The model names aren't really that confusing once you understand them. G at the start is because its a guitar, and the first 5 is for the 6 strings, then the next two numbers are the width of the lower bout in inches multiplied by pi * radius of the fretboard. The final number is the number of wheels on the truck that delivers the pickups.. and T is for twat.
That Richard Fortus Signature White Falcon is sexy as heck. I wish they’d make an affordable version of that model. I’d love a Gretsch. If you’re going for jangly, nothing is like their pickups! Btw, DylanTalksTone did a great video on how to upgrade that Bigsby a few months ago. Go find it if you’re really looking to upgrade it because he gave lots of solid, clear advice.
Oooh! That could be interesting.... If FMIC used Gretsch to try the current Gibson/Epiphone business model, with their signature Epiphones. So like signature streamliners or something? 🤷♂️ I remember watching Dylan's live unboxing of that guitar - LOVE the Amethyst finish 🤩👌 I added the upgrades vid to my watch later list, but didn't get round to watching it as I already decided I didn't like the colour of this one enough to keep it 🙈
My Christmas gift to me is my lefty Gretsch G5435 Siver Sparkle. Very much like yours, but it's a single cut. All the hardware, including the pearloid pickguard, is the same. My fretboard inlays are well seated, so I'm lucky I guess. Mine is a 2016 model. I love the varieties these Blacktop pups give, too!
A belated merry xmas to ya mate 😂👍 Silver sparkle is quite festive too 😎👍 Well deserved sir. I love these blacktops, I'm currently watching another set on eBay 🙈
Electromatic Jet player here and yes I love it. There is something about the way it feels and plays, the neck is somehow great. Haven't had any inlay problems and no Rigsby, so no issues there. Chambered mahogany body is nice as are the broadtron pickups.
Dont feel bad Steve, Im late to the Gretsch party also. About 2 months ago I bought a black 2005 Gretsch 5245t electromatic, love it! Along with my Revstar Standard, the Gretsch is one of my favorites. Excellent video as usual Steve!
Thank ya kindly mate! 😀🙏 Just googled your Gretsch, as I've still not got the hang of the model names yet 😜 Looks very similar to this one I've been playing. Was also looking at a revstar in person yesterday 😎👌
I recently purchased a used petrol colored electromatic double cut with P 90s. I never played with P 90 and have always been a strat player. Love this guitar. Very different sound and feel. And a beauty.
I purchased a used Gretsch Electromatic Special Jet Junior from a dear buddy of mine three weeks ago... It´s a rather rare bird only build between 2004-2010..bolt on neck and two Mini-Humbucker...it´s not suitable to any high gain stuff but as you mentioned really inspiring...
Welcome to the club! I own an Electromatic as well (its the full bodied 6120 style model) and yeah there are kinks to work out. For the strap buttons, I just about always go with Dunlop strap locks (tge screw is thicker and the screw blades are bigger than Import screws). I like the look of the strap buttons from the factory but they are not really that practical when you chew out the wood. For the Bigsby, I definitely recommend a Reverend Soft Spring. If you want to do a free mod you can watch Puisheen's video on Bigsby tips and step on your current spring like 30 times or whatever he recommends (its in the video). I also have a Spoiler on my B500 that's on my Ltd Viper that Vibramate makes, that definitely helps with restringing. I will say I nam not a fan of the springs from the stock trems, to stiff ans I had the same issues when I owned Epiphone Wildkats. I would say a "fill and redrill" fix on your current Gretsch is needed if you want to put the original strap button back. I would also suggest you just put the strap over the knov then unscrew them as to avoid tge same issue you had. As for tuning, I recommend two things, doing an "over/under" wrap on the first two winds to pinch the guitar string and to put swveral winds per string so that the string is close to the washer on the post. Its how I do it on my guitars and it almost always (depends on the guitar and how everything works up there on the headstock) works. A few winds on a post usually doesn't hack it. Also make sure that the contact points are lubricated with oil. Watch Mike Adams (Puisheen) video on Bigsbys first and try those tricks before spending money on parts. I will warn you that if you olay a Japanese made Gretsch, its going to spoil the Electromatics and Streamliners for you.🤔
I've had the 5222 stop tail for about 4 years. Other than the lack of a Bigsby, the only difference is that mine has the "thumbnail" inlays. I had issues with the strap buttons too - the threaded part came out at both ends. An easy fix with a carefully applied drop or two of superglue. they haven't budged since 🙂. I love the sound of the thing, but I'll be changing all the pots at some point. The stock ones in mine are logarithmic taper "all-or-nothing" jobs. All the usable volume / tone is at the very end of their travel. I'll be sticking some linear taper ones in there at some point.
