Wylie

[quote name='thisnameistaken' timestamp='1362512639' post='2000622'] I think most basses are good enough to do anything you want. The really valuable factor is whether a particular bass makes you want to pick it up, and that's usually a combination of it being (primarily) attractive and also comfortable. [/quote] My Japanese Geddy Lee does this, in spades!

GHS flats are good, and inexpensive. D'addario Chromes are also a favorite.

As a suggestion: When I am playing 'Blue Bossa' and it changes key to Db, I will play over Eb Dorian and then maybe shift up to F Phrygian to see what in those modes I can use in that part of the tune (and in that key)--all, some, or a combination of available notes. Doing this (in a deliberately limited way) allows me to use the modes creatively in lots of tunes without strictly going mode to mode to mode, and can sound quite good when I alternate it with playing over chords.

[quote name='iceonaboy' timestamp='1362493902' post='2000092'] What exactly is the difference, if any , between made in Japan and crafted in Japan ? I have a GL which says made in, but also an Aerodyne, which says crafted I just find it strange why there is a difference in wording [/quote] As I understand it, the difference is only in the wording, and there is a difference in the sequence of serial numbers for each of those labels. Squier basses now often are stamped 'Crafted in Indonesia' (or China). The difference between 'made' and 'crafted' is probably just a matter of perceived value, i.e., craftsman vs. factory worker.

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1362438637' post='1999939'] Ironically, that's the band I get least out of as a musician. The musicians have all been playing longer than I have (and I'm in my 33rd year now) and it's tighter than a ducks bottom, but the genre just doesn't really 'do it' for me. [/quote] My experience is very limited: basically, the jazz trio I play with now, though I have to say my trio-mates are fabulous musicians and I am constantly learning from them. But I agree here: the blues -- to me, anyway -- is just boring. tg

[attachment=129098:jazz bass 1.jpg][quote name='ped' timestamp='1198523103' post='109042'] ..Go on then! [/quote]

I have a MIJ Geddy Lee, and the serial number is clearly printed on the back of the neck, at the neck-body join. I believe the serial numbers for all Japan-made Fenders appear there. If no serial number appears there, I'd certainly be suspicious. I can't answer your question about the electronics (someone else surely will) but you ask for an opinion on whether 'these are . . . better versions.' Better than CIJ Geddy Lees, or better than Mexican-made Geddys? I've owned two Japan-made Fenders, and in my opinion the Japanese Fender basses are better than any bass in the universe! But again, others will give you more (possibly tons more) information along these lines. I have heard that Mexican-made Geddy Lees have problems. tg

Geddy Lee jazz, Schroeder 2x10, Carvin micro-bass.

What a beauty.

[quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1358837760' post='1945733'] I am in the process of possibly buying a bolt on bass from someone overseas. They are offering to send the bass in a state with the neck taken off from the body, as the shipping will be easier, cheaper and safer for them as the bass does not come with a hardcase. I am somewhat nervous about this as I would worry about not fitting the neck back on properly. Is it an idiot-proof procedure, just a few screws ? Is the torque on the screws critical ? I wouldn't want to strip the thread in the wood. Would appreciate your thoughts. Electronics I'm pretty good at but this aspect of guitars would be new to me. [/quote] After reading all of the replies, I'd strongly suggest you also read 'How to Shim a Neck' on this site under 'Repairs and Technical' -- it's easily found at the top of the forum. Forget about the 'shim' part; the article has solid step-by-step instructions, with photos, for re-bolting a neck. tg

[quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1358538619' post='1941222'] Sharay Reed (for those of you that don't know who he is): [url="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pATcvr3zAhg"]http://m.youtube.com...h?v=pATcvr3zAhg[/url] [/quote] Reed is incredible on that gospel jam! Also Richard Bona: bonamusic.com tg

[quote name='WishIcouldplay' timestamp='1358450826' post='1939515'] Can anyone recommend where I can get a mint green Fender Jazz Pick guard?? thanks [/quote] In the States, terrapinguitars.com tg

"Have we done this before?" "How does this go again?" "And you are ... who?"

D'addario nickel wound and GHS flats.

[quote name='Donnyboy' timestamp='1357761191' post='1928069'] Here it is with the close family..... Got it fairly recently and am very pleased with it- good quality and finish - doesn't feel short-scale. Body is sized for bass. It can shift some air - on the humbucker it's a bit scary!!! [/quote] Attractive family!!

