Gretsch Thunder Jet?

[Gyver]

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PICS:
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For the sake of discussion (of Gretsch basses)-

Long-since discontinued, but I had one, and THIS was a Hella a bass...Probably one of the best that Gretsch ever made; built in Terada Japan.

I saw one of the TV Jones Spectra Sonic guitars at the Guitar Center about a year ago. I new nothing about them at the time, but it was a very cool guitar. I'd love to find a Spectra Sonic bass, but those suckers seem rarer than hen's teeth (as we like to say on the farm) lol

 

[B-line]

I kinda regret selling mine (altho I have far too many basses) but the Spectrasonic absolutely was both unique and top quality. It had a fantastic low-end THUMP (as does the Thunderjet, I may add).

Interesting story- GC shipped mine w/out a HSC- It was supposed to come with one; real nice- form- shaped and fitted.
Of course I contacted GC about it...

I had to contact Fender (parent co. of Gretsch) and provide the serial number of my SpectraSonic before they would ship me one. Interesting that they still had them, but they were very strict about providing that case for anything BUT the appropriate and intended bass!

BTW- The Thunderjet of course comes with the same high-quality type HSC.

 

[Gyver]

I kinda regret selling mine (altho I have far too many basses) but the Spectrasonic absolutely was both unique and top quality. It had a fantastic low-end THUMP (as does the Thunderjet, I may add).

Interesting story- GC shipped mine w/out a HSC- It was supposed to come with one; real nice- form- shaped and fitted.
Of course I contacted GC about it...

I had to contact Fender (parent co. of Gretsch) and provide the serial number of my SpectraSonic before they would ship me one. Interesting that they still had them, but they were very strict about providing that case for anything BUT the appropriate and intended bass!

BTW- The Thunderjet of course comes with the same high-quality type HSC.

How did the Thunder Jet and Spectra Sonic compare sound and playability wise? How much of an issue was the Thunder Jet bridge?

 

[B-line]

How did the Thunder Jet and Spectra Sonic compare sound and playability wise? How much of an issue was the Thunder Jet bridge?

They were actually quite similar- Both have (had) the Thundertron pups; the slightly longer scale of the Spectrasonic may have had some effect, but all-in-all- birds of a feather.

A bigger issue (to me) may have been the shorter-scale of the T-Jet; but still- I can't help but thinking- Considering just how well these basses are built- What a great improvement it would be IMO with a more standard style bridge.
However- that's the way Gretsch has been building them for quite some time, so...
They are & were excellent bass guitars. I think you would be happy with a Thunderjet.

 

[B-Mac]

That is a Gretsch I am not familiar with. I see they were 33" scale and Chambered?

I see they are also MIJ like the Thunder Jet and other ElectroTune's
Gretsch Spectra Sonic Bass Black 10034 | Wildwood Guitars
2003 USA Gretsch Spectra Sonic 4 string Bass w/ HSC - Excellent condition!
I also saw that when Gretsch stopped making them that TV Jones actually made them without 'Gretsch' on the headstock which is another thing I wasn't aware of. Very interesting.

 

[B-line]

That is a Gretsch I am not familiar with. I see they were 33" scale and Chambered?
View attachment 3251320
I see they are also MIJ like the Thunder Jet and other ElectroTune's
Gretsch Spectra Sonic Bass Black 10034 | Wildwood Guitars
2003 USA Gretsch Spectra Sonic 4 string Bass w/ HSC - Excellent condition!

It was an absolutely outstanding instrument. When I moved, I sold several basses that of course I now miss-
The Spectrasonic sure was one of them!

Notice that both of those you listed sold, and whenever one of these comes on the market, someone who is familiar with them will surely grab it up

I understand that they were built in the Terada Japan factory, which does (or did) high-quality work. This was one of those- absolutely flawless build, and the chambering and longer scale gave it a beautiful and full, rich bass tone.
Hella bass, they should bring it back! (Except they probably didn't sell well- go figure!)

 

[B-Mac]

It was an absolutely outstanding instrument. When I moved, I sold several basses that of course I now miss-
The Spectrasonic sure was one of them!

Notice that both of those you listed sold, and whenever one of these comes on the market, someone who is familiar with them will surely grab it up

I understand that they were built in the Terada Japan factory, which does (or did) high-quality work. This was one of those- absolutely flawless build, and the chambering and longer scale gave it a beautiful and full, rich bass tone.
Hella bass, they should bring it back! (Except they probably didn't sell well- go figure!)

