Fat Bottom Bass! || Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Star II Short Scale Demo/Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 มี.ค. 2019
- Can you get the bottom you need from a short scale bass? The Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Star II brings its massive sound to a short scale for factor. This reviews takes us through a variety of tones to play a few famous basslines by artists like Hall & Oates, the Jackson 5, Journey, and Joe Jackson.
**Links
Web - www.soundslikeben.com
Facebook - / soundslikeben
Twitter - / benrosebass
** Basses used in this video
Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Star II bit.ly/2K0rx25
**Gear Used to make this video
Sony A6000 Camera
Rode Mic
**Software
Propellerhead Reason 10
Adobe Premiere
Adobe Photoshop - เพลง
Picked up my first bass guitar today--- the Gretsch sunburst finish. So excited to learn!
How are you progressing?
I played a bass exactly like this about a month back,really liked it,I'm actually going to use this video to justify to my wife buying said bass,lol
Dear,
Mrs. Davis, by watching this video, your husband, Aaron, has displayed what a thoughtful consumer he is. Furthermore, his comments indicate your happiness is foremost on his mind. I bet he is already composing a special song for you that would be best played on a Gretsch G2220. Indeed, his expanding bass collection just goes to prove how thankful he is for your support. You both are so lucky to have such a caring relationship.
All the best,
Ben
@@soundslikeben my wife said nice try Ben,😂😂
Lmao, that had me rolling!
this was the bass my mom got me when I said I wanten to play 5 years ago, I didn't use it for so long but now that we are locked at home I am becoming an absolute bass addict, I love this bass so much even though I have huge arms and fingers. great video
Long fingers on a short scale just means more options B)
I’m in a band and the bass player plays this bass. It’s a great sounding bass🙃
Is it good for slapping, also?
@@thomaskleinhans2384 yes
Good to know
@@ModernCults how can you slap?
@daniel kuk Do you know "kuk" means "cock" in Swedish? :)
I want more of that sick fuzz from the intro! Nice review, I've definitely got one of these on my wishlist, love the sound and that green color. Cheers!
Thanks, DeadlyFredXXX. That tone was straight out of the Fender Rumble 800. I don’t remember the name of the preset, but it is a killer amp.
Good shout out for Tim Bogert. The Beck, Bogert, Appice album was great too.
great review! i’ve been working all summer to try to save up for this bass and i’m so excited !! :)
Do you have it?!
Fantastic Demo! Probably the best I've seen on here. The bass sounds pretty amazing. Very versatile.
Thanks, Joe! Much appreciated.
Seems like a winner eh ?
I just picked up one of these and love the feel of this bass I love the short scale way better than my Yamaha full scale, I’m playing it through a Fender Rumble 25 in my home studio and I’m really happy with it. I wish I could play as well as you. Thanks for the useful review.
Thanks, John. Glad you found the review helpful. Hope you continue to enjoy the new bass!
I own 2 Yamaha basses; a 174TRBX and a BB234, and although I love both these instruments, I keep going back to my Gretsch because it gives me a characteristic growl when switched to both pick-ups. Bought it as floor model. Never had it set-up yet it plays perfectly. I would highly recommend it because it's so much fun to play.
Just gigged my first gig with the new Gretch. Fantastic.
Recording quality on this video is the best I’ve heard so far. Nice!
Thanks! Much appreciated.
@@soundslikeben yeah it really helps. some guys just waste your time with reviews with poor sound setup.
Thanks for showing one of my TOP favorite Bass lines and nice work on "I Want You Back", the Michael J. tune. You sold me right there on this Bass, Haha. Thanks 1,000,000.
I’m finally taking my bass playing seriously after months of screwing around with a bass I got at a pawn shop. This is the first new bass I have ever bought, and I am in love with it . You’re video definitely helped solidify my choice when making my purchase.
