When you finally 'GET' Gretsch guitars... | Friday Fretworks 

That rendition of Cortez the Killer on the country gent was rather beautiful!

For me, the magic of the Gretsch sound lies in the middle pickup position - much like in a Jazzmaster or Jaguar, the middle position on a Gretsch becomes this incredibly sparkly tone, that is absolutely divine in a clean or slightly driven tone, and is perfect for rhythm work

I was born in '64 so I've seen Gretsches my whole life. It wasn't until I heard and saw Chris Cornell play one on Black Hole Sun that I sat up and took notice.

AC/DC's late great Malcolm Young with his Gretsch Jet Firebird. What a player! What a Tone!

I had the usual "Gretsch's are old man guitars" mentality. That is until I played one. I now own three. White Falcon with TVs and two Sparkle Jets, Dynas/Filters. When they say nothing sounds like a Gretsch, it's true. While one may not be my "only" guitar for all things, they are must to have in the arsenal.

Pete Townsend played a 59 Gretsch 6120 on Who's Next. Yeah, they can rock.

That intro jam deserves an album! Sick! You need to upload all those on streaming platforms.

No joke, I finally invested time/money into my first Gretsch (6128T DS Jet, single coils) after decades of not really "getting" them either... and I love it. I'm primarily a P90 or humbucker Les Paul player, but I love the chime that the Gretsch gives me.

After years of going through guitars like so many enthusiasts, my stable today is 3 Gretsch electrics, a tele, and a martin. Never thought this is where I'd end up, but with the Gretsches, I've found MY sound (and it's not Country!).

First guitar i bought with my own money was a 1964 Gretsch Corvette , single Hilo-tron pickup and no Bigsby, but trapeze tailpiece. Bought in 1971. That pickup didn't fit with what I was trying to play so I put a DiMarzio PAF and Leo Quann BadA$$ bridge. It rocked. Headstock broke, found a 1974 reissue Corvette and played it as is for many years. It was stolen. I mourned losing my first Gretsch to broken headstock, AND how I butchered it, AND I believe I threw that Hilo-Tron away. Then the reissue. I bought a new Jet 8 years ago. Happy again. I love most brands, Strats, Teles, Les Pauls, each bring something a little different to the table and each forces me to adapt and play differently. Each does what it does better than others. Love your content, Mr. Buck.

I went through the same revelation recently when I picked up a 1967 Tennessean at my local shop and discovered it played and sounded amazing and brought something different out of me. Needless to say, it’s been at my house ever since!

I picked up a used Japanese built Duo Jet a few months ago and have also 'seen the light'. Classic looks, unique and beautiful voice. And throwing in some Cortez the killer..... take a bow!

Aesthetically, a Gretsch Black Falcon would suit you and Cardinal Black!

Welcome to the family, Chris! 😂 Luke Doucet (Sarah McLachlan) sent me clearly on the path of the Gretsch the first time his band Whitehorse played in my town. For me, the Filtertrons create all the snark and sparkle of the Fender single coils with the growl of the PAFs, and I am here for it! I love the hollowbodies too, as stage volumes have come down, it’s much easier to regain control of the feedback in a very pleasing way. I also need to mention that there are quite a few U2 songs that have also benefited from The Edge wielding a Gretsch.

Dynasonic equipped duo jets are killer. Great choice for the outro, that’s immediately where my head goes when I think of George and his Gent

For clean tones this beast can not be beaten ! I would be surprised to learn of you taking this to a gig,but please,don't let it be the last vid- featuring this guitar it's simply too good !

Most of Who’s Next was played on a Gretsch. To my knowledge, it was exclusively used on Quadrophenia.

Your rendition of Cortez went straight to my heart.

Chris Cornell. Gretsch are definately sleeper guitars for 'Grunge, Stoner' rock tones.

Chris - that awesome way you play is such a great fit for a Gretsch!

Nice one Chris ! Switches on a Gretsch can be a puzzle so much so that the other day my neighbour brought his Gretsch down the other day and after a bit of messing about I realised the bridge pickup wasn’t wired up !! Neighbour said “ Thought there was something wrong with it “ Nice George nod at the end 😀

Yes, they are truly unique and special. Congratulations on your discovery.

