The Gretsch Duo Jet: A Short History
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- Опубліковано 8 кві 2020
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Here's the first of two Gretsch guitar videos. I used to own a made in Japan 6120 Jr. that I bought from the excellent guys at Advanced Music in Burlington, VT. It could do jazz, twang, rock out, all of it. That guitar is long gone but I've always wondered how, one of the most quintessentially American guitar brands had that guitar built in Japan...among other "wonderings" I've had about Gretsch. So it was time to do the reading/research/writing/video process that I've settled into for the Short Histories. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know.
And yes, I know that the guitar in the thumb is a Silver Jet but I mean, it's really the same thing and man(!) doesn't it look sweet!
I need to thank Jason Shadrick and all the guys at Premier Guitar magazine for the use of the video clips of Jason Isbell Rig Rundown:
• Rig Rundown - Jason Is...
and Julian Lage Premier guitar jams:
• PG Jams with Julian Lage
As is often the case, I am indebted to Tony Bacon for his excellent writing. In this case in "The Gretsch Electric Guitar Book" and also "The Gretsch Guitar Book" by Tony Bacon and Paul Day.
Amazon link***: amzn.to/34o3WTK
Until next time, thanks for being a part of the five watt world.
Keith
*I was not paid in any way to produce this video.
***Five watt world participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to Amazon. In simpler language, this means that whenever you buy something from Amazon from a link on here, I receive a small percentage of its price.
This doesn’t help me want the least gear. Not at all.
I hear you. MAKING these videos doesn’t make it easier for me either.
Frank Bama hahahahaha right! It makes me think. Yup!! I want one of those aswell. Keith explains in one video. The difference between want and need. Do I need a duo jet? No, I have plenty of guitars. Do I want a duo jet? Yes, yes I do!😁
@@timothycormier3494 I think Jeff Beck would argue with you...if you want Duo Jet tone...then you NEED a Duo Jet. Lol...just go buy one.
Totally
Lol I hear you. I already have a 59 and a hollowbody . I am now wanting a 62 firebird
Once again I learned so much Hypes! I love that 50s Duo Jet!
I was watching several videos of yours last night..loved the new one..1st song your produced..the sounds you got were all awesome..the drums and bass were great...thanks for your videos
G'day Rick! Love your channel! Learning so much, more then I ever did completing my music dipolma! 🤙🏻
You need to get a bo diddley in the studio id like to see you monkey around with one
I think that Sparkle Jet looks like sex with strings. Sooo classic.
Rick, why is Keith Hypes?
Chris Cornell needs to be remembered for keeping Gretsch cool in the 90’s and 00’s.
@Van peter His signature model is a 335
@Van peter refer to the black hole sun video as well as the Guitar world Run down of gear used
Van peter watch out black hole sun video. It was a very popular music video back then on MTV, and showed him using a gold finish Gretsch
@Van peter Gretsch was always part of his rig. He used a ton of alt tunings and relied on a silverjet for a lot of his sounds. Kim Thayil (lead) played Guild S100s, which were basically SGs. That's probably the tone you're thinking of. But the last two Soundgarden albums as well as Cornell's first solo project have tons of Gretsch on them.
I know his signature 335 had Lollar Filtertron pickups. So there must have been Gretsch love back there sometime.
During his solo career, George Harrison brought out his old Duo Jet to record his 1987 album Cloud Nine. He’s even pictured playing the guitar on the album’s cover art. That was his first new album after a five-year hiatus from music-making - it would ultimately be the last album released in his lifetime.
We have got to get a short history of the fender mustang
You’ve got to do a history of the Martin Dreadnaught, but that might be the longest one.
That would probably need to be a multi-part Ken Burns production.
Iconic X 2! The most aesthetically pleasing guitar shape ever invented/made.
"This week on five watt world..." But I am curious about the history.
@@fivewattworld when virus is done, call your pa friend 🤘🏻 head to Nazareth and go check the factory out.
That’s idea!
Billy Zoom!
If we’re talking about guitarists playing a duo jet, there is Billy Zoom and there are footnotes.