They look a bit 'Kay-ish' to me compared to the other Gretsch basses I have and am familiar with (5442, 6073, 5123 and 6128).
I have to say I am definitely intrigued by the 33" scale.

The Unique Guitar Blog: The Gretsch Spectrasonic Guitars and The TV Jones Spectrasonic Supreme Guitars

 

[B-line]

They look a bit 'Kay-ish' to me compared to the other Gretsch basses I have and am familiar with (5442, 6073, 5123 and 6128).
I have to say I am definitely intrigued by the 33" scale.

They very much do resemble Kay Vintage-

Another bass I sold (damn!!!) was a Fritz Bros made Kay Jazz Special repro:

Mine was sunburst, sorry no pic- It was cool.

These were/are 31" scale, extremely well-made, but TBT, the Spectrasonic was a much better bass.
(Sorry, Roger Fritz).

33" is an awesome scale- The best of ALL scale worlds- short 30" medium 32" & standard 34".

I have a Japan-built Aria Pro II IGB-RC, also 33" scale.

Super easy and fast to play, but without the short-scale "feel" which never meshed with me.
YMMV, etc. (Don't want to ruffle any short-scale bass lovers here!)

 

[B-Mac]

They very much do resemble Kay Vintage-

Another bass I sold (damn!!!) was a Fritz Bros made Kay Jazz Special repro:

View attachment 3251370

Mine was sunburst, sorry no pic- It was cool.

These were/are 31" scale, extremely well-made, but TBT, the Spectrasonic was a much better bass.
(Sorry, Roger Fritz).

33" is an awesome scale- The best of ALL scale worlds- short 30" medium 32" & standard 34".

I have a Japan-built Aria Pro II IGB-RC, also 33" scale.
View attachment 3251372

Super easy and fast to play, but without the short-scale "feel" which never meshed with me.
YMMV, etc. (Don't want to ruffle any short-scale bass lovers here!)

According to this; NBD! Rare Gretsch Spectrasonic! some were made in the USA?

 

[B-line]

According to this; NBD! Rare Gretsch Spectrasonic! some were made in the USA?

IIRC, the first runs were USA- made (by Hamer I believe); then production was moved to Japan-
Either way, quality build.

Interesting thread link- Suddenly, for some reason, I feel like putting on a Cowboy Hat and doing the Boot-Scoot Boogie, or whatever its called!

 

[B-Mac]

IIRC, the first runs were USA- made (by Hamer I believe); then production was moved to Japan-
Either way, quality build.

Interesting thread link- Suddenly, for some reason, I feel like putting on a Cowboy Hat and doing the Boot-Scoot Boogie, or whatever its called!
View attachment 3251432

I wonder how many Gretsch made in Japan and then TV Jones made versions?

 

[B-line]

I'm not sure if TV Jones ever built Gretsch- branded Spectrasonics, guitars or basses. The guitars can be ordered from him now:

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My info (which may not be correct) is US-built Spectrasonics by Hamer, then Japanese production until discontinued.
Probably more guitar versions were built/sold; the bass version probably has very limited production.
(Should have kept mine!)

Some Wikipedia stuff:
TV Jones - Wikipedia

 

[Gyver]

I'm not sure if TV Jones ever built Gretsch- branded Spectrasonics, guitars or basses. The guitars can be ordered from him now:

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My info (which may not be correct) is US-built Spectrasonics by Hamer, then Japanese production until discontinued.
Probably more guitar versions were built/sold; the bass version probably has very limited production.
(Should have kept mine!)

Some Wikipedia stuff:
TV Jones - Wikipedia

I played a TV Jones Spectra Sonic guitar about a year ago at the Guitar Center. I had never heard of it before that day, but I remember thinking it was very cool and I considered buying it.

 

[B-line]

For whatever reason, Gretsch is has/been associated with Country, Rock-a-billy; the Brian Setzer vibe-or Chet Atkins I guess.

I can't recall ever playing with a guitarist that played a Gretsch and I've played with quite a few.
Surprising, since they're quality axes. I suppose Fenders & Gibsons are much more the norm.

The TV Jones versions are true "boutique" instruments, very highly regarded.
I e-mailed them today & asked if they would build a Spectrasonic Bass version-
I have a feeling they won't, but... never know.

