Gretsch six string bass

[Annoying Twit]

Yet another "you don't see one of them every day".

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gretsch-Jet-Baritone-short-scale-six-string-bass-guitar-/321379043681?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4ad3af0961

Baritone guitar converted to a six string bass. Professionally converted, we are told. It's certainly an interesting looking thing, and if it's tuned from E up as I suspect it is, the 29.75" scale length may not be unreasonable. Narrow string spacing, but it seems a plausible (and cheaper) alternative to a Squier Bass VI.

I wonder what it sounds like. I also wonder what had to be done to it apart from the obvious nut work and potentially drilling larger holes in the tailpiece.

[EssentialTension]

[size=4]That looks just like a normal Gretsch [font=Arial,sans-serif]Jet Baritone G5265, which although it is called a baritone is commonly tuned E-E and comes that way from the factory.[/font][/size] It's the Gretsch version of a Bass VI.

No reference either to whatever JD has supposedly done to it.

[EssentialTension]

Ah hang on , it's had the tremolo removed. You can see the screw holes.

[BigRedX]

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1397487203' post='2424383']
Ah hang on , it's had the tremolo removed. You can see the screw holes.
[/quote]

In which case it's now actually less useful than it used to be...

[EssentialTension]

Also in the description[size=4]: [font=Arial,sans-serif]'TAILPIECE Bigsby®Licensed B50 Vibrato Tailpiece - removed when converted[/font]'[/size]

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1397487454' post='2424388']
In which case it's now actually less useful than it used to be...
[/quote]
Definitely although the price is not bad and no doubt a replacement bigsby could be sourced.

[Annoying Twit]

This video suggests that not all Gretsch Baritone Guitars are E to E, but that some (at least) are B to B.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU3X7dxxJR8"]https://www.youtube....h?v=bU3X7dxxJR8[/url]

I'm not to sure that I want a vibrato on a bass. I'm hoping to buy a fretless ... at some time, and feel that's the way to go in order to get more pitch control.

If I was in the market for a Squier Bass VI, I might actually have bid on this. Birmingham is close enough for cash on collection for something I really want. But, I personally don't like the idea of a six string bass with close string spacing, no low B string, and the inconvenient tuning for the higher two strings. A guitar rack with both a bass and a all-fourths tuned guitar on it covers enough ground.

Listening to the video, the unmodified Gretsch sounds OK to me, and does what it does, making an option between basses and regular guitars. But, speaking personally, I don't want that option. I can imagine other people finding it very useful however.

As for the modified version, again I think there's someone out there that might find it useful.

Edited April 14, 2014 by Annoying Twit

[BigRedX]

B-B tuning is generally found on 28" scale instruments. 30" scale can be either A-A or E-E depending on string gauge and whether you want it to be a baritone guitar or a VI bass.

[Annoying Twit]

The Hagstrom Baritone also appears to be B-B, though in comments, somebody was saying that they would prefer AEADGC tuning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QilDmlrSRKk

[BigRedX]

In the end tuning will depend on how you intend to play the instrument (like a guitar or like a bass) and how "stiff" (or not) you want the strings.

[the hand of john curley]

I really like that....and only 40 mins away from me.....hmmmm.....be good for those Royal Blood moments!

[Annoying Twit]

[quote name='the hand of john curley' timestamp='1397560200' post='2425089']
I really like that....and only 40 mins away from me.....hmmmm.....be good for those Royal Blood moments!
[/quote]

Warning: If you buy that, you'll have me bugging you to come over and have a go on it.

[chriswareham]

I had one of these for a couple of years. It arrived tuned E-E but the guy in the music shop I bought it from thought it was an ordinary baritone and tuned it *up* to B-B, trashing the strings. A set of La Bellas later, and it was back to being a Fender VI scale six string bass. Despite the Gretsch branding, they're made in China. Build quality on mine was great but it was exceptionally light. The tremelo was fitted as standard, but only really there for aesthetics as far as I could tell since the bass would go straight out of tune with anything but the mildest pressure on it.

[Annoying Twit]

@chriswareham - what did yours sound like? I thought the youtube video up above made it sound OK, but not at all like a bass.

[chriswareham]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1397574681' post='2425283']
@chriswareham - what did yours sound like? I thought the youtube video up above made it sound OK, but not at all like a bass.
[/quote]

I used mine as a bass for several rehearsals with my old band, but we split before I got a chance to use it live. With a bit of tweaking on the amp EQ, I got a suitably thumpy bass tone and with chorus engaged it made a great instrument for Peter Hook style lead lines. At the time I bought it, I also tried a Schecter Hellcat and to me at least they felt the same to play. I eventually chose the Gretsch based on aesthetics, and I now regret selling it even though it would only get home use at the moment since I currently play in a heavily detuned metal band. I'd say that the bridge conversion on the one in the eBay listing is actually a bonus, since I foud the Bigsby trem a bit pointless.

[the hand of john curley]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1397560311' post='2425092']


Warning: If you buy that, you'll have me bugging you to come over and have a go on it.
[/quote]

Ha ha !!! No worries! Coffee is always available!!!!

[the hand of john curley]

Think I'm gonna take a punt on it......if I don't like it, I'll bring it to the bass bash on 10th ..... And sell it 😆😆😆

[the hand of john curley]

Purchased! Will be taking it to the bb on the 10th may with my Geddy lee....anyone fancies a go they are welcome 😁

[the hand of john curley]

Collected and back home! It's mint! Guy who owned was of 'advanced years!' He'd had it from new.....