Possible history episodes to consider:
- Martin D-28
- Rickenbacker 360 (or any Rick guitar)
- Music Man Stingray Bass
- Hofner Violin Bass
- Warwick Thumb Bass
- Ibanez Jem (or Joe Satriani Model)
- Danelectro '59
- D'Angelico New Yorker
- Rickenbacker 4001 Bass
Great list. We think alike...
@@fivewattworld Would love to see one on D'Angelico's history. Great videos, really enjoy your content. Please keep making such interesting and educational videos. Thanks!
yeah, would love the hofner bass, and definitely the fender jaguar or mustang
Hell yeah, danelectrp
I swear every time one of these is posted it makes my day
Thanks Twan!
For kids who grew up and became guitar players in the 90's, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden was the reason that a lot of us wanted a Gretsch, or even knew what one was. The fact that they are not typically associated with harder edged music, but he played one often during that time period, is a real testament to the guitars dynamic range. Great lookers and great tones! An obvious influence on Chris's signature Gibson that would come years later and that guitars choice of pickups and bridge. So many great and diverse artists, with many different playing styles and genres, all put time in on one of these iconic guitars.
I've read that Chris used a double cutaway Gretsch Silver Jet, a single cutaway Gretsch Duo Jet and a Fender Jazzmaster on Superunknown.
RIP MALCOLM YOUNG..🤘♥️🎸🎶🙏🌻
Yeah! You can watch videos of Chris in the Superunknown tour playing Gretsch, the Black Hole Sun video, and all that era, Duo Jets and Jazzmasters he use on the record too.
Around 1979 I had a roommate who bought what he called a Roc Jet, but based on the info in this video, I think it was a 1959ish Duo Jet. It was black and it had the two switches on the upper bout, the fingernail position markers, a Bigsby, and a Space Control bridge that was so awful that he had it replaced with a Tune-O-Matic. I could swear that it also had a zero fret, although that doesn't quite match anything I see here.
I was just a beginner back then, but I did love to play that thing.
Wasn’t expecting Wilco to pop up in this video. Jeff Tweedy used to live in my neighborhood. I saw him at the park a few times. I remember the first time I saw him there. I was with my niece, and Jeff noticed me and looked at me head to toe. I don’t know why but it’s what he did. Maybe I was dressed cool that day or something. His kid had a Beatles cover band. All kids but they were really good. The park district put on a talent show, that was when I saw them play. I can remember what they called the band though but I’m sure it was some kind of clever Beatles reference.
The Country Gentleman has got to be the grandaddy of all signature model guitars. It was also interesting to learn about Gretsch applying their drum plastic laminating technology to guitars. I've seen those sparkle finishes for decades and never made the connection. Once again, one of your "trying to get the most out of minimal amount of gear" videos has made me want to add to my collection.
"Hmmmmm" [the noobie thinks] "So that's where Filtertrons came from"
Thanks, learned something there, also put the whole Gretsch story into perspective
I had a similar experience living in the barracks. Walking down the hall I heard "drifting" by Andy Mckee coming from the new dude's room. Knocked on the door to introduce myself, music stopped and a drunk country boy with an acoustic answered the door lol
From Leo: Gretsch is always a fun topic, I am glad you chose the often overlooked brand. . I certainly enjoy them, and have an affection for the crisp, open sound from Filtertron pickups. I don't have any of the original Duo Jets but have a Jet Club and a Jet 5220. They are really well made guitars, and the low price is a real value. The body shape and weight is more comfortable than any Les Paul. Chet was an amazing musician and innovated sounds all of his life, truly a top tier player.
PS: a Radio engineer in Southbend Indiana patented "Hum bucking technology for steel stringed Instruments" in 1936. Everyone after that developed reshaped hardware design that used the technology. Seth Lover and Betz designs proved to be the simplest design of the technology. Glad they did.
I agree - for anyone wanting to step up from their first budget guitar to a stage capable budget to mid ($400), the Asian made Gretsch Electromatics are a serious contender against brands such as Epiphone. These guitars borrow heavily from the parent models (a great start), are very well made and finished, historic features such as the gnarled G pot nobs, strap locks, binding - really for the money they are sensational and since they tend to be written off as country or rockabilly guitars they can be very cheap used.
