This second hand bass is in great condition

The Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II is a bass that proves you do not need a full 34-inch scale to produce a big, powerful sound. With its distinctive Jet-inspired body, short 30.3-inch scale and Gretsch styling, it offers something refreshingly different from the huge number of Fender-style basses on the market.

Finished in gloss black with chrome hardware and the familiar Gretsch pickguard, the G2220 has a great retro appearance while offering a playing experience that is particularly comfortable for players who prefer a shorter scale.

Classic Gretsch Styling

The Junior Jet Bass II takes its visual inspiration from Gretsch's famous Jet guitars. The compact single-cutaway body looks distinctive without being overly flashy, and the combination of black finish, chrome hardware and black pickguard gives this particular version a particularly smart appearance.

It is also a very manageable bass. The shorter body and scale make it feel compact without making it look like a novelty instrument.

Short-Scale Comfort

The 30.3-inch scale is one of the defining features of the G2220. Compared with the conventional 34-inch bass scale, the shorter distance between the bridge and nut makes the instrument noticeably easier to navigate.

This is particularly useful for beginners, guitarists moving across to bass and players with smaller hands. It also gives the strings a slightly softer feel, making bends, vibrato and fast passages comfortable.

The current specification includes a maple neck, 12-inch-radius laurel fingerboard and 20 medium-jumbo frets. The 1.56-inch nut width also gives the bass a relatively compact feel. 

The shorter scale does not mean the bass feels cheap or flimsy. It has a substantial, purposeful feel and sits comfortably on a strap. MusicRadar's testing also highlighted the comfortable playing experience and good balance of the Junior Jet. 

Two Gretsch Pickups

The G2220 is fitted with two Gretsch bass pickups, providing bridge, neck and combined pickup options via a three-position toggle switch. Volume and tone controls keep things simple. 

This straightforward layout is one of the bass's strengths. There are no complicated active electronics or multi-band EQ systems to worry about. Instead, you can concentrate on getting the best from the instrument and your amplifier.

The neck pickup produces the fuller, warmer sound you would expect, while the bridge pickup adds definition and bite. Running both together provides a balanced tone that works particularly well for general-purpose playing.

A Big Sound From a Small Bass

The Junior Jet's most impressive quality is just how much sound it produces for such a compact instrument.

It has a punchy, immediate character with plenty of low-end presence. The shorter scale gives the bass a slightly different response from a traditional long-scale instrument, but it retains enough definition to work well in a band.

The G2220 is particularly effective for rock, indie, punk, garage and alternative music, where its compact design and straightforward tone fit perfectly. It also works well for pop and blues, and the tone control provides enough adjustment to move between bright and punchy sounds and warmer, more rounded tones.

Excellent for Beginners

The G2220 makes a particularly convincing case as a first bass.

The shorter scale reduces the physical stretch required to play notes, while the relatively simple control layout means there is little to distract a new player. At the same time, it is not an instrument that a player will necessarily outgrow quickly.

The short-scale design can actually become part of a player's preferred sound and feel. There is a reason short-scale basses have become popular with experienced players as well as beginners.

Great for Experienced Players Too

Experienced bassists should not overlook the Junior Jet simply because of its approachable design.

The shorter scale gives it a different personality from a Precision, Jazz or modern long-scale bass. It can be particularly useful when you want something that feels quick, comfortable and slightly different from your main instrument.

Its distinctive appearance is another advantage. The G2220 doesn't look like another generic bass, and that makes it particularly appealing for musicians who want their instruments to have some personality.

Simple and Effective

One of the things that makes the G2220 so appealing is its lack of unnecessary complication.

The bass uses a passive pickup configuration, a three-way selector, master volume and master tone. The four-saddle adjustable bridge and die-cast tuners provide the essential hardware required for reliable performance. 

The Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II Short-Scale is a hugely enjoyable bass that offers something genuinely different from the conventional designs dominating the market.

Its 30.3-inch scale makes it comfortable and easy to play, while the Gretsch pickups provide plenty of punch and character. Add the distinctive Jet-inspired body, gloss black finish and classic Gretsch styling and you have a bass with bags of personality.

It may be compact, but it certainly isn't short on character. Whether you are a beginner looking for an easy-to-play first bass, an experienced player wanting a comfortable short-scale instrument or simply someone who wants something different, the Junior Jet Bass II is well worth considering.

A compact bass with a big personality, the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II combines short-scale comfort, classic Gretsch looks and a punchy, versatile tone in a very appealing package.