Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass

by Geddy Lee

"It's not surprising that sooner or later I'd dive down the proverbial rabbit hole into the world of vintage bass guitars."—Geddy Lee





From Rush frontman Geddy Lee's personal collection of vintage electric bass guitars, dating from the 1950s to the 1980s, comes the definitive volume on the subject.



Geddy's love of the bass has been nurtured over a lifetime spent in the limelight as one of the world's premier rock bassists. For the past seven years, he's dedicated himself to studying the history of the instrument that's been so essential to his career, collecting hundreds of basses from around the globe, 250 of which are presented here in breathtaking detail with specially commissioned photography by Richard Sibbald.

Representing every tone in the bass palette, every nuance of the rock and roll genre as well as blues, jazz, pop, and country, this one-of-a-kind collection features so-called "beauty queens"—pristine instruments never lifted from their cases—as well as "road warriors"—well-worn, sweat-soaked basses that proudly show their age and use. Complete with personal commentary from Geddy that showcases his knowledge both as a musician and an aficionado, this luxuriously produced volume is a revelatory look at the heavy hitters in the world of bass—Fender, Gibson/Epiphone, Rickenbacker, Höfner, Ampeg—and lesser known but influential global luthiers such as Antonio Wandr Pioli, Dan Armstrong, and Tony Zemaitis.

The book also features interviews with John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin); Adam Clayton (U2); Robert Trujillo (Metallica); Jeff Tweedy (Wilco); Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones); Les Claypool (Primus); Bob Daisley (Rainbow); Fender expert and owner of the legendary Gibson Explorer, Bass Ken Collins; veteran guitar tech for The Who, Alan Rogan; plus comments from many other great players across three decades of rock and roll.

Written in Geddy's singular voice, this book reveals the stories, songs, and history behind the instruments of his inimitable collection. Complete with an index and a graphically designed timeline of the history of the bass, as well as an up-close look at Geddy's basses on Rush's final R40 Tour, his stage and recording gear from 1968 to 2017, and forewords by author and respected vintage expert, Terry Foster, and Rush band member, Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass is the ultimate compendium for the consummate collector, musician, Rush fan, and anyone who loves the bass guitar.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History

408 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2018

About the author

Geddy Lee (29 July, 1953) born Gary Lee Weinrib, is a Canadian musician, best known as the lead vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for the rock group Rush since 1968.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass by by Geddy Lee, Daniel Richler (Text & Editorial Collaborator), Richard Sibbald (Photographer), Terry Foster (Contributor), Alex Lifeson (Contributor) is a 2018 Harper Design/HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C. Publication.

Gorgeous Book!

In hundred percent honesty, I never gave the bass the credit it was due until I heard RUSH, and then had the pleasure of seeing them perform live. MTV videos also allowed people to watch Geddy play the instrument, and believe me, he takes it to a whole new level.

Once I discovered RUSH, I started noticing the bass contributions in songs much more often,and grew to fully appreciate the instrument on the same level I had previous bestowed my praise on the guitar, vocals, keyboards or percussion.

This book is almost like a love letter to the instrument from a true maestro and dedicated collector. The book is presented like a coffee table book, therefore, it includes pages and pages of photographs.

The text is very interesting and informative, appealing to both the casual fan, and the aficionado. The interviews included with other prominent bassists was a fun treat too.

This would be a fun way to learn about the instrument if you aren’t all that knowledgeable about it. Diehard enthusiasts will really love this book, and collectors will salivate.

Lee’s exuberance is palpable, and it is obvious he is quite passionate about the bass, but also about collecting. It only makes sense that Geddy would get into collecting vintage bass guitars and it is obvious he takes pride in the collection and has generously shared it with all of us.

All music fans will appreciate the labor of love- Rush fans will feel a little bittersweet, and collectors will recognize the passion and obsession Geddy reveals in these pages.

Outstanding!!

[Jack Chaucer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate book for bass junkies by one of the best players ever. Fantastic photos, anecdotes, interviews with other bass gurus and more from rock legend Geddy Lee of Rush, who has a huge collection of basses -- all years, makes, models and cool colors. A bass player myself with a modest collection of two (new Fender Mustang and old Washburn Force 4), I asked for this book for Christmas and it took me most of 2020 to devour it, but well worth the time and a welcome refuge from the pandemic-protest-political mayhem. I saw Rush in concert twice (Milwaukee 1988 and Providence 1994) and they totally rocked. I also knew Geddy would rock it with this big beautiful book about the tools of his trade and he exceeded my expectations yet again. RIP Neal Peart!

