I bought this guitar back in the fall, then heard about the pickups. I kept the guitar, though, because I still like the tone and playability. I got the $100 credit from Fender and applied it to a compressor. All around, it’s fun to play and I’m glad I bought it.
I bought one about a year ago before the pickup $h*t hit the fan. But I still love it, best budget short scale in my opinion. I threw on a set of Labella Deep Talkin flats and it sounds great. I take it jamming quite often.
@@Edward_Pernach LaBella 760FL-S L = light gauge .043, .060, .082, .104), S = short scale. LaBella also has LTF-4A-S Low Tension Flats Short Scale .042, .056. .075 and .100 that are even lighter gauge but I prefer the 760FL-S
Oh yeah! I wouldn't have guessed these were singles since they didn't make noise for us. But it *does* have some of that J-bass tone in the middle position, so it's not 100% surprising. Still loved the sound of this one.
@@lucaswallo8127We put a link to the relevant video by Lobster in the top corner when mentioned in the vid. It was rather an interesting little thing that became a less little thing as it went on!
I got mine about a week ago. I've been on the lookout for a shorty for ages and a Torino Green one caught my eye. It plays and sounds great straight out of the box. Me being me though, I had a Gotoh bridge, a Switchcraft jack and some Schallers lying around and so I couldn't help myself.... The single coils did have a small amount of noise which COMPLETELY disappeared when I shielded the control cavity. The pickup cavities don't need shielding because the pickups are completely enclosed by grounded metal covers. The pots are cheap minis but they work fine and won't be upgraded until if/when they become noisy. The only mod I would consider ESSENTIAL is to upgrade the tuners with Gotohs, the originals are terrible. I have mine on order and when they arrive I'll probably recut the nut for some fatter half rounds I have lying around. Even with just the Gotohs this bass will be gigable for practically peanuts.
Got a new Jr Jet (blem) for $220 (shipped) & couldn't pass it up. Great feel to the neck, much better than expected. The single coils sounded a little thin so pulled out the 500k pots & replaced them with 250k & a .047 Orange Drop cap...problem solved.- These are some of the quietest single coils I've (not ) heard. Maybe I just got lucky but I'll take it.
I have one, the same great colour. I have it strung with flatwounds, and I love the tones. The one disadvantage, is that it is very heavy! Solid mahogany, it makes the shoullder sore after an hour. Sitting down, it's fine, but one might lose the use of the right leg after a long session. Great looks and sound, though.
@@12cmf I agree. It’s in no sense whatsoever a heavy bass. (And not mahogany, not that mahogany is necessarily a “heavy” wood.) I’m not sure what is up @Robert Wills. I can’t conceive of this bass causing that problem. It’s definitely lighter than most bass guitars.
1:02 - Bass-ically what it means...CRASH !!! The Gretsch Jet was the first on my radar. I play guitar but I wanted a short scale bass. But before I became interested in the Jet, I played on a borrowed Gibson SG bass that had flatwound strings on it. Playing it was effortless. So, instead of the Jet, I opted for the Gibson. I still want the Gretsch, but I believe that I would have to put a Babicz bridge on it. What are your thoughts on the stock Jet bridge?
Everything on this bass works, it's just low end stuff. The neck and body seem really well made, so I'm willing to spend an extra $500 to replace the tuners, pickups and bridge. I may have to replace the pots and switch as well.
Couple of us here think that 2 humbuckers is a very versatile setup, and it certainly can be more versatile than something like a P or a J, but every bass is a little different and the variety of pickups out there can make even the same layout perform differently. This Gretsch just sounded nice all around.
I got a used Jet Jr a year ago, or so. I just picked it up because I had heard it was a good value. It's not a Kiesel or Taylor or anything, but @!#$%, what a value! April I got a 2nd one and had it turned into a baritone (BEAD). 10/10. If you are demanding or recording, this thing is still worth upgrading (I got a fat brass bridge, switchmaster, etc on mine - worth it for that neck & vibe, imnho.)
not sure what the big surprise is ... i have 2 Gretsch guitars, both w/single-coil humbuckers, a standard among Gretsch's. never thought their basses would be any different. i've had 2 Gibson basses w/humbuckers and i got rid of them because they sound like farty-mud. a single-coil hb p/u always sounds better, brighter & cuts thru the live band mix. 😮😮
My daughter has one of these and loves it. I've been putting Ernie Ball Slinky Short-Scale strings on it. Any other suggestions? Do folks usually use short-scale strings? Or standard scale cut down?
