The Tech 21 Geddy Lee YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp is a limited edition signature bass preamp and DI pedal from Tech 21, developed with Rush bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee. It carries the same color scheme and graphics as Geddy's other Signature SansAmps, which include the GED-2112 rackmount, the DI-2112 desk-top unit, and the MP40 pedal1. MusicRadar noted that the YYZ Shape-shifter matches Lee's signature rack-mounted and floor units from Tech 212.
Like every Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp, it is built around all-analog SansAmp technology, which Tech 21 says enables you to record directly and enhance previously recorded tracks1. Premier Guitar's launch coverage described the range as offering "Geddy's core sound, as well as the versatility for many different styles and tones"3.
A limited edition based on the Geddy Lee MP40
Tech 21 positions the YYZ Shape-shifter as a limited edition signature pedal with the same features and functionality as the Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition Signature SansAmp1. The MP40 itself was a limited edition celebrating the 40th anniversary of Rush's album "Moving Pictures," with a limited number of units featuring custom "Moving Pictures" inspired artwork5. Premier Guitar and Bass Musician Magazine both reported the MP40 launch in December 2021 as a 40th-anniversary limited edition65.
The MP40 built on the original Geddy Lee YYZ Signature SansAmp pedal, keeping its core feature set, including a Mix control to blend the ratio of high-end studio clean and dirty bass tube amp tones5. Bass Musician Magazine's MP40 coverage described each Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp as offering "Geddy's core sound, as well as the versatility for many different styles"6. Tech 21 designed and manufactures the MP40 in the USA6.
The YYZ Shape-shifter shares the MP40's control set and its owner's manual sample settings, which include15:
- Geddy Lee's Personal Setting
- YYZ
- Rickenbacker Shape-shifter
- Camera Eye
- Red Barchetta
- Warm Tube/Studio
- Bi-amped Overdrive1
Controls and what they do
The pedal's controls cover gain shaping, EQ, and two footswitchable boosts.
| 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 shaping1 |
| Master volume | Sets the overall output level5 |
| Tight button | Adds definition to notes in cleaner settings and makes distorted tones snappier1 |
| Boost stomp switch | Provides a 12dB presence boost for increased top-end distortion1 |
| Shape-shifter button | Adds 6dB of Schmegilka on top of the boost1 |
The SansAmp speaker sim is designed and individually tailored, in Tech 21's words, "for a smooth, even response as would be achieved by a multiply-miked cabinet, without peaks, valleys, and notches associated with single miking and many IRs"1.
What is Schmegilka?
Schmegilka is Geddy Lee's own term for what the Shape-shifter button delivers. Engaging it adds 6dB of boost on top of the pedal's output, and Tech 21 quotes Geddy's description of it directly13:
"is an indefinable thing of awesomeness!"
Geddy Lee, quoted on Tech 21's product page1
Premier Guitar's launch coverage confirmed the same behavior: engaging the Shape-shifter button adds 6dB of Schmegilka on top3.
The Tight button
Tech 21 says the Tight button adds definition to your notes in cleaner settings and makes distorted tones snappier1. The button first appeared on the original YYZ pedal; reviewing the related Geddy Lee DI-2112 Signature SansAmp for MusicPlayers.com, Kel Pilshaw wrote that "The Tight button is an added feature that came from the YYZ pedal. It tweaks the EQ in such a way as to deliver more definition in your tone"7. MusicRadar's 2019 report on the original YYZ pedal listed the mix control, Tight button, Drive knob, and active three-band EQ among its features8.
Power and size
The YYZ Shape-shifter measures 3.75" x 4.75" x 2"1. It runs on a 9V alkaline battery, which is not included, or on an optional DC power supply, Tech 21 model #DC9. Tech 21 also notes it is operable with the company's former #DC2 and #DC4 supply models1.
The battery is not included with the pedal, so plan on supplying your own 9V alkaline or the optional #DC9 adapter1.
Running it live and in the studio
For live performances, Tech 21 says the YYZ Shape-shifter can drive a power amp and speakers, augment an existing amplifier setup, or run directly into the mixer of a PA system1. The all-analog SansAmp technology also enables direct recording and enhancing previously recorded tracks1. That flexibility places it alongside Tech 21's other bass SansAmp DI pedals, such as the SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 and the VT Bass DI, as a preamp and DI in one box.
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Questions
What is Schmegilka on the Tech 21 YYZ Shape-shifter?
Schmegilka is Geddy Lee's own word for what the Shape-shifter button adds. Kicking it in gives 6dB of boost on top of the pedal's normal output. Tech 21 quotes Geddy calling it "an indefinable thing of awesomeness." It is not a separate effect, just the name for the extra push the button delivers.
Is the Tech 21 Geddy Lee YYZ Shape-shifter analog?
Yes. Tech 21 describes the YYZ Shape-shifter as all-analog SansAmp technology, which the maker says lets you record directly and enhance previously recorded tracks. The speaker simulation is also analog, designed and individually tailored for a smooth, even response rather than using digital impulse responses.
Does the Tech 21 YYZ Shape-shifter take a battery?
Yes. The pedal is operable with a 9V alkaline battery, which is not included with the pedal. It can also be powered by an optional DC power supply, Tech 21 model #DC9, and Tech 21 notes it works with the former #DC2 and #DC4 supply models as well.
Which power supply does the Tech 21 YYZ Shape-shifter use?
The optional supply is Tech 21 model #DC9. The pedal also runs on a 9V alkaline battery (not included), and Tech 21 says it is operable with the company's former #DC2 and #DC4 power supply models.
Can the Tech 21 YYZ Shape-shifter go straight into a PA mixer?
Yes. Tech 21 says that for live performances the YYZ Shape-shifter can drive a power amp and speakers, augment an existing amplifier setup, or run directly into the mixer of a PA system. The all-analog SansAmp technology also lets you record directly with it.
What does the Tight button do?
According to Tech 21, the Tight button adds definition to your notes in cleaner settings and makes distorted tones snappier. A reviewer of the related DI-2112 described it as tweaking the EQ to deliver more definition in your tone.
Sources (8)
- YYZ Shape Shifter, Tech 21 NYC, 2026-06-23
- Nail Geddy Lee's bass tones with his new YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp from Tech 21, MusicRadar, 2022-10-21
- Tech 21 Launches Geddy Lee YYZ SansAmp Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2022-10-20
- New Gear: Geddy Lee YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp, Bass Musician Magazine, 2022-10-20
- MP40 - Tech 21 NYC, Tech 21 NYC, 2023-08-07
- Tech 21 Introduces Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition Signature SansAmp, Bass Musician Magazine, 2021-12-21
- Tech 21 Geddy Lee DI-2112 Signature SansAmp, MusicPlayers.com, 2020-10-28
- Tech 21 develops Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp pedal for Rush bassist's “new projects”, MusicRadar, 2019-02-18