[Sarah Kauthen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, here's a man who has his basses covered.

[Joe Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although bearing the appearance of a coffee table book, the Big Beautiful Book of Bass is so much more than a casual read. It's a documentation of an obsession, gorgeously laid out and packed full of wonderful factoids, fascinating tales and sumptuous photography.

Bursting with passion, these 400 pages bristle with childlike excitement as Rush's bassist extraordinaire takes the reader on a deeply personal journey through his fanatical collection, never shirking on the smaller details and somehow making every one of the 250+ featured basses seem uniquely interesting and totally individual.

Each instrumental sub-section is separated by a series of glorious interviews with famous bassists and collectors, each of which providing their own insight into the world of the bass guitar. Again, Geddy's passion is bursting at the seams as he chats joyfully with his subjects, revealing a new talent for drawing some wonderful, personal responses through his in-depth conversational interview style.

Less of a necessity for the casual Rush fan, this book is an absolute must-read for anyone with more than a fleeting interest in the bass guitar and its history. I've been playing bass for eight years but I've learnt more about my instrument of choice by simply poring over these pages for two months.

Beware, however; it certainly is big, and makes for a very cumbersome bedtime read!

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the layout to the choice of guest writers featured, this book is incredibly well done and a great read. I wish I could deduct a half star for the outside cover’s texture, but the pages within are so well presented, that I’m comfortable leaving at 5 stars.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bogen enhver bassist bør læse og eje, kort og godt.

[Randal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow, what a collection. The details and stories behind the gear was amazing 🤙

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

fan freaking tastic

One of the bass legends of our time expounding on all things bass. Beautiful full colour photos make this book a dream come true. There are also great interviews with other bass luminaries such as John Paul Jones. This book is the best.

[Jeffrey (Akiva) Savett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is less review, more sorta journal entry.

I teared up when I finished reading this massive and beautiful tome.

For a lot of reasons.

Because I got it signed by Geddy whom I’ve listened to, watched, and admired for going on 35 years now. And have now met. It was a disaster. Though I’ve never experienced it before and stand in no real awe of fame, I was star struck. I had a speech prepared. I said nothing but “hi,” “I’m good,” and “thanks.” Luckily, I did get a fist bump.

Because Rush, the band as it’s been and was, is no more.

Because, honestly, Geddy-as-collector is NUTS. In the introduction, he talks about falling down the rabbit hole into the different passions and obsessions which have overcome him. There’s a ton of ME I see in his OCD attention to detail, and to completion. His collections of basses and baseball memorabilia (if you’ve seen the documentary, you know what I’m talking about) are OUT OF HIS CONTROL. If I had his money, I can see myself acting similarly, because I HAVE on many occasions, just on much smaller scales.

Because I got this in the beginning of the summer and I’ve now finally finished reading it at the summer’s end.

I’m gonna pat myself on the back for this one! I don’t PLAY bass. I’ve tried learning guitar five or six times in my life and I can play about 10 chords, but I’m no good and don’t currently own a guitar. And yet—because this was a labor of love for Geddy to write and a pilgrimage of love (up I-95 to Philly for 2.5 hours...not exactly the hajj) for me to get signed—I read every single word of this book and closely examined every single stellar photograph.

The book truly is a work of art which was Geddy’s intent, as he was trying to display the artistry and beauty of his instrument of choice.

Unless you’re a diehard Rush fan or bassist, there’s really no reason for you to read this. And I’m beyond thrilled that I did.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not necessarily a comprehensive overview of the history of the bass guitar, this grand book on Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful collection of basses is so incredibly extensive that you get an awe inspiring view of the vast range and beauty of the instrument along with the people who crafted them and put them to use. With a focus on the early modern basses from the 1950's through the '70's, Geddy gives perspectives on each instrument's practical and artistic design, historic tidbits of note, and his own sentiments regarding the sound, playability and beauty of each one.

So many basses! Not just Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker; the "Around the World in 80 Basses" section displays a wide range of brands and styles. The amount and level of information is just right and more than just supplemented by so many gorgeous photographs of the basses in Geddy's collection. The large page photos give wide views along with close-ups on cool points of interest. "The tools of my trade", as Geddy puts it in the "My Favorite Headaches" section where he shows his heavily used studio and touring basses.

