Gretsch Broadkaster

drbassman · July 20, 2015, 07:47:51 AM

Well, I've been gassing for another one and since they discontinued them, I thought now is the time. Got me a Broadkaster, brand new with papers. Never should have sold my first one, I missed it. These are great basses, right up there with the ThunderJet. Going to practice tomorrow with it.

Granny Gremlin · July 20, 2015, 11:40:16 AM

DROOL!

(I just am not a fan of those bridges though - floating so easy to replace)

Pilgrim · July 20, 2015, 01:07:45 PM

Ah, Dr. Bill, your taste continues to be impeccable!

Nobody does that luscious orange so well as Gretsch.

That looks a lot like your departed 5123....is it a thinner body?

drbassman · July 20, 2015, 01:43:39 PM

Quote from: Granny Gremlin on July 20, 2015, 11:40:16 AM
DROOL!

(I just am not a fan of those bridges though - floating so easy to replace)

I agree. I do have a floating Gretsch bridge with adjustable saddles. I'll probably change it out. Only flaw on this bass.

drbassman · July 20, 2015, 01:46:36 PM

Quote from: Pilgrim on July 20, 2015, 01:07:45 PM
Ah, Dr. Bill, your taste continues to be impeccable!

Nobody does that luscious orange so well as Gretsch.

That looks a lot like your departed 5123....is it a thinner body?

Thanks for the compliment Al. I missed that bass a lot over the years and just decided I wanted another. This one is a beauty for sure. I think the body on this bass is a bit thicker than the 5123. I could never get the 5123 to sound as good as this does. The difference in quality is real and noticeable. I did have a 6072 that I don't miss as much. An absolutely beautiful bass, but the long scale was unplayable for me. It too sounds great.

Highlander · July 20, 2015, 03:59:01 PM

Beautiful...

Pilgrim · July 20, 2015, 09:27:34 PM

Quote from: drbassman on July 20, 2015, 01:46:36 PM
Thanks for the compliment Al. I missed that bass a lot over the years and just decided I wanted another. This one is a beauty for sure. I think the body on this bass is a bit thicker than the 5123. I could never get the 5123 to sound as good as this does. The difference in quality is real and noticeable. I did have a 6072 that I don't miss as much. An absolutely beautiful bass, but the long scale was unplayable for me. It too sounds great.

Wow - my 5123 has the thickest body (front to back) that I have ever owned. Nearly an inch deeper than my Univox 335-copy or the Casady I had. Datsa lotta bass!

Dave W · July 20, 2015, 09:52:18 PM

Too big a body for me, but I'm glad you like it. And it's good to see you feeling up to posting more.

drbassman · July 21, 2015, 04:49:22 AM

Quote from: Pilgrim on July 20, 2015, 09:27:34 PM
Wow - my 5123 has the thickest body (front to back) that I have ever owned. Nearly an inch deeper than my Univox 335-copy or the Casady I had. Datsa lotta bass!

I could be wrong. I'll measure it today and we can compare.

drbassman · July 21, 2015, 04:51:02 AM

Quote from: Dave W on July 20, 2015, 09:52:18 PM
Too big a body for me, but I'm glad you like it. And it's good to see you feeling up to posting more.

I find it very manageable with the short scale. Yeah, I'm finally feeling better. I posted a comment about my illness in the Cafe.

drbassman · July 21, 2015, 07:25:52 AM

Measured the body, it's 2.5" thick. The other thing I noticed is its a heavy bass for a hollow body. All of that maple probably has something to do with it as well as the deep rich tone you get out of it. That hardwood gives it some nice clarity without mushiness.

Pilgrim · July 21, 2015, 08:49:15 AM

I'll check mine this evening and post...

Granny Gremlin · July 21, 2015, 10:32:29 AM

Wait, it's a shawty? Such unbearable GAS pains.

The main thing keeping me from wanting a White Falcon Bass (still want the guitar) is the long scale.

Pilgrim · July 21, 2015, 06:39:35 PM

OK, there's not as much difference as I thought.

My Gretsch 5123 body is 2 3/4" front to back. My old Univox 335-copy is only 1 7/8" front to back, so no wonder there's a very perceptible difference between them...but I can't think that 1/4" would make much diff between the 5123 and the Broadkaster.

I don't remember the dimensions of the Casady bass I had, but I think it was about 2" to 2 1/4" front to back.

drbassman · July 22, 2015, 05:13:36 AM

Quote from: Granny Gremlin on July 21, 2015, 10:32:29 AM
Wait, it's a shawty? Such unbearable GAS pains.

The main thing keeping me from wanting a White Falcon Bass (still want the guitar) is the long scale.

Yes, it's 30" scale. I love it. I did have a White Falcon briefly. Had a friend who needed money and he sold it to me cheap. A very cool bass, but like the 6072, I just couldn't manage the 34" scale on that huge body.