[quote name='vmaxblues' timestamp='1357765171' post='1928163'] Hi guys, I am trying to find a black scratchplate for a Fender Japan Geddy Lee Jazz, don't want to fiddle around with a pattern one. Any ideas who might do them in the UK? Cheers Stuart [/quote] I know you asked for UK, but I am in USA and recently ordered and received a pickguard from Terrapin Guitars (www.terrapinguitars.com). They ship internationally. They offer a lot of choices, and they give customers the option of buying a laser-cut mock-up from them ($5) before you buy the pickguard, so that you can make sure the pickguard will be a precise match. I did this. Pickguards range from about $33 to $49. You're probably aware that a Geddy Lee jazz pickguard is hard to find; fit depends on where it's made. I'd recommend them. tg

[quote name='GuyR' timestamp='1357769223' post='1928258'] There is a wide range of variation in feel, sound and weight between supposedly identical basses, so it may be the American Fender was a below-average one and the Squier a good one. If you are a "novice" (God, I hate to sound patronising and do not wish to sound rude) you might find as you become more experienced, the differences become more apparent. [/quote] 1+ I've owned Squier '77 jazz model (Indonesian make) and now Geddy Lee jazz (Japan) and the differences are large, not small. While the Squier is a good bass, the Japanese-made Fender is superior in all areas.

[quote name='afterimage' timestamp='1354394620' post='1885598'] Will do a comparison. One day.with a japanese build. I got a great deal on mine escaped the dressed vat so well worth the price [/quote] Just got my Geddy Lee Japan-crafted and couldn't be happier. Neck profile is quite slim; less pain playing certain runs on the E string. All the workmanship is tops, the instrument is beautiful, the electronics first-rate -- and I got it for a very nice price (and some Japanese Fenders are hard to get here). I'd be interested to play a Mexican version and will if I get the chance. tg

[quote name='Inti' timestamp='1357036661' post='1916495'] I've been into several forums now where there seems to be a tabu around talking about someone being better or worse in musical situations. I wonder what the debate climate looks like here in bass chat so I put the discussion on the table: Is it possible to be better or worse than anyone in art? Are we all the same? Is this too subjective to measure? Isn't this thinking curling the way for laziness to take advantage of people with the will to grow? Etc, etc... [/quote] Great/good/less good/mediocre/bad? ... Definitely. Without standards, it's all babble.

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1356790019' post='1913624'] I use a 70w amp with a Barefaced cab. If I want the big lows I go to a 140w amp. Why do people have more than 100w? Probably because they or their band are using the wrong stuff, or don't actually know what they want. Those are the reason the music gear manufacturers are still in business, people have been constantly told they need more, even though you can expect a far better PA in venues than were available when a 30w guitar amp was enough and a 300w bass head was mind blowingly huge, and speakers have got more efficient since. I have a 1000w amp, its rating is at 0.1%thd, which is not nearly a audible amount, but you can measure tiny amounts of distortion. [/quote] Very interesting and informative ... thanks all.

New Geddy Lee jazz (JPN) has completely exceeded my expectations: workmanship is first rate, tones are balanced all over the board (and no dead notes), finish is beautiful, with lacquered (polyurethaned?) neck and headstock, pots are silent and effective, the pickups are massive (in tone, not size :-) and the growling quality of this thing is worth every penny I paid. Had the additional good luck to get an older style black, Fender logo-bearing hard case with it. Pure heaven!

Practiced twice, total about 1.5 hours. Keep going back to basics, which I suck at. Have to keep doing the same stuff over and over and over and over ...

[quote name='Kees_SoS' timestamp='1356710129' post='1912774'] I own a 2010 example in sunburst and it's one of the most stable instruments I've ever owned. It doesn't have the depth or warmth of my '74 Jazz, but I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a decent '70s Jazz bass at an affordable price. [/quote] Not what I'd call warm, either, but everything about it is fabulous. Roll off the tone a bit and the growl is captivating. I'm repeating myself. I don't know what's affordable for you guys with Jap Fenders, but this one was a steal at $750, that's with black hardshell Fender case (older model than the current tweed). tg

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1356554122' post='1911173'] Good aren't they? [/quote] Incredible. I've been playing it all day. Sharp looking instrument, too.

Took possession today of a nearly new GL Jazz, made in Japan, from a fellow who decided he didn't want to play bass after all -- my luck to get a great bass at a great price, including Fender case. The cellophane was still on the pickguard. What a bass! Factory strings (which I'll keep) great aggressive growl, not a dead note anywhere, action low and precise. Fit and finish, all that, perfect. A formal review isn't needed, I think; I'm sure it's been reviewed before now. Couldn't be better! [attachment=125734:bigDSCN4530.jpg]