Oooooh. That’s nice!
It may be a guitar, bass combo. The machine heads and bridge are guitar style and the strings don’t look very heavy, also the nut width looks like a guitar style.
Get your Detective Kojak on, let us know what you find out.
I don’t kink shame regardless of how many strings somebody chooses to use. That’s a personal preference and to each their own.
That said, Mr. Lee was no stranger to the B.
But on Power Windows I got introduced to the Wal bass, made by a small company in England. Our producer, Peter Collins, had one and suggested I try it out. I used that bass on Hold Your Fire , and I’m very pleased with the results and its flexibility. I use a 4-string most of the time, but on “Lock And Key” it was a 5-string they made with an extra low “B”. I find that low string really means more today, because we’re living in the world of synthesizers that go lower than basses ever went before.
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It is definitely a bass, guitar combo.
Machine heads, bridge, length of neck, strings, string spacing, nut width.
- Geddy’s thoughts on more than 4 strings.
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In a 1996 interview, he said:
“I have a five string, I’ve tried it a couple of times, it’s a little too unwieldy for me. … I prefer to use a de-tuned bass when I want to go lower.”
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One specific song where he used a 5-string bass is Lock and Key (on the album Hold Your Fire) — he said he used a 5-string Wal on that track.
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He said the 5-string was “really heavy and cumbersome … it’s not something I plan on using a lot.”
yeah, so no positive response from wifey. My second, and probably final bass purchase. what more do I need ? I’m all set now. had to have; love the color and features not to mention of course, Fender.
all for now.
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, right. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL bass, love the color. I have the same bass in white but in jazz
yup, I know, “famous last words” 
I’ll be looking for a nice shiny new bass at the end of 2026 as it will be my 60th birthday so a very fitting reward for reaching my sixth decade on planet earth. Not 100% sure on the bass apart from it will be a four string so open to any suggestions or recommendations from this great community of ours.
- budget
- type of genre(s)
- multi-purpose; unless you are a “professional level” and can afford whatever you want; remember variety is the spice of life!
- reputation of brand/part availability/DIY ability?
- avoid “jumping into the deep end” with the “I gotta have it now” temptation…
This is just off the top of my head, not giving much thought on it.
Make a list carefully.
All the best, it seems you have plenty of time to make a decision; take your time.
I’m 66 and the one thing (probably the only good thing) I’ve learned is “balance”
Wilde Bass
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Thanks very much for your reply.
I do have a rough estimate on how much I would like to pay I’m thinking around £700 but it’s not completely set in stone.
Rock, metal and the blues will be my primary genres of music though could add something funky in their too. Among my many influences are Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Donald duck Dunn, ZZ Top and I could go on.
I have a year to decide and make the very careful decision before parting with my money.