5 Semi Acoustic Basses Comparison- Shootout - EB2 Vs Rivoli Vs Starcaster Vs Coronado Vs Gretsch

1. 2013 Gretsch G5440LSB Electromatic
2. 1965 Gibson EB-2
3. 1964 Epiphone Rivoli
4. 2014 Fender Coronado
5. 2013 Fender Starcaster

[@eukaryotuuurban4815]

The Gretsch is probably one of the most beautiful basses I have ever seen :)

[@JohanSegeborn]

+Alv Uuurban Thanks Alv, I loved that bass. So easy to play!

[@cameroncooper4175]

They always are. The sound had more character than all the other basses put together as well.

[@boboladouche5268]

I like the Lakland Skyline 30 also. Trying to decide between that and the short scale version of the Gretsch.

[@billytai1096]

@@JohanSegeborn Do you get any feedback issues on this bass? I just ordered a Gretsch G5440LS but it hasn’t arrived yet. I want to gig with it and not just use it for recording. Any suggestions for minimizing feedback or will there be no issue?

[@nicholasanderson5666]

The background track was frustratingly loud. I want to hear the basses and basses only.

[@Toastrodamus]

Pan your headphones ding dong

[@rolux4853]

Toastrodamus not everybody has a L/R balance knob on his amp or device with which he watches KZbin videos..

[@autumnonawhim]

​@@rolux4853women watch bass comparison videos too

[@jedw]

This doesn't help at all.. I just want all of them! ;)

[@JohanSegeborn]

Sorry, I know what you mean :-)

[@MelloSav]

Dude, I love your vids. Dope music, sweet bass skills, and you always demo them musically which is how we're gonna be using them. And the sound quality is superb! I watch many comparison videos, but yours are always the deciding factor when I'm choosing a new bass.

[@ianbarker2599]

I have a Rivoli and Gretch and both are fabulous to play. Have about 15 basses 😁 all have individual voices, love em ❤

[@Timpala44]

I liked the Epiphone Rivoli & the Fender Starcaster the best. I would love to hear a comparison using a pick as well as fingers.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Timpala44 Thanks! I do a pick shootout here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqrYfoNnpZqlf5o Cheers Johan

[@dimiaraujo90]

My personal preference: 1) Gretsch 2) Starcaster 3)Epiphone 4)Gibson 5)Coronado

[@JohanSegeborn]

+dimiaraujo90 Thanks! I like the Gretsch too here. Cheers Johan

[@nickracco830]

I have a 1967 eb2d and a 2014 Jack Casady. I love the semi hollow sound!

[@chuckhammond8266]

What, no Guild Starfire ?? Or Epiphone Jack Casady?

[@NPGANDERSSON]

That Gretsch both looked and sounded good!

[@AscarinVin]

Wow, I liked the boldness of the Epiphone, although again, I think that the Gibson is very balanced.

[@JohanSegeborn]

AscarinVin Yeah the Epi sounded as vintage as it gets :-)

[@charlie2namon]

So much of the sound is in the fingers and ears of course. You sound great on all the basses. Your technique sounds very similar on each bass, but I have a strong preference for the first one.

[@JohanSegeborn]

+charlie2namon Thanks, that's great to hear!

[@DanePsiq]

dream sound :Epiphone Rivoli of course!

[@jkf9167]

Hollow & semi-hollow basses are so much fun. The shootout format kind of worked against you as the mix favored certain basses against others that would have likely sounded better with the twist of a knob. I liked the Rivoli best here, and the Gretsch was no joke, but I remember playing an EB-2 once, with a pick and it sounded so smooth, clear and warm. The way it fit in with the bass drum was special.

[@JohanSegeborn]

I agree, the EB2 is by far the best of these basses, but it drowned in this particular mix. Cheers

[@charlie2namon]

I still have my first bass, 1966 EB2 that I bought new in '67. It's a great bass, but I never played it on gigs after my first working band in 73. Ended up with a P bass and another 30 or so basses. Now I'm starting to play the Gibson again with more acoustic guitar gigs. So fat and solid, but lacks the drive needed for harder rock, funk. Good for blues and some jazz as well. Recently purchased a Warwick Rock Bass Star Bass II, 5 string. LOVE that bass!

[@killermurderer2208]

All these basses use humbuckers yes? How come you don't see semi-hollows with jazz or split-p pickups? Would they be too hollow or muddy sounding?

[@LauraWallaceTHE]

Definitely prefer the Gretsch. Right now I'm deciding if I want to buy a Gretsch or a Guild Starfire. All the Fenders I've tried sound like mush.

