Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $290

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gretsch Junior Jet Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 22, 2026.

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Description

Step into the world of bass with the versatile Gretsch Junior Jet Bass, a compact powerhouse that delivers big tone in a comfortable short-scale package. Designed for musicians who crave ease of play without compromising on sound, this electric bass is ideal for those with smaller hands, beginners, or guitarists transitioning to bass. With a 30.3" scale length, it provides a relaxed playing experience, minimizing finger stretches and enabling quick fretboard navigation.

Crafted with a basswood body, the Junior Jet Bass produces a warm, resonant sound that fills the room, while the maple neck and rosewood fretboard offer smooth playability and enhanced tonal clarity. The standout feature is its mini humbucker, which packs a punch with deep, rich bass tones sure to captivate any audience. The classic Gretsch styling ensures you’ll not only sound great but look the part too, with an iconic design that turns heads.

Whether you're jamming with friends, recording in the studio, or performing live, the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass is your ticket to effortless bass playing with a professional edge. Experience the blend of comfort, style, and sound that makes this bass a must-have for any musician's collection.

Key Features:

  • Short-scale bass with a 30.3" scale length
  • Lightweight basswood body for warm, resonant sound
  • Maple neck with rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
  • Equipped with a mini humbucker for powerful bass tones
  • Classic Gretsch Electromatic headstock and Jet body shape

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model Junior Jet Bass
Year 2012 - 2013
Categories 4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

Is the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass is a great choice for beginners due to its short-scale design, which makes it easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands.

What type of music is the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass best suited for?

The Gretsch Junior Jet Bass is versatile and can handle various music genres, but it particularly excels in rock and blues thanks to its warm, punchy tone.

What is the neck profile of the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass like?

The neck of the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass is designed to be comfortable and easy to play, featuring a smooth maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard.

Does the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass have active or passive pickups?

The Gretsch Junior Jet Bass features passive pickups, which provide a classic, warm bass tone without the need for a battery.

How many frets does the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass have?

The Gretsch Junior Jet Bass comes with 20 frets, providing a range suitable for most bass playing styles.

Jonny Dibble

Jonny Dibble

New Favourite Short Scale?! | Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet II [Review/Demo]

Video thumbnail for New Favourite Short Scale?! | Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet II [Review/Demo] by Jonny Dibble

New Favourite Short Scale?! | Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet II [Review/Demo]

Jonny Dibble

Jonny Dibble

Video thumbnail for Should You Play a Short Scale Bass? | Gretsch Junior Jet G2220 vs. Ibanez MiKro by Alamo Music Center

Should You Play a Short Scale Bass? | Gretsch Junior Jet G2220 vs. Ibanez MiKro

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Jr Jet | SHORTIES by The Bass Channel

Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Jr Jet | SHORTIES

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for We Were Right About the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet - Humbuckergate Finale - LowEndLobster Investigates by LowEndLobster

We Were Right About the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet - Humbuckergate Finale - LowEndLobster Investigates

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II - Sound Demo (no talking) by Bass Bonedo

Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II - Sound Demo (no talking)

Bass Bonedo

Bass Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II Short Scale Demo by Bully Thakidd

Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II Short Scale Demo

Bully Thakidd

Bully Thakidd

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch Junior Jet Bass.

Comparisons

  • The Gretsch Junior Jet's stock pickups offer a buttery sound distinct from Fender or Duncan, preferred by some over the Ibanez Mikro's pickups.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Gretsch Junior Jet feels heavier and more solid compared to the lighter, contoured body of the Ibanez Mikro.

    Source
  • Some owners observe that the tuners may appear crooked due to being secured with a single screw, which can result in alignment issues over time.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Mikro's pan pot allows pickup blending, whereas the Gretsch uses a three-way switch.

    Source
  • The Gretsch G2220 was initially marketed with humbucker pickups but actually contains two single coil bridge pickups, which led to a $100 merch compensation for complaints.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Mikro's hardware feels cheap with issues like scratchy volume pots and loose wires reported by some users.

    Source
  • Replacing factory tuners with aftermarket options like Schaller is straightforward and can improve tuning stability and longevity.

    Source
  • Concerns about loose tuner screws affecting replacement are mitigated by the nut on the front, which helps secure the tuner properly.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the Gretsch's wider string spacing, affecting playability, especially for users with smaller hands.

    Source
  • Factory-installed closed gear tuners typically last 3-5 years before needing replacement, a common lifespan for basses in this price range.

    Source
  • Some users experience occasional crackling and popping sounds in the electronics, particularly in certain pickup configurations, though this is not universal.

    Source
  • Owners often find Gretsch instruments require minimal setup adjustments out of the box, even when displayed in less-than-ideal conditions at retail stores like Guitar Center.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Retailing at $299, the Gretsch G2220 is considered superior to similarly priced bad Squiers and significantly cheaper than quality-used MIMs and higher-end Ibanez SGRs.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jared Leto uses Gretsch Junior Jet Bass

Jared Leto

Singer, Guitarist

Thirty Seconds to Mars

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black Year: 2011

Jared Leto is confirmed to use a Gretsch Junior Jet Bass, as evidenced by an image of him playing it in the studio.

See how jazz mctaggart uses Gretsch Junior Jet Bass

jazz mctaggart

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Jazz McTaggart is confirmed to use a Gretsch Junior Jet Bass, as seen in an Instagram video by @kidsrockforkids, where they perform with the band Your Majesty at The Bitter End in NYC.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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