My son's first solid body electric was a Gretsch ProJet Electromatic (similar to a duo jet in shape and approach) with T.V.Jones designed Blacktop Filtertrons - had a well finished fret board, solid tuners and a synthetic bone nut well cut - no issues with tuning. In person it was a thing of beauty with the walnut stained back. I'm not sure how much the vaulting affects tone, but for a teenager, it also made the guitar easier to carry for an hour or two. We've since sold it on... to buy a Gibson Les Paul. To be very honest we wish we could have kept the Gretsch but you can only have so many guitars and the LP is a beast with a Marshal valve amp and where my son is right now (British 60's inspired blues / rock).
This video ua-cam.com/video/bTvcPAiWBho/v-deo.html we created to help promote the sale indicates the clarity of the Filtertons which can be quite single coil like although they have their own 'ring'. From 2.0 mins he kicks some overdrive in on a the valve Marshall and right at the end he rolls the tone pot off (neck pickup only) and remarkably gets Clapton's woman tone - no TS8 or other pedals - just the ProJet and a Marshall. The Pro-jet sustains easily and this can be brought out by a decent amp.
I'm told that there isn't much difference in tone between these guitars and the (much) more expensive U.S. made Gretsch models like the Duojet so really, like I said, a whole lot of guitar and history for not a lot of bucks. I'm sure the quality and finish of the U.S. guitars warrants the extra cost, not knocking them at all, rather focussing on the gift of the Gretsch budget lines.
Thanks Leo and Barb. I always enjoy your additions.
I don’t usually comment but thank you so much for the increase in uploads. There are some of the best videos on UA-cam, bless up.
To the most high! Lol
Seriously I've decided to cut back on youtube and when I think about the few channels I would watch Dave's was the first I thought of. It's our PBS equivalent in the gear world.
Dave?
@@fivewattworld Keith my bad dude! Don't know where Dave came from lmao
Dave's not here!
I’ve had a sparkle jet, George Harrison signature (57’ duo jet) and the reissue 53’ Duo Jet with white plain pick guard, and all were just amazing. The Japanese Terada plant makes some fantastic guitars, my favourite guitars ever. Miss mine and wish I had them still.
Excellent video and history. About 25 or 30 years ago, I bought a 1957 DuoJet at a garage/barn sale. It had no pickups, no electronics, no tailpiece nor bridge, the humpback inlays were loose and falling out and someone had routed out a spot for a middle pickup. The original Gretsch model and serial number sticker was still attached on the inside of the guitar.There was a mud dauber wasp nest in the backside cavity. I paid $2 for it. I bought an original vintage Gretsch G tailpiece and Bigsby bridge on Ebay for $72. I had intended to restore the guitar and fill the center route with an inlay of clear casting plastic with an actual mud dauber wasp in it. Well time passed and I decide that I would never finish this project, so I listed the guitar on Ebay including the bridge and tailpiece. A collector in California bought it for $1750 . Not a bad return for a $74 investment. He sent me a message when he received it and stated how happy he was that he bought it. I wish I could see the end result of his restoration.
Great story. Love the mud wasp detail!
I've never cared about Gretsch but I'll watch anything you put out.
Right? No constant jump cuts, no goofy animations, no gimmicks period. Just the story of the guitar. It’s so refreshing to see UA-cam videos without the UA-cam “style” that plagues so much “content”. I couldn’t agree more.
Thanks Prog!
And the cuts are there, I just bury them in images/story (or such is the hope).
@@fivewattworld Cuts are just fine, Keith. Jump cuts are jarring and almost painful to watch. They break the flow of the imagery, and really bring the viewer out of the experience. You don't do that. You know what you're doing. Keep it up, and thanks for the awesome videos!
I’m starting to fall in love with them. Must be the age. Once you get close to 40... Starting with a cheap Jim Dandy though.
Mid '60s Corvette owner, here. I think of it like Gretsch's answer to the SG Jnr.
No Luke , that was the Astro Jet , check it out , they're freaky but a very cool guitar ! Nice you have a 60's Corvette 👌
Keith, please run for President.
“I Promise Americans they’ll get the Most out of Their Lives, with the Least B.S.”
He probably won't.