[@JohanSegeborn]

+Laura Wallace Those are two great basses. The Guild has a more heavy sound and the Gretsch has a light rhythmic feel to it. Cheers Johan

[@Gitaaroverlast]

The Gibson is my favorite. Great video!

[@JohanSegeborn]

+Tomas D. Thanks Tomas!

[@chuckhammond8266]

There are so many ways to influence the sound - compression, string type, tone controls, preamp levels....and of course playing style and pick vs. fingers. Almost any bas can sound good (or bad) under the right conditions. Even a Vox Skybolt !!

[@terrancemason2565]

Great idea doing a comparison. But basses #2, 4 and 5 could barely be heard. Too bad because I really wondered how they compared to each other.

[@JohanSegeborn]

+Terrance Mason Yeah, you're right. I'll see if I can complement those later on

[@FS8PGDL]

Hi Johan! Gibson sounds absolutely amazing, so warm and soft. Is it on flatwounds? Thankies for all amazing videos! :)

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! No it's really old roundwounds. Cheers

[@ferfos8829]

How much do they weigh ? I'm looking for a light bass

[@Mitata72]

Eb2 sat in that mix beautifully

[@TheRealNewBlackMusic]

the gretsch is the top dog but something went wrong with the fenders because you could not hear them that well. Great video very nice. Peace.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! I remember I really had a hard time getting good tones out of those. They didn't harmonize with my style of playing. They're not bad basses. Cheers

[@MrTcardoso]

Awesome video, awesome backing track and awesome playing, as always!

[@JohanSegeborn]

T Cardoso Thank you very much, Glad to hear!

[@massimomunitello4716]

Hi Johan, what do you think of Jack Casady? Is it comparable to one of these basses? Thank you.

[@MrMicalo]

The Rivoli wins for me

[@VTribal]

Great video Johan! Greetings from Argentina.

[@alxiroi]

Great tune. The Gibson and the Starcaster sound best to me

[@MrGregOtis]

What? No Guild? I was hoping to see a Starfire II in your Shootout.. I've always preferred the hollow or semi hollow. Decades ago, I had a Hagstrom hollow body but lent it out and I never got it back. It had great tone. I wish I still had it. I acquired a '72 Starfire II in 1972. It was only a month old. Still have it.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah I know, hopefully I'll do one of those soon

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

WHAT IS THE TOGGLE SWITCH FOR ON THE RIVOLI SINCE IT HAS ONLY ONE PICKUP ?

[@XpvtsnowmanfanX]

Thank you so much! I'm currently in the market for a semi acoustic bass! The Gretsch sounds the best to me. It has its own character, while the fenders are just kinda bland.

[@JohanSegeborn]

XpvtsnowmanfanX Well, the Fenders are good basses too, but with a heavier sound than what suites the backing trac. Cheers

[@JCWTFYT]

Wanted to hear more of the Fenders, but Gretsch was hands-down the best in this video. Thanks for making it. Let's get at least a minute from each next time? More of your excellent Fingerstyle and maybe a little flat picking (anything to vary the attack), plus some simple full range of walking scales through major/minor modes with the backing track down in the mix would be ideal. Hope this helps! lol- it is kind of a note to myself too. Thanks again =)

[@JohanSegeborn]

+J. Carroll Thanks man, yeah the Fenders didn't see that much playing unfortunately. Next time I will play them a bit more. Cheers

[@gbekoss]

I like gretch's and epiphone's sounds. Why gibson and fenders has so low level of sound?

[@JohanSegeborn]

+Don G-Bekos Thanks, I'm afraid this comparison isn't completely fair, but the Gretsch and the Epiphone was brighter than the others. Cheers

[@johnforest4804]

Hi man! Hi man! I have been looking for a cool review about semi-hollow, I liked the video because I want to buy hollow bass,but still in doubt,but now,when I listened to this mix I buy. Thank you and good luck!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks John, hope you find a bass you like! Cheers

[@grampzstillkickin7252]

Excellent Lot of information and a lot of opinions. That makes it nice. still up in the air as to my choice. Thank you Thank you

[@JohanSegeborn]

Grampz stillkickin Thanks Grampz! (you've got a super cool, name :-)

[@capiseric]

Hey Grampz. You're everywhere on these semi-hollow reviews. lol have you made a decision? I wish I could have heard more of the Coronado since it's my baby but my two favorite sounds were the Starcaster and the Rivoli. Great demo Johan

[@grampzstillkickin7252]

I ended up purchasing a Epiphone Jack Casady. The tone was what I was looking for and the neck feel was comparable to my Fender Jazz'es. I feel the next purchase may be the Coronado,with flat wound strings that also may have the soft sound I like I agree the demo was great. Thanks for asking

[@kierenmoore3236]

Gretsch, baby ... Yeah!