 

[Gyver]

I e-mailed them today & asked if they would build a Spectrasonic Bass version-
I have a feeling they won't, but... never know.

Excellent!

 

[B-line]

Excellent!

It would be, but:

If he said they WOULD, and I could spec certain things, like finish, etc???

DAMN!

...Then I'd need to scrape up around 2.5K for a build!!

 

[BassJuju]

TV Jones:
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I REALLY like these pups; I've had (2) basses, both Gretsch. that had them.
IMO- they are way under the radar- So much talk about Nordstrand, Darkstar, etc. (justifiably so!) and others, but you rarely hear about these guys.

I would totally spec these if I were to order a build. They have a solid output and a great definition for bass guitar.

I have a G5440LSB with the Filter’trons in it. I have often wondered if the TV Jones Thunder’trons would be a worthwhile upgrade. I’ve heard they are both fairly low output, but I’m still curious. Do you have any reference and if so, would you spend the money for the TV Jones version?

 

[B-line]

I have a G5440LSB with the Filter’trons in it. I have often wondered if the TV Jones Thunder’trons would be a worthwhile upgrade. I’ve heard they are both fairly low output, but I’m still curious. Do you have any reference and if so, would you spend the money for the TV Jones version?

I haven't dug into a bass w/ Filter'tron pups so I couldn't offer any comparison-Both my T-Jet and SpectraSonic had Thunder'trons. There are no specs listed on TV Jones site like Seymour Duncan offers for example (for those who understand those ratings!)

As far as their output; I have a couple basses w/ Delano pups for example- They are extremely hot,
the bass in my avatar has proprietary pups that make those look tame. I've also owned G&L basses w/ MFD's.

To my ears, the Thunder'trons are not nearly as live and reactive as those, but rather are voiced & wound to be "mellower'. seeming to emphasize the low-mids and bass frequencies, but still providing enough treble bark and sizzle through the spectrum. I also feel that they are very well matched with Gretsch basses, a good fit for the chambering of a semi-hollow bass.
A few builders that I know of like Koll and Serek offer TV Jones pups in their solid-bodied basses as well, so-
They work!

Your Electromatic is a nice bass- I'd leave it OEM but that's me. Maybe E-mail TV Jones and see what he might have to say about a switch-out.

 

[BassJuju]

TV Jones:
Invalid Link Removed

I REALLY like these pups; I've had (2) basses, both Gretsch. that had them.
IMO- they are way under the radar- So much talk about Nordstrand, Darkstar, etc. (justifiably so!) and others, but you rarely hear about these guys.

I would totally spec these if I were to order a build. They have a solid output and a great definition for bass guitar.

I have a G5440LSB with the Filter’trons in it. I have often wondered if the TV Jones Thunder’trons would be a worthwhile upgrade. I’ve heard they are both fairly low output, but I’m still curious. Do you have any reference and if so, would you spend the money for the TV Jones version?

I haven't dug into a bass w/ Filter'tron pups so I couldn't offer any comparison-Both my T-Jet and SpectraSonic had Thunder'trons. There are no specs listed on TV Jones site like Seymour Duncan offers for example (for those who understand those ratings!)

As far as their output; I have a couple basses w/ Delano pups for example- They are extremely hot,
the bass in my avatar has proprietary pups that make those look tame. I've also owned G&L basses w/ MFD's.

To my ears, the Thunder'trons are not nearly as live and reactive as those, but rather are voiced & wound to be "mellower'. seeming to emphasize the low-mids and bass frequencies, but still providing enough treble bark and sizzle through the spectrum. I also feel that they are very well matched with Gretsch basses, a good fit for the chambering of a semi-hollow bass.
A few builders that I know of like Koll and Serek offer TV Jones pups in their solid-bodied basses as well, so-
They work!

Your Electromatic is a nice bass- I'd leave it OEM but that's me. Maybe E-mail TV Jones and see what he might have to say about a switch-out.

Thanks for the info... I will probably leave it be. I played it tonight and I just love that hollow body tone.

 

[B-line]

I have a G5440LSB with the Filter’trons in it. I have often wondered if the TV Jones Thunder’trons would be a worthwhile upgrade. I’ve heard they are both fairly low output, but I’m still curious. Do you have any reference and if so, would you spend the money for the TV Jones version?


Thanks for the info... I will probably leave it be. I played it tonight and I just love that hollow body tone.