As a Rush fan since 1982 and a steady bass player soon after, Geddy Lee has easily been the biggest musical influence in my life. But, while I'm a bit biased, I would think that there's something in this book for everyone, Rush fan, musician or otherwise.

[Tom Huguelet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books delivers as advertised. It's big, it's beautiful, and it's Geddy Lee's. I liked the anecdotes, and the level of detail and background stories provided. I was surprised that Geddy's bass collection is so idiosyncratic. He's got a thing for only a certain type of basses (Fender Jazzes obviously, but also Ampeg's. Höfner's, and a bunch of Italian art-deco things). There are a few errors in the book, but anything this broad is likely to have a few. Essential reading for bass nerds.

[MJPDX · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a music geek like me, and especially if you are a bass player, this luxe coffee table book has over 400 pages of beautifully photographed musical instruments, mostly basses, from the collection of Mr. Geddy Lee himself. There's a plethora of facts about the instruments, the history of the manufacturers represented, and valuable trivia on minor and major year to year changes of the many models shown. Add that to Geddy's often humorous writing style and interviews with some of the greats: Bill Wyman, Les Claypool, John Paul Jones, Robert Trujillo and others.

The book itself is stunning. Well made with a super-deluxe silver foil embossed cover and binding. It's heavy!

Highly recommended for the bassist/rock historian in you home!

[Dana Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a Rush fan, bass player and an instrument junkie. This book was a must-read. It’s beautiful and extremely entertaining. Without lowering my star-rating, I’m going to share some issues I had with it. 1) I want more tech-specs on the instruments. What does that knob/switch/Jack do? 2) The tiny brown-on-black photo captions are all but unreadable. One can only assume they were trying to avoid drawing attention away from the pictures. 3) It’s so freaking unwieldy. It’s got to weigh more than many of the instruments featured inside.
Like basses?
Like Rush?
Like photography?
Check it out!

[Jim Razinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is s stunningly gorgeous book. Geddy's passion shines throughout. Meticulous histories, beautiful photographic works of art, insightful interviews and candid revelations. I'll return to this often just to bask.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovingly photographed. Encyclopedic in its breadth. Despite weighing a ton, I think the only fault is not having more interviews with the musicians.

[Utamakura 69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

For bass guitars lovers indeed...

Warning! Pure bass guitar porn ! The pictures are superb (not like the printed edition but...). The interviews are very elucidative, my favorite was Bill Wyman words. Must have book if you like rock’n roll history.

[Jay Gabler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author proves an amiable tour guide through the history of electric bass guitars, starting in 1952 with the first mass-production model. Fender's Precision bass was given its name because it included frets like a guitar, so players could hit notes precisely. "Leo Fender's concept for the instrument," writes Lee, "was that anyone who could play a guitar could now play the bass."

While Lee is an accessible writer, he doesn't often slow down to explain his jargon, so good luck if you don't already know what a "stinger" or a "clover leaf tuner" is. I still don't quite understand why the original Gibson Thunderbird was a "reverse" bass, or what exactly changed when the company started producing "non-reverse" models.

Lee writes that the first time he played a Thunderbird with Rush, "it got quite a number of shocked looks from the crowd." Those were some very attentive fans, but then, what would you expect from the front rows of a Rush show in 2015? Even those who aren't so attentive, though, will recognize some of the iconic models here.

I reviewed Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass for The Current.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels a little weird to be rating and reviewing a special interest coffee table book, but I did flip through every page and read every bit of text. So I did, in fact, read this book.

This is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. It's a big, beautiful book full of bass guitars. The photos are incredible, showing the unique details of each piece in Lee's collection. The little text blurbs are informative (especially with the Fender basses, noting the minute changes year after year), but they retain Lee's voice so it feels like he is showing you the instrument and pointing out the details himself. The book also goes beyond the technical details of the instruments. He shares interesting stories about where some of the specific instruments came from and if they had interesting owners or paths of ownership. There are also interviews with big names in bass musicianship like John Paul Jones, Bill Wyman, and Les Claypool that read like friends having conversations rather than journalism.

