YYZ - Geddy Lee Signature Pedal Tech 21 - Demo - Review - Walk through

My review of the Tech 21 YYZ Geddy Lee Signature Pedal. It features clean and distorted signals that can be blended for a wide range of tones. A truly versatile new bass preamp / distortion.
For more info on the YYZ -www.Tech21NYC.com
Killer Rush covers and tone matches - tim_starace_yynot
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Join me on Instagram - www. RodneyMcG
For lesson and gear review inquires - [e-mail]

[@richardgereau3789]

Hands down the best metal bass reviews on YT! Love your playing rodman!! Badass \m/

[@RodneyMcG]

That's really kind of you, Richard! Thanks for watching!

[@gnt897]

this is what a demo /review should be like absolutely love this video

[@RodneyMcG]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching!

[@Paulvariomusic]

Excellent review, thanks Rodney! You do a great job at breaking down the fine points, always clear and articulate. I'm a big fan:)

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks a lot! Really appreciate the kind words and you taking the time to watch!

[@corpsekrusher]

Dang! Dude can play the bass!

[@RodneyMcG]

Much appreciated!

[@bflo1000]

Yeah, he sounds like Billy, LOL.

[@bradwolfe1999]

So glad I found this video. I own one of these but it’s really giving me new ideas and a better understanding of what it does. Thank you!

[@EddiePauleBolin]

Another great Video. Good to see and Hear the Schecter also. I'm glad Tim posted it on FB as it didn't show up in my KZbin feed (I hit the bell this time) . Thanks

[@RodneyMcG]

Hey Ed! Thanks for checking it out. Yeah, it's getting tough on youtube creators these days. Glad you found it!

[@PushSueAside]

Rodney, I’ve watched this so many times just to see you tear it up, especially the intro.....you are a BEAST!!!!!! Always a pleasure to watch. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@RodneyMcG]

I appreciate that!

[@PushSueAside]

@@RodneyMcG cheers my friend. You earned it. You’ve obviously put a lot of time in, you are seriously influential and an inspiration. Thank you again.

[@jhonybotacio]

Dude, you are an amazing player! I just got this pedal and its incredible! Thanks for the demo, it helped me make up my mind!

[@RodneyMcG]

That's awesome! Glad you decided to grab it and that it's working well for you. I really appreciate the compliment, thanks for checking it out!

[@christophertedor5923]

Yup, that sounds fucking great. Ordered mine from my local shop but it hasn't come in yet looking forward to it. That high end clank sounds fantastic for a slightly dirty metal tone, and you know, Geddy's sound is amazing. Thanks for making this!

[@RodneyMcG]

It really is a great unit. Thanks for the kind words, drop in and tell me how it works out when you get it.

[@davedixon2167]

Man I like this better for metal than the dug and even the subatomic! Also, I’ve been playing for *decades* and would kill to be able to shred like that.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for the kind words, Dave! It really is a great unit.

[@bflo1000]

@@RodneyMcG This seems like a steal for $200.

[@giork2828]

Yeah, "like that" do sound kind but, the rest... especially "I would kill" 😅

[@skeleton-key]

Definitely would love to try one out. I have a DP3X from Tech21 which has a very different sound and I bet the two of them would bring most of the dirt I need.

[@arthuraguirrejr.9500]

Dude that harmonic lick/fill @:43 you did was nuts! Great review and amazing playing.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Arthur!

[@cyco739z]

I know that this is an old thread but I'm waiting for my YYZ pedal in the mail and was watching demos to prep myself for when it comes. Had to comment because your playing is absolutely sick! This was the best and most informative demo that I've seen for this pedal. Very intuitive but still spoken as if we were discussing it over a beer and not in a lecture hall. I like that. I won't be playing much Rush with it and was curious as to what I could accomplish toward my own desired tone which is currently "close" to what I'm after but missing a key ingredient. I think that I've found it with this pedal. I won't be looking at the recommended pre settings in the manual. I will be using my ears. Can't wait. I realize it may be a dead thread but hope this comment helps to resurect it. Great info on how the separate controls interact together making the tonal possibilities endless. So, Thanks for the video. Very encouraging, although your playing may have discouraged me as to where I am personally at, ability wise.😆 Very Inspirational. I'm sitting with my Precision typing because of it. Great demo.

[@RodneyMcG]

I appreciate the kind words! Really glad you decided to grab one. It's a killer and underestimated unit.

