Gretsch is a brand you don't commonly associate to bass guitars. After all, their semi-hollow and hollow electric guitars are in the realm of legendary by now. With that said, they sure do know how to make a good bass. What does come as a surprise is the level of quality and performance they have managed to pack into a model that is just under $300. Gretsch G2220 comes in as one of the best passive bass guitars you can get in this price range, and for a good reason. Compare the Gretsch G2220 with other top choices in the $300 range in our top list here.

Body & Neck

G2220 sports a well known Jet body shape. The tonewood of choice is basswood, which is understandable even though some bassists might object it. This model comes in several finish variants, but the black one is probably the best-looking version. It's also worth noticing the pickguard, which is there more as a detail to tell everyone it's a Gretsch bass than anything else. The neck is a shorter scale maple piece that features a rosewood fretboard and a Jet style headstock.

Hardware

Gretsch G2220 comes standard with an already familiar vintage bridge. Just like many others, this bridge sports a set of four fully adjustable saddles. On the other side of the neck, you will find four die-cast tuning machines. All of the hardware is chromed and works rather well. Tuners are accurate where you can reliably set the tuning, while the bridge retains the intonation relatively well. Unlike the Gretsch guitars we are used to, the hardware on this bass is neither exotic nor flashy. However, it works and that is all that really matters.

Electronics

In terms of pickups, we are looking at a set of Gretsch mini humbuckers at the bridge and neck position. These come with a chrome cover, which sets the tone of the whole bass rather well. Controls are rudimentary but more than sufficient. You have one master volume and one master tone knob to work with. The pots are decent and feel smooth enough.

Sound

Gretsch G2220 packs a very balanced performance which makes it one of the more versatile bass guitars on the market. The tone you get out of the box offers enough definition for precision work, while it wrangles the muddy settings rather well. You can play a range of music genres on this bass. Overall, Gretsch mini humbuckers are among the better pups available in this price range, at least in the passive category.

Conclusion

Whether or not you are a fan of Gretsch or their guitars, you have to appreciate the G2220. It's an affordable bass, there's no doubt about it. However, the type of performance and value it brings to the table is something not many competing brands have managed to offer. It sports an atypical design, both in terms of body style and scale length. With that said, it is a fine-tuned machine that is easy on the hands and the fingers. For less than $300, Gretsch G2220 is a great choice.

For more info about the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet II, click here.
For more Bass Guitars under $300, click here.