"One Gibson Amplifier for each family and will receive an extra for every amp under 5 watts they have"
A prs in every office with a tweed fyd amp for reinforcement 🤘🏻😆🤘🏻
@@Knightmare-gz9ls "And the previous owners of Gibson and their CEOs will be the ones to pay for it not the employees, and adding that a Fender Stratocaster for those who create the greatest UA-cam videos"
@@bassplayer8815 as a owner of a mint 04 strat I donate mine to local school to keep music alive 🤘🏻
I have a 1973 Roc Jet. Not a Duo Jet but a pretty cool guitar. Wanted one since i was 16/17. Patrick Pentland from Sloan used one consistently around 1997/98 and it stood out for me because it was a bit different from a traditional Duo Jet. I had the privilege of playing a Pumpkin Orange one when I was 17 but even at $1000 during a madness sale, I couldn’t afford it. Never saw one again. Eventually I came across my 1973. It had been re fretted and had a neck reset which made it very affordable. It’s the only Gretsch I’ve ever owned and I’ll never part with it.
I just got my 1957 Japanese reissue 6128T Duo Jet yesterday and I am very happy! I love the way it plays, the tones, and how light it is.
Wow, this video was so well produced with detailed pictures of Gretsch history.
The Duo-Jet title is misleading, this is the full history.
I tried to make it the "solid body" history and will do the "hollow body" history another time.
Great video. My grandad had the 55 red oriental jet firebird w the original case and leather strap. He played it so much it hs fingernail indents in the frets
Keith,
I own a black 2012 G6128, and one of the most beautiful features about it is the gorgeous stained mahogany back. Unlike the Gibson LP Custom Black Beauty which has ebony lacquer on the sides and back, many of the Duo Jets have stained and clear lacquered backs that give each one of them unique character and elegance. The first time I played my Gretsch I got the same feeling that I got when I saw my wife for the first time. I knew this one was a keeper.
I agree. I've never been able to get attached to a LP but would try one of these if I found one at the right weight, or maybe add filtertrons to an ES-390, hmmmm.....
My two favorite guitarists associated with the Jet are Billy Zoom, once of Gene Vincent's Bluecaps, but best known for his time in X -- and Dex Romweber, a lo-fi psychobilly/roots revival pioneer who saw fit to name his band the Flat Duo Jets in honor of the guitar. I've seen both men slinging Gretsches live, making those Filtertrons sing. It's funny how a luxury-conscious brand like Gretsch could have gained an enhanced reputation from the work of guys playing basement clubs in Hollywood with broken toilets, but that's rock n' roll bay-bee
I just saw an X gig about 4 weeks ago in SF, fantastic! I was standing about two rows back from the side of the stage where Billy Zoom was playing. I think he saw my ear-to-ear grin and the close attention I was giving to his playing, he gave me some raised eyebrows like "How 'bout that, kid?" after a shit -hot solo passage. I'll be talking that up until the next time they come to town! Don't miss them, you owe it to yourself!
Found it! My dad bought a Yamaha stereo and turntable in the mid-to-late 70s that he listened to up until the early 2000's.
I just pulled it out of storage today. It's a Yamaha CR-620 and he had a 211 turntable but it seems to have disappeared in the last 15-20 years. 👎 That sucks because I also, just got his vinyl album collection with many first pressings of legendary albums. Best of BB King, ZZ Top, Chick Corea, and all sorts of stuff in between. The best being a first pressing of 'At Fillmore East' from the 1 and only, The Allman Brothers Band. 🎸🍄🍑❤️
I had to order him another 'Eat A Peach' because that disappeared, also. As luck would have it, it arrived on Feb 11th...the day before the 49th Anniversary of the original release of 'Eat A Peach' on 12 February 1972. Perfect timing! 👍As luck would have it, I found one for sale in Marietta, GA and it spent its entire life there. So it was never far from home, in Macon. 🎸🍄🍑
THAT is excellent JC!
My oldest sister’s first husband had a silver sparkle Duo Jet. I got to play it for about 6 months, but never had a guitar amp to put it through (I was playing bass in my high school rock band). Asked him about it when I saw him 18 months ago after my sister died of pulmonary fibrosis. Said he sold it for about $2000. Ugh. Bigsby and the whole nine yards.
Sorry to hear about your sister.
I like how George Harrison's story of how he got his Duo back from a friend and used it on the Cloud Nine album.