Nice one mate 😎👍 that's pretty much the same model. I think the stop tail version is probably the smart move - way less hassle, but I do love a trem even with all thier problems 🙈 That's interesting - you're the 2nd person to mention changing the electronics. Thankfully I didn't have any issues with this one, maybe the older ones used different pots or supplier 🤷♂️
I have 3 Gretsch guitars, all imports. Those pickups (same as in my G5655T Electromatic) are the best you can have without spending TvJones money. I have ONE TvJones pickup and it's the best, but import taxes to Mexico (where I'm at) are prohibitive, to say the least. I also have a set of GFS GF'Trons and those don't come close to the Black Top Broad'Trons. Those strap buttons are the coolest looking of all and the most useless and annoying, more so the ones with reverse thread: the screw goes into the guitar rigthy-tighty but the buttons screw on counter clockwise, those are a NIGHTMARE. Cyanoacrylate for the wood thread and Loctite for the button, that's my advice. Great content! Cheers!
Thank you so much for this info mate! I just dropped it off to the tech this afternoon, and he said exactly the same thing about the reverse thread screws - He's going to fill and re-drill and change the screw 😀👍 This kind of work is beyond my skillset and patience 🙈
Welcome to the family! The tombstone inlays are cool. I have a G6120 1954 Chet prototype (Orange with the G brand and the old West inlays, of course) and a 2021 G5430T Jet in Cadillac Green with the thumbnail inlays. They are in my "forever Guitar" collection. The strap locks are great. I believe that the previous owner of yours probably dropped yours on it's bottom and damaged the wood.
Thank ya for the warm welcome mate 😀🙏 Sounds like a crackin collection you've got there 😎👌 Never heard them called Tombstone inlays - I definitely prefer that moniker over "humps" 😂👍 I think it might have been me that did the damage with the strap lock - well... in the back of the van 🙈. But it may have already been partially damaged 🤷♂️ It wasn't something I was looking out for - lessons learned
@@stevecassidyguitar You've picked a winner of a starting point with that Duo Jet. I also prefer the sparkly finishes better. For the issues you're seeing withe Bigsby, remember that is not a normal trem like on a Strat; it's more aimed for a light touch and more of a Leslie cab effect and mainly in the drop motion rather than the pull up motion. Also, try a dab of nut sauce/machine oil in the nut slots and on the bridge points to allow smother movement of the strings. One other well priced model that you should look into is the G5655TG - in Cadillac Green, of course 😄🎸. it's a semi-hollow with a smaller lower bout than the larger G5420T that feels much like your Jet, but brings a bit of jazz flavor to the mix. It does come with the Broad'Trons, but they are still different from standard humbuckers.
@@RocktCityTim Thanks for this mate - Just having a look at thise models you suggested now. You're right ... that cadillac green looks super classy 😎👌 I'm not sure if i'd manage the bigger bodied models. But I'm almost certain my dad has a similar one - I'll have to ask to borrow his for a test run 😁👍 Thanks again 🍻
I've never tried a Gretsch, and don't have one on my wish list but love the red colour. Shame about the quality control issues because it looks a great guitar.
I think with some upgrades to the trem it could be workeable 👍 But I didn't love the colour 😬 I think the strap button thing is just not a great design.
Very Cool, Thankyou Steve. Stunning looking and sounding Gretsch and playing as always. Yes, I can see the Gretsch is inspirational, nice tunes really showed off the Gretsch well. I am a Gretsch Electromatic Fan with 3, a G5448T (similar to your's but in Gold Sparkle), a G5215T single cut, single pickup Rock Machine in black, and my most recent The G5420T full Hollowbody 'Jazz box' style. Each of my Gretsch is amazing build quality and playability and each has its own personality. Love em. All the Best. Cheers
I hear you on the single coil thing - I used to be a big single coil person but I lean more towards "bright" Humbuckers now. Filtertrons are probably the best for that, the kings of chime, but some of the HBs they're putting in Jet and especially Sire guitars also have a lot more articulation than the average HB. Widerangers to an extent too. I played a Sterling Mariposa which is one of the best "Standard" Humbucker sounds you can get under 1K, but it didn't do it for me. But the Jets, Sires, Fender Meteora, all did.
@@stevecassidyguitar Sires are incredible - you'll love the necks! Similar vibe to Jet but a bit more "polished" I suppose. I'm looking at the T7FM - 2 Zebra stripe Humbuckers that are fairly brightly voiced, and have some interesting switching options including neck coil split. They're coming out with Jazzmasters too, though they don't look as cool to me as they could be. I love the T7 because it's kind of unique.
Regarding the Bigsby: On my Electromatic CB Jr. I replaced the TOM bridge with a roller bridge. Like 10 Euro from China. I also took the spring out and pressed it together very hard a few times (by standing on it). It wasn't as bad as before but still not perfect after that. I also liked the Streamline series better - besides not having Filtertrons. The Les Pauli Streamliner thing was maybe the best budget single cut besides the top of the line Harley Bentons I've ever played. And when I got it there was a sale for around 200 Euro at Bax. Insane. For me Gretsch just has a great haptic experience, similar to Schecter. The guitars feel just good in your hands..
I talked myself out of buying one of these a couple of months ago new for $430 us. Shell pink from CME. I’m deeply regretting my decision now 😭 Awesome video as always! Bo Didley played the firebird red 😎
Thank ya kindly mate 😃🙏 Shell pink? 😬 I'm not sure if I'd like that on a Gretsch 😬 maybe you dodged a bullet? 😜 Didn't know about Bo Diddley - thanks for the info 😃👍
Some tasty playin right there sir, always been intrested in gretsch (would love a drum kit from em too) love the ode school look and the skinny necks. As always sir crackin vid :)
Thank ya kindly mate 😃🙏 I'm officially converted to a Gretscher now 😁👍 I've heard the kits are great, but I know nothing about drums, so I'll just shut up now 🙈 Cheers again! 😃👍
Aww... Thank ya kindly mate! 😃🙏 You're the 2nd person to mention steampunk. I can see what you mean 👍 Kinda like steampunk meets 1950's American Diner vibes
Since I am not a huge humbucker/filtertron fan I own a G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet (wrap around bridge) which I love. The only issue I have is the weight. I would expect lighter guitar since it is a chambered body, but it's the 3rd electrometric Jet I own and they were all les paul heavy. And yes being a Fender neck fan I find the feel of the neck excellent which is very strange since I don't like Gibson necks and this one is even shorter scale. For years I thought it was 25.5. When I saw the specs I couldn't believe it. It's a "Fender friendly" neck with completely different specs... god knows how this happens...
Gretsches are really nice and even their 'budget' guitars feel so amazing. I am no fan of gloss necks. Sanded the one on my HB CST24. One of the guitars I want to add to my collection but even the budget ones are to high for something that will just consume space on the rack. Color wise I like the 'gunmetal' best. Btw there are also some with 'P90' or 'fat singlecoil' looking Pickups in their LP-style guitars.
Great review Steve. I've got an Electromatic 5622T (as seen in my recent video ;)) Anyway, I love it. I've put on a roller bridge from Northwest Guitars which transformed the trem tuning stability, and just yesterday I've put flatwound 11s on, which is a whole new vibe. Agree with the strap buttons too. Gretsch needs to look at that.
Well spotted mate 😁👍 It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" 🙈 Several vids now have the same joke, with ludicrous celebrity signature models, using the wrong pics. Well... I find it funny anyway 😜
@@ZakGuitar84 Cheers! Will do! 😂👍 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ihd-k_8NLX0.htmlsi=fMX8grRi8-ewjxeN This one at 0:29 I got a lot of flack for 🙈
I've only ever tried old vintage gretch's and have never really liked them, but the new breed seem a lot mpre intriguing. But I have to say that I always enjoy your tasteful playing style so much that it might be the player and not the guitar that is the magic sauce.
Gretsch and Danelectro really delight me for how great they are. Its not the sort of thing i add a "but" to either. By happenstance, both brands are weirdly affordable, though. I personally have the easy to remember G5034TFT and think it plays surprisingly easy and looks like a guitar had sex with a cadillac.
I have a G 2622 Streamliner and I love it. Looking at the Gretsch G5232T Electromatic Double Jet FT Fairlane Blue elektrische gitaar for future purchase.
I have a G5220 electromattic in jade grey, no bigsby so stays in tune. I had the strap lock issue too, partly caused by standing it up leant up against something. I fixed that using the cocktail stick technique. A lovely looking guitar and easy to play. Thought the hardware looked better quality than the epiphones too.
Oooft! Just googled that one - Absolute stuneer - looks super classy mate 😎👌 Interesting... So you're the 3rd person (including me) so far, who has also had this strap lock issue. They should probably bin that design 🙈
Lovely instrument you got there. The inlays look great, though them being slightly raised is annoying, wood has probably shrunk a bit over the years. The red is nice too - Im left handed, in the past we've usually gotten black, sunburst or natural. And something similar to butterscotch for teles. Never tried a Gretsch. The filtertrons have intrigued me though. The websites states the necks are U shaped - maybe that contributes to how they feel along with the shorter scale length? Also, that model has incredible upper fret access.
Great point Re the shrinkage - I can't believe I never thought of that 🙈 Cheers! Also thanks for the Info Re the U neck. I've been looking at a load of other Gretches with that spec, but I didn't know if it was the same as this one. That's exactly what i'll be looking for in future 👍
I have the streamliner Jr jet with P90 neck. I have it to have a Gretsch, and I like the look and tones. It is heavy, though, and doesn't see a lot of use.
My girlfriend got me a G5425 for christmas 2 years ago and i love it. I put a gfs xtrem on it to make it more gretschy. I totally want a double jet one of these days
I have a G5220 (LPish) and a G5622 (335ish). Both really good apart from pots are a bit like on/off switches and the three way switches randomly go on strike. Seriously considering a G5230T (LPish, Bigsby, Filtertrons). Reverend do a spring upgrade for the B50.
Interesting to hear that's 3 Electromatics with not the best electronics 🙈 I'm definitely on the lookout for another gretsch - will upgrade trm parts if needs be - cheers for the recomendations 😀👍
Hello my friend recently PRS released a 500 dollar guitar and it looks as if it can compete with any guitar maybe a video of it would be cool thanks and keep it up
Thanks for the suggestion mate 😀👍 I'm aware of the new one and I could get access to one. I'll put it on the list - but it will likely be quite a while until I get round to it - soz 😬
Cheers mate - I remember I came up with that one, one night after a few whiskeys 🙈 I've been shying away from tutorials for a while on YT, as that's my day job and this is like my break/escape from that. But... I've been thinking I might try out some tutorial vids over the school summer hols. 👍 Thanks for the suggestion 🙏
As far as in know, only the solidbody Streamliner Gretsch Guitars are Made in Indonesia. That is only the G22YZ line. That has the 24,75" scale and a slightly different Neck Profile. The Streamliner Centreblock Models G262Z and G265Z are Made in China as well and have an total different Neck Profile than yours or the G22YZ. I love, that the G265Z has a similar body shape as yours and is lighter, but the chambered body, the slimer neck profile and smaller scale length i prefer in the G52YZ.
Great info mate! Thanks for this 😀👍 So could you keep me right then? I am on the hunt for another Gretsch and I'm looking at loads of different models, but I didn't realise there was 2 differen neck profiles. Which current models or series would have the same neck profile as this one? Or is there a neck profile name/spec I should be looking out for? Because this is definitely the neck for me 👍 I'm not really fussed where they're made
@@stevecassidyguitar On the lower tiers, there are 3 neck shapes that also differentiate in the scale length: Solidbody G22YZ Steamliner from Indonesia has a 24,75" scale and the slimest neck of them all, but only comes with a wraparaound bridge and Broadtrons or P90s. The Chinese Streamliner Centreblock Models G262Z ( ES335-Body) and G265Z body-contoured like yours but hollow with chambered sustain block) both have 27,45" scale length and are Available with Broadtrons or P90s. Your G52XZ is chambered and only has a 24,61" scale length. Since a couple of months the G52XZ are also offered with wraparound Bridges and P90s, but i don't have experience with the new ones. In the electromatic line there are no solid bodies. All of them are chambered. Prior to 2015 (when electromatic was the cheapest line) they used to have G542Z with bolted maple necks on chambered Basswood bodies with the pickups prior to the first run of the Broadtrons. Didn't like pickups in those guitars, but those really had great acoustic sound and now in regret selling mine.
@@andiebetjemann7920 Thanks for this mate - hugely appreciated! You're my go-to Gretsch expert now 😁 Gretschpert? 🤷♂ Thanks again - I'll have to investigate further to make sure I get the same neck again 😎👍
Well spotted mate 😁 It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" 🙈 Several vids now have the same joke, with ludicrous celebrity signature models, using the wrong pics. Well... I find it funny anyway 😜
I was about to pile in and complain about the price... But I looked it up first, and that is an absolute BARGAIN! If I was still gigging or playing blues/60s rock/indie regularly, it would totally be going on the credit card.
