CIJ Geddy Lee or Skyline DJ4?

Esoge

Esoge

Jun 22, 2014
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Glassboro, NJ
#1
So I have been in love with my CIJ Geddy Lee since I decided to buy the thing off the wall from my old job in '09. It's got the lower output pickups and even that I never cared about because the tone that is there is perfect and it plays like a gem.

However, as of late I've been thinking about picking up another Jazz. Maybe it's just time to move on from the Geddy and try something different tonally. Frankly the boring black paint job has always bothered me (yay another black bass) and I just didn't want to spend the money to get it professionally redone.

On the other hand the Lakland DJ4 (of which I hear nothing but good things) comes in exactly the color I wanted when I bought my Geddy Lee Jazz anyway (natural with maple - I love that classic 70s Jazz look with the inlays and everything). The truth of the matter is I can't afford or justify both so I'd need to sell my Geddy Lee and probably my Squire Vintage Modified Jaguar bass with a MIM Fretless neck in order to cover most (or possibly all if I can find a good one used in my color scheme).

What are the suggestions of the TB crowd?

P.S. If we could let's not have this turn into a Lakland vs. Fender thread. Just looking to talk to people well experienced with both instruments and overall opinions and comparisons.
 
#6
pudgychef said:
Skyline or US DJ?
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For me, this is the key question!

If we are talking about a US DJ4 then yes, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

On the other hand, if we were talking about an Skyline DJ4, then problably I would not. And I am the proud owner of a natural & maple Skyline DJ4! Those basses are amazing, but so is your Geddy. And you already know and love that bass. I honestly think that, even if you'd probably enjoy the sound and feel of the Lakie (those necks drool), you'd end up missing your old bass.

Edit: Now I see that in the title is clearly stated that we are talking about the Skyline! :banghead:
 
#8
Wito said:
For me, this is the key question!

If we are talking about a US DJ4 then yes, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

On the other hand, if we were talking about an Skyline DJ4, then problably I would not. And I am the proud owner of a natural & maple Skyline DJ4! Those basses are amazing, but so is your Geddy. And you already know and love that bass. I honestly think that, even if you'd probably enjoy the sound and feel of the Lakie (those necks drool), you'd end up missing your old bass.

Edit: Now I see that in the title is clearly stated that we are talking about the Skyline! :banghead:
Click to expand...

This may be a big deciding factor. If I could afford both it'd be a no-brainer, but since I can likely only have one (or save some more funds which requires patience and discipline - I have little to none :D ) unless I'm gonna go all out on a US DJ4 it doesn't make sense (other than aesthetic reasons) to get rid of my Geddy for another import Jazz (even if it is gorgeous and loverly sounding).
 
#9
Having not played a CIJ Geddy, but having had a bunch of boutique jazz style basses, I had a MIK DJ4 (white/maple) and it was STELLAR, for what it was. Mine was pretty lightweight, and I've heard they vary (that may be more about the era/origin since some were Indo and some were Korean), but I have kicked myself several times for letting it go. Very comfortable and playable and great tone. I'd buy another one in a second.

Seems like a pretty reasonable comparo, given the relatively close price points and the slimmer neck attributes of both basses (correct me if I'm wrong on that). Good luck with it!

My .02c is that you should play one before you decide to switch horses, to ensure that you are choosing the one you like better, if you can't keep both.
 
#10
Greetings from just up the road in Cherry Hill! I have a Skyline DJ4 (Korean) and it is a great bass. It seems like you really love your Geddy model. Changing the pick guard can really help shake things up and freshen the appearance. Black on black with maple is pretty BadAss looking (pun intended). Tort or white pearloid would look good too.

IMm2_Fender-American-Dlx-2010-Blk4.jpg
 
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#11
Icculus said:
Greetings from just up the road in Cherry Hill! I have a Skyline DJ4 (Korean) and it is a great bass. It seems like you really love your Geddy model. Changing the pick guard can really help shake things up and freshen the appearance. Black on black with maple is pretty BadAss looking (pun intended). Tort or white pearloid would look good too.

IMm2_Fender-American-Dlx-2010-Blk4.jpg
Click to expand...