The combination of the big, hollow body and Filter'trons - sublime.

Man that intro jam is just so smooth!

Chris, your phrasing is as fine as anyone anywhere. What a rare talent.

I recently developed a love for Gretsch guitars... the nice ones anyway

I’m a Gretsch believer. Presently, I own Country Gentleman, a Penguin and my Baritone is a Gretsch. As was already stated, nothing sounds like a Gretsch and it’s true!

Great video. Thanks for the short demonstration of the switches and knobs. That demonstrated more than anyone ever has told me.

Gretsch White Falcon is my number one gigging guitar. Just love it!.❤

Welcome to the Gretsch world Mr. Buck! Awesome playing, as usual. You should have seen the huge smile on my face when you kicked in the string mutes! Thank you for that! I’ll be thinking of that all day.

sick playing as usual bro. amazing.

Omg your playing is so smooth and melodic!😢 Thank you!

What a trippy sound. I love it.

Man, that opening jam is purely wonderful 🙂 And I love the wine/gold vibe, beautiful 🌻

Never thought I'd hear Chris playing Cortez on a Chet Atkins guitar!! Fabulous!!!

Beautifully played. The Gretch sounds lovely.

Beautiful playing as always Chris, and having that stunning guitar of your dad's must be amazing with all the memories that come with such a unique keepsake? 👍❤️

Lovely that you sound yourself on every guitar ❤

Loved the video - thanks Chris! That string mute switch is super groovy 🎸👌

@ 4:33 Chris Buck The Killer. He sailed across the water, Chris Buck, Chris Buck...

YESSS I've been waiting for this day

I Have to say, that what ever Chris Buck Plays, he Sounds Like Chris Buck. He has his own distinct style (Which is great)

Chris can make a rubber band strung between his thumb and index finger sound amazing

Thank you Chris for sharing your insights. Gretsch was never on my radar, maybe it should have been!

so cool to be able to play your dads guitar, I'm sure he can hear you and must be very proud man

Loving the Cortez jam!

Chris! You're phrasing ing on that intro solo, Oh my God! You are a master 💓

Better late than never Chris. My Country Gentleman is an incredible, versatile instrument. Build quality (Japan) is impeccable, and it really is a tone machine.

I bought a 150th anniversary 5240T mail order and it arrived so well setup I barely even had to tune it. Tone action and clarity was so sweet it immediately added a whole new dimension to my playing.

Amazing player

Beautiful!!!

Yes, 6120s. BTW, nice tribute to George there at the end.

That guitars voice is SO unique! …and it sings in you hands! MAGIC!

I recently discovered Gretsch guitars after playing mostly Fender Offsets. I snagged a used Gretsch 5655TG in Cadillac Green with TV Jones pickups. The sound and the Bigsby really made rethink what kind of guitars I like to play. I recently picked up a Gretsch 5210T - p90 in Petrol and it's been a great addition to my collection. The Penguin is now on my list of dream guitars.

Poison Ivy from The Cramps

I own a Lefty Japanese Jet; a Country Gent 2, a Bo Diddley, and a Korean G5420. They really are the mid point between Gibsons and Fenders- sparkly on top so the notes are clear, but just enough bass and mid to fill out the sound. The Filtertron and Broadtron really work well with Fuzz sounds as well.

Wow, great feel in that Cortez the Killer piece!!

What a gorgeous guitar and tone. Rediscovering the Gretsch is extra meaningful, especially through your dad's. I've learned about the switches and buttons, thanks for explaining 😁👍🏻 Bon voyage for your U.S. trip!

Good choice for your musical intro. Tasty Gretsch tones...

I didn’t know you’d lost your father Chris. Condolences. That is a beautiful sounding guitar. Only played one Gretsch and I found it extremely comfortable. As a Gibson person primarily, they seem to fit. Can see myself getting one of the less expensive ones like an Electromatic or something in the future.

You have a remarkable touch and ear. The intro piece was beautiful. I like Gretsch guitars. Sweet.

I have a 5120 Electromatic with TV Jones P90's (T90's?) strung with flatwounds. Even though it's Korean made, this guitar is incredibly high quality. The action, the feel and the amazing tone of those pickups make it my main guitar. It's the first guitar with a Bigsby that I've ever owned and now I can't imagine playing a guitar without one.

