#1
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Which Gretsch?
I'm experiencing serious GAS for a Gretsch hollowbody, and wondering which line/model I should focus on.
The pro (6000-level) guitars may be beyond my budget reach, but if someone convinces me that anything less will disappoint me, I might find a way to go there. My initial leaning is toward the Electromatic (5000) guitars, but I'm not necessarily closed to the Streamliners (2000). My main priorities are, pretty much in this order: 1) Tone. I have a Strat and an old Ibanez Steve Lukather Roadstar, which plays roughly the role of a Les Paul in my toolkit. Both great, versatile instruments. So I don't need a balanced/swiss army knife tonal palette from this guitar -- I need rootsy, twangy, airy mojo. 2) Playability. This is hard to scope without trying them, but I've read that with Gretsch guitars the necks get chunkier as you get cheaper. This would be important since I have small hands and like shallow necks. 3) Durability/Stability. This would be my first guitar with a Bigsby, so I'm a little apprehensive about whether it would turn out to be a temperamental kind of instrument in terms of tuning stability etc. If spending more would help on that front, that would matter to me too. I'm also open to Gretsch alternative suggestions, but as far as my research so far has indicated, most of the alternatives are more expensive (at least more expensive than the Electromatics -- I'm talking Eastman, D'Angelico, etc.). Thanks for any advice!
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Martin HD-28 Eastman E10OM Guild D50 Martin D12X1AE LaPatrie CW Concert |
#2
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I love the tone of my Gretsch 5420T, but I've found it to be a little tricky when it comes to keeping it in tune, especially the G and especially due to the trem. The problem's not been so pronounced, but I haven't played it in a while. Granted, I haven't brought it in lately to the shop and may just require some pretty basic maintenance that will fix it, but it got annoying. I also don't love the floating bridge. I'm not the best when it comes to setting these things up, so it may not be a problem for others.
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#3
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Money no object? Gretsch Roundup all the way! With the Dynasonic pickups!
Money definitely an object? Just play a bunch and pick the best guitar. Places like GC usually have a wallfull of $1000 and under models. Start pulling the syle you like off the wall, and one WILL stand out. Personally, I'd look for used one of these. Love the Georgia Green, and love the Cats eye soundholes. https://reverb.com/p/gretsch-g5622t-...yABEgLe4fD_BwE They seem to hover between $700 and $800. As to Bigsby equipped guitars it's just like any other whammy bar. Whammy friendly nutwork is critical. Also reducing the friction over the nut by having as few winds on the posts as you can while ensuring no string slip is step two.
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I only play technologically cutting edge instruments. Parker Flys and National Resonators |
#4
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For around $1k I would look at the Korean Made (MIK) Electromatics.
I have a MIK 5422TG, and I love it. It punches WAY above it's price point Tuning is very stable and the MIK equipped bigbsy is smooth and responsive. (I do make sure the witness points get lubed -- Big Bends Nut Sauce, and as mentioned, I did tend to the nut with a set of nut files) The Chinese imports are (IME) not quite as solid. |
#5
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Quote:
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Martin HD-28 Eastman E10OM Guild D50 Martin D12X1AE LaPatrie CW Concert |
#6
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Quote:
https://www.schecterguitars.com/guit...d-green-detail
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I only play technologically cutting edge instruments. Parker Flys and National Resonators |
#7
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Hi Nightchef!
I, too, have been lusting after a Gretsch hollowbody. I thought this Jack Fossett video comparing the MIK 5420 to a USA 6120 was quite informative. It may be helpful to you. I thought the 5420 sounded great, though I could hear what the other $2500 would provide. Also, he is a good player so he does a good job of letting you hear the differences. - Glenn
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My You Tube Channel |
#8
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I have a G5420TG and I'm very happy with it. The Korean-built Gretsch guitars are very well made, and the fit and finish is excellent. If you buy used, I'd suggest a 2016 or later model.