Greetings neighbor. I had a plan at one point to make a bunch of changes to my Geddy at one point. Gold Hardware, new pickguard, etc. just to Jazz it up (pun also intended), but I never pulled the trigger because aesthetics matter to me minimally truthfully. If I had the money I'd be more vain, but I don't so I'll accept a bass that plays great yet looks boring every day of the week. Sad, but true.

May have to see if I can get my hands on a DJ4 to try just don't know where locally.
 
#12
Esoge said:
So I have been in love with my CIJ Geddy Lee since I decided to buy the thing off the wall from my old job in '09. It's got the lower output pickups and even that I never cared about because the tone that is there is perfect and it plays like a gem.

However, as of late I've been thinking about picking up another Jazz. Maybe it's just time to move on from the Geddy and try something different tonally. Frankly the boring black paint job has always bothered me (yay another black bass) and I just didn't want to spend the money to get it professionally redone.

On the other hand the Lakland DJ4 (of which I hear nothing but good things) comes in exactly the color I wanted when I bought my Geddy Lee Jazz anyway (natural with maple - I love that classic 70s Jazz look with the inlays and everything). The truth of the matter is I can't afford or justify both so I'd need to sell my Geddy Lee and probably my Squire Vintage Modified Jaguar bass with a MIM Fretless neck in order to cover most (or possibly all if I can find a good one used in my color scheme).

What are the suggestions of the TB crowd?

P.S. If we could let's not have this turn into a Lakland vs. Fender thread. Just looking to talk to people well experienced with both instruments and overall opinions and comparisons.
Click to expand...

Honestly not sure if it is worth the cash to move from a Japanese Fender to a Skyline. The Japanese J basses are some of the ones people always regret selling.

If you wanted to move to a 5 string, I'd definitely suggest a Lakland over a Fender.
 
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#13
AngelCrusher said:
Honestly not sure if it is worth the cash to move from a Japanese Fender to a Skyline. The Japanese J basses are some of the ones people always regret selling.

If you wanted to move to a 5 string, I'd definitely suggest a Lakland over a Fender.
Click to expand...

I've tried 5 strings and enjoyed them, but never keep them. I don't use the 5 extra notes that much and I could do without the extra string rattle (I know a technique thing I'd adjust to, but still)... I have yet to find what I need a 5 string for.
 
#14
Esoge said:
I've tried 5 strings and enjoyed them, but never keep them. I don't use the 5 extra notes that much and I could do without the extra string rattle (I know a technique thing I'd adjust to, but still)... I have yet to find what I need a 5 string for.
Click to expand...

If that is the case I would stay with the Japanese Geddy honestly. Just buying a bass for the color of it would probably result in some regret down the road. If you are doing studio work a lot, the 5 string Lakland is more versatile, especially since it is passive. I say that just because of your disclosure listing a studio. I do a lot of R&B and hip hop stuff now and the 5 string has saved my butt a lot. I actually have one client who needs a 6 string so it's nice I have that as well. If you are doing sessions I'd definitely suggest getting a 5 string and learning it. If not, you can disregard everything I just said..lol.
 
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#18
I always ask myself if I actually like a piece of gear. The feel, sound, playability, vibe, and how it makes me play. If I do, it does not get sold, ever. I've sold a few things I shouldn't have to learn this, and bought many many more that were kind of dumb. I believe this sums it up well:

wisdom.jpg
 
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#19
Yeah I think it's settled for now. Keep the Geddy. If anything save up for a while and get the Skyline DJ4 down the line. Made in America in and of itself means squat to me. The best basses I own were all made in Asia and the two MIA's I had I didn't keep. I've played some great MIA's and even those weren't worth their price tag in most instances compared to the same quality in MIJ instruments. Not to say I wouldn't love a USA DJ4, but unless it was a steal I'll probably go Skyline every time.
 
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#20
My CIJ Geddy. Now with Dimarzio Ultra jazzes and Audere 4 Band Pre. I am never getting rAuderePre.JPG id of this bass. Even if I get another jazz. This one is mine and is going to stay mine. If you get rid of yours you are going to miss it. Just save up and get another jazz and have both.
 
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