Gretsch Electromatic

[Guest gazzatriumph]

Hi Peoples, I'm looking at buying a new Gretsch electromatic long scale bass, any tips on what strings to use for rock covers, also has anyone any ideas where I can get a hard case for it that's not going to cost too much, cheers

Edited June 24, 2013 by gazzatriumph

[cocco]

I'd recommend playing a Warwick star bass (korean) and an epiphone Jack casady first.

[skankdelvar]

Strings for rock covers? Well, I'd imagine a bog-standard set of roundwounds would do the job in most cases. Rotosound, Ernie Balls (if you're not fussy) available [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/c/543/strings/bass-guitar-strings-sets/"]here[/url].

Case? Thomann do cheapies, but I bought my last two cases secondhand - one from a music shop and the other from Cash Converters. About £25 after a bit of haggling. Many 'standard' economy bass cases are designed for Fender-type basses, so best take your Gretsch with you to make sure it fits if you go this route.

[andyonbass]

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1372112861' post='2121922']
I'd recommend playing a Warwick star bass
[/quote]

Where can you do that in the UK? All the Warwick dealers seem to have disappeared

[Mr Fretbuzz]

Just got a Warwick Pro Star Bass yesterday from Germany which was the cheapest with a Warwick hollowbody gig bag. I tried the gretsch and didn't like it myself. Thought the Gibson Midtown sounded better. Pleased with the Warwick as you can adjust both pickups separately , although I had to adjust the intonation and strings a little.

[cocco]

They're under £950 at DV247

[Guest gazzatriumph]

Cheers for the replies, I must admit I love the look of the Gretsch that's what attracted me to it last year but obviously need to try it out first. Although not the most expensive bass in the world but its a lot of money for me. As for hard case looks like I would have to buy an acoustic bass case and put a pillow in it

[Mr Fretbuzz]

I love the look of it as well but I like the neck pick up in the middle rather than touching the neck so I can put my thumb on it similar position to my P Bass The Warwick looks retro though

[grayn]

You might want to consider the Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat bass.
It's a lovely, short scale semi, that is so much better than it's maeagre price would suggest.

[Guest gazzatriumph]

[i][i]Looks nice Mr Fretbuzz, I play mainly pick but can see why you would prefer neck pup where it is, I prefer a long scale grayn but thanks for input[/i][/i]

[Mr Fretbuzz]

Cheers Gazz.. its a 34 long scale Played it on my big Amp tonight and it sounded good both pups full on with about a 7 on the tone knob. Just using the rear pub sounds a bit like an envelope pedal

[thisnameistaken]

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1372113675' post='2121936']
Strings for rock covers? Well, I'd imagine a bog-standard set of roundwounds would do the job in most cases. [/quote]

You would probably need more than one set of roundwounds, although it does depend on the size of the rocks.