I love guitars and I can't play. So I'm living vicariously through these videos.
I thought it would have been worth mentioning that the feature Jeff Beck finally determined was key to getting the Cliff Gallup sound, after trying numerous Duo-Jets, was the somewhat-rare Bigsby unit with the rigid/non-rotating handle...just like Cliff had on his guitar.
Hi Keith, there wasn't any mention of the " Billy- Bo" Gretsch Jupiter. It's wild looking but has a cool factor that other Gretsch guitars don't have. I want one so bad.
Never played a Gretsch, either drum or guitar. But loved the video. One of my favorite guitarists plays a Duo Jet: Billy Zoom from the LA punk band X plays a silver sparkle Duo Jet and he cooks on it.
I remember briefly playing someone's Duo-Jet way back in high school in the '70s. I knew about the Gretsch brand, but had never seen anything but the huge hollow-bodies before this. I was stunned! I could tell right away that it wasn't a true solid-body, but still, the size, quality and features; this thing could definitely rock. I couldn't understand then, nor do I understand now, why these weren't more popular.
I bought a Stephen Stern built Duo Jet last week and love it. This was a fun video to learn more about the history that I didn't already know.
"Anybody with a bandsaw and router can make a solid body electric guitar." I am living proof.
Yeah, that's a great quote huh Tyler? But Leo proved that's all you need.
It took a while... but I now love Gretsch guitars! I had a friend who had one and oh my gosh did it sound sweet and look good!
I first fell in love with Gretsch in the 90's seeing Chris Cornell playing a red hollow body in the rusty cage video and then different Jet models, a Silver, Gold and a Sparkle. Then a few years later I got into Reverend Horton Heat who has his own signature model which I would love to have but will never be able to afford. I do have a hollow body electromatic 5120 from 2010 or 2011 and a solid body baritone Gretsch I got a couple years ago, both of which I love.
I bought a Roc Jet in a pawn shop in Memphis in 1973 and strapped it to my motorcycle and drove to Virginia Beach for my Navy assignment. I sold it in Chicago in about 1976 or 77. I wish I would have kept it now. I used that guitar in a band of Navy guys and we gigged around the area for about a year .
Great job!!! You missed Billy Zoom of X. Love his playing and he’s all that is cool strumming that silver jet.
Zoom is a painfully overlooked Gretsch icon.
A+ for bringing up Billy
I had him in the first edit but I had to do some serious cutting.
five watt world I love your histories and what’s an added five minutes in a five watt world? Keep up the great work. Like Cankersaurus states, he’s just painfully overlooked.
Amen! Saw him (X) play back in '83 (?)....as a fan and player of the original alternative/punk Billy was a big influence.
I got a Stephen Stern Sparkle Jet recently and it is a joy, like a big fat Tele with a bigsby.
I purchased a brand new 2011 Cadillac green Duo Jet recently. I had to get my Beatles on during this pandemic.
That double-cut White Penguin with the short heel-block... oh Baby!!
I love my Gretsch. It's nothing fancy, just an "entry-level" Streamliner 2622T but man, it plays and sounds like a guitar three times its price.
The Centerblock and Broadtron pickups give it a versatile tone. Anything from hotter single-coil, Fender-like tones through to LP, humbucker sounds - and it definitely has that Gretsch "bark", even without the de rigueur Filertrons.
I really love your "__________: A Short History" films! Can't wait for the next one! Maybe a sneaky Chris Cheney reference please - for all us aussies watching.... (Gretsch G6126TCC Chris Cheney Signature Model)
Chris Cheney ain’t just for Aussies, mind! I’ll happily stir up a hornets’ nest and say that Chris’ diversity and technical ability as a player, not to mention his skills as songwriter and singer, tops him out even over Setzer. Bang, I said it...
In 1963 I took the train over the Delancey St Bridge from lower Manhattan to get replacemenmt screws for my 2 pup 3 controls no selector switch Corvette. I was 14 at the time. I waited in the reception area while one of the employees came out and handed me about 9 screws, I needed two. I peeked into the workshop and saw a row of unfinished Country Gents waiting to be painted. I still remember the smell to this day.
Hey Johnnie, you win “best comment of the month”. That’s a GREAT story.