[@valeriotagliaferri2125]

Thanks for your videos. I usually don't like musical channels like yours because too many of them are nerdy but you sound cool and accurate. So thanks!

[@RodneyMcG]

I appreciate that!

[@danlovingmusic1342]

Very accurate and complete demo of that pedal. Gonna buy one!

[@onemanaftermath771]

Excellent review,great details,great playing.Keep them coming Sir!

[@RodneyMcG]

Much appreciated! Will do!

[@t.j.meechan682]

Awesome demo as always brotha man! Love the "Not Geddy" more than "The Geddy".

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks as always for checking in, buddy! It's all love with me, I'm happy the jam out on both sounds!

[@kevmac1230]

Dude you cook! Got me one of these and it gets the sound,now if I could just play half as good as you.Some very good ideas for settings,I love this pedal.Great demo!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for kind word and checking out the demo. Best of luck with the pedal!

[@aaronhutzel8196]

Excellent review of this pedal. I've been frustrated by all of the videos just churning out Rush riffs. This was exactly what I was looking for information and example wise. Kudos.

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@the__aXeman]

Great demo man! Mine arrives Saturday! Really excited to add it to my new board. I'll let you know if there's any settings that really stand out to me! :)

[@RodneyMcG]

Please do!

[@kevinsturges6957]

What a great Bass player. Wow! And great review of this pedal, too.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Kevin! Much appreciated!

[@Steeleyes61]

Great demo / summary with respect to the range / diversity of the YYZ. I liked it. Beautiful bass too.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for the kind words, Gabriel. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Steeleyes61]

Rodney McG Truly did. Checking Schecters site...researching that bass. See what you gone and did...I hold you responsible.

[@RodneyMcG]

@@Steeleyes61 I'll carry that burden! I have full review on the Riot 5 coming this week.

[@Steeleyes61]

Rodney McG subscribed and waiting. Looking for a 5....don’t forget to mention what looks like an added aftermarket(?) string retainer.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for the sub! I'll look forward to your feedback on it!

[@WillyFranklinOnBass]

Dude!!! Thanks for this video! I'm happy that you're not playing Rush stuff.. :) GREAT playing!!! Are you using any compression in this demo? or post processing??

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Willy! Much appreciated. No compression or post processing, all YYZ 😉

[@alkrow1]

Excellent review, thanks!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@Tsudkyk]

Less than a minute in and I have decided this pedal kicks ass.

[@jimmyjames7720]

:43 Your lady must be smiling at all times. Lol Nice work. Great demo.

[@RodneyMcG]

😂😂😂 Thanks for checking it out!

[@MarcAndreLevesque]

Basically it mimics the dual demeter preamp Geddy has used since forever. That is cool!

[@Farewelltokingz]

He used Ashly SC40s on MP and Signals before moving on to the Sansamp RPM and RBIs.

[@jerendeb]

First impression of my YYZ is in favor of my dUg Pinnick. But I have to play around with it. It took time to find 'my tone' with dUg. I am sure I will find one with the YYZ. I don't try to emulate anyone but can describe my desired tone an a cross between LEMMY and conventional Motown!!!

[@RodneyMcG]

I definitely get that. The dog is hard to beat. As I mentioned in the video I did have to mess around and go for some really strange settings I wouldn't normally think would sound good to find the ones I liked, but then those were great. I'm sure you'll find a lot when you dig into it. James Jamerson and Lemmy is a hell of a combo! You may have to let me hear that at some point!

[@cocobinga8218]

You rip, buddy! Awesome review and playing

[@RodneyMcG]

You're too kind, sir! I really appreciate the good word and checking out the videos!

[@sethnicholls7861]

I kept waiting for you to say it was warm like a tube amp, at least when you were describing the sound midway through the review haha. Never mentioned it that way..

[@RodneyMcG]

I try to avoid cliche stuff and descriptions. One mans warm is another man's muddy!

[@user-jj1ug5cf2r]

Love Geddy!

[@RodneyMcG]

Don't we all!

[@dragonzuniga]

Impressive, you the man.

[@Andyanddiana467]

Just returned to this pedal after messing around with other drive/preamp units. Even at low gain, it sounds great (no shit, I used it on , of all things, a Duran Duran cover my band played - VERY articulate).

[@RodneyMcG]

IT's some thing special for sure

[@philippilihpphilip]

Nice pedal, but tjeez, your playing in the intro is amazing

[@RodneyMcG]

That's kind of you! Thanks for checking it out!