Thanks, Tyler! Glad the video helped and welcome to the brotherhood of bass. :)
I bought one, in Torino green. I usually play a long scale but this is a well finished and punchy bass. I think you made a good choice.
FINALLY...A bass demo that I can actually tell what the instrument sounds like!!! And btw, it sure helps to have it played by someone who really knows how. I subscribed too. Because of your demo, I believe a G2220 will be in my near future. Hope it still keeps that nice clean well-defined tone with flats on it.
Thanks for the kind words, Dave! I liked it with flats too - the placement of the bridge pickup really helps keep the definition.
I used the single pickup version of this bass for year. Great for playing live, and tons of bottom end. Short scale is great for playing if you sing as well.
I really miss it, so I just ordered one of these!
Yeah, they are really fun basses.
Very nice to see and hear a review from someone who can actually play.
Thanks for the kind words, Oscar!
I am a guitarist and a violinist, I have started laying down my own bass tracks in my home studio as opposed to something digital, digital just doesn't catch that realistic bass sound and with COVID, I cannot always get a bass player. I bought a used Ibanez Gio, But I am in the mood for something else, I don't want to spend a lot of money as I am not a bass player. I love Gretsch guitars so I looked at their basses and I ran across this and I was intrigued but very leary.I love the look and that keeps drawing me back to it. So, I googled videos for it and voila, it brought me to yours. Now, I am sure and I am going to pull that trigger. Thank you so much for your detailed review.
the bass in basswood is pronounced like the bass fish
Thanks!
I told some guys I played the bass. I showed up at the rehearsal with my fish and they weren't amused.
They called it bass [fish] wood because they used to use it to club fish over the head to catch dinner.
Yes Indeed
I just bought my G2220 in Torino green last week and my amp is coming today! First time picking up a bass (I learned guitar briefly a few years back) and I'm sooo psyched. I've already learned a few bass lines!
And thanks for the lovely demo!
Congrats and welcome to the bass family, Aaqilah! What bass line did you learn first?
SoundsLikeBen 'You Make No Sense' by ESG !!
Aaqilah Brown Six months on, how are you progressing?
Just picked one up today! Love it! This vid helped so thank you!
Congrats on the new bass and thanks for watching!
Great review!!
Of course, you have magic fingers, so I think anything you play will sound great!
That being said, as an owner of a Squier Bronco, this looks like something for me to check out. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, and sharing your wonderful talent as a bassist :)
Thanks for the very kind words, John! Glad you enjoyed the review.
Oh geez man, that squeek almost killed me !! Nice review though :D
That's one cool bass!! Love the short scale
Thanks for watching, Andrew!
I bought a new one right off the rack during a casual visit to the local music store. Wanted something smaller than my fender jazz bass for practice. I am normally a strat player and this feels sooooo much better than the big jazz basses. Great sound through a little 10 inch ampeg
Played one of these little beauties in GC and was totally blown away by how phat it sounded. Definitely gonna get me one eventually maybe mod it with some TV Jones pickups and a set of flats.
I'm surprised how consistently good these little Gretsches are. Thanks for watching!
Nice review. Being a bass beginner, I’m definitely going to look one of these over.
They are very fun. I’d also recommend taking a closer look at the Yamaha BB series or a Schecter. I used a BB434 at a gig last night and it was great.
Really nice demo, man. I wish you'd talked about the set up and playability, but you can't have everything. Thanks for your work!
Thanks! Great feedback. If and when I get back into gear reviews, I plan on getting more scientific about the setup side of things.
Great review, Man! I do that thumb muting stuff all the time on mine.
They really do sound great for that. Thanks for watching!
Hah, what are the odds. My Torino green jr jet just came in the mail today. Plays like a dream, especially since I have small hands. Love the tone out of the mini humbuckers too
Cool! Hope you enjoy. I got a lot of favorable comments on the green color at sessions.
I plan on it. It’s a beautiful bass. Nice review btw
Thanks!
