The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Other Bass Brands => Topic started by: morrow on June 28, 2024, 04:37:09 PM

Title: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on June 28, 2024, 04:37:09 PM
I've been on the hunt for a ThunderJet for a while now. I picked up that big orange bass last December , and now I'd like another Gretsch. One surfaced in Kentucky and it looks like it will be on the way to Nova Scotia. Just the final bits to get done.
The only grief is the import duties , exchange and shipping. What initially looks to be a bargain becomes pricey.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Pilgrim on June 28, 2024, 06:59:05 PM
I hope you got a decent price on it. I set a watch on Ebay and it was nearly a year before I found one at the right price; I was surprised that when it came, it was in the factory case with all the original case candy and pickguard.  I haven't mounted the pickguard because I don't want to drill holes in it, and I don't need the guard. It really looked brand new.

They are absolutely beautifully made. Prepare to have a new favorite bass.

Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on June 29, 2024, 07:03:06 AM
I've been looking for one for a while now. Still waiting for the shipping cost. My mind is pretty set to get this. 
I'm somewhat tempted to put a Gibson Les Paul plastic ring on the toggle switch.
This is said to be in like new condition and has the guard , but it's not mounted.

I hope this will happen , it looks good. There was a guy in England that was ahead of me but He decided the shipping/exchange/duties were a bit much so it seems the ball is now in my court. Coming from Kentucky.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Dave W on June 30, 2024, 08:12:55 AM
drbassman sure loved his. I hope it wound up in good hands.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on July 13, 2024, 02:12:48 PM
Should get shipped Monday. Paypal done.

Looking forward to this one.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Pilgrim on July 13, 2024, 07:11:21 PM
Looking forward to the report when it arrives.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on July 14, 2024, 05:53:07 AM
I've come to the conclusion that I can adapt to just about anything. That big orange one does not have the best ergonomics , but that hasn't stopped me from enjoying it.
It's got such a nice woody tone.
I've been looking for a 6128 for a while , they're not easy to find. It's amazing what we happily do for a little binding and fancier inlays.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on July 16, 2024, 12:17:57 PM
Should deliver Friday!
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Pilgrim on July 17, 2024, 01:08:45 PM
Quote from: morrow on July 16, 2024, 12:17:57 PM
Should deliver Friday!

Christmas in July!
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on July 17, 2024, 04:15:18 PM
My big orange one took a tumble the other day and broke a tuning peg. Standard Gotoh style tuner , I borrowed one from me Allan Woody Rumblekat because I wanted to continue using that bass. I'd never seen one break like this before. Now fixed.

(https://i.postimg.cc/hPsgsrMt/IMG-1242.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Pilgrim on July 17, 2024, 06:18:47 PM
Need better guitar stand?? Glad there was no more damage.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on July 19, 2024, 10:02:10 AM
Arrived this morning , I've given it the once over numerous times now. Came with flats , something I would have put on it. I had high hopes for this , and first impressions live up to them. It's beautifully made , has some serious tone , nice medium weight , great feel , fun to play. As it turns out I have a gig in my favourite downtown dive tonight so I'll hear it at room level through a nice amp later. And another gig Sunday night. So far I'm loving this , I suppose I'm officially in my Gretsch phase for now.

I'm ok with that.

(https://i.postimg.cc/3JTqY5VK/IMG-1260.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

these things are not easy to find
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Pilgrim on July 19, 2024, 10:41:54 AM
It's a thing of beauty!  Enjoy!
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: ilan on July 19, 2024, 12:57:59 PM
Ooooh, noice!
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Dave W on July 20, 2024, 10:28:48 PM
Beautiful, and looks to be in great condition.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on July 21, 2024, 06:18:07 AM
The build quality in these really is a couple of notches above usual production instruments , and I'm referring to the various American manufacturers. It's beautifully made. It's certainly been played , but not abused. Frets are still fresh. It was very nicely set up. I slightly dropped the bridge , that was it to get things to my preferences. Same pickups and location as my larger hollow body , similar sound but the hollow body is slightly deeper and has a more woody quality. Sounds wonderful at low practice volume , and sounded great on the bandstand , taking it out to the jam tonight so I'll hear it at room volume again. Playing a mid sized room and will not be in the PA , so my stage sound is what the room hears. I do run a great little amp.

I got it for a good initial price but with duty , exchange etc I doubt I'll ever break even on it , it was bought to be enjoyed , no regrets. It is a beautiful thing. I had read some great reviews of this , and so went looking for one. They are not easy to find.
The seller took some time before finally selling it. I had given up on getting this one several times.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Dave W on July 21, 2024, 08:39:57 AM
The workmanship on every MIJ Gretsch I've seen has been great.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Pilgrim on July 21, 2024, 10:28:41 PM
That bass is chambered, which may well account for the difference in sound. Glad you are enjoying it.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on November 09, 2024, 05:15:59 PM
It's been several months now , haven't bought another bass since I picked up the two Gretsches.

amazing!
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Dave W on November 09, 2024, 06:03:49 PM
I'm not surprised.

If I were in the market, I'd get a ThunderJet based on looks alone.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on November 10, 2024, 06:54:14 AM
Korg USA were selling off Darkglass MicroTube 200 amps for $200 , US only , but I managed to have a friend in the US forward one here. I didn't need any more amps , but I like Darkglass amps and couldn't resist the deal.I like little 200 watt size heads for rehearsals/home practice. I,ve picked up several at this point.
That's the only gear purchase I've made in the recent past. Sold one bass , might sell several more , might sell some extra amps ... we'll see. Not under any pressure to downsize , other than room.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: Dave W on November 11, 2024, 11:17:18 PM
Quote from: morrow on November 10, 2024, 06:54:14 AMKorg USA were selling off Darkglass MicroTube 200 amps for $200 , US only , but I managed to have a friend in the US forward one here. I didn't need any more amps , but I like Darkglass amps and couldn't resist the deal.I like little 200 watt size heads for rehearsals/home practice. I,ve picked up several at this point.
That's the only gear purchase I've made in the recent past. Sold one bass , might sell several more , might sell some extra amps ... we'll see. Not under any pressure to downsize , other than room.


$200? What a deal! They must have overestimated demand.
Title: Re: Gretsch
Post by: morrow on November 12, 2024, 07:02:52 AM
I had been hearing things about the Elf amp for ages and a new shop opened across the harbour. I had an older SWR Headlite , I had picked up for a hundred bucks and made a straight trade for the Elf. The SWR was probably worth more than, but I didn't have much invested in it so we were both happy.
And then right after I got the Elf I saw Korg was selling off the 200 watt amps. I really like those little 200 watt heads for home use and rehearsals. My main practice head has been a Darkglass e500 ... so I quite like Darkglass. I'm mostly looking for a fairly clean old school thump so I'm not after the distortion and gain they're famous for , but they do clean well.
I contacted Korg , they would not ship to Canada , so I had an old friend forward it to me. And I really like the little head. Several friends in the US picked them up and all have been delighted with them. Heck of a deal on a nice little rig.