid, and can withstand temperature changes without needing a truss rod fixing.

I've never really contacted Fender Customer Support, but I've heard bad things about them.

I've been playing bass for five years now, and the Geddy bass is the best bass I've owned overall. For the price, it can't be beat. Try one out, and see what I mean.

I got this from a chain music store back in 2000. I usually buy from idependents, but I had to get this sucka when I found it. Made the store clerks a little mad because it was their favorite bass out of the 40 or so they had hanging. They liked it so much that one of the clerks even slipped a Fender Black Moto pickguard in my bag on my way out of the door and said, "We'll miss her!." Hot Tip ... got to put a Black Moto on that Badboy ... subtle flash.
It's got all of the stock seatures one would expect, with a few exceptions:
The neck is shaved a little thinner and does play faster. It's been through two Boston summer/winter cycles (with no heat or AC) and has not required any truss rod adjustments! I have to rebut what has been said in a prior review ... The binding and inlays are not painted on. Take a closer look - They're just cut better than what you've seen on the sloppy old Americans.
Geddy's sinature is on the back. Thanks for that.
The tuners are phat. Mine are steady as a rock. Only two years old but they already have a nickel patina similar to my '73 J. I can't explain this. Same goes for the neckplate.
Fender doesn't supply a case.
Limited Edition ... looks like a generous edition.

I can't add more than has already been stated. It has a great jazz tone and is all about the tone. I threw some Fender flats on mine and it still has a Geddy-esque tone. You can whittle it a bit ... but it's there to sound like a J, baby .. don't fight it.

Nice all around. Of my ten basses this one has required the least attention. It is set up like a dream. Not a flaw that I could locate. That's big, because I am a deatail freak.

Simply unbelievable! This sucka is down for decades. I won't use it on a gig because I value it too much personally. If some cog spit a hawker on it or chunked a bottle at it, I would have to catch a case for assault.

I haven't needed any support. but I know here to find them.

I have a bevy of solid basses and this is my favorite. It rocks harder than my stock '73 Fender Jazz (black) and my '74 Rickenbacker 4001 (black). It has more Geddy tone than either of those, in fact I think this is Geddy's bass! I am Geddy when I play it.
I all seriousness, I would have to sell all of vintage basses before I would sell this one. It may not be as worth as much financially, but it is the perfect J for me. I have played many vintage J's since I've bought this Geddy and I just have to laugh. Congratulations to those shrewd enough to pick up on these. The secret is ours.

Fender's Japanese-made Geddy Lee Artist Signature series Jazz Bass
was introduced early 1998 as a 'limited edition' instrument. Nearly
five years later, it is still being produced. Let's suppose why.

This instrument is one of the seventeen or so fretted four-string Fender logo Jazz Basses featuring on the company's 2002 Frontline
catalogue, and in my view,probably offers the best combination of price,sounds,features and looks.I would like to share with the reader
my experience of a Geddy Lee Jazz Bass manufactured in April 2002.

The body is the classic Jazz shape, with a sharply-defined forearm cutaway and generous rear cutaway. It is made of alder, a good
tonewood, and is lightweight. The black finish (the only colour available) is very well done and looks stunning. Visually, the major feature here is the large,but not overly so, Leo Quan Badass II bridge,a sensible addition.

The neck really looks and feels superb. It is of one-piece maple with
rear skunk-stripe, and has black binding and black block inlays. Comparing these to those found on the American Vintage reissue '75 Jazz. one gets the impression that both features are painted on to the neck -I may well be wrong, but on the US model the fret ends are covered somewhat by the binding. In any event, the effect is unusual and very strikingly different. Side by side with an American Series Jazz, the Japanese model looks much better in its livery,painted on or otherwise. The neck is the shallowest I've seen, and is easy to play. However, truss-rod access is very poor-the neck has to be removed to get at it- and although this basshas weathered well three months of an Irish summer,I will keep an eye on it. The rerlative lack of wood in the neck has so far resulted in no problems at all. The whole feel is of a well-built instrument. The neck is affixed to the body with a neck-plate bearing a large 'spaghetti-style 'F'' and
the legend'Limited Edition'

Frets are of medium size,well-crowned and with no sharp ends.

The tuners,however, are awful. They look cheap,and the posts are loose when string tension is relaxed. They just don't fit with the overall high quality of the rest of the instrument. Thet are very easily knocked out of tune, unlike those fitted to US reissue Fenders.
I intend to replace mine soon.

Pickups are US Vintage '62 models, yet the beveled magnet slugs are silvery in colour and are look quite unlike those found in either the American-made standard or '62 -reissue basses!

Pots are US Switchcraft-type (large) and wiring is 'cloth'covered,the passive circuitry being grounded to a brass plate. All very reassuring.

Because of the tuners, I'll give this section an 8

I play a mixture of jazz,rock, pop and country and the Geddy Lee never fails to do the business. All the usual Jazz Bass sounds are there, and it delivers a throaty growl especially with one of the pots rolled back. The tendency is towards bright,because of the maple board, but with amp EQ correctly set, a warm,yet punchy,well-defined
grainy tone is there. This bass sounds very good indeed, and the sheer mass of the Badass bridge adds sustain. This bass sings-even unamplified, those notes ring out, alaways a good sign. I have not tried it in the studio,so I can't comment. On stage, its light weight and shallow neck profile make it a pleasure to play. I have four other
Jazz Basses, but this is increasing the one I take to the gig.

