[Crowcaster]

Recently, I came across a Junior Jet II (burst) online in beautiful condition. The guy that has it wants to trade for an MIM Tele that I have that is equally a fine guitar. I've been in the market for both a Les Paul and a Gretsch so it kinda suits the best of both worlds. However, I haven't heard much about the Junior Jet II and reviews I've found are just on buy sites (which I don't entirely trust the opinions posted there).

I know you're thinking play it and see what you think ... and I would (will) but it's a 150 miles away and I want to know a few things about it from my Gretsch brothers before I make that drive. I haven't found one locally so that's the reason for the distance.

1). I had a Gibson Les Paul Studio (9-10 lbs) and it was a boat anchor ... comparatively, what are your thoughts on the Junior Jet II?

2). Is it a decent guitar, well made, with good tone? I've seen that it is a Chinese made model and wondered (because of mixed reviews on Chinese made anything) about its craftsmanship.

Any input you would consider to add would be greatly appreciated as I need a neutral input spin on this matter.

Thanks!

[p90jj]

I gave mine to my son, he wanted it very bad. They are not a bad guitar. I would not a MIM tele for it, but I tend to be cheep some times. I think the stock pickup suck, but I am a single coil guy, so take that with a grain of salt. I threw p-90 in the bridge and now the thing rocks. Would I buy another one, yes just waiting on one at the right price. If you like tinkering and modding this is a great guitar to have. Oh yeah the stock tuners suck, I replaced them with wilkerson, made big difference, cost like $25. There are a few other JJ owners here maybe they will chime in too.

[NickGretsch]

Originally Posted by p90jj

I gave mine to my son, he wanted it very bad. They are not a bad guitar. I would not a MIM tele for it.

I'd chip in with tht sentiment.

As much as I have lots of respect for Gretsch guitars that probably is NOT a good swap. Will leave it at that.

[6stings]

I have a black 5255 with DeArmond 2000s, it a cool flat top, set neck Jet, I like the simplicity of it, just as I like the same with Telecasters.
Would I trade MIM tele for it? I would, but not my only tele.
By the way, the 5255 I have is only 3.1 kg = 6.8 lbs, I don't think it's heavy

[6stings]

And it sounds Gretschie

[Tony65x55]

I was playing my Junior Jet II tonight. It was my very first Gretsch and one I still have. I took out the mini-humbucking pickups and replaced them with a set of GFS P90's and it is a rock machine. Stays in tune, has great sustain and tone (with the P90's) and weighs less than a LP Studio. it is as good a quality guitar as a MiM Tele and yes, I own both. The MiM Tele pickups are no hell either but they're probably better than the Gretsch Mini's (if you look up wretched in Wikipedia there's a picture of them.) That said though, for the addition of $60 worth of GFS pickups it plays and sounds as good as my LP Gold Top '56 reissue and cost lots less. It's a fine guitar.

[6stings]

Those Jet names always confuse me, Junior, Special, damn it, I don't even have a Junior then! I need more coffee.

[NickGretsch]

Originally Posted by 6stings

Those Jet names always confuse me, Junior, Special, damn it, I don't even have a Junior then! I need more coffee.

Steady on Darko, you know too many coffees make your hands shake

Like that clip by the way, that Gretsch sounds nice.

Do you want a vocalist?

[6stings]

Originally Posted by NickGretsch

Steady on Darko, you know too many coffees make your hands shake Like that clip by the way, that Gretsch sounds nice.
Do you want a vocalist?

I control my hands with Grappa/Vodka/Tequila shots between the coffee

Hey, thanks, I was actually thinking about a singer/belly dancer, you know what I mean!

[NickGretsch]

Originally Posted by 6stings

I control my hands with Grappa/Vodka/Tequila shots between the coffee

Hey, thanks, I was actually thinking about a singer/belly dancer, you know what I mean!
Attachment 21852

Ohh yes, I bagsy her for my band. Don't know what the wife would say tho....

Er and sorry Crowcaster for high jacking your OP and thread

[6stings]

Yes, I'm sorry too, Crow. Back to the Jet.

[Crowcaster]

Soooo lemme get this straight 6stings has a "Special", Shakira, and Tequila and Tony65X55 has a Jet Junior II w/P-90's .... check.

Tony any sound bites or a link with those P-90's in a Jet Junior II? Looked around and haven't come across anything.

Thanks for the input all of ya .... I'll keep ya posted on my decision, unless anyone else wants to toss in their 2 cents.

[6stings]

Here, unfortunately no Shakira

[Crowcaster]

@Tony65X55- so will the P90's fit without any routing, and can I keep the beauty rings (see pic) or would I have to dump 'em?

[cybermgk]

Originally Posted by Crowcaster

I've been in the market for both a Les Paul and a Gretsch so it kinda suits the best of both worlds.

I think you might be better suited with a Pro Jet, instead of the Jr Jet. Just mho. Talking about the G5434 or G5435T with the BT Filters, chambered body etc. Even the Jet Club possibly. I'm going under the idea that your looking for a Gretsch for the Gretschy sound. Pro Jet will have that moreso than the more plank-like Jet Jr with Gretsch buckers. And a Pro Jet WILL cover the ground of an LP and some ground an LP can't.

[6stings]

This may help you decide. Wait til 1:30

[MTurner]

Originally Posted by 6stings

This may help you decide. Wait til 1:30

DUDE! Give a little warning for those of us who might be at work!

[6stings]

Originally Posted by MTurner

DUDE! Give a little warning for those of us who might be at work!

I'll do that before I post her dance in Morocco

[fjr_wertheimber]

You Tube

[6stings]

Heimber, you totaly jammed my Facial Recognition software