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Gretsch G2202 or Squier SS Jag ?

screaminglucy

screaminglucy

Jul 20, 2009
1,955
31
TX, USA
#1
Anybody have both the Gretsch electromatic jr jet and the Squier short scale Jaguar? Trying to decide between them. Like the jag (own one) because it's easy to mod but kinda feel like the gretsch build is better. Not sure about the pickup on the gretsch...high output so is it muddy?

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#2
I don't own either of these basses so I'm afraid that my opinion won't matter too much.
However, I would personally go with the Gretsch. It seems like a solid bass. The TV Jones-type pickup will be a cool addition to your sonic arsenal. Since you already have a Jaguar bass, it seems silly to get another one. I kind of love the single cutaway look too. Also, the Gretsch seems a little bit smaller of a bass due to the headstock.
Good luck choosing!
Also, as a side note, I've been looking into getting a full-size Jaguar bass...would you be able to tell me how it compares to a typical P-Bass and/or a J-Bass?
 
#3
I checked out that gretsch model a couple weeks ago at Bass Northwest and the build quality is far inferior to the Squire Jag IMO from what I saw. The neck pocket on the gretsch was far from tight. Thats one of the first things I look for, and as soon I saw what that bass had to offer I immediately put it down. No interest whatsoever. The bass looks great asthetically, but thats about it. IME IMO YMMV ETC

I own the squire ss Jag and find its build quality very good... despite its great price.
 
#4
I own both and would have a hard time recommending one over the other. The sound and feel of each are totally different.

Contrary to what the others here have seen, the build quality on my Gretsch is slighter better than my Jag SS...neck pocket is tight, fretboard is flat, fret ends are nice and smooth, the setup was spot on (had to set intonation on the Jag), and I love the finish. Such is mass production...

The Gretsch pickup is hotter, and is a little muddy compared to the Jag SS, but it sounds really good. I've tried switching out a couple of string sets on it trying to get better definition on the low E (stock strings, Chrome flatwounds, and XL medium roundwounds) and I think I like the flats the best...but this could change tommorrow...;-).

Definitely try to play them side by side if you can.
 
#6
Hi Lucy,

I do own both. Of the two, the Gretsch is definitely punchier. Not at all muddy to my ears. I gig the Gretsch pretty regularly. Haven't gigged the Jag yet.

The workmanship on my Gretsch is fine. Nice tight neck pocket. The pickup is the hottest of any I own. The tone control is very useful, with good variation from full on to rolled off. I usually have the tone control at 5-7 depending on the room.

The Gretsch is a great travel bass. The neck joins the body at the 13th fret. It's about the same length as a Les Paul or PRS guitar. I cart it around to gigs and rehearsals in a PRS SE gig bag.

Last summer I flew to Buffalo, NY to visit my brother. The Gretsch fit in the overhead bin with room to spare.

I got mine new about 2 years ago for $180 shipped. One of the best purchases I've made.

Hope this helps!
 

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