When delivered, the GLJB was strung with Fender 105's and fret buzz was evident. I dislike Fender strings and immediately replaced these with UK-made Rotosound 90s-my favourite. An excellent action has resulted from this one change, and onky a slight modification of intonation was required. 10 minutes work had this bass in excellent playing order. Pickup adjustment is good, with good 'travel'.
I have aleady referred to the tuners......

This is one solidly-built Fender with a good deal of US componentry.
Finishand 'fit'are good, and the whole thing exudes an air of competence. It has proven totally dependent with no adjustments required since my initial set-up. I never bring a second bass to a gig. Many reviwers of this instrument on this site have complained
about many features of this bass, and it seems to me that Fender may have been listening to them. This bass purportedly emulates Geddy Lee's early 70s Jazz Bass and from a marketing perspective would have appealed to Rush fans. I think,however, that one should view this instrument as a general-purpose Jazz Bass that,given its reasonable price, sits quite rightly at the upper end of Fender's confusing range of Jazz Basses bearing its logo.

This instrument is not available in Europe and I imported it from the US where i'd bought it from Music123.com
When I ordered it it wasn't in stock-within a week Angela had sourced one for me. very good people to deal with, and I recommend them.
I have no worries regarding warranty.

I've been a player-collector for quite some time and if this bass were lost/stolen, I'd go for another. It is a fine instrument, and
it is good to see that Japanese manufacture of Fenders continues.
With globalisation,the combination of product/quality/price has to count- don't get me wrong, but if you're in the market for a top-class Jazz Bass, this one won't disappoint. Just budget for a case, as none is supplied.

The Geddy Lee Jazz Bass is a collectable. If you are a Rush fan then it makes the bass more special. I am and always will be a Rush fan. They are only one of a handful of successful Rock bands that has managed to stay together with all the original members and that really means something to me. They have consistently shown musical integrity throughout their long carreer. This Fender Artists signature Geddy Lee bass is yet another example of then giving their fans exactly what they want and I love this bass. It has all the quality and details of a 70's jazz bass.Alder body with a maple neck. passive electronics. It's only available in black but thats what makes it cool. The badass bridge gives it a better sound and playability. The neck feels like it has been shaved compared to other jazz basses of it's era but I was told thats because Mr. Lee has his necks shaved and the Fender custom shop made an exact replica of his bass to design this series.

The sound is classic Fender Jazz bass tone. This bass is great for playing Rock N Roll and to my surprise it was fantastic for funk slap style playing......I LOVE IT ! I've heard people complain this bass doesn't have enough bottom end but I have to disagree. This bass is cool.The maple neck and midrange tone are great for slap style.

The action was great the people at the Fender factory know their stuff. I don't have to adjust anything. The vintage Fender jazz bass pickups give it the classic Fender tone.One cool thing is that unlike other Fender jazz basses, the single coil pick ups do not buzz when you only have one on. This is cool and unique. The finish is sharp looking. The black binding and black block inlays contrast well with the black body.

This bass is perfect for playing live Rock N Roll like I do. I play in a covers band and this bass can adapt to all the various styles we play. Our drummer is a Neil Peart fanatic and we have that bass and drummer commeraderie thing going on. IN THE POCKET!! The hardware and finish are both professional. Strap buttons are solid and I can depend on this bass for every gig. I don't need a back up bass because this bass is made so well.

Fender and Geddy Lee are both professionals and they know what they are doing.

This bass is a dream come true. I really respect Geddy Lee as an accomplished musician but what I respect more is he and Fender figured out a way to build and deliver a high quality instrument at a very low costs and I tip my hat to both of them. Everything from the "Limited Edition" neck plate to the "Crafted in Japan" mark on the neck look cooler then the American made jazz basses. I think it sounds just as good as an American made jazz bass but plays and looks better. One thing I thought was really great is that if you take the pickguard off the bass does not have empty cavities like all the new American and Mexican made Fender Jazz basses.This means you can have the braless jazz bass look which I always loved.(E.G. Jaco Pastorius). If Geddy Lee reads this I want to say "Thank you".

Built 2002 Japan - read the other reviews for th specifics - or visit Fenders Site for the latest specifics on the bass!

Sounds great - if you are looking for a good 75 type re-issue and want to save about half the cost - then this is the bass to play. Run it through my Peavey Rig and can get all the tones I need - some people state that you do not have the bottom end sound because of the BAII bridge - but minor adjustments on your amp and variations on the volume controls take care of that nicely!

I was surprised at how well the bass was set up - I just had to adjust the intonation a bit on the strings and it was good to go - string height and action were great out of the box! (That is why I give this an 8.

The neck is shaved so it is a bit different (quicker) than what you might be used to - after a few hours of playing - the bass felt right at home in my hands.

The Black finish is just gorgeous!

Being a Fender - I imagine it will last and last. Some people complain that there are no strap locks installed - well I never liked them (Been playing for 30+ Years) and was happy to see that they were not on the bass! The neck was great right out of the box - but due to some comments regarding the neck, I am going to keep my eye on this. After a month - no problem!

I would not hesitate to use this without a bcakup and matter of fact - this is quickly becoming my primary bass!

Never had to deal with Fender so I could not tell you - I did special order the bass - and it was back ordered - but it came in 2 weeks earlier than comitted to by Fender so that is a good thing

Overall, I would state that this is a great bass - my only beef (as with other comments) is that Fender did not include a case - had to buy one seperately for this. I've been playing for 30+ years and would rate this bass as an excellent buy for the money! I would definately buy another if someone were to steal this from me.