If you need a five watt world t-shirt, I’m buying! Send me an email w your address and size, color preference and I’ll make it happen.
Thanks for sending this. Such a well written bit of “short history.”
Thanks, Keith
I just received my 5210 P90 Jet today, and I paid the same amount they cost new in 58. A great time to be a Gretsch fan.
Only a minor Duo Jet Story:
Chicago, 2006: My wife and I got into the habit of going to a Beatles Brunch every Sunday to see The Cavern Beat perform. They were spot-on, with vocals, music, and even on-stage banter. As near the real group in, say, 1962, as you could imagine. “George” played a Duo Jet through his Vox AC 30, a fine Beatle sound. After some time, he acquired a double-cut Country Gent that was awesome-an amazing improvement in tone! Taught me a great deal about electric guitar bodies, since I’m a drummer who loves the things.
Harrison himself graduated toward Gibsons and Fender amps later in his Beatles tenure having become dissatisfied with his Gretsch/Vox sound. Yet he always treasured his Duo Jet, just the same.
Always wondered if the western Gretsches influenced Bo Diddley's later cowboy looks.
Bo's the main player I think about when I think about Gretsches, though to be honest I guess I just think of Bo Diddley very often.
Malcom young's Gretsch was given to him by harry vander , his brother Georges writing partner and lead player in the easy beats
Gretsch is probably the most underrated guitar in the world. I have owned several and each one has its own awesome sound.
Best one yet. Loved the dialog between McCarty and Gretsch. Great work, Keith.
Thanks Zac. Coming from you that is meaningful.
This channel is pure gold.
My duo jet story starts in a Guitar Center in Fort Collins, Colorado in 2007. I really wanted to play music with some of my friends, and I had been playing the cheapest squire strat available. I really wanted to get a Les Paul, but when i went into guitar center, i couldn't find one that had a feel and sound that i liked that fit my poor, college-student budget. And then there she was. A 2007 Gretsch Electromatic Duo Jet. Glossy black with the white pearlesent pick guard. She felt just right to me. she sounded amazing. the right amount of punchy and lo-fi. I was head over heals the moment i picked her up. I skrimped and saved and when i finally could, i went and rescued my guitar from the that guitar center. it has been with me ever since. She is sitting on the cushion next to me as i type this message. we've been through thick and thin, me and my Gretsch. I started a Ska band with her and played dozens of shows. I tried to learn to play jazz (I even bought a hollow-body ibanez, stringed it with flat-wounds and eventually sold it because i like the way my gretsch sounded better.) and to this day i will always love my little Jet. Shes not a vintage, multi-thousand dollar miracle, or a collectors edition, american made, unicorn guitar. but we've played shows, we've tried to record albums, and we've been through thick and thin. i know her like the back of my hand. i love her. i tell my friend and family that they are going to have to bury me with this thing. this is MY guitar. and now, i know more about her, thanks to this video. Thank you for covering my guitar.
Also, integral to the story of my guitar is the story of her strap. Gretsch uses very unique, screw-on strap bolts. I quickly realized that if you just put some washers on with the strap, it'll never come off. so I whet to home depot and found some washer. The washers are comically over-sized for what would be necessary to keep the strap on. I was also starting a ska band at the time, so i purchased a checker-board strap. two tone army! a hand-full of gigs later, the band and I are hanging out in down-town Denver, and i see a piece of fabric, just hanging out in the gutter. It is a "KRYPTONITE" brand sleeve. i would later (and i mean YEARS later) learn that they are it is a lock company that makes bike and motorcycle locks. but it looked cool and i realized it would fit over the strap of my guitar. I slid it over my strap and played with it at a gig that night... it has been a part of my strap ever since. I now also own a kryptonite bike lock.
Townshend's most defining sounds recorded using a 6210 in conjunction with an old bandmaster 3x10. That is one hell of a sound.
I see five watt world, and I click, god dammit!
Can we do Rickenbackers now?
yeah!, another video....stay safe everyone
Chet and Gretch is like peanut butter and jelly....lol ;-)
Wonderful as always!
16.04 The guitar industry was ROCKED.
1:17 Duo Jet - solid body? Mine is substantially chambered. OK the construction is not like a hollow body, but it's not exactly like a regular solid body either!