[@OlimandoYT]

Hey Rodney!! Great playing and nice review. I saw in the booklet that there's a TOOL setting. I was wondering if the Dug could get that type of tone ? Being a kind of bi-amp set up i'd guess so but i could be wrong... What would be your take on that since you played with both pedals ? Cheers

[@RodneyMcG]

Hey Robert - Thanks for the kind words! The Dug can definitely get a Justin Chancellor style tone. Pushing the mid knob while it's in the 1k position, plus a lot of bass, slightly rolled back highs should get you right in the zone. Hope that helps.

[@bill4510]

Andrew Barta said the tight button is for kicking in if you play softer than Geddy.

[@rewiremusic4540]

Great Demo! Hey, are you running into an amp from the pedal or direct to board/computer? Sansamp in general are ampless capable designs but all info points this to be a front amp effects pedal, not amp simulator

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks! It's direct into the board.

[@joevalente8451]

When you talked about the MID boost/cut, you appeared to actually be turning the MIX knob...

[@RodneyMcG]

That's a great catch, Joe! Good to see you were really paying attention! I noticed that myself but after the video had been up for a while. I definitely dropped the ball during editing, I'm fallible, definitely! Thanks for watching it and obviously paying great attention.

[@paulrainey4990]

The interactivity of controls and not EQing with your eyes seems to be indicative of a lot of Tech21 gear. I've had a VT Deluxe for years, and I still don't really understand the formula for programming it. I just turn knobs until stuff sounds good. Unfortunately, it's not a great design philosophy when you need to make a quick adjustment at a gig.

[@TheChef470]

You Sir are a BEAST ! : )

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, James!

[@pensnut08]

Great video!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@RScottDuncan]

Between the Geddy Lee, Steve Harris and Dug Pinnick pedal did you have a fav? I'm unable to do a side by side comparison but leaning towards the DP-3x. Great reviews and bass playing. Thanks.

[@RodneyMcG]

The Dug is my go to. The others are great, but the Dug just crushes

[@RScottDuncan]

@@RodneyMcG Subscribed and following. Thanks a lot!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for the sub!

[@mossy723]

Hey, not sure if you noticed on watching your video but when you were talking about the mid knob you left it at 11 and were actually moving the blend knob, not the mids.

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah- everyone screws up once in a while ;)

[@saviourbartolo6318]

Love yr tone and feel. How do you set up the pedal for that Geddy tone? I usually use a combination of rack units to get his tone basically an RBI a Palmer PDI05 and a U5.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks a lot. For the straight Geddy tone, I basically just used the setting that they show in the manual that you can download from the site. I did very minor tweaks to it and it pretty much Nails it.

[@CorvetteCoonass]

Amazing demo! What EMG soapbars are you using?

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks! The pickups are the EMG CS-X, P and J set. I'll be doing a comparison video of all the EMG PJ sets coming up in about a week. Thanks for watching!

[@MarianoGianni1]

By the way, I was just thinking about buying a Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver Di V2. Is the Geddy lee signature pedal a replacement for the original Sansamp? I mean is it worth having both?

[@RodneyMcG]

They are two totally different sounds. The bass driver will be far more scooped than the Geddy and it's a different style of gain / distortion. It really depends on the overall sound you after. I have both and love them for what they do. I wouldn't call them similar at all. Hope that helps.

[@uncletom-e4461]

I've had great luck by plugging into a SansAmp RBI and using it to feed a SansAmp RPM. I get Geddy's tone by running them in that order. Reversing the order (RPM into the RBI) doesn't work near as good...

[@RodneyMcG]

That's really interesting, i'll have to try it out. Thanks for the suggestion and checking it out!

[@xanderdaniels8284]

Some fucking monster playing dude props

[@RodneyMcG]

Much appreciated, Xander! Thanks for checking it out.

[@LouieTheBluey]

I'm torn between the YYZ, GED-2112 and the dUg Pinnick. Which do you think is better and most versatile without compromising Geddy Lee's tone? Secondly, do you hear a difference between the YYZ and the GED-2112 given the 2112 has the parametric EQ which may be able to shape your sound more?

[@RodneyMcG]

They are two totally different animals. I think for the sound you're looking for, the new pedal tech21 is releasing its the best bet for you. It's basically the geddy rack in a pedal with all the controls. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@benzit1]

Hi, very ansome bass playing and great demo, thx. i'm looking at it and what's better, the pedal or the rackmount version?