I played this bass today. The back of the neck was real shiny but the feel of the bass neck was nice. It felt more like playing a guitar.
just thanks for this post. One of those who led me to choose this model cause I'm guitarist (a french one) and need short scale bass at a right price. So, one more thanks 😊
De rien, Eric! Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy your bass. :)
I'm just happy you played the Jaco - passage from "Modern Electric Bass".
Great review, cheers mate
Thanks, Palmer!
Great job picking basslines from classic tunes to dial in good tone :-)
I'm thinking of buying one as a guitar player it seems the best fit! Loved your playing too!
Thanks, TJ! I know a few guitarists who have picked these up and love them.
Very very nice… great video!
Ordered today. I play guitar and this will be perfect for recording originals. Being short with closer frets should make an easy transition. Thanks for the review.
Congrats on the new bass, Todd! Thanks for watching.
I'm liking this bass even more.
Thanks for watching, Macky!
Finally someone who plays something reasonable while demonstrating different tones.
Mine is on the way! Thanks!
I love em! I play it everyday!
a little fyi for bass players; basswood is often derided, however, as my younger drummer brother who is also a forester tells me; basswood trees are the only trees in the forest you can strike w/ a heavy object and it produces an actual discernible note....ie it's very resonant.
Love the Barney Miller Theme at 2:34!
I’ve never actually heard the song or seen the show, but when I started playing bass family members would always ask me to play Barney Miller and then hum the opening bass part. For those who don’t know what we’re talking about, here it is (and it is certainly groovy) th-cam.com/video/roHYXrLhmHc/w-d-xo.html
Great demo, sharp looking bass and very versatile sounding in your hands. what's your favorite (go to) bass?
Just ordered the Torino green model - it'll be joining my Ibanez GSR200 :)
COOL BASS ..SOUNDS GREAT
Excellent and very helpful Many thanks
Thanks for the demo.I'm getting exactly the same model and colour.Great sounding lil bass, with its own character.
Congrats on the new bass. Enjoy!
love the army green!
@@sbdreamin Me too!
I LOVE THE BARNEY MILLER THEME!!!!
Chuck Berghofer is the man. Respect
Thanks for the info brother
Ben: “Whose gonna throw away an instrument?”
Guitar Centre: “Yes”.
Not sure if anyone else has pointed this out, but basswood is the same as linden - super light but lots of strength and great tone (and used on basses 10x the price of the Gretsch.
Recommend this to my bass students - great bass - easy to play
Agreed. Thanks for watching, Kunchang!
"Sunday Paper" by Joe Jackson!
I just bought this bass....mainly a guitar player but I love what the bass does while playing with others or a band. really hoping I like it.
Congrats and welcome to the brotherhood of the low end!
i was ready to pull the trigger on a Squier Jaguar SS... then I found this video. Forgittabout it! Gonna get this one.. love the tone! Been playing an Ibanez SRF700 (fretless) for a year and it's just too big for me. I can handle it, but am looking for something more compact without sacrificing tone. Thanks for the review.
Thanks, SB! Much appreciated. They are a nifty little piece. I think the pickup placement is a big part of the tone on these.
SoundsLikeBen just ordered my green one!
Congrats! Hope you enjoy it.
Been playing guitar for 25 years. Bought a bass today. It's a Gretch and I'm loving it. Licks that didn't really have a place on 6 strings have come to life on 4. Thanks for the info!
Welcome to the low end, Papa Romeo. Thanks for watching!
The Sunday Papers Graham Maybe tone convinced me. If you wanna really impress, blast out some "She gets paid on Friday" lol
Aha, I knew if I scrolled far enough, someone would have mentioned Mr. Maby’s work.
I’ve read how fans asked him for years, why he doesn’t play *everything* the way he did in his early Joe Jackson Band era.
Bass wood.. like the fish. It is a soft wood used often for hand carving. A hobby of mine
This sounds great!! May have to pick up one..
