Geddy Lee - Strings?

sadokun · Post by **sadokun** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 6:01 am

Any idea what kind of string Geddy Lee used during his 4001 days? I'm in a Rush cover group and just recently picked up my first 4003, and am looking to reproduce his early sound as best as possible! Suffice to say... Ged's lines don't sound that great on an Ib**ez...

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 7:26 am

I believe it was rotosound ...

prog_rockin_metal_man · Sat Oct 21, 2006 7:53 am

yup rotosound...he also had the cap in his 4001 so if you have the new tone control put it on the "capped" setting.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 9:37 am

Geddy had the cap but he also worked hard to get some low-end out of the bass. The lack of low-end is the reason he does not use the 4001 today. The cap is not necessary IMHO.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 9:49 am

Yeah, I though he used Rotosound also. He was using the .045 - .095 gauge, but I'm not sure if he started using that light gauge before or after the switch from the 4001 to the boat paddle.

congerz83 · Post by **congerz83** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 10:02 am

Would my 4001C64S have this "capped sound?"

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 10:18 am

I recall him saying he switched to lighter strings when he used the wal bass

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 10:36 am

I didn't like his tone at all when he used the Wal, way too thin and wimpy.

geddeeee · Post by **geddeeee** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 1:27 pm

45-105 standard gauge Rotosound Swing Bass...

jon · Post by **jon** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 4:10 pm

Geddy certainly uses lighter strings than that now, according to interviews, but is there somewhere where Geddy states what he was using in those days? I'm not saying it's wrong Mark, I'm just curious.

geddeeee · Post by **geddeeee** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 4:29 pm

No, he still uses those strings now. On the Steinberger and the Wal he used lighter gauge Funkmaster strings. In the 4001 days there weren't really that many different gauges of Rotosound strings around.
I know he used those gauge strings 'cos I had a chance to talk to the great man in 1980 and asked him a few questions. One of which was about strings. It's the reason I used that particular gauge and make, Rotosound Swing Bass 45-105....

prog_rockin_metal_man · Sat Oct 21, 2006 4:37 pm

wow mark...I would give anything to have a chat with Geddy. What else did you guys talk about?

jon · Post by **jon** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 5:52 pm

Cool Mark, straight from the horse's mouth!

geddeeee · Post by **geddeeee** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 3:25 am

We talked for about 20 minutes. He's a really nice guy. We talked strings, how Rush were great, in my eyes. He also showed me his mutant middle finger with the thick fingernail. I think that is part of how he gets his sound. I was only about 16 at the time. I tried to be mature, but I think I was a bit in awe. I didn't even get his autograph, damn!!
But it's something I'll always remember.
I've since switched my gauge to 40,60,80,100 as I prefer them, but it's always got to be Rotosound.
I've tried nearly all strings available, but the Rotos seem to suit me down to the ground. I just love their unique punch and ring. They don't last too long, but I always make sure I've got the money to buy a new set.

green_us90 · Post by **green_us90** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 6:55 am

I have that Rotosound set, the Swing BAss .105's on my '54 Fender Reissue Single coil Precision. It makes that bass clank, and for a few of my band's Rush inspired tunes, I had the same type of string on my 4003, wuth the tone cap on. Clanked, but not nearly enough fretbuzz to sound like Geddy- the buzz is KEY.