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Basses

Fender Jazz – 1972

Geddy Lee’s 1972 Fender Jazz Bass is one of his most iconic instruments, integral to his sound and performance with Rush. Here are the key features and characteristics of this legendary bass:

Key Features:

  1. Body:
    • Wood: Made from alder, a common choice for Fender basses, which contributes to a balanced tone with a good mix of warmth and brightness.
    • Finish: Originally a natural finish, the bass has aged beautifully over the years, with a deep amber hue developing.
  2. Neck:
    • Wood: The neck is typically made from maple, providing brightness and clarity to the sound.
    • Fingerboard: It has a rosewood fingerboard, known for its warmth and smooth feel, with a radius that allows for comfortable playability.
    • Profile: The neck features a slim profile that suits Lee’s fast playing style.
  3. Pickups:
    • The bass is equipped with two Fender single-coil pickups that offer a wide range of tones. The Jazz Bass design allows for blending the pickups for different sonic characteristics.
  4. Controls:
    • It has a traditional layout with two volume knobs (one for each pickup) and a tone control, providing versatility in shaping the sound.
  5. Hardware:
    • Bridge: The original bridge is a vintage-style Fender bridge, allowing for solid sustain and stability.
    • Tuners: Equipped with vintage-style tuners, contributing to the bass’s overall classic aesthetic.

Sound and Impact:

  • Geddy Lee’s 1972 Jazz Bass is known for its bright and punchy sound, making it ideal for the intricate lines and melodies he plays. It provides a clear, articulate tone that cuts through the mix, essential for the progressive rock style of Rush.
  • This bass has been pivotal in defining Geddy’s sound on several albums, including 2112, A Farewell to Kings, and Moving Pictures.
  • Lee’s use of this instrument in live performances has solidified its place in rock history, contributing to its status as a legendary bass.

Overall, Geddy Lee’s 1972 Fender Jazz Bass is not just an instrument but a symbol of his musical journey and a key element of Rush’s distinctive sound. Its combination of classic design and powerful tone has made it a beloved piece in the world of rock music.

Rickenbacker 4003 – 1973

Geddy Lee’s Rickenbacker 4001 bass guitar is another iconic instrument that has played a significant role in his sound and the overall sound of Rush. Here’s a detailed description of this legendary bass:

Key Features:

  1. Body:
    • Wood: Made from a combination of maple and other tonewoods, providing a bright and punchy sound with excellent sustain.
    • Shape: The Rickenbacker has a distinctive, contoured body shape that is easily recognizable.
  2. Finish:
    • Geddy’s Rickenbacker is often seen with a jetglo (black) finish, which adds a classic and sleek look to the instrument.
  3. Neck:
    • Wood: The neck is typically made from maple, offering a bright tone and stability.
    • Fingerboard: It features a rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, providing a warm feel under the fingers.
    • Profile: The neck has a slim profile, allowing for fast playing and comfortable navigation across the fretboard.
  4. Pickups:
    • The Rickenbacker 4001 is equipped with two high-output single-coil pickups, known for their unique tonal characteristics. The pickups provide a bright, punchy sound that has a pronounced midrange.
  5. Controls:
    • It has a typical Rickenbacker control layout with two volume knobs (one for each pickup), a tone knob, and a pickup selector switch, allowing for versatility in shaping the sound.
  6. Bridge:
    • The bass features a distinctive Rickenbacker bridge, which contributes to its sustain and tonal clarity.

Sound and Impact:

  • Geddy Lee’s Rickenbacker 4001 is celebrated for its bright, articulate tone, making it ideal for the complex and melodic bass lines that are a hallmark of Rush’s music. It has a pronounced attack and a unique sound that sets it apart from other basses.
  • The instrument was prominently used on several Rush albums, particularly on 2112, A Farewell to Kings, and Hemispheres, and is a key part of Geddy’s tonal identity during the band’s early years.
  • The Rickenbacker’s distinctive sound complements Geddy’s intricate playing style, allowing him to stand out in the mix, particularly in live performances.

Overall, Geddy Lee’s Rickenbacker 4001 bass guitar is not only an essential tool in his musical arsenal but also a significant piece of rock history. Its unique sound and design have made it a favorite among musicians and fans alike, contributing to the legacy of both Geddy Lee and Rush.

Steinberger – 1985

A switch in the 80s had Geddy more 80’sified with a new look, sound and some bounce.

    • appearance.
  2. Neck:
    • Material: The neck is typically made from maple, providing brightness and a smooth playing experience.
    • Fingerboard: It features a rosewood fingerboard with a flat radius, allowing for fast playing and ease of navigation across the frets.
  3. Pickups:
    • The bass is equipped with EMG active pickups, known for their clarity and punch. These pickups offer a wide range of tones, making it versatile for different styles of music.
  4. Controls:
    • The Steinberger includes controls for volume and tone, allowing Geddy to shape his sound according to his preferences.
  5. Bridge:
    • The bass features a unique trans-trem bridge system, which allows for pitch bending and other effects, adding to its versatility.

