Question about Gretsch basses?

Question

hi, i just got a Gretsch Electromatic Junior Jet bass. you can check it out here: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gretsch-Guitars-G2202-Electromatic-Junior-Jet-Bass-Guitar-100602747-i1320394.gc its my first bass.

anyway, i kinda knew it was smaller than other basses, but i never new that it being smaller was bad thing. its a short scale bass, and ive gotten alot of feedback that they aren't as good as a long scale bass. But, i have heard that this particular Gretsch bass is a good one, and can anyone tell me if this bass rivals the sounds of longer basses, or if there really is a problem with it at all? I am a big person though, so would a longer bass be better? i am comfortible with it and i love the style, but i have this nagging feeling that i should get a longer one based on what everyone has been saying about the sound quality and ease of slapping. I also love slapping, would this Gretsch be good for it? I have plenty of time to get a refund, but this bass only cost me $175 ^^

Answer 1

Smaller is not necessarily a bad thing, nor is longer a good thing. Sure you have greater range on a long-scale bass, and that's probably why Gretsch DOES offer one as well. However, this guitar is rated SO highly by users, that if you don't mind the limited range, who cares what other people think?

I own both short- and long-scale guitars and use them as called for by  individual songs. Neither is "better" than the other... just different.

I have never met a bass I couldn't slap. I suspect that the people you are hearing from regarding "sound quality and ease of slapping" are not professional musicians. Pros don't put down each other's equipment, understand that easier is not better, and know that one's amp (not just the guitar) has a lot to do with sound quality.

If it were me, I would probably want one of each. Maybe that's the direction you're headed.

To read some user reviews on the Gretsch Electromatic Junior Jet, visit this site:

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/revie...

Sounds like you got a bargain at $175!!!

Kabum