Please tell me what effect you were using in the intro.. loved it! Gave me stank face
Thanks for watching, Robert! It was a preset on the Fender Rumble Stage 800. I think it was called Edgar Winter or Frankenstein. Something like that.
I just got my G&L Tribute JB today and I will be getting the Gretsch tomorrow....I will have a personal shootout between them....The JB as expected is a much better bass than the Yamaha I have been playing. You can feel the difference in quality ...it is immediately noticed...I am hoping the Gretsch is as good as advertised...My Yamaha will be hanging at the local music store on consignment.
It’s pronounced basswood not basswood
Um I believe it's basswood but ok😂
tnx for clearing that up!
No basssswood
I have, among others, an Epi Eb-0 that when jamming with friends really can disappear in the mix. So I've been looking for something with that vintage vibe, but with a little more cut. I think this may be it.
HA Jackson 5 you’re awesome! That bass is baller!
Thanks, Joshua!
No humbuckers. That was a big advertising faux pas from Gretsch, but one hell of a bass and yes, tons of bottom end!
So, you've probably seen the hoopla about this bass since you posted this review -- the pickups are actually single-coils, and are both marked "bridge." I've seen some reviews that say they are VERY noisy. What was your experience? Also -- anybody who does a bass demo with the theme from BARNEY MILLER is a man after my own heart! Awesome! :)
Yeah, I had not seen the hoopla when I made the video (several years ago). I had no problems with noise. Honestly, just a great sounding and fun little bass. Especially at under $300.
a Bass in British Racing Green... noice!
Right?! Which bass would be the modern equivalent of a Lotus race car?
@@soundslikeben Question: Saw some as light as under 6lbs. Average more 7+. Do you think a lighter one loses anything? Certainly seems highly desireable otherwise. Also, you suddenly made me like that color even more. My older brother was a foreign car guy way back and in 1965, bought a Lotus Elan S2 in BRG. Perhaps a little different in shade, but this certainly recalls it. The car Mclaren said he could never reproduce the steering feel of and Leno refers to as connecting driver and road like no other. And damn, that SS Gretsch is unique, too. Thanks, I have to check one out now. 👍
Hi Ben, I just stumbled across this bass. Always wanted a short scale just for easy travel. This one seems pretty cool for sure. Nice variety with your demo:). Thanks:). This is a 2 yr old vid, just curious if you still have this bass, if so, did you experiment with strings other than the stock strings? Oh, and BTW, what is your take on intonation and how well it stays in tune?:)
Hi, I tried flatwound strings on the bass and liked them too. I sold the bass because I needed funds to buy the next bass to review, but I would have no objection to holding on to that bass. I have since tried 3 other short scales and I would be as happy to have the Gretsch as the others, which is saying something considering the bass is so affordable.
I don’t recall any intonation or tuning problems on my bass. I did gig it during the few months I owned it and had no problems with it in a working setting either.
For as much as people on the internet like to shit on gretsch and this bass from what I’ve seen, as a guitarist playing bass, I like it. It matches my guitar, colors nice, and Gretsch always has great neck pickups.
Right?! People are all up in arms about the humbicker thing (And yes, FMIC should be accurate), but bottom line, it is a great sounding bass that is fun to play
Gah, right on with the Journey tone...
Ross Valory is an under-appreciated bassist IMO
Hey! I recently bought this as my first ever bass, and i’m having some trouble with setting it up.. Thinking of upgrading it with a new saddle since the one that came with it is malfunctioning. What bridge upgrade would be compatiable? Fender style?
I bought one a few days back at GC. Was looking at a used Fender but the sales guy showed me the Jr (for less $$$) and said he can’t put his down.
For some reason, out of all the instruments I’ve frustrated myself with, I feel like I finally found my thing.
They are sweet little basses for sure. Congrats on your new axe!