It's worth remembering that this book only represents Lee's own personal collection of basses and is not exhaustive. There are no Music Man or Alembic basses, for example. However, it still contained things that I didn't even know existed like the Fender Bass V and the Ampeg Devil Bass. And yes, since this is Geddy Lee's book, there is a section dedicated solely to his recording and touring instruments for Rush fans.

There are a few typos and errors and some questionable design choices (Red italic print on black pages? Really?), but it's overall a great book for fans of bass guitar, rock music, and/or Rush.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A doorstop of a coffee-table book that is basically a love letter to the bass guitar. Back in my high school days during the mid-'80s I played guitar (badly) and then switched over to playing bass (slightly-less badly) with some friends in a garage band. And I've been a die-hard Rush fan basically since that time, so I pretty much knew going in I'd find it fascinating.

It was. Geddy's comments on his 250 or so basses, alongside the interviews with the likes of Primus' Les Claypool, Zeppelin's John Paul Jones, Metallica's Robert Trujillo & The Stones' Bill Wyman are insightful/entertaining - but for me the photography of the instruments was the highlight. I found a parallel in the manner the basses were arranged/photographed to the way the camera crew would shoot the video of the cars featured in the Clarkson/Hammond/May version of Top Gear (and now in The Grand Tour).

The book itself is gorgeous, and because I'm such a Rush Geek I splurged for the "Luxe Edition" signed by Geddy* - and it also came with a really fancy slipcase, signature picks, various other goodies and a cloth drawstring bag that holds everything.

*I was lucky enough to snag a copy of Carrie Nuttall's 'Rhythm and Light' photography book when it was released around the end of 2004 - signed by both Carrie and her new husband, Neil Peart. So if ones of these days I can track down something signed by Alex Lifeson, I'll have the signatures of all three members of my favorite band.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire Geddy, but despite the recommendation from more than one smart friend, I've never been able to get into Rush. However, this compendium doesn't require one to be a fan of the band to benefit from this attractive and hefty book. I read it on Kindle, so my comments need to be calibrated accordingly. The e-reader allowed me to magnify illustrations. A bonus, although I estimate it'd nonetheless impress me more as a printed tome. Anyhow, you progress through models of many brands, generally petering out, interestingly, about the time Geddy and his pals began their climb to acclaim. My suggestions? The layout impresses. But too many pages remain blank or with only a section title. This luxury thickens what could've been published in slightly briefer pagination, which might have reduced the high cost charged. Also, as in a fine illustration of a vintage poster showing Fenders, the resolution is insufficient for at least many of our aging eyes, speaking for myself. Finally, as a previous Goodreader has noted, some technical terms would've benefited with a glossary. Still, as a noodling bass player, this is a treasure.

[Marie Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, I am a Rush superfan (a title earned when I named my first-born Alex); for a devotee like me, this book is like milk and honeydew from the gods. Geddy Lee is one of rock’s foremost bassists, and he channels all that skill and passion into a book that transcends Canada’s best band ever and welcomes readers from any walk of life to enjoy the rich history of the bass guitar.

The key word here is HISTORY. Each page made me feel as if I were walking through an extraordinary museum — so carefully, painstakingly, and lovingly curated (which, in fact, it was). Geddy’s insights and anecdotes were fun and informative, but the photos and layout propelled the content to the highest levels of reading experience. In a word: Perfection.

I look forward to poring over these pages for years to come. It is a keepsake, for sure. Many thanks to Geddy Lee for creating this masterpiece, and sharing it with those of us who love Rush, and music.

[CHAD FOSTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book a while ago, but I'm just now getting around to rating it and giving it a review. Geddy Lee's "Big Beautiful Book of Bass" is a journey through the past and present of the bass guitar complied by one of the most celebrated musicians in rock-n-roll history. What is most impressive about this book is that it is both a visual journey and a collection of personal testimonials. The pages are filled with gorgeous photographs of basses, grouped by the brand (Fender, Rickenbacker, etc.) and the year(s) of manufacture. The testimonials come from great players such as John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, the author himself, and many others. As a guitar player who fairly recently took up the bass and feel in love with the instrument, I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone with even a mild interest in the bass guitar. An incredible experience that will reveal something new each time you pick it up.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geddy Lee's bass book hits the spot for anyone looking to get insight into the history of bass, and in a way, the life of one of the most respected rock bassists in all of rock history.

This book gets 5 stars for a multitude of reasons:

The photography is top notch! It provides drool-worthy photos of instruments you never knew existed and then some.

