The Tech 21 Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition Signature SansAmp is an all-analog bass preamp pedal developed with Rush bassist Geddy Lee, released as a limited edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Rush's album Moving Pictures12. It is based on the original Geddy Lee YYZ Signature SansAmp pedal and holds over that pedal's core control set, while adding a selectable Boost stomp switch and a Shape-shifter button12.
As with all SansAmps, Tech 21 says you can record directly with it and enhance previously recorded tracks, so it works as a direct recording and live preamp tool without an amp2. Like the rest of the Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp line, it is designed to offer Geddy's core sound along with versatility for many different styles3.
The controls
The MP40 carries over the control set of the YYZ pedal and adds two new switches. Tech 21 describes what each one does12:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to when the output section of a tube amp is being pushed1 |
| Mix | Blends the ratio of high-end studio clean (Deep) and dirty bass tube amp tones (Drive)1 |
| Active 3-band EQ | Bass, mid and treble shaping12 |
| Master Volume | Sets the overall output level2 |
| Tight button | Adds definition to your notes in cleaner settings and makes distorted tones snappier1 |
| Boost stomp switch | New on the MP40: a selectable 12dB presence boost for increased top-end distortion12 |
| Shape-shifter button | New on the MP40: gives 6dB of Schmegilka on top12 |
The Boost stomp switch is the MP40's main departure from the YYZ. Where the YYZ pedal stops at its Drive, Mix, EQ, Master Volume and Tight controls, the MP40 adds the 12dB presence boost on a stomp switch, aimed at increased top-end distortion12.
Schmegilka: the Shape-shifter button
The Shape-shifter button is the MP40's other new feature. Engaging it gives 6dB of Schmegilka on top12. What Schmegilka actually is, Tech 21 leaves to the man himself:
"is an indefinable thing of awesomeness!"
Moving Pictures 40th anniversary limited edition
The MP40 was built as a limited edition marking the 40th anniversary of Moving Pictures, the Rush album whose cover art was designed by Hugh Syme12. The enclosure pays tribute to that album cover with a new black and red color scheme and custom Moving Pictures inspired artwork13.
Anticipated availability was March 202223. It was a true limited run, and it did not last:
"The Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition Signature SansAmp sold out so fast, it made our heads spin."
Bass Musician Magazine reported the "overwhelmingly swift sell-out" of the MP40 by October 2022, in the same piece that introduced its follow-up, the YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp5. Tech 21 responded to the sell-out with that pedal, which carries the Shape-shifter concept forward45.
The MP40 is a sold-out limited edition. Players looking for a current Geddy Lee SansAmp can find the YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp, part of a line that also includes the GED-2112, DI-2112 and YYZ pedals45.
Power and recording
The MP40 runs on a 9V alkaline battery, which is not included, or on an optional DC power supply12. The optional supply is Tech 21 model #DC9, and the pedal is also operable with the former #DC2 and #DC4 supplies1.
For recording, Tech 21 says that as with all SansAmps, you can record directly and enhance previously recorded tracks2. That makes the MP40 usable as a direct box into an interface or console, with the Drive, Mix and EQ controls shaping the recorded tone.
The Geddy Lee SansAmp line
The MP40 sits in a wider line of Signature SansAmps Tech 21 has built with Geddy Lee, which also includes the YYZ Shape-shifter, GED-2112, DI-2112 and YYZ pedal5. Each Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp offers Geddy's core sound as well as versatility for many different styles3. Related Tech 21 bass SansAmps include the SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 and the Geddy Lee DI-2112 Signature SansAmp.
Videos
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Questions
Can the MP40 SansAmp run on a battery?
Yes. Tech 21 lists the MP40 as operable with a 9V alkaline battery, which is not included with the pedal. It can also run on an optional DC power supply, Tech 21 model #DC9, and the former #DC2 and #DC4 supplies also work.
What power supply does the Tech 21 MP40 use?
The optional supply is Tech 21 model #DC9. The pedal also works with Tech 21's former #DC2 and #DC4 power supplies, and it runs on a 9V alkaline battery, which is not included.
What is Schmegilka on the Geddy Lee SansAmp?
Schmegilka is the name attached to the Shape-shifter button. Engaging it gives 6dB of what Tech 21 calls Schmegilka on top. Geddy Lee describes it as "an indefinable thing of awesomeness!"
Can I record bass directly with the MP40?
Yes. As with all SansAmps, Tech 21's announcement says you can record directly and enhance previously recorded tracks, so the pedal works as a direct recording tool without an amp.
Is the Geddy Lee MP40 still available?
No. The MP40 was a limited edition, and Tech 21 says it sold out fast. Bass Musician Magazine reported its overwhelmingly swift sell-out by October 2022, and Tech 21 followed it with the YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp.
What is the difference between the Tech 21 YYZ and MP40?
The MP40 builds on the original YYZ pedal and holds over its Mix, Tight, Drive, 3-band EQ and Master Volume controls. Its additions are a selectable Boost stomp switch with a 12dB presence boost for increased top-end distortion and a Shape-shifter button giving 6dB of Schmegilka.
Sources (5)
- MP40 - Tech 21 NYC, Tech 21 NYC, 2023-08-07
- Tech 21 Introduces the Geddy Lee MP40 SansAmp, Premier Guitar, 2021-12-21
- Tech 21 Introduces Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition Signature SansAmp, Bass Musician Magazine, 2021-12-21
- YYZ Shape Shifter, Tech 21 NYC, 2026-06-23
- New Gear: Geddy Lee YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp, Bass Musician Magazine, 2022-10-20
Geddy Lee
