Gretsch G2210 or G2220?

[BulbousMoses]

I know that one has one pickup and the other has 2. Other than that, can anyone comment on the pros and cons of each model. Do they both balance the same? And is the extra pickup on the 2220 worth getting?

[ih8law]

That's a tough question to answer without more information about what kind of sound you're going for. The point of the second (i.e., bridge) pickup is to add a little more brightness to the sound (zing!). If you're looking for more of a muddy or thumpy tone then you would be better off with a single pickup.

I've owned the G2202, which had a single pickup. It sounded great without a second pickup. I've also owned the G2220. I loved that one too. Check out the videos in the link in my sig if you want to hear a bunch of different sound demos of the G2220 with different pickup selections and string types.

[Pilgrim]

The earlier series 2202 (single) was 30", and the 1222 (double pickup) was 34" but plays easily., like a shorter scale. The newer 2210 and 2220 are both 30" scale.

The power of the earlier series was in the pickup, which is a TV Jones design made for Gretsch by unknown Latvian dwarves or someone like them. That 2202/1222 pickup is one HOT mofo! One of the most powerful pickups I've played next to the old Gibson mudbucker. I love that pickup. I haven't played the newer pickups, but if they're as powerful you won't go wrong with either one.

[BulbousMoses]

Originally Posted by ih8law

That's a tough question to answer without more information about what kind of sound you're going for. The point of the second (i.e., bridge) pickup is to add a little more brightness to the sound (zing!). If you're looking for more of a muddy or thumpy tone then you would be better off with a single pickup.

I've owned the G2202, which had a single pickup. It sounded great without a second pickup. I've also owned the G2220. I loved that one too. Check out the videos in the link in my sig if you want to hear a bunch of different sound demos of the G2220 with different pickup selections and string types.

Great demos. The TV Jones pickups sound fantastic. Even the single pickup 2210 would benefit greatly from a TV Jones pickup, I think.