Handcrafted all around the world, the Electromatic series brings the Gretsch sound, vibe, and features to a more accessible range of prices. Because of the cost-effective approach, some Electromatic designs step out of the box and push beyond traditional Gretsch templates. This G5442B Electromatic was made in Korea 2012, and it pairs a 30.25" scale bass neck with a classic Gretsch double-cutaway hollow body.
Because of the hollow construction, this Gretsch bass produces natural acoustic resonance that translates nicely into a full sound with woody sustain via the dual black-top Filter-Tron humbucker pickups. Because of the short scale, it feels comfortable and managable in size, and it only weighs 7 lbs 2.5 oz. As many players discover, the short-scale vibe impacts the sound as much as the feel. There's a punchy, fundamental low end to this Gretsch that is just right. From there, you've got a pickup selector switch as well as individual volume controls for each pickup. The master volume control on the treble-side cutaway makes it easy to level things out on the fly, and then a master tone control lets you cut treble to further shape the sound.
This 2012 Gretsch Electromatic G5442B has been played, so it shows some minor cosmetic scuffs and signs of use. The previous owner added a strap button to the neck heel (see photos). It's a button for a Schaller strap lock. On a strap, the hollow body feels light and balanced, and additional button lets you angle it a little differently. The setup is excellent with low action. The 1-9/16" nut width gently tapers to 2-5/16" spacing at the bridge.
This 2012 Gretsch Electromatic G5442B combines two concepts that go together so well: 1) short scale bass, and 2) hollow body. The result is a well-constructed bass that is easy to get along with. And because it's from the Electromatic series, the price is easy to get along with, too. It includes its original hardshell case, which shows some tan lines and wear from stickers.