Sound and Impact:

  • Geddy Lee’s Steinberger L2 is known for its clean, punchy sound and excellent sustain, making it suitable for various musical styles. It has a bright, focused tone that works well in both live and studio settings.
  • Geddy used the Steinberger during the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly for live performances and recordings, including during the Roll the Bones and Counterparts tours. Its compact design made it a practical choice for touring.
  • The headless design and innovative features of the Steinberger set it apart from traditional basses, reflecting Geddy’s willingness to explore new technologies and sounds in his playing.

Overall, Geddy Lee’s Steinberger L2 bass is an essential part of his musical identity, contributing to the diversity of his sound throughout Rush’s extensive career. Its unique construction and capabilities showcase Lee’s innovative approach to music and instrument selection.

Wal MkI – 1992

A new English made Wal for Geddy, giving him a punch and twang for a new era.

Geddy Lee’s Wal Pro II bass is another significant instrument in his collection, known for its unique sound and craftsmanship. Here’s a detailed overview of this iconic bass guitar:

Key Features:

  1. Body:
    • Material: The body is typically made from a combination of mahogany and other woods, which contributes to its warm and resonant tone.
    • Shape: The Wal Pro II features a contoured body shape that is both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing.
  2. Neck:
    • Material: The neck is made from a combination of maple and other tonewoods, providing a bright and clear sound.
    • Fingerboard: It usually features a rosewood fingerboard, offering a smooth playing surface with a warm feel.
    • Profile: The neck profile is designed for comfortable playability, making it suitable for fast playing and complex bass lines.
  3. Pickups:
    • The Wal Pro II is equipped with active pickups, known for their clarity and dynamic response. These pickups provide a wide range of tones, allowing for versatility in Geddy’s playing style.
  4. Controls:
    • The bass features a variety of control options, including multiple volume and tone knobs, as well as switches for adjusting the pickup configurations. This allows Geddy to shape his sound extensively.
  5. Bridge:
    • The Wal Pro II includes a high-quality bridge that enhances sustain and tuning stability.

Sound and Impact:

  • Geddy Lee’s Wal Pro II is celebrated for its rich, full-bodied tone and remarkable sustain. It produces a clear, articulate sound that works well across different musical styles, making it suitable for both rock and progressive music.
  • Geddy used the Wal Pro II primarily during the early to mid-1980s, particularly on albums like Moving Pictures and Signals. Its distinct sound helped define the band’s tone during this era, especially in songs that required intricate bass lines and melodic playing.
  • The Wal Pro II is also known for its tonal versatility, allowing Geddy to achieve a wide range of sounds, from punchy and aggressive to warm and smooth.

Overall, Geddy Lee’s Wal Pro II bass is an essential part of his musical arsenal, showcasing his commitment to exploring different sounds and styles. Its craftsmanship and unique tonal characteristics have made it a notable instrument in rock history, further solidifying Geddy’s reputation as one of the greatest bassists in the genre.

Various others

As a collector and through Geddy’s Big Beautiful Book of Basses project, he acquired several stunning, unique and legendary basses. A few are listed here.

In addition to his most iconic basses like the Fender Jazz Bass, Rickenbacker 4001, Steinberger L2, and Wal Pro II, Geddy Lee has experimented with various other basses throughout his career. Here are some of his other favorites:

  1. Fender Precision Bass:
    • Geddy has occasionally used Precision Basses, known for their punchy sound and solid construction. They offer a different tonal palette compared to his Jazz Bass.
  2. Lakland 44-94:
    • Geddy has used Lakland basses, which are known for their modern features and versatility. The 44-94 model combines elements of the Jazz and Precision Basses, allowing for a wide range of tones.
  3. Ibanez Musician Bass:
    • This bass was used during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It features a unique body shape and active pickups, providing a different tonal option for Geddy.
  4. Custom Basses:
    • Over the years, Geddy has had custom basses built by various luthiers, tailored to his specifications. These custom instruments often incorporate unique designs and features.
  5. Yamaha TRB:
    • Geddy has been known to play Yamaha TRB basses, which are versatile and well-crafted, offering a modern sound and feel.
  6. Fender Mustang Bass:
    • He has occasionally used a Fender Mustang Bass, particularly for specific songs or projects, due to its short scale and unique tone.
  7. Kramer 450B:
    • Used in the early 1980s, this bass offered a distinctive sound and design that fit well with the band’s evolving style.

Summary

Geddy Lee’s approach to bass playing involves experimenting with various instruments to achieve the desired sound for specific songs and albums. His diverse collection reflects his versatility as a bassist and his commitment to exploring different tones and playing styles throughout his illustrious career with Rush.