Yep, I should have watched the whole thing before commenting...
No worries
Most of my guitar education was via a Chet Atkins book, and fingerpicking is still my style. But I didn't know about any brands except Fender and Gibson. The first Gretsch I saw in person was at a last-minute recording session, and we hadn't brought a bass. There was a Gretsch hollow body there, an awe used it to play the bass part. I wasn't impressed, but it was probably because the guitar was just sitting around, in need of new strings and setup. Decades later, I managed to obtain a Junior Jet, and its matching bass. They're both pretty good guitars, with good feel and jangly sound on the guitar. The bass is too heavy to play standing up.
Got so excited when this popped up in my notifications. Self isolate and watch five watt world.
Thanks 5. It's made me get out my Gretsch Reverend Horton Heath as it's taken a back seat as I've been watching the incredible Dickey Betts on utube with the ABB for the last few days whilst being at home. I must say that the Gretsch RHH is a beautifully made instrument. I'd say Japan is easily up there with the US in terms of build quality.
Once again:
RICKENBACKER!!
when js it gonna be featured? Im so loving this vids. All my friends are watching
Patience my friend. It's coming...
I'd like to see a
Rickanbacker bass
guitar in your segments,
Sir.
A young Roger Waters
played a Rickanbacker bass guitar.
Chris Squire from the
group Yes.
The praise worship community have made a pretty big impact with Gretsch in the last 15 years as well!
Both with the duo jet and the White Falcon. I think it’s worth mentioning how many Gretsch guitars are played on Sunday mornings!
Which makes me
Sad because I wish people were more individualistic when playing worship!
Makes me sad to waste such beatiful guitars on such soulless music
@@aarronwootton you know what?! Some, if not most, worship music is terrible. You’re right in that sense, but there are plenty of songs that are full of incredible depth and hope. It takes looking past the terrible commercial Christian music to see that. I hate that about the industry, but I love it when I find rich worship music that wasn’t made to please 50 year old white couples who live in a picket fence neighborhood.
I'd love a black Duo-Jet like Harrison's. Good history of the duo-jet.
Made me miss my Silver Jet, what a beauty...
It would have been nice to actually feature the sound of the instruments. I've played 1950s models and have owned a 1990s Round Up and a New Jet. Due to Brian Setzer's influence, T.V. Jones filtertron pickups have led to a more consistent clear and punchy sound for the newer guitars. I believe that the Japanese-made Gretsch guitars are some of the finest ever made. They are generally more playable and have more accessible necks and fingerboards than earlier American models. Another influence for the popularity of Gretsch guitars was the Monkees television show. However, none of the thin line models were featured on the program. A 6120 twelve string guitar with a natural finish was custom made for Michael Nesmith, and he still plays this guitar in concert appearances. Also, Neil Young and Stephen Stills of the Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young favor the instruments, including endorsed models of the White Falcon. The newer line of Electromatic Gretsch guitars has also been getting fine reviews, by significant players surprised at the quality and sound for their relatively low price.
It would...if I owned any of them. :)
The story goes that George heard there was a strat for sale privately in Liverpool when he went to get it another guitar player in another Liverpool band had got there first so he was disappointed but got wind of the duo jet n bought it from a sailor in Liverpool payed £70 and an iou paraphrased quote from George himself
I remember seeing a TV interview with him recounting the story. Made me chuckle because when he was talking about getting beaten to the Strat , he simply said " The other guy got up early " 😁
Haa Amazing to think how much that 20 pound IOU signed by George would be worth today! I bet the guy eventually threw it away not realising it could have been his retirement nest egg on that scrap of 'worthless' paper!!
Keith, you do it every time. Now I want a Gretsch more than ever.
Sorry about that Noah. Watch the Rig Rundown w Tom Bucavak (sp?). He shows how to use an EQ to get a Gretsch tone from his 335.
five watt world Oh it’s not a problem. Keep sending me things to consider. I really appreciate the thorough background and intricacies of these guitars.
My 2005 pearl jet is the dream. Sold it once and got it back years later. Never again.
That's an intolerable number of ad breaks
Well Kendall, it takes me about two weeks to make one of these bad boys. So it has to do w that really.