Good review mate. Is that a Miles Davis poster behind you? Getting my Torino green bass Tuesday 😊
Thanks and congrats on the new bass! Yes it is Miles. I got mine here: www.allposters.com/-sp/Miles-1-Posters_i13093359_.htm
SoundsLikeBen Thanks very much and I appreciate the link for the poster. I love Miles and Paul Chambers' bass playing. I normally play guitar and am not an expert on jazz but Miles Davis and John Coltrane are two of my favourite artists to listen to.
Great review, nice sound quality! Have you had a chance to play the Mustang P/J? Just wondering what you thought...
Hi, I’ve played a couple in stores, but never for an extended period. They were always set up with pretty high action. It made them feel a bit stiff. Of course, this can be adjusted, I just haven’t had one in my possession that was set up well enough to really give it a run through.
Well, you didn’t answer my questions, but I bought one anyway… and it’s awesome!
Been crazy busy lately, but congrats on the new bass!
Pretty Fine looking
I wonder how many of us watching this are old enough to recognize the bass line you played as being from the main title theme to the ‘70s TV sit com Barney Miller.
It's funny because I never watched the show, but as soon as I started playing bass, everyone in my family started singing that theme song to me.
Do I need to trim short scale strings for this Bass like I would for a regular bass standard length.Thank you
Own this one, love it. I named her Major Houlihan.
Hot Lips Houlihan!
Awesome review! i’ve been playing guitar for about 4 years and would like to get into playing bass as well, not professionally at all just as a hobby. I saw this bass because of Mike Kerr from Royal Blood playing it and I love that band! I also had my eye set on the Squier Affinity PJ bass in olympic white with the black pickguard, I love the color. What would you recommend I purchase as I want to stay on a budget since it’s not my main instrument and to play rock/punk/metal music. Out of the Squier Affinity PJ bass and the Gretsch Junior Jet ii which would you recommend for my type of music? Thanks!
Thanks, TT! Much appreciated. The Squier is a 34" scale rather than 30", so you definitely will want to play them both as they will feel different. The Squier has rock bottom pricing, so saving $100 could move you in favor of that, although I think you will want to upgrade the pickups and tuners sooner sooner rather than later. If you're cool with that, go for the Squier. Although the P is definitely the more traditional choice, don't forget Mike Watt rocks out on a short scale bass.
@@robjobse8860 of course they are, they're cheap. In reality, Squires are pretty darn good instruments these days. I've got a Squire Jaguar SS and it is a very well-made instrument that plays like butter and sounds great.
@@robjobse8860 no, it's one of the "vintage modified" series.
@@robjobse8860 yas. Black on black, matching headstock, it's a classy little bass. Think it cost all of 200 bucks? Total steal. I was really surprised at how good it is. My first guitar was a Squire ages ago and I hated that thing. They've upped their game!
@@robjobse8860 Harley Benton is pretty nice.
What pedals did you use to get that awesome sound in the beginning of the video?
Looking to pick up one of these just for fun and a change of pace from playing my strat. Can you slap on it? I have watched a couple of reviews but haven’t seen anyone play slap bass with it....
I just ordered one. Your tune sounded like space trucking
Congrats on the new bass, J B!
I bought mine as a baritone. I couldn’t get my head around the low string being an A. I restrung it as a bass vi E to E. It’s wonderful. It’s sounds better than my Squier Bass vi.
It should normally have the low string as an E. Glad you were able to work it out.
do you know what gauge strings go on that bass that sound the best?
How is the balance on this bass? I know basswood is quite light.
I’m extremely averse to any neck pull.
That is another advantage to short scale basses. Much less neck dive. You'll want to check it out in a store if you can first. Guitar Center usually has at least one in stock.
I'm thinking about getting this bass.
What gauge strings comes with it?
I'm a guitar player with a little experience on bass.
I played a Gibson EB with flatwounds and I liked it.
So I want to put flatwound strings on it.
