The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Fender Basses => Topic started by: gearHed289 on July 24, 2010, 01:30:41 PM

Title: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: gearHed289 on July 24, 2010, 01:30:41 PM
I just scored a used GL Jazz Bass on ebay and I'm trying to figure out what year it is. Srial # S 03 XXXX. The Fender website has a page for Japanese instruments showing S + six digits as being 1994-95. But there is a separate short list at the bottom of the page for "Crafted in Japan" which this bass is. That list stops at R + five digits. ??? When did they introduce these basses?
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: hieronymous on July 24, 2010, 03:11:38 PM
Maybe try this website (http://www.guitardaterproject.org/fender.aspx)? I plugged in a random serial number with your codes and it said 2005-6. And actually it makes sense - I have two Fender Japans with the Q prefix and bought them around 2003-4.
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: gearHed289 on July 24, 2010, 07:43:16 PM
Interesting. I'm coming up with 1994-95 still, unless I select the "Crafted in Japan printed on headstock" option, which then says 2005-6. However, the CIJ is not actually on the headstock, it's on the back of the neck near the heel. Still a mystery....

I hadn't realized these were Fuji-gen instruments. Good to know!
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: Lightyear on July 24, 2010, 07:57:29 PM
I was always very impressed with them when ever I've picked one up myself.
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: Hornisse on July 24, 2010, 08:33:59 PM
IIRC these came out around 1997-98.  The Noel Redding and Duck Dunn basses came out around that same time.  The Geddy was supposed to be limited like those other 2 basses.  I think the early ones have the Limited Edition neck plate on them.
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: Dave W on July 24, 2010, 08:43:19 PM
The Geddy wasn't introduced until 1998.
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: gearHed289 on July 24, 2010, 08:45:43 PM
Quote from: Hörnisse on July 24, 2010, 08:33:59 PM
I think the early ones have the Limited Edition neck plate on them.

Yeah, I was kinda hoping to get one of those, but, eh... no biggie. The price was right at $600 shipped, WITH a case instead of the gig bag. With the U.S. pickups, Badass bridge, and that AWESOME neck, this thing's pretty much a keeper. I've never been a Fender guy, but it's always been in the back of my mind that I should have at least one, and I've always dug Jazz basses. I've just struck out on finding one that I really liked. I like this one! It came with a black pickguard on it, as well as the original white one. Man, what an improvement. Looks totally bad ass! Pics soon....
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: gearHed289 on July 24, 2010, 08:47:44 PM
Quote from: Dave W on July 24, 2010, 08:43:19 PM
The Geddy wasn't introduced until 1998.

Cool, thanks Dave. 2005-6 it is then!
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: Dave W on July 24, 2010, 08:48:29 PM
You got a good deal on that.
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: Highlander on July 25, 2010, 05:16:11 AM
Nice one, Tom, but you know the rule... ;)

:popcorn:
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: gearHed289 on July 25, 2010, 08:10:00 AM
OK, OK!  :P IDK what's up with my camera today, but this is the best I could do.

(http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/5803/gljazzfull.jpg)

(http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1865/gljazzbody.jpg)

And the current fanboy collection....
(http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/7844/fanboy.jpg)
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: Hornisse on July 25, 2010, 09:46:00 AM
Very nice!  I had a GL neck on a P bass several years back.  They are very fast necks.  Remind me of the old Peavey Palaedium necks. (Jeff Berlin bass)
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: Highlander on July 25, 2010, 03:06:37 PM
Nice touch with the cross-screen, Tom...

How do they compare to regular Jazz necks...? What makes them so different...

The budget Squier I picked up recently is a really nice player so just curiosity...
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: gearHed289 on July 25, 2010, 05:09:06 PM
Quote from: Kenny's 51st State on July 25, 2010, 03:06:37 PM
How do they compare to regular Jazz necks...? What makes them so different...

They get really flat as you get up toward the 12th fret. Reminds me of a wider version of my 4001CS. Just super comfy and inviting!
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: Dave W on July 25, 2010, 05:47:35 PM
The necks are very thin (front to back) all the way down.
Title: Re: Geddy Lee serial # decode....
Post by: Highlander on July 26, 2010, 01:10:58 PM
Anyone got the equipment to measure one at the 5th and 12th...?