Any other Beatles fans deeply infatuated with George’s Duo Jet?
Oh yeah..oh yeah. At the age of 9, I could never understand why George played that old man Country Gentleman on the Sullivan show when Paul and John had such cool looking guitars. When I saw the DJ in Pop magazines, I wondered why he didn't play that one.
I agree. The Duo Jet is such a better looking guitar than the Country Gentleman.
Why didnt he play it longer?
Yes! I have the 6128t-57, it's great! Don't buy the GH model, it's not worth the money for the wreck of mods on it.
@@todd7416ify Huh, I must be in the minority that thinks the country gentleman looked better, love the deep red color and overall look of it, just looks more “beatle-ey” to me
Keith, another boomer of an edition. To my amazement, after all the crazy requests down the Fender line, you follow the beat of a different drummer. It’s almost scary, but despite our slight difference in years are very close.I wasn’t introduced in college, but sent away for ( my 1st) catalogue when I was 14 . I had an L.P. called Chet Atkins Workshop, and Harrison mania was surging in my blood.Never heard anything so clean and magical.I’ve never owned one, but have had trouble cradling a few. I’m getting long winded and only theory I’ve come to is that I’m not as lightly nimble as Brian Setzer, a contemporary who has also kept Gretsch on the world map. Peace, Rocky
That first shot of the Country Gentleman brought back back memories of mine from the '70s. I still miss that guitar. The action was the best I've seen before or since. But I was young and foolish and sold, mistreated or mutilated guitars that people would kill for now. I love your vids but they often break my heart.
excellent as always - I'd love to see one on the Gibson Flying V - I don't particularly love the guitar but I know collectors go crazy over them and I'd love to understand why
V and explorer package as they are sisters pretty much.
Joe Bonamassa's fault lol
Ted McCartys fault, :)
@@fivewattworld not like it was a bad thing lol. Then we also got the prs McCarty pieces too. This McCarty guy has some amazing mess ups 🤘🏻
the least amount of gear huh, but every video makes me want a new guitar ha
Yes, it's time to make a few "essentialist" videos now I think. But maybe "The Beano Album: A Short History" What do you think?
@@fivewattworld idk, i may be a bad judge of that. The real reason I listen to Derek and The Dominoes is Dwayne and Bobby Whitlock. But thats me heh
Scrolled just to find this comment. Feel the pain. 😆
now that could be aninteresting "essential" tpoic....the contrast of style between Dwayne and Eric on that amazing record. I have a wonderful 3 disc set of it with alt takes and jams that is pretty interesting. Booklet and stuff. The story behind that album is profound on its own
That would be a great one. The debate about Champs alone is very five watt world.
My DuoJet is definitely my run-back-into-a-burning-building-to-save-it guitar.
My '55 also has a late 50's factory installed neck with thumbnail inlays on ebony. It is very common as a lot of early necks had bad joint work.
There's something about Gretsch. It's one of those guitar brands that people go to when they're looking for "that sound", and I've never played a bad one. However...I just can't get down with the aesthetics and ergonomics!
Heard that on the ergonomics bro, I still love my Tenn Rose and I'll hang on to it forever but once I replaced my Duo Jet with a Strandberg it was like physically rediscovering the guitar for the first time...Ola really got it right.
So i recently aquired a Gretsch G5566.... Anybody has ANY Info on it? Its the Doubleneck Bariton Guitar/Guitar... Help i dint find any Info on it
Its the on at 20:06
I believe it's in the Electromatic line, made in Korea. Sound right?
@@fivewattworld actually i have no Idea ot should be yeah but theres only one for Sale and a couple Reviews... And one Video Review in Spanish but i dont know if its a Limited Run or something they seem not common though
I succumbed to the temptation of Gretsch’s Sidewinder.
One of my very favorite books when I was a teenager was Million Dollar Les Paul. I was entranced by the technical language and the painstaking detail the author bothered to make mention of. This channel is quickly becoming an extension of that. I love learning history in reference to specific items (i.e. instruments).
I wonder if Gretsch as brand had a sense of exclusivity in the US considering the name sounds german making it feel more exotic than other guitar manufacturers? Kind of the opposite of today’s american sounding Harley Benton which produces guitars in China for Germany based Musikