Geddy Lee serial # decode....

[gearHed289]

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?

[hieronymous]

Maybe try this website? 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.

[gearHed289]

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!

[Lightyear]

I was always very impressed with them when ever I've picked one up myself.

[Hornisse]

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.

[Dave W]

The Geddy wasn't introduced until 1998.

[gearHed289]

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....

[gearHed289]

The Geddy wasn't introduced until 1998.

Cool, thanks Dave. 2005-6 it is then!

[Dave W]

You got a good deal on that.

[Highlander]

Nice one, Tom, but you know the rule...

[gearHed289]

OK, OK!  IDK what's up with my camera today, but this is the best I could do.





And the current fanboy collection....

[Hornisse]

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)

[Highlander]

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...

[gearHed289]

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!

[Dave W]

The necks are very thin (front to back) all the way down.