So how was that for an imitation of a bass guitar? Oh alright, so it was terrible.
Anyhow, I wanted to make a post about how much I love bass guitars and the wicked sound they produce. It's such a fantastic instrument, but to be honest, I think it gets neglected (for most part anyways).
Some time ago, it had dawned upon me one of the main reasons I love Rush so much was because of the way they implemented bass guitar in their music. I listen to a large variety of music and quite simply, only two or three of the bands I listen to, focus on the use of bass guitar and as far as I can see, the instrument is usually faded out and sadly, left battling it out with the drums.
Honestly, this is where Rush is above many others. It's not the playing ability per se (although Geddy Lee is an amazing player!), but it's how the songs are structured. Much of Rush's music is bass driven, yet at the same time they've managed not to neglect the other instruments. The guitars (bass and electric), as well as the drums and percussion have all been individually noted out. The majority of their music is written like this and that's what makes them so bloody entertaining to listen to. It's not often you can follow an individual instrument through the entirety of a song.
Now, allow me to go through a little history of Geddy Lee's bass guitars:
Notably, Ged started off with a Fender Jazz and continued to use them from their first album ('Rush', which came in 1974) up to 1982's 'Signals'. However when 'Grace Under Pressure' arrived in '84, The Gedster started alternating between three different units: his Fender Jazz, a Rickenbacker '4001' and lastly, a Steinberger 'L2'. Various reports indicated Rush fans were unhappy with the addition of the Steinberger - which portrayed a sound very much different to his classical Fender Jazz, but now a days, it seems that fans have grown to appreciate the change.
A prime example of a mid 80's Steinberger 'L2'
Rickenbacker '4001'
The band's experience with British record producer Peter Collins in the late 80's (who has now produced a total of four Rush records), introduced Geddy to British born 'Wal' bass guitars. By the time Geddy was using Wal units (in '87), their music had reached the peak in terms of bass line complexity. Albums such as 'Power Windows' and 'Hold Your Fire', boast not only some of the more sophisticated bass lines in Rush's own music catalog, but in music anywhere.
Tidbit: Geddy used a 5-string (!) Wal bass for the song 'Lock & Key'
Above, Geddy showing off his then newly aquired Wal bass
As for a direct comparsion between the Wal and the Steinberger? Well I'm not going into a debate about which is better. (because frankly I don't know enough about bass guitars to support such an arguement), but I've got to say that I prefer the sound of the Wal.
It's got a quirky pop to it. Hear for yourself:
However as good as the Wal and the Steinberger's sounded, Geddy dropped both by the time their 1993 album ('Counterparts') arrived. Geddy states the reason he dropped the Steinberger was because he did not like it's sound, meanwhile he says the reason the Wal was dropped was because of it's tone. Not because he disliked it, but rather because he wanted a bass which would complement the harder-rock sound of 'Counterparts' (and the poppy sound of the Wal was not proper for the album). As a result, he then went back to the sole use of his Fender Jazz unit and that eventually led to the creation of this:
Signature series "Geddy Lee Fender Jazz Bass®"
The above bass is an artist special which you can pick up for around $1,500 (USD). As for the guitar it's self, it's made to mimick one of the earliest bass guitars Geddy used.
One thing that I cannot understand is why people constantly complain about him using the Fender Jazz.. "is doesn't sound as good as.."
Are you people insane? Listen to that Fender..
Also worth watching, Geddy's solo in between 'Driven' (from the 'Rio DVD')
For their recent album ('Snakes & Arrows'), Geddy has introduced a new member to the family and it's a 'Fender Jaco Fretless Bass'. Sadly, it only makes an appearance on 'Malignant Narcissism'. (see below video)
The tone is.... infectious!
Above - 'Fender Jaco Pastorius Fretless'
So yeah...Bass guitar FTW.
Of course, such brilliant use of the bass guitar has known to exist in other musical artists. Like for example, Frozen Ghost and their song, 'Should I See'. Below, Wolf Hassel on the bass plays with a wicked tone.
While were at it, be sure to check out:
Frozen Ghost - 'Pauper In Paradise'
Everyone can use the instrument, but only a few make it an individual character.
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