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Bongo 2026 Collection

Which MM Bass to cover Rush?

Slater said:
Thanks for the replies everyone! :)

I'm surprised by the # of Bongo suggestions. I used to own a Bongo 4HH. It was super versatile, but It probably wouldn't have been the first bass I grabbed to cover Rush.

I've realized that I'm going to have to try a Big AL before I can make a final decision, but the previous posts have helped.
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The number of Bongo suggestions surprised me too. Although I voted for Sterling, the Big Al may be the best choice of them all.
 
I'm in a Rush tribute band and jammed a couple of times with a guy who played a Stingray 5-er that sounded mighty sweet for the Geddy stuff.
 
Yeah, I guess it really depends on how authentic you want to be. If you want to be spot on, you'd probably want to go with his signature model or something similar, but you could use just about any Music Man bass and get the job done.

Don't forget, he has that unique technique where he mainly plucks with one right hand finger striking the string going back and forth. A big part of his sound is him rather than the equipment.
 
I recall reading an interview somewhere (IIRC Bass Quarterly in Germany) where he mentioned his original P-Bass was wired incorrectly and that was responsible for some of his sound on there early albums. His signature model is wired correctly though.
 
I'm a big Geddy fan and IMO the bass matters less than the signal path and the hands when trying to get that sound.
That said, a Sterling with a single HB does a very convincing job. Set the switch to parallel and play HARD.
 
I have a Stingray 4H and a Big Al 4SSS. The Big Al all the way. Bridge and Neck in parallel..............or is it series. I'll have to check my buttons............
 
Gearhunter420 said:
Why is there a Rush to cover Rush? There have been better Canadian bands, eh
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that a joke? hope you aren't referring to Chilliwak, Red Rider (though I'm a big fan and their bass player was the original bassist), Triumph or Nickleback. All those bands had great moments but nobody compares to Rush from Canada imho.

Rush are legends... though I've never met one girl who liked them so you may have a point :)
 
There is always The Tragically Hip, which is a bit of an acquired taste. They're the Canadian blue collar rock band. Their bass player was playing a Bongo in a cameo on the TV show Corner Gas a few seasons back.

Rush is an acquired taste too. Geddy definitely has a unique voice!
 
cellkirk74 said:
Depends on the point of view. I'd say right: Nomeansno, SNFU, the barenaked ladies...just to name some of the more recent:p
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Very true...

But Rush is awesome and from my generation.

I am also quite a big Blue Rodeo and Tragically Hip fan. One really awesome song to cover (if you are in a cover band) is New Orleans is Sinking. It has an easy but really fun bass line to play.
 
Gearhunter420 said:
Why is there a Rush to cover Rush? There have been better Canadian bands, eh
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There's no rush for me to cover Rush. Rush just happens to be my favourite band, and I love playing Geddy's bass lines.

So, with Rush being my favourite band, IMHO, Rush is not just the best Canadian band, but the best band period. :)

(Please note my Canadian spelling of the word "favourite".) ;)
 
I would suggest either the Bongo or the Ray for the wider neck. I only do one Rush tune but it has a lot of open string lateral movement.

I agree with the one post that the signal and effect chain is more important though. He is using some overdrive and stuff. Not sure what amp speaker config yet - though if you are in PA that won't matter.
 
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