I thought I had mentioned in the video somewhere, but maybe I'm not remembering right - ours did not seem to have any noise issues; I don't even think we noticed any hum at all.
How thick is the neck round the back for the Gretsch, I haven't tried one yet but I'm interested in buying on. I'm asking because I tried one of the new orange basses which is also short scale but it was very thick round the back of the neck, meaning not good for my small hands. Perfect neck for me is the Hofner Violin, is it similar to this?
Yes, the neck is comparable to the Hofner - and nothing like the Orange! This has what would be considered a thin neck, for sure. It’s very easy to play. It’s mostly been my daughter’s bass; she’s 13 and has a small frame, fairly small hands. This bass is perfect for her, but it’s also completely comfortable for me (a 6’0” man with relatively long fingers). I lightly sanded the neck to make it extra smooth. It’s not necessary, but it makes it that much easier to play.
There are no clipping problems at all with mine running into a Rumble 100. My passive Reverend PJ has hotter pickups. No clipping there either. The audio in this review seems questionable.
Maybe I’m crazy but when both pickups are on it sounds a little out of phase. Maybe they’re both neck pickups? Great video. I always thought these were cool. I only have one short scale atm. An epiphone sg3 made in Japan in white with the 4 way rotary switch. It’s pretty nice and rare, I think.
What's the point of having two of the same pickups tho. I guess one could swap one out. I am not a base player btw but I am shopping around for a bass for my daughter. I guess I could swap out one of the pickups.
@@ilvdico It's not really a problem. Typically the difference would be that the bridge is wound hotter than the neck. The volumes still can be balances via pickup heights.
Spoiler: No, but it's a lot of fun and looks cool. That out of the way (ha), thanks for the commentary and playing. All the best. Aside: All this typed, f**** Gretsch and Fender (yet again) for lying to everyone (yet again).
Hey! Love your videos but for the love of god, take a rag and WIPE THE FINGERPRINTS OFF THE GUITARS BEFORE YOU HIT RECORD! When the light hits the guitars just right they look like you tried to do a sunburst out of finger grease.
My bad! The reflections are one thing that makes Chris sand the gloss off some of the basses - but of course this one was just a loaner for the review.
Ooh, Fender bought the Gretsch product line and accidentally forgot to check the ad copy for a misprint. And then you have self-important RUclips bass players spouting about fraud when they wouldn't even play a budget bass like this on their worst day. What beginner would know or care about singles or humbuckers at this price point? None.
I think it was more than a “misprint,” but point taken. The humbuckergate thing had a moment, but it shouldn’t take this bass out of anyone’s consideration. Especially budget or beginner bassists. It’s a good little instrument.
I mean it kinda matters if you're a beginner/intermediate player who likes distorted tones. You'll be confused why it makes an annoying hissing sound and a beginner will probably assume something is wrong with their amp/cable/guitar.
@@CoolGuyAtlas Fair point. I don’t personally get much noise from mine, though. I’ve done shielding or anything else; it’s just not generating significant amounts of noise - even when played with distortion. I know that some people haven’t been as lucky.
Hi i am going to buy this bass . not the one your playing but an associate. the video is a year old so by now it must be aknowldeged the conspiracy theorists where,in fact ,right . adios amigos .
i got this bass.. it sounds and plays absolutely amazing. would recommended.
If I were to play french touch and jap city pop mixed with a little bit of surf and post rock mainly would you recommend it?
You had me at 46&2. Gonna pick this bass up Saturday. Looking forward to it!!
I love my G2220. I give two thumbs up 👍👍
I really love this bass, bought the first version used for $120 and it was awesome, very versatile bass
I always find myself plugging it in when at a guitar shop. Probably records very good.
I bought this guitar back in the fall, then heard about the pickups. I kept the guitar, though, because I still like the tone and playability. I got the $100 credit from Fender and applied it to a compressor. All around, it’s fun to play and I’m glad I bought it.
Hey, me too! I put the $100 towards the Compugilist (distortion + compression, together or separate)
I played one of those at a GC one time and was really surprised how good it sounded and played.
I bought one about a year ago before the pickup $h*t hit the fan. But I still love it, best budget short scale in my opinion. I threw on a set of Labella Deep Talkin flats and it sounds great. I take it jamming quite often.
The LaBellas are perfect for this bass. It’s like melted butter - smooth & warm 🧈 😋
What tension/exact model of Labellas do you use? I want to try Labella on it but since it's a short scale
@@Edward_Pernach LaBella 760FL-S
L = light gauge .043, .060, .082, .104), S = short scale.
LaBella also has LTF-4A-S Low Tension Flats Short Scale .042, .056. .075 and .100 that are even lighter gauge but I prefer the 760FL-S
It's really a shame about humbuckergate because they really are great basses.
Oh yeah! I wouldn't have guessed these were singles since they didn't make noise for us. But it *does* have some of that J-bass tone in the middle position, so it's not 100% surprising. Still loved the sound of this one.
humbuckergate?
@@lucaswallo8127 Yeap, check the bass lobster guy.
@@lucaswallo8127We put a link to the relevant video by Lobster in the top corner when mentioned in the vid. It was rather an interesting little thing that became a less little thing as it went on!
If its a great bass, why does it matter what the pickups are labeled as?
I like this bass a lot
I bought one of these a few months ago and it is awesome!
How much does it weight?
@@Snare9 About an ounce. Joking, of course, but it’s lighter than my jazz master electric guitar!
@@erstwhilerambler Got one already, its about 3.8 kg;) with little neckdive ...;)
@@erstwhilerambler I've got a Strat and an LP Studio that are heavier than this bass. Mine is 8.0 lbs.
Amazing playing ▶️
Dave's not as good as the other guys on the channel, but he's just a little rusty - appreciate ya!
I got mine about a week ago. I've been on the lookout for a shorty for ages and a Torino Green one caught my eye. It plays and sounds great straight out of the box. Me being me though, I had a Gotoh bridge, a Switchcraft jack and some Schallers lying around and so I couldn't help myself....
The single coils did have a small amount of noise which COMPLETELY disappeared when I shielded the control cavity. The pickup cavities don't need shielding because the pickups are completely enclosed by grounded metal covers. The pots are cheap minis but they work fine and won't be upgraded until if/when they become noisy.
The only mod I would consider ESSENTIAL is to upgrade the tuners with Gotohs, the originals are terrible. I have mine on order and when they arrive I'll probably recut the nut for some fatter half rounds I have lying around.
Even with just the Gotohs this bass will be gigable for practically peanuts.
Got the Olive Green one, it's nice, I named her "Major Houlihan". Quality instrument and a joy to play.
Bought mine in shell pink yesterday 🎉
My shell pink is my 2nd Jet Jr. It's tuned BEAD & has a fat brass bridge, etc now. Great cheap kit!
Thanks - great review.
"46 & 2" was awesome at the beginning!! 🤘🤘
I put a set of GHS bass boomers on mine, for the price great cheap practice bass,sounds old school cool ,so far so good
Also sounds smooth with LaBella flats
I put some d'addario flat wound chromes, I had to unravel the top of the E string to get it to fit the peg but they sound really nice.
Got a new Jr Jet (blem) for $220 (shipped) & couldn't pass it up. Great feel to the neck, much better than expected. The single coils sounded a little thin so pulled out the 500k pots & replaced them with 250k & a .047 Orange Drop cap...problem solved.- These are some of the quietest single coils I've (not ) heard. Maybe I just got lucky but I'll take it.
Your Alex Jones Joke Deliveries.... Spot on as always Dave!!!
i set this bass in the middle usually . its got everything i need for recording and its not too heavy :)
I have one, the same great colour. I have it strung with flatwounds, and I love the tones. The one disadvantage, is that it is very heavy! Solid mahogany, it makes the shoullder sore after an hour. Sitting down, it's fine, but one might lose the use of the right leg after a long session. Great looks and sound, though.
The review say it's basswood, not mahogany. Mine is 8.0 lbs. I don't think of that as heavy.
@@12cmf I agree. It’s in no sense whatsoever a heavy bass. (And not mahogany, not that mahogany is necessarily a “heavy” wood.) I’m not sure what is up @Robert Wills. I can’t conceive of this bass causing that problem. It’s definitely lighter than most bass guitars.
Does the center switch position combine the two single coils to eliminate the hum like a humbucker?
Thumbs up for playing Tool. 👍
1:02 - Bass-ically what it means...CRASH !!!
The Gretsch Jet was the first on my radar. I play guitar but I wanted a short scale bass. But before I became interested in the Jet, I played on a borrowed Gibson SG bass that had flatwound strings on it. Playing it was effortless. So, instead of the Jet, I opted for the Gibson. I still want the Gretsch, but I believe that I would have to put a Babicz bridge on it.
What are your thoughts on the stock Jet bridge?
The stock bridge works fine. I see no reason to change mine, but some folks like to upgrade things.
@@12cmf Yep. And yep.
It’s the same as a gazillion bass bridges that work fine.
Everything on this bass works, it's just low end stuff. The neck and body seem really well made, so I'm willing to spend an extra $500 to replace the tuners, pickups and bridge. I may have to replace the pots and switch as well.
I own two of the early production run models of the G2202. Simply put, a wicked thump machine for about 3 bills, if you can track one down that is..
I have a question, is the sound of the Gretsch unique ? Is it versatile for playing many genres ? I just play rock and metal, maybe emo..
Couple of us here think that 2 humbuckers is a very versatile setup, and it certainly can be more versatile than something like a P or a J, but every bass is a little different and the variety of pickups out there can make even the same layout perform differently. This Gretsch just sounded nice all around.
Can you raise the pickups on the G2220 ? Thank you.
Loved your review, and bought an identical bass. Can you please tell me which string manufacturer and model number you are using, or recommend?
I got a used Jet Jr a year ago, or so. I just picked it up because I had heard it was a good value. It's not a Kiesel or Taylor or anything, but @!#$%, what a value! April I got a 2nd one and had it turned into a baritone (BEAD). 10/10. If you are demanding or recording, this thing is still worth upgrading (I got a fat brass bridge, switchmaster, etc on mine - worth it for that neck & vibe, imnho.)
not sure what the big surprise is ... i have 2 Gretsch guitars, both w/single-coil humbuckers, a standard among Gretsch's. never thought their basses would be any different.
i've had 2 Gibson basses w/humbuckers and i got rid of them because they sound like farty-mud. a single-coil hb p/u always sounds better, brighter & cuts thru the live band mix. 😮😮
@1:38 nice 👻
My daughter has one of these and loves it. I've been putting Ernie Ball Slinky Short-Scale strings on it. Any other suggestions? Do folks usually use short-scale strings? Or standard scale cut down?
I put flatwounds on mine, sounds and plays beautifully.
I love mine. Put la bella flats on.
How about a Squier bass VI , is it bass or is it guitar . ( it's the only short scale I have)
Im pretty sure the name gives away what it is. Its a short scale 6 string bass.
Do those pickups hum?
I thought I had mentioned in the video somewhere, but maybe I'm not remembering right - ours did not seem to have any noise issues; I don't even think we noticed any hum at all.
how's the necks shape/depth?
Can't remember exactly (this wasn't one we got to keep) but it was comfortable and not too tiny/pencily
stock string gauge ?
How thick is the neck round the back for the Gretsch, I haven't tried one yet but I'm interested in buying on. I'm asking because I tried one of the new orange basses which is also short scale but it was very thick round the back of the neck, meaning not good for my small hands. Perfect neck for me is the Hofner Violin, is it similar to this?
Yes, the neck is comparable to the Hofner - and nothing like the Orange!
This has what would be considered a thin neck, for sure. It’s very easy to play. It’s mostly been my daughter’s bass; she’s 13 and has a small frame, fairly small hands. This bass is perfect for her, but it’s also completely comfortable for me (a 6’0” man with relatively long fingers).
I lightly sanded the neck to make it extra smooth. It’s not necessary, but it makes it that much easier to play.
Are you the Heroquest guy?
I just noticed this comment, but I'm not sure what it means (that is a board game, right?), so I have to assume I am not the heroquest guy.
Nice enough bass for the price, however the slab body makes it so uncomfortable to play I had to sell mine.
I don’t find it uncomfortable, per se, but I know what you mean. It can cause some pressure on the right forearm.
Seems like in most demos that it doesn't like to be digged into. It's always clipping, which is a shame
Pickups are HOT. Most guys doing demos dont take that into account. Need to back off the volume a bit if youre going to dig into it.
There are no clipping problems at all with mine running into a Rumble 100. My passive Reverend PJ has hotter pickups. No clipping there either. The audio in this review seems questionable.
is it neck heavy ?
It's not heavy, but the neck tends to dive a little bit when standing up. Gotoh lightweight tuners and a good strap help remedy this.
Maybe I’m crazy but when both pickups are on it sounds a little out of phase. Maybe they’re both neck pickups? Great video. I always thought these were cool. I only have one short scale atm. An epiphone sg3 made in Japan in white with the 4 way rotary switch. It’s pretty nice and rare, I think.
They are both the same pickup, yes! I do like the J scoop it gives though.
What's the point of having two of the same pickups tho. I guess one could swap one out. I am not a base player btw but I am shopping around for a bass for my daughter. I guess I could swap out one of the pickups.
@@ilvdico It's not really a problem. Typically the difference would be that the bridge is wound hotter than the neck. The volumes still can be balances via pickup heights.
Active or passive?
Passive
1:39 Ghost ?? :))))))
yessir!
Did you forget to mention that those are not humbuckers for real?
Nope
@@TheBassChannel COOL
Had to add a little text blurb as that info came out between filming and editing, but I threw it in there in post =0)
Spoiler: No, but it's a lot of fun and looks cool. That out of the way (ha), thanks for the commentary and playing. All the best.
Aside: All this typed, f**** Gretsch and Fender (yet again) for lying to everyone (yet again).
Do you know of any real minibuckers that would be a direct fit replacement?
@@jasondorsey7110 - I’m sorry, but I don’t at this time. Best of luck.
@@RobVespa Thanks anyway, I'll probably go the tv jones route
Hey! Love your videos but for the love of god, take a rag and WIPE THE FINGERPRINTS OFF THE GUITARS BEFORE YOU HIT RECORD! When the light hits the guitars just right they look like you tried to do a sunburst out of finger grease.
My bad! The reflections are one thing that makes Chris sand the gloss off some of the basses - but of course this one was just a loaner for the review.
Sounds incredible, You had me until you said basswood. That wood is way too soft.
For what? Building houses? Sure, but considering the wood type has no effect on tone on a solidbody, doesn’t matter.
@@nickhaldin8674 My question exactly! “Too soft” ?!?! 😂
@@erstwhilerambler 😂
Ooh, Fender bought the Gretsch product line and accidentally forgot to check the ad copy for a misprint. And then you have self-important RUclips bass players spouting about fraud when they wouldn't even play a budget bass like this on their worst day. What beginner would know or care about singles or humbuckers at this price point? None.
I think it was more than a “misprint,” but point taken. The humbuckergate thing had a moment, but it shouldn’t take this bass out of anyone’s consideration. Especially budget or beginner bassists. It’s a good little instrument.
Exactly.
I mean it kinda matters if you're a beginner/intermediate player who likes distorted tones. You'll be confused why it makes an annoying hissing sound and a beginner will probably assume something is wrong with their amp/cable/guitar.
@@CoolGuyAtlas Fair point. I don’t personally get much noise from mine, though. I’ve done shielding or anything else; it’s just not generating significant amounts of noise - even when played with distortion. I know that some people haven’t been as lucky.
Ooh, Fender bought it, that's why it's 450 € now instead of 300.
If you can get it on sale maybe. Brand new it's priced like a CV Squier but has the hardware of an Affinity. Way overpriced.
It’s way less than a CV. Those are like $500, and this is $300
@@erstwhilerambler Depends on your neighborhood obviously. Locally here this one's roughly $411, a CV 60's Jazz is about $450.
@@circedge Whoa! That’s shocking!
And Squiers aren’t SS.
🤣
Hey all ... If you guys are Redditors, there is a community recently created for Gretsch basses ... r/GretschBass !
I'll take my Epiphone SG bass all day long over this one......
SG bass... yuck
Hi i am going to buy this bass . not the one your playing but an associate. the video is a year old so by now it must be aknowldeged the conspiracy theorists where,in fact ,right . adios amigos .