BTW, I have had no issues with staying in tune. Here's mine, with a Chet Atkins vibrato bar and D'Addario chrome flat wound strings:
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Patrick 2012 Martin HD-28V 1984 Martin Shenandoah D-2832 2018 Gretsch G5420TG Oscar Schmidt Autoharp, unknown vintage ToneDexter Bugera V22 Infinium |
#9
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I have owned several Korean 5420T models, and they are great guitars! I now only own three Gretsch guitars, one is a Korean made 12 string, the other two are Japanese Player models. Oh, and I own a Korean made Gretsch bass as well. They are all very good instruments. I think the Japanese models are a little better, but the Korean models are very good and if you get a really good example, they really are all you could ever need.
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https://www.mcmakinmusic.com |
#10
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Gretsch semi's (double cut and single cut in particular) were my introduction to GAS and the only electric outside of guitars I own, that I would opt to have. (I still feel pangs of GAS every time someone posts a picture of their Gretsch semi).
White Falcon, 6120 in particular, Country Gentleman or just about any of the modern Gretsch semi's (Electromatic versions) because to me, they're all fantastic. Good luck! Last edited by Steel and wood; 03-10-2021 at 02:53 PM. |
#11
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This would be about the only way I'd go if I were buying as Gretsch:
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#12
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Quote:
Quote:
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"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool" - Sicilian proverb (paraphrased) Last edited by Steve DeRosa; 03-08-2021 at 09:55 PM. |
#13
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Don't know what to say about some of the other models in the Gretsch line but I will say that the Black Falcon PE that I bought has exceeded all expectations. I'm flat out in love with it. I really don't think you can go wrong with the line.
-jay
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'22 Gretsch Falcon 6136PE (Midnight Sapphire) '16 Lowden F35c (Mountain Rosewood) (For Sale) '07 Bashkin OM (Cedar/Mahogany) '98 SRV Fender Stratocaster |
#14
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+1. I own both a Japanese version and a discontinued Korean 5620T-CB. Both fantastic. Both well built. Both equipped with quality parts. I loved the older Korean 5600 series (the 1st run with blacktop’s/hi-lo’s and a rosewood board) so much that at one point I owned 4 others plus my Japanese.
Is there REALLY that much diff in price? Yes...and no. In subtle ways the Japanese series is better. It has TV Jones Power-trons...which I LOVE. It’s tuners are better. My Japanese has ebony. Subtle difference...but the law of diminishing returns always applies. In a perfect world you could own one of each. Personally, I’d start with an older 5620 or 5622. Something as described above. If you fall for “That Great Gretsch Sound” then you could always move into a Japanese version. Either way...around here...Steve is the man on anything Gretsch. Quote:
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2023 Martin GPC-11e 2023 Fender Players Tele Limited Edition - Oxblood 2022 Gibson Les Paul Standard 60’s - Unburst 2021 Fender Strat American Pro II - Black 2014 Gibson ES-335 Memphis Dot - Cherry 2013 Gibson Les Paul 50’s Tribute P90 - Tobacco 2012 Yamaha FS720 TBS |
#15
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Wow, thanks for all the detailed and thoughtful responses! This is why I love AGF.
Steve, thanks for pushing back on my no-semis preference. I was aware of the feedback issue, and have been OK with it because I'm not thinking of this as a guitar I'd be likely to use in high-volume situations. But we all know how once you fall in love with a guitar you start wanting to use it everywhere, so I probably need to keep that in mind. I wasn't aware of the issue with tuning stability being more of a challenge without the center block, though it makes intuitive sense. That seems like more of a concern. I think I was leaning toward the full hollowbody because my sense is that there's an extra layer of 3D complexity and character there, but that's based solely on hearsay and internet videos. Basically, I don't want to compromise on tone if I can help it. The videos I'm seeing of (for instance) the 5622 make it seem like a Gretsch hollowbody and an ES-335 had a baby. Which would be a beautiful baby, I'm just not sure if it's the baby I'm looking for. But you've complicated the equation helpfully. Thanks!
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Martin HD-28 Eastman E10OM Guild D50 Martin D12X1AE LaPatrie CW Concert |