You get an education on vintage bass gear, the luthiers that made them, and a brief history of the companies that manufactured them.

You get stories from interviews of some of the most respected bassists and collectors of our time and of the past.

It is not another coffee table book about electric six string guitars.

Overall, geddy reminds us of the significance of the often overshadowed bassist in the realm of electric six string guitar rock music. He makes me proud to be a bassist and has possibly sparked a passion for collecting basses. Thanks Geddy for the superior work you continue to do!

[KennyO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geddy Lee is an icon of arena rock who played bass in one band, Rush, for five decades. His distinctive, driving playing style is well regarded and widely admired. Late in life his interest in the bass grew from being strictly a player to being a collector, as well. He came up with this vanity project to document, photographically, the history of the electric bass guitar.

While there is text throughout the book, the center of attention is the photographs of the 350 or so instruments, most of them owned by Lee. All are captioned so the reader learns what he’s looking at. The photography is particularly well done and the production quality of the book is definitely up to snuff. Due especially to the paper quality, it’s a substantial volume, weighing several pounds so if you have space for one I recommend the use of a dictionary stand when you peruse GL’sBBBofB.

Beautifully done and a sold at a bargain price relative to its merit.

[Rob Hermanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a bass player and admirer of Rush's music, I was thrilled to be able to grab tickets to Geddy Lee's appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last January, where Geddy spoke and signed copies of his incredible new book. I've done a slow, gradual read of this mammoth book since then, finally completing it today. This is nothing less than an exploration of the history of the electric bass guitar, complete with incredibly beautiful pictures of vintage instruments, and punctuated by Geddy's own experiences with many of these basses. He also intermixes fascinating (and often hilarious) interviews with other prominent bass players (John Paul Jones, Bill Wyman, Adam Clayton, Robert Trujillo, Les Claypool, and others). Fellow bassists and Rush fans will obviously love this book, but so would anyone else with an interest in exploring a critical part of Rock and Roll history.

[Bruce Sturgell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I’ve owned a bass guitar for about 30 years, I’d call myself more of a bass enthusiast than a true player. Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass takes you through the history of the instrument, highlighting iconic brands like Fender and Gibson alongside some of the wildest, most unusual basses you’ll ever see.

Lee weaves in stories from his years as Rush’s frontman and phenomenal bass player—tales that resonate even if you’re only a casual fan. He also interviews legends like John Paul Jones, Bill Wyman, Robert Trujillo, Les Claypool, and many more, giving the book even more depth.

On top of that, the photos and personal histories of the instruments in Lee’s own collection are beautifully presented throughout. It’s a gorgeous book and a fascinating read. Now I feel like a bass historian. Highly recommended!

[Gord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed it!
I am a guitar player and this book was very informative and educational throughout. I learned much about bass guitar and was wowed by the enormity and passion of Geddy’s collecting.
Also there are numerous references to other books that I am now going to look up and pursue in my ongoing quest for guitar/fretted instrument knowledge.
Thank you Geddy for sharing your wonderful collection and thanks to my friend Mike for trusting me enough to lend this incredible book to me!

[Eric Mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK. For starters, I'm biased. Fan of Geddy and Rush. They're a big part of the reason I play bass.

Even without that, though, this is a thoroughly interesting book, both for the information in it and the photography of an array of very interesting basses. I have it digitally, but you *really* need this as a coffeetable type book - it's one of those books that's just far better presented that way. (I... don't have a coffee table or a lot of room, so digital it is for me! For now.)

If you've any interest in musical instruments, or bass in particular - this is worth looking at.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anybody who knows me is certain I intended to read this. This is a lovely microhistory of the bass guitar, coupled with a pictorial survey of Geddy's own collection and interviews with well-known bassists. It's best appreciated in print format for all the quality photos, and you don't have to be a Rush fan. It's not a Rush book, though Geddy injects his personal experiences with some of the guitars.

[Julia Carolina Pumarejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

To think that I couldn’t be more hooked on bass and rock n roll, this book proved me wrong. All the basses in the book are gorgeous as well as the stories they hold. Thanks to the incredible interviews with legendary bassists like Bill Wyman, John Paul Jones, Robert Trujillo, and Adam Clayton, I was blessed to be introduced to Les Claypool. No matter what words I use to describe this bass bible, I will never do it justice. Geddy Lee is my hero and I can never thank him enough.