Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass

This book is amazing! It’s the heaviest book I’ve ever held I’m sure if it. It’s beautifully done, the Bible of bass, a true gem! I got it as a gift and my brother was in love with it! Not a negative ting at all to say about it. If you love music, instruments, it’s a must have. I’ll be getting one for myself as well and will probably be gifting it again as well.

Really impressed with this book. Gorgeous photography, great information, and not surprisingly geddy comes across as the coolest guy in music. I really enjoyed this. Any bass player (or musician or rush fan) would enjoy this book.

One might accuse Geddy Lee of being self-indulgent scouring the web and stores in search of the most sought after basses and guitars, not even considering that his fame and wealth gives him a distinct advantage to rob the rest of the world of these gems. But let’s be entirely honest. Many of us bass players would do the exact same thing, if we had the grand opportunities and success he has! What Geddy has done is built a grand collection of some of the most venerable, sought-after, or in some cases suspicious 4-stringers (and more) to do what he pronounced in an interview at least once, “...to get the most out of my life.”So, why should HE have all the good ones? To be perfectly honest, I’m jealous of several that he’s acquired, and even when I’ve seen some old pre-CBS Jazz basses online that friends are showing off, I’ve jokingly stated, “Don’t let Ged see that! He’s got some henchmen that will pay you a visit!”Yes, he’s been very fortunate in the way of resources, timing, and careful use of his own fame to herd such things, but here’s what makes him so generous: He’s taken all of us on his quest, and he’s sharing what he’s found with us. Somebody like me could only imagine what he has in his collection. Now, I can see it!This book is certainly judge-able by its BEAUTIFUL cover, tasteful text, elegant artistry and composition, and everything in between, Forward…..or Backward…. If you appreciate such fine vintage instruments from Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker, and a few others, you want this book! You don’t get just a casual arm-chair writer, luthier, or repair tech’s point of view--someone who’s style of playing might be limited to bar gigs (I’m being a bit cheeky here, because Geddy mentions in an interview that he really appreciates those players, and their old worn out basses are the ones he’s been after!), you get the opinions and discoveries of someone who’s anal about tone for ages with expertise, “scientists”, hardware-builders, amp-builders, and whatever else that gave Geddy the tones you’ve heard and could not deny. You get a true road-warrior's insight and drive.Included are many instruments you may not have even known existed, all photographed, ‘silhouetted’ and perhaps framed with absolute precision and care, a very long, tedious, arduous process. You will also read the whole story of why Geddy fell into this rabbit hole, and why he felt the need to share it with fans. What you won’t see is Geddy talking negative or showing any signs of fatigue or carelessness. You also don’t get, “I’m Geddy Lee, and you’re not”. You get Geddy Lee, the revival student of bass. Although his interview questions on paper might seem direct he does acknowledge up front his editor did yank him with the proverbial stage hook to stop him from running on and on. Plus, he’s relatively new to interviewing other people. Don’t bite his legs off, you English Knnnniggits!The book flows nicely like a great setlist. And by that, I mean you get all the greats for every year he could to the late 70’s, a few surprises, superb light-show, great breaks to interview some real heroes of his and knowledgeable people who have nothing but incredible insight, and then finally, what many GL fans have always wanted to see….the HITS! The very instruments he’s been known for. Some things you will now know that you didn’t before, and some rumors debunked!Unfortunately, my copy was damaged from poor packing or rough handling, but it’s still a real treat, and a great deal!!Ok, Geddy’s editor is calling me now, so I’ll keep this short! Go get the stupid book! NOW!!

A wonderfully comprehensive collection of stunning guitars well kept and displayed. You won't regret this purchase, there's never been anything quite like it. Geddy signed my copy!

It’s a big, beautiful book of Bass. Just as advertised!

Absolutely surprised by the quality of the book and Geddy's work on the subject. Photography and print quality are excellent. Bought two, one went to a CMA Nominee.

Dispaly and reading

Cover and the pages of the book are not together-a trashed library book that has seen better days. I’m surprised at you peoples balls for dumping this crapola on a paying customer-was my money not green enough for you? Caveat Emptor!

High Quality in all aspects. Photos, interviews and the art of vintage collecting

Let's not beat about the bush, this book is superb quality. A really nice presentation that should have included gloves.Whether the actual subject is your cup of tea is another matter, but it definitely is mine.I pre-ordered mine in January for eighteen pounds delivered and i was gobsmacked when i opened the box.If you are a Rush fan you must consider buying this as its full of interesting information regarding a third of one of the most important Prog/Hard Rock bands that has ever existed.Of particular interest to me was a run down of all the gear he used during his Rush years and the photographs the go with it.The interviews i haven't got to yet but im sure they will be entertaining.My only gripe is that more bass players were not included but some of them are long gone so not much can be done about that.If you are a) a nerd, b) a Rush fan or c) a bass player im sure you will like this book very much.Everyone else should perhaps not bother.

It's big. It's beautiful. It's all about basses. AND, it's been put together under the direction of Geddy Lee. What's not to like? Simply put, this is a must for all serious (and not so serious) bass players.However, I think that the inclusion of the word "big" in the title should be taken very, very seriously. What you might find - as I did - is that your coffee table isn't large enough to display this beautiful book. Yet worry not: I'm sure that Amazon can sell you a table with the necessary style and dimensions.

I'm a bass player of many years, and Geddy Lee is one of my all time bass heroes. So after weighing up if this would be £40 well spent for months, decided 'what the hell' and bought it.It's big, its heavy, its beautifully presented, and very detailed. Geddy clearly has the money to lay down on the classic basses in this book. Lord knows what their collective value is. I couldnt afford one, let alone more. Geddy is a bass nerd who knows his stuff when it comes to basses, and shares it all in this book. The photos are lovely and clear. Unless you are loaded, you might feel a bit sad when you get to the end of the book, when you realise how prohibitively expensive and out of reach these basses are from most mortals. But it's both inspiring and a lot of fun to read.I noted that Geddy really is into his vintage gear, such that his collection does not include, for instance, any Music Man basses, considering their place in progressive rock.In summary, though, if you are a bass nerd, this will tick many boxes for you. If you're a bass nerd, and you like Rush, just buy it!

As a bass player it seemed like it would be a very interesting book, but I did hesitate as it is quite a luxury purchase. However I did take the plunge and it's a truly amazing piece of work and has great detail on some of the greatest basses ever made. Sadly it's also made me want to add to my collection by reading about some of these great basses, but at least I'll be starting my mission with a lot more knowledge.