[@RodneyMcG]

They are really all the same, it just depends on how many connections you want, etc.

[@SirSelby]

Basically you get more routing options and more mid control with the rackmount or 2112. The better option depends on how you want to use it. My personal opinion- If it were something I were going to leave always-on or use in a studio context, I’d get the rackmount or 2112. I only use it as an occasional sound apart from my main tone, so I prefer the YYZ pedal that can be easily clicked on and off. I use a different eq/di pedal for a nice clean sound with midscooped EQ. I click a switch to turn that off and turn the YYZ on when I want a dirtier, more midsy, overdriven sound (I love using it in conjunction with the Ultrawave to create badass aggressive tones). For that application, I find the pedal easy and convenient to set up and use how I want. The Tech 21 website has the manuals for both, so you can see the specs and the exact differences. As Rodney pointed out, the actual sounds you can get are mostly the same. It mainly boils down to mid-control and routing differences.

[@mixc8]

@ Rodney Very interesting pedal, I see SweetWater also sells the rack version (I own a recording studio so I may pick it up) How do you compare this pedal against let's say the Darkglass Alpha Omega for metal bass? I recently picked up the Alpha Omega and really dig it. I also like what I hear from the Geddy Lee pedal, my question is since I got the Alpha Omega would it make since to get the Geddy Lee?

[@RodneyMcG]

2 completely different animals. The Darkglass is modern high gain The geddy is thicker, more saturated, and a different tone stack

[@mixc8]

@@RodneyMcG Agreed

[@danzemacabre8899]

Is it worth paying the extra for the ged 2112 or is the yyz pedal good enough? Hard to get an opinion on the differences except the $150.00 is more than apparent! Your opinion would be highly valued if you have time that would be awesome! Great playing as usual btw

[@RodneyMcG]

It depends heavily on how much control you want over your tone. The 2112 is a 2 channel with adjustability for both sperately. You can also select the mid frequency you want to adjust rather than it being fixed. Thanks for the kind words!

[@ObeseChess]

I’m torn between this and the new Frank Bello, honestly. Great playing and tones!

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, i'm looking to get the FB in hand soon. I can tell already though that the Geddy is a bit smoother and thick whereas the FB is more aggro and sharp. Depends on your personal leanings.

[@radionicagitarevrsac4766]

Great sound! Do we hear the pedal only, or there is also an Amp, or some IRs?

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for the compliments on the tone! The sound is 100% pedal. No other pieces necessary! Even since the demo I've been pulling more interesting sounds out of this one. It's a great unit. Thanks for checking it out!

[@radionicagitarevrsac4766]

@@RodneyMcG Thank you! 😀🎸

[@woofystevenson2943]

That thing sounds filthy, I just wish it had the parametric mid like the ged2112 rack unit

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, it's a lot to pack into a pedal, but it's a killer as is. Thanks for checking it out

[@woofystevenson2943]

Rodney McG I think that probably the hurdle this wouldn't really be able to clear without some help as well is to get the ghost bc type of bass tone like opus eponymous or meliora where its very low mid heavy, can this be confirmed or denyed? Im trying to put a new rig together and I need a tone generator for that really oppressive type of sound

[@RodneyMcG]

@@woofystevenson2943 I think it would do it well actually. Something like Square Hammer sounds like this unit with the gain pushed up and the blend leaning to the deep side.

[@woofystevenson2943]

Rodney McG ill definitely keep it in mind, im also thinking about the dp3 but thats got way more gain than I would ever use and an inherently more scooped tonality, for context I use spb2 duncan p pickups with a boss ge7 to boost the level going into an ampeg ba series combo mids cranked bass and treble all the way out, it sounds really clear and defined with alot of weight behind it which is great but its nowhere near loud enough to play to with guitar and drums

[@RodneyMcG]

@@woofystevenson2943 The DP-3X can be set to not have as strong a scoop if you dial it on right, so it may be an option to still consider. Also, you don't have to use so much gain, it can actually be used to get top end clarity if you play it right with the chunk knob. Good luck with the tone quest, I mess with my own constantly!

[@ivantadic5440]

Great review! Woud you recomend me geddy lee signiture or basic tech 21 bass driver v2 ?

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks! It heavily depends on what you want for your sound. They are really different. If you are looking for a more metal / scooped sound, the bass driver will get you there quicker. If you want a warmer, thicker distortion and a bit more content in the mids, I would give the YYZ a try. Hope that helps!

[@f4phantomf4]

Another difference is the YYZ pedal doesn't have a XLR out like the tech21 sansamp.

[@gourabshow3993]

💞💞💞

[@MarcosRobertoDosSantosJF]

Rodney, did you try the"rack" version? Do you know if they sound different? Thanks in advance!

[@RodneyMcG]

I have. They sound the same outside of the rack having more control over the mids. Thanks for watching

[@MarcosRobertoDosSantosJF]

@@RodneyMcG Thanks for the answer!

[@RodneyMcG]

@@MarcosRobertoDosSantosJF Anytime!

[@EricNeuls]

damn I might just have to pick this pedal up!

[@RodneyMcG]

It's a killer!

[@EricNeuls]

@@RodneyMcG have you learned anything new about it after using it more?

[@RodneyMcG]

Not necessarily new, but that twisting the dials with no regard for extreme settings, etc, can give really great results. You definitely can't EQ it with your eyes.

[@benthompson9349]

Cool demo, but I think you got the mix and mid knobs confused!

[@ott5178]

Have you tried this pedal in front of a standard bass amp?

[@RodneyMcG]

I usually run it into the effects return on a conventional amp so it runs uncolored

[@jamcam9]

Wait... When talking about the blend and mids controls did you just flip them by accident?

[@RodneyMcG]

Yup, my bad

[@jamcam9]

@@RodneyMcGOkay, I thought I was crazy. Other than that, awesome video. I've had the YYZ for ages and I'm going back and watching videos to see what other people do with it, what sounds they're getting. You gave me a few good ideas! I mostly play with a fretless jazz with flats and let me tell you, taming this thing to deal with the "mwah" of a fretless was very, very difficult - it liked to try and become very harsh and brittle sounding but the end result after a lot of work is a very nice chonky-sounding dirt sitting right on top of the the melodious fretless tones. I love it dearly.

[@RodneyMcG]

@@jamcam9 That's some great info. I'm getting ready to get my fretless chops in shape again, thanks for the idea, I hadn't considered using this one for that bass.

[@giork2828]

Confused. I ready Rodney McG but you logo says Rodney McR 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MarianoGianni1]

Is it new? can't find it on Amazon

[@RodneyMcG]

It is new, but you should be able to find it on Sweetwater, etc.

[@paulfarmer1605]

Wow!!

[@francoishtzl157]

How do you feel with that compare to dUg or Darkglass things ?

[@RodneyMcG]

Totally different sounds. The YYZ is a smoother, richer type of distortion. The dug is more aggro and the Darkglass is it's own sound that you can't realy dial out

[@francoishtzl157]

@@RodneyMcG I just kept a Darkglass AlphaO but don't really like the other. The YYZ is insane and the dUg too. It work in a weird way because the deep can't be change and all settings are for the drive channel. Super nice distortion to me, full and deep etc compare to darkglass or just others brands. And it is normal that the ultra high are rolled off because on all SansAmp you have a "cabsim" so it roll high and low and maybe change some mids but it is subtle.

[@Shereika1]

The lick at 0:43!

[@jackbruce1000]

What are your settings for slap ?

[@RodneyMcG]

I don't really play slap

[@bandhada]

🎸

[@Steeleyes61]

"IF" interested you can check out my channel...I have 36 raw instrumental demos atm where I am developing my bass tone. Not metal, but more of a prog rock thing. Only mentioning it as you asked to links to others ideas. Let me know what you think.

[@Venomboy666]

If only you had a blazer and a mullet! Otherwise a perfect demo!

[@RodneyMcG]

You assume I don't?

[@creamydistortion]

But can it make you play keyboards and sing like Geddy too? Didn't think so! ;-)

[@davidevalmachino1341]

For this pedal use Fender jazz or Rickenbacker !!!!

[@RodneyMcG]

Kind of defeats the point of me doing "Not Geddy"!

[@bassplayer807]

Rodney McG I’ve never played a Wal Bass but I wonder how that would sound with a Wal MK I?

[@RodneyMcG]

@@bassplayer807 since it's pretty accurate to Geddys sound, I think it would be pretty easy to get his tone from the era he was using them, and getting something like Justin Chancellor's sound wouldn't be too difficult either. Either way a wal bass sounds pretty killer, so I don't think there's any disappointment to be had!

[@pjuliano9000]

Still doesn’t remind me of the altec preamp geddy used … just go listen to the plethora of isolated tracks of geddy on youtube