[@tomtik101]

Tie between the Gretsch and Rivoli

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks

[@isaacford3495]

Which bass do you prefer between the rivoli and the eb 2?

[@Lucas-Maria]

great! very helpfull. Now first starting to learn to play it (coming from a classical school). Thx a lot!

[@JohanSegeborn]

+lucas verhelst Thanks Lucas!

[@MartinWimmerBerlin]

really liked that Rivoli's sound! maybe not very balanced, but to my ears the most interesting.. ever tried a Hofner Viola-Bass?

[@JohanSegeborn]

+TheWimmerTV Thanks, yeah it's got a lot of character, have only limited experience of the Horner though. Cheers

[@instrumentalistjade8367]

thanks for sharing sir. can i ask if have u heard of the Eastwood classic 4? im planning to buy one. thanks

[@tjstratman27]

+Jade Pascual I'm playing one of those right now and can tell you I love it! It's the first hollow electric/short scale bass I've ever played. Unfortunately it's not mine so I'm looking to replace it with a Coronado or Starcaster. Unfortunately I can't hear them in this video. Also, Eastwood advertises the honeyburst color on their website for the Classic 4, but they no longer supply this finish. I couldn't find this color ANYWHERE! My roommate ordered the walnut finish thinking it would be a light brown but it showed up nearly black. They said the color depends on the cut of the wood. You've been warned! Cheers!

[@JohanSegeborn]

+Jade Pascual Thanks Jade, Haven't tried that one yet. Will keep a look out for it. Cheers

[@instrumentalistjade8367]

+Johan Segeborn thanks sir...

[@MakonenDahlbornMackis]

I had originally chosen the # 2 Gibson EB 2. Having listened over and over again, I come to one sole conclusion; The Gretsch Electromatic is outstandingly Majestic, not only in the eyes of the beholder, but just as well to the beholder of ears! (One need plug in this you tube sound to a true HiFi Stereo amp with premium speakers) And what more; I would very much like to hear Mr Segeborn do a versatile shoot out between the Gretsch, The Jack Cassady and the Rickenbacker Bass! :-D

[@allanpenford8787]

EB 2 sounds amazing

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed! Awesome. 👍

[@slidhome]

You failed to give the EB2 and Fender Searcaster a fair shake

[@nighttrain022]

As always, outstanding playing Johan. Your guitar demos and now the bass demos I have seen from you show increidble versatility and skill. As for this demo, I just wish the backing track was quieter. I could barely hear the Gibson, Coronado or Starcaster basses. Yup, the Gretsch was my favorite from this demo. BTW where do you get all the Guitars, Speakers etc for all your demos? I was like a drug junky listening to your Celestion Speaker videos. You definitely give good comparisons to see the real thing before making decisions.

[@JohanSegeborn]

+nighttrain022 Thanks! :-) Yeah the backing track was to loud indeed

[@nighttrain022]

Johan, Thanks for responding. As I said before, you do very thorough and nice demos. I considered with the quieter basses that they were passive, while the louder more pronounced ones were active, but I think only the Gretsch was active. Keep up the nice videos. Many many folks like me sure learn a lot from you.

[@germanpaino]

GRETSCH. definitely!!!! the best sound and look. defined and bright notes. a lot of attack. good balance of bass and treble. a lot of body. Is the best choice without any doubt

[@tomcg7808]

Where can i get the background track to jam with it?

[@TheBassfresh]

Rivoli for me. Nice video.

[@KristianBrenna]

Hi, Johan! Love your videos, especially the comparisons between different models! I’m in the process of getting a semi hollow body bass and found this video very helpful! Thanks! However, I’ve come across two Ibanez models, the Artcore agb200a and afb200a. I was wondering if you have heard of those and whether you would be able to make a video comparing the two, and maybe explain the differences between them? Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴🇸🇪

[@keith.loves.lasagna]

All roundwounds or any flats? That Gretsch sounds lovely. Deep lows, plenty of attack, and just right amount of texture! EB2 sounds FAT... but very pillowy (no attack)! Never thought of the Starcaster much until now - fat but decent attack & controlled lows for a semi. Also seems to work with the kick drum a bit better than EB2. But I think my favorite is Rivoli! At least in a band situation. Perfect!