I "discovered" gretsch thanks to John Squire.. Waterfall was/still so perfect for me with his gretsch

Love my 6120 Brian Setzer 2009

A lovely jam around those Cortez The Killer chords, really bringing out the Gretsch tone.

Ha Ha... You 'R' growing in maturity and soon you'll be a 'Guitarist ! Enjoyed all comments 'muchly' ! (Your 'Pop' had good eyes and ears and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree) 🥳...

Having a CG and a DuoJet w Dynas, and a 5420 w Blacktops, I would suggest you use your dad's Gent, and grab a Duo Jet- I have the one you pictured briefly... the Cadillac Green. As dynamic a player as you are- the Gretsch will definitely inspire you. Of all my guitars, when I have to do sessions that will sit in the mix and have ''the tone'', I go to them every time. When you do ballad or ambient things- nothing beats that ''Great Gretsch Sound''.

The filtertrons and the dynasonics or DeArmonds are iconic and different. I wanted a George Harrison Duo Jet but couldn't afford it. So I modified an Electromatic Jet to get as close as I could but took a lot of work. It came with the blacktop filtertrons. Those honestly sounded great for budget pickups, but going for Harrison's sound, I swapped them with TV Jones T-Armonds, and my God those sound incredible and totally different. I believe filtertrons are humbucking and T-Armonds (+dynasonics and DeArmonds) are single coil. The sound more closely resembles that of a telecaster, so probably more up your alley as you mentioned, but still different enough to warrant having both. Irrelevant but to those curious on the build: I gutted the pots/electronics and had it wired the same as the vintage duo jet. Bone nut, locking tuners, new bridge and the Gretsch Bigsby. Feels and sounds incredible.

Been on a search for an electric this last year for a guitar that just felt natural in my hands and got close to the tones I hear in my head. Picked up a Tennessee Rose a few weeks ago, and found the axe I’ve been looking for. Still love all of my other guitars, but the Gretsch just has that something I was looking for

Thanks for your video

cortez .. very nice

Just recently started investigating the Gretsch sound myself...and I'm an old-timer! Definitely one of the classic sounds.

I own two and they are fabulous. I’ve even used mine for punk rock gigs.

Dude that intro solo was so tasty 🥵 damn, amazing. Chris your soulful playing is just ridiculous.👏

Awesome video loved the country licks everything you play is 👍 keep it going man.

I bought a used Electromatic a few years ago and while it's considered one of the "lowest" models, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's unique to itself, and that's what makes it special to me. I have few other guitars and they all sound similar to others of their "type," but none of them sound like my Gretsch. It can coax feelings and sounds that no other can that I have. I just wish I had heard of them sooner. If you don't own a Gretsch, consider it - and choose carefully. There's one for you out there somewhere just waiting for you to pick it up and do the same that mine did for me. Now go find it!!

Oh my goodness. The second jam was out if this world. Damn Chris😮

Totally Amazing! A close buddy of mine who is known for playing his Strats and Telles has let it be known that certain Gretch models are close to his heart. No matter what guitar is in his hands, it's magic. Thank you for this expose' on Gretch. Will there be maybe a deep dive somewhere in the future? (Hello from Louisville, Kentucky, USA! Enjoy your tour this month!). (Arlin Blair)

I got Gretsch guitars the first time I played my '71 Superchet, 40 years ago.They're the Cadillacs of the guitar world, I love em more than any others.

Nothing 2nd rate about the Country Gentleman. It's always been a fine instrument. As usual, you made it sound wonderful, Chris. A dear friend of mine, Bob M., was a guitarist and truly fine drummer that purchased a Gretsch White Falcon some 12-14 or more years ago. Bob had a fabulous voice, one of the best you'd ever hear. Bob was in an awesome Crosby, Stills & Nash tribute band that was beyond good. Bob played that White Falcon there. He passed on years ago from pancreatic cancer... very sad loss. Bottom line here is that Gretsch guitars have a special place if you're hip to what they do.🙂🙂

Bought my first Gretsch last year - a hollowbody 5420T. Took me a long time to truly get them, but I see them now as this fantastic middle ground between the Fender and Gibson camps of guitar building. You get some of the chime and clarity of the Fender sound, but in a guitar that feels closer to a Gibson to play. I've got flatwounds on mine at the moment and I just love the sound it makes!

Very pretty sound.

A great insight into the world of Gretch, Chris, thank you. I've always fancied one and even tried one at the same time as a Revstar...but the Revstar won. I'll definitely be trying another one tho after your Vlog. 👍

Randy Bachman seems to enjoy playing and colleting them. Loved the opening intro...smooth!!

Chris the killer!

Excellent video Chris, now I'm all inspired to dig into my Gretsch again... it's somewhere in my house and I can't even remember what model she is.... but I also want to add that you are a VERY cool guitarist, your choice of notes, phrasing and unpredictable Bigsby work makes it such a pleasure to hear you play...:)

Billy Duffy astounded me playing hard rock with one. Just too big for many players though.

I was hoping you’d play Till There Was You. Niiiice.👍🏻

one: when everyone finally starts freaking out about DeArmond, just know they’ve been around your entire life… two: the japanese modern Gretsch are the best guitars on the market in my opinion. Gibson quality thinline semi hollow and hollow bodies, built in japan, overseen by FMIC. Magical combo we may never see again. Also…The Beatles 🙏

Beautiful, your dad would be chuffed. Take care of it.

I own a 6119 I totally love it

Brilliant as ever Chris. I love my Gretsch, mines an Electromatic, brilliant sound and tone. Gretsch hero guitarists for me Johnny Marr of course, Billy Duffy and Brian Setzer, all masters of their craft!

Believe me, they are more than just one-trick ponies. I've played jazz to heavy rock with mine. I got tricked into playing and buying my first Gretsch (a cheapo Synchromatic Jet in 2002), when a friend of mine played the guitar after I blew it off (for me at the time, Gretsches were rockabilly guitars - so not my thing!), and made it sound great, intriguing me enough to buy it. From there, it lead to Electromatics, a 6120 Brian Setzer Hot Rod, and then my long time favorite - the Gretsch Country Club! I stepped away from Gretsches for a few years (their necks seemed to be becoming thinner, and I don't like thin necks - I play classical style [thumb behind the neck], and thin necks are uncomfortable for me), but I saw a 2005 Country Club for sale at my favorite local guitar shop recently. Knowing from past experience that there can be some variation in Terada made Gretsches (ProLine Gretsches are made by Terada) neck dimensions, due to the partially hand made nature of Terada made guitars. Sure enough, the neck was slightly chunkier that the recent Gretsches I'd played (just enough for me to find the neck adequately comfortable). Clean tones - wonderfully smooth without being glassy sounding. Great breakup tones, and my ultimate test - I plugged into a Mesa Dual Rectofier, and proceeded to rage on some Tool tunes (yeah, I know, it's a hollowbody, but years of playing a Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion in a heavy rock band in the 90s, taught me how to control feedback). Yeah! Now we're talking, different but still heavy. I was luckily able to scrape up the funds to buy the guitar, and I'm once again playing Gretsch Country Clubs. Yes indeed, Gretsches are great guitars.

Some guitarists are known for their tone/sound You, Chris, it’s your style. There is no 1 Guitar for you, no home base. Like a professional race car driver, you’ll do you with whatever you have.

Finally you get it. Yes with age we're all getting wiser ...

You should try connecting with Richard Fortus, who is a massive Gretsch fan. The way he made his White Falcon sing the first time I saw him playing it years back made me wish I’d have one someday - and to this day, I always dream of owning the cheapest iteration that’ll get me that same tone, lol. You should hit Richard up on social media to see if you can do an interview with him about Gretsch guitars and show him this video you made. Maybe Slash can put you in touch. It would be really cool to get Richard to show us his Gretsch guitars and demo them. Please try! Thanks!

I sold two guitars that were quite nice and bought a Gretsch Black Falcon. I too had that feeling of the guitar making me play differently which inspired me. Get a falcon!

Billy Duffy inspired me to pick up the guitar in 85 when the love album dropped❤

Lovely playing as always,in my 44 years of playing ive never played one ,hmm time to Rectify that

Second JAM is very NeilYoung-ish - great