It's a braw looking and braw sounding guitar - but, man, that's a nightmare with the strap button. No so good on that score. But a good save tho! I had a Streamliner for a wee while, which was nice. But the Bigsby had a bit of a tuning issue too.
Cheers Dunsy! 😀👍 According to the comments here apparently the strap button thing is a bit of a known issue 😬🤷♂️ And most people recommend upgrading parts of the Bigsby system too. Lessons learned for next Gretsch! 😂 There will definitely be another 😁
In the past I've owned a couple ot the Gretsch hollow body (fairly large) G5442 Electromatic guitars with humbuckers, and now I have a smaller body semi-hollow Streamliner series with P-90s. The first one I had was great, the second not quite so great, and the current one is great APART from the fact that the 6th string sounds DEAD - regardless of what string I put on, what gauge, or what type. I'm currently exploring the possibilities of getting either another Gretsch, or like Steve Casidy, a Fender Starcast but with a different humbucker in the neck position. I'd say that Steve's guitar has a really great sound. I only ever use clean tones, and the clean tone out of his double jet G5441T is right up my street.
That sounds like a weird one with the low E string 🤔 Thank ya kindly Re the Starcaster project 😃👍 I've actually just got it back from the tech and I'm almost finished with the pickguard. But I also changed to 250k pots AND switched to a Humbucker sized p90 in the neck and it sounds waaaaaay better 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Interesting. The P90s on my G2655 sound superb. I think the problem with the 6th string has to do with the construction of the guitar. My guitar tech Ian says he came across a Gibson acoustic once with exactly the same issue. Nothing he did could make the 6th string sound good. But I think this is pretty rare!
@@stevecassidyguitar The nut wasn't the problem. Ian widened the groove enough to allow the heavier gauge strings I use to fit in without jamming on tuning. I've never had that problem before either, and over the years a great many guitars have passed through my hands.
@@timelwell7002 Might have been worth changing the nut completely, just in case it was an inconsistency in the material just under that string. Tis certainly an intriguing mystery 🕵️
Yeah mate - blacktop filtertrons. I love em! 😃👌 The build quality and neck is stable I'd say, but that trem is not and the strap button design is cool but not the best for functionality
So tempting but so frustrating, you feel the same about this one as i did about mine The style and design make you want one, until you dare to use the trem and it goes out of tune. There are mods availble to improve the tuning stability i had mine upgraded with a pro setup and it was little better. Mine ended up as a wall ornament, i found it to frustrating and uncomfortable to play for any length of time.
@@stevecassidyguitar Some guitar colours grow on you but others just don't do a good guitar justice. A nice deep wine red mettalic that Epiphone do on their Les Paul modern looks fantastic , but a dull maroon just doesn't work. Re the trem upgrade, it is not cheap, and my luthier warned me not to expect a miracle and he was right. It well never be as good as modern 2 point trem like the Vega or the higher end ones that Ibanez have. I can realy abuse my Jem 7V and it still returns to tune.
@@Barbarapape Some of the colours look better in txt than they do in person too. Reminds me of the Yamaha Revstar i seen today in my local shop in "Merlot" ... Didn't look as impressive as the colour name suggested 😜
@@stevecassidyguitar The same applies to car colours, certain colours only work on certain items and the colours we see on the internet can vary wildly compared to what they are like in the flesh. Dark Red is not an easy colour to get right, the USA Strat that i had was in Chrome Red and it realy popped sadly Fender don't offer it today. My luthier made David Gilmour Strat is in a brighter than average Candy Apple Red which strictly speaking is not correct as the guitar he had was in Dakota Red. My custom Shop Bonnie Raitt Strat was supposed to be a bright blue mettalic fade, but Fender got it wrong twice i had my local car body shop refinish it from a photo of hers and they did a fantastic job, i still have it after the nightmare that Fender put me through, but it is setup for slide with a high action, and is hard work, i don't know how she plays the same guitar for both styles of playing. I could write a book about all the anguish i have had with guitar finishes.
Aye nice bud . Definitely not an Gibson sound . Lighter sound I like it. Nice break up tone . I think I will resist and go for the Yamaha re star. You should feel the neck on those things.
@@stevecassidyguitar the back of the neck is supreme on the revstar . Only had a shot of mates but feels like it's gigging quality even the element . But I love the red copper look . I'm a big deep purple fan lol
Thank ya mate! and... Well spotted 😁👍 It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" 🙈 Several vids now have the same joke, with ludicrous celebrity signature models, using the wrong pics. Well... I find it funny anyway 😜