[@JohanSegeborn]

+Keith S. Thanks Keith! I think they all had roundwounds, maybe except for the Rivoli. Cheers

[@marklind6926]

I liked the Rivoli for that amazing growly warm tone, but the Gretsch was my favorite for variety, although the attack sounded a bit metalic. Just out of curiosity, WHERE did you get that backing track?!

[@Larry.Roberton]

Heard a very loud back track, not much bass.

[@bmac1205]

I assume the output of the Gibson and Fender is really low, because you could barely hear them, especially the Gibson. Great vid though!👍

[@alfredotorres2376]

I would have to say the Rivoli and the Gibson Bass

[@liborsionko]

Starcaster and Gretsch for me. Latter sounded comparatively versatile perhaps?

[@joelguichard9792]

Salut Johan trop bien t'as vidéo avec ces basses, ou peut on trouvé la tablature de cette vidéo. Merci

[@JohanSegeborn]

+joel guichard Merci! :-)

[@ChrisKee77]

Hands down the Gretsch bass wins this shootout for me. Nice groove by the way. Cheers.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Chris Kee Thanks Chris, I appreciate it! Cheers Johan

[@crazypainter56]

chas Chandler from the Animals played a Rivoli which gave a warm sound --

[@MrMjp58]

For me, the Gretsch had the best/clearest sound.

[@manonchampagne1392]

I know that availability (and cost) would make it very difficult but would have love to see Guild Starfire, Harmony H22 & H27 and Rickenbacker 4005. Good selection just the same.

[@juhatarkka9867]

Good playing, but I must say that to my ears, none of these can compete with good solid body basses (like the PB and the JB). Simply too muffled and narrow sound spectrum.

[@Deathdefier.]

Epiphone best sound! like kontrabas

[@XpvtsnowmanfanX]

Where did you get this backing track/Can I have it?

[@JohanSegeborn]

XpvtsnowmanfanX Hi, I recorded it using a bunch of Ipad apps. You can check out details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2PZeKhondmnrs0 And of course you can have the track. Would you like it with or without bass? Cheers Johan

[@XpvtsnowmanfanX]

Johan Segeborn Without bass if you could do that, so I could jam along and make my own bass lines. Thanks!

[@brooks1700]

The Gretsch wins, but I dare say any of these guitars could be made to sound as good with the right electronics.

[@sciflyernineteensixtynine6950]

Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!

[@ricardobermudez6229]

Hi, i am looking for a Rivoli reissue, in case you know one that might be selling one.

[@J8D2]

Join the club...

[@bikerheart]

+Ricardo Bermudez right now there is a '95 rivoli for sale in markham, ont. . .it's on kijiji ontario musical instruments

[@bikerheart]

+T Scott right now there is a '95 rivoli for sale in markham, ont. . .it's on kijiji ontario musical instruments. i may have a look at it myself

[@J8D2]

***** best of luck. I'm a bit too far away from Canada to take serious interest ;)

[@Comakino]

1.Gibson 2.Epi 3.Starcaster 4.Gretsch. Couldnt judge the Coronado based on this vid. Didnt like the glassy Gretsch tone. Maybe that's just your settings though?

[@jgsheehan8810]

Very nice. Would you be able to review an Epiphone Jack Casady ?

[@plinkbottle]

I like fender Starcaster, true fender tone in semi acoustic.

[@robmackenzie5275]

Exactly the way comparison videos should be done, except far more care should have been taken with the relative volume of each bass.

[@corradogriffani1865]

I would like a test of Gretsch G6073 Electrotone bass, the one with original TV Jones pickups. I cannot find anything good on the web and I love that bass.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Hi, if it turns up I'll take a look at it! Cheers

[@BudSimple]

great video. well done.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks!

[@spyroXcynder1000]

have you ever thought of getting a Chowny CHB-1 or the CHB-2?

[@JohanSegeborn]

+spyroXcynder1000 Haven't heard of those I'm afraid

[@spyroXcynder1000]

Johan Segeborn Oh, when you get the chance, search for it. so far, it's been my favourite bass out of about 10 that I have tried

[@DMSProduktions]

AFAIC only the Gretsch & the Gibson sounded really good, the others sounded like farts in a can.

[@Jed1317]

Tabs??????? Love it, would love to play along to it

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Jake, I'm afraid no, any riff in particular you wanna learn? Cheers Johan

[@mtc918]

Great video! What are those tubes behind you?

[@andylyons553]

These are lanterns with a candle inside. Wind will not blow them out so easy.

[@dominiquegodard8293]

What's the melody?

[@JohanSegeborn]

+Dominique Godard That's one of my songs :-)

[@goforthpatrick]

2013 Gretsch G5440LSB Electromatic - Oh yeah.

[@ransely.riveraperez7647]

My dumbass thought one of the basses was called Ravioli

[@VoxMax1200]

Epiphone Rivoli was most popular.. But, there Gretsch is the best!!

[@JohanSegeborn]

+VoxMax1200 Thanks!

[@johnspokus]

I love hollowbody basses, especially EB2/Revolis, just not digging the backing tracks.

[@JohanSegeborn]

+codgerburley1 Hahaha, subtle man

[@douglasboyd8475]

I want a bass like one of these and you can’t find them. I’m willing to buy a brand new one and they just don’t exist right now

[@chuckyhoff]

Great video. Backing track was a bit too loud.

[@bassmentality]

could not hear the Coronado at all?Why didnt you see /hear this and re edit to get the sound rignt. You have completely blown the integrity of this Video!

[@trappenweisseguy27]

The Gretsch and the Gibson were the only two that were played where most people play on them ie. not over the fretboard. Where you pluck has a huge influence on the resulting tone so his demo is not really a true test since he did not duplicate the same thing on each bass. And that Muzak backing track 👎 was way too loud, couldn’t hear the two Fenders at all. Way too much plucking hand clacking going on as well as He’s plucking the string downwards into the pickups.

[@geeush]

Nice playing, man

[@MrTartlet]

Nice, even though you didn't use same playing techniques on all bases. Can you do modern shorties sometime in the future?

[@JohanSegeborn]

AnalRectum Thanks! So modern shorties are that those small headless basses?

[@MrTartlet]

Johan Segeborn Ha! Yes those too. Steinberg/Steinway basses or something they are called. But what I meant was: modern production basses. Like modern Mustang, SG Bass, Gretsch etc. Like those.

[@gotomara]

セミアコベースいいよなぁ〜 中学生の僕には高すぎて買えない🥺

[@carlosvidalpaulinich4522]

Epiphone Rivoli

[@JohanSegeborn]

+Carlos Vidal Paulinich Cool sounding bass indeed!

[@sparky1864]

Can barely hear the basses over the background track. Which kinda defeats the purpose.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Well, I have more showcased .bass comparisons too and both types seems equally in demand. But you're right about the two last basses. May I be blunt and ask if you own one of those?

[@sparky1864]

+Johan Segeborn Greetings, good sir. No, I do not. I'm actually a rhythm guitarist who had payed bass for years before switching over. I used to use an Ibanez big old hollow-body bass with flatwounds and an old 1966 Moserite bass which was like a tank. I like the video just can't really hear the basses real good is all.

[@pgroove163]

#2

[@peterpanassow7814]

I think the Gibson sounds best.

[@chaunceypaulos3712]

Don’t Ibanez make a hollow body to

[@WhipRunner]

Subscribed!

[@donjorge8329]

I would go for the Gretsch...the Epiphone has its very own sound. Both fenders just boring.

[@ricardomaldonadolaiseca5236]

For me the best one was a Gretsh

[@StringsBass]

Wow

[@bassmentality]

Well you never played the same notes or the same tune so a comparison become very diluted! By far the best part of the review was the indeed the Gretch! If you had played each of the basses exactly the same that would have given this review credibility! Please tell us the name of the piece of music you were playing ?

[@JohanSegeborn]

+ziggybass ziggybass That was one of my songs actually, from this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2PZeKhondmnrs0

[@gaoldias]

The Gretsch is very lively sounding. The Rivoli and EB-2 have a great vintage sound. I didn't care for the 2 Fenders. Not much output and not much character. Great demo. Thanks Johan

[@Belabor92]

Johan was playing the Fenders while fingerpicking just above the neck though, so that decreases volume and high-end by a lot. The Gretsch was also played over the bridge pickup instead of the neck. But I do agree that in this demo, the Gretsch and Gibsons made the best impression.

[@gaoldias]

***** Good point. I've seen other demos of those 2 Fenders elsewhere on KZbin and they were equally uninspiring. I'm not a Fender hater at all but I just don't think these basses are that great from what I've seen and heard.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Andrew Galloway Thanks Andrew, Good to hear from you! Cheers Johan

[@JonathanBrough-wg7ji]

Annoying high pitched background music. Great basses though.

[@charlesblaisdell6922]

the chick music was too loud