Just got my 5123b today. I totally had no idea what I was getting. I'm no stranger to Gretsch, mind you. I'm a guitarist switching to bass and own a 5129 guitar. My love for it prompted me to buy the Jr Jet bass and have been happily playing it for about 6 months. I found this 5123b while looking @ Danelectros. I got home with it and tried to find info on it but there's not much out there. Now I know why: extremely limited production. Stoked beyond belief! Serial number ks10104634
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I've got a Gretsch Billy Bo Jupiter Thunderbird bass. I'll post pics when I shoot some. I'd like to join the club.
I've got a Gretsch Billy Bo Jupiter Thunderbird bass. I'll post pics when I shoot some. I'd like to join the club.
OK I got a pic of my Gretsch 5123b. On the right is my stunning firebird red Gretsch 5129 guitar and in between is my G2202 Jr Jet bass. I actually hate guitar center but I'm so glad that I decided to pop in and got my hands on this G-d inspired beauty. And to think I was looking for a Danelectro... geez!
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GREAT family shot, and some beautiful basses. I need to get a family shot of my 2202 and 5123.
The longer I have it, the more I appreciate the simple beauty of
my 2202. It's very much like a P-bass with just the controls it needs, no extra stuff.
This may be a dumb question, but does anyone have a suggestion for strings for the Billy Bo.
I tried "short scale" strings on it, but they were too short. Scale lenght is 30.3", but I'll be darned if I can only seem to use long scale strings on it. It sounds OK. Plays, OK. But I'm wondering if I'm missing something with the "short scales that don't fit".
I did searching on the net (and at Gretsch), but didn't find much info.
I tried "short scale" strings on it, but they were too short. Scale lenght is 30.3", but I'll be darned if I can only seem to use long scale strings on it. It sounds OK. Plays, OK. But I'm wondering if I'm missing something with the "short scales that don't fit".
I did searching on the net (and at Gretsch), but didn't find much info.
With that tailpiece design, it takes at least medium scale strings.
Short scale (30") strings are only for solid bodies with a combination bridge/tailpiece. when you separate the bridge, the SCALE length may be 30" but the strings continue past the bridge a few inches to the tailpiece.
Result: medium or long scale strings required.
If long scale strings fit, they're correct. There's nothing wrong with using long scale strings.
Short scale (30") strings are only for solid bodies with a combination bridge/tailpiece. when you separate the bridge, the SCALE length may be 30" but the strings continue past the bridge a few inches to the tailpiece.
Result: medium or long scale strings required.
If long scale strings fit, they're correct. There's nothing wrong with using long scale strings.
Thanks, Pilgrim. I thought I was going missing something because being 30" scale says to me "short scale". After buying one pair and finding they didn't fit, the long scale work find. No flop or anything. I was just wondering.
Do you know what brand (or who makes) the strings Gretsch puts on?
Do you know what brand (or who makes) the strings Gretsch puts on?
Nope, can't help you there. Since Fender owns Gretsch my guess is Fender strings, but just a guess.