I put Hofner flats on mine but the E string broke so I had to buy one else where. Otherwise, it's a great short scale bass which you can play without hum and great sound. Don't regret buying mine.
Hi Mate is this guitar any good for Reggae - i like the deep sound of reggae or would you recommend something else for Reggae with deep sound cheers
This could easily work for reggae, especially strung with flats. A classic j bass with a rosewood fingerboard will also do the trick nicely. Use both pickups and roll off the tone knob.
@@soundslikeben thanks ben
Totally sounds like my T40. But minus the weight of two new born calves. So if you want a short scale with two humbuckers but think ricks are stupid looking and want to look like a russian dude in a 70s funk band, but might want to play dirty punk, super good deal. Also if any wants a fixer upper t 40 let me know. Its sparkely purple and has huge triangle finger markers hit me up.
phat! \m/
Great review - definitely gonna get one of these (before I watched this I wasn't sure about going for the Torino green finish but it looks pretty good!) Any chance you could do a video on how to play the bass solo that graces the opening credits of Dirty Harry (possibly the funkiest piece of music ever committed to tape)?!
Oh that is a great idea! My friends and I used to binge watch Dirty Harry movies while working on term papers.
@@soundslikeben Haha, hey dude, greetings from Scotland! Yeah the films are classics, especially the first one with the Lalo Schifrin score! The rhythm section session players on that were as tight as two coats of paint, especially on the opening track (who were those anonymous funkmasters?!), so it would be really cool for someone like yourself to do a bass lesson for that solo...there's some pretty nimble basswork goin' on there which is tricky to work out how to play...!
Hey! I’m planning to buy this bass but I’m not quite sure about which one I’m gonna buy. What do you recommend me? The Fender mustang bass or the Gretsch junior jet bass
The Fender Mustang is better if you want a P bass sound, but otherwise, I would probably go with the Gretsch, which is just as fun at less than half the price.
@@soundslikeben Is there any difference in sound or overall quality?
@@soundslikeben I mean, if I play in a garage alt rock Band, what do you think that could be my best option? Does the Gretsch bass sound like sort of a j bass?
@@aloncd The Fender will get you closer. You may want to check out the Sire U5. Short scale PJ for about $500. Sires have great build quality at their price point. Ashdown makes The Grail, which is a short scale jazz bass, but it will set you back a bit more than the Fender. Nice basses though.
I just bought this bass too and love it, but Fender/Gretsch have told a lie, those pickups are not Mini Humbuckers, in fact they are a single coil pick up. Bully Thakidd is now calling the lie as a Humbuckergate. LowendLobster made this discovery when he was about to do a review on this bass.
If it wasnt single coil it would not sound as good 😃
Basssss-wood
WHAT IS BETTER GRETSCH G2220 OR EPIPHONE VIOLA BASS??
How did uou get a black one? it seems they are not produced anymore in that color
It was torino green, not black
Where did you get the skull cap? I like it
Thanks. A family member knitted it for me. She always gives the best gifts.
I think I may buy one. I have an option of 7.4 Vs 8.6 on weight. do you have any insight on which weight is better?
That seems like big weight variance for such a small bass. If you can play them both, buy what sounds better. Otherwise, go with the lighter one.
@@soundslikeben I Did buy one the other day. Should I be alarmed that it is kinda noisy with hum noise? Thanks for your feedback!
Does anyone think it’s worth buying a G2220 over a fender mustang pj?
The best thing would be to try them both out. I preferred the G2220, but YMMV. Also, I already have PJ basses.
I had the single pick up model, and it is a great bass! The only reason I don't have it still is because my nephew begged me for it and I gave it to him. I have a '67 Gibson EB-0 that I've played for years, love that pick up and as good as the Gretsch is I love that Gibson like my own child.
Great for you for getting your nephew going! What a great way to pay it forward!
“The pick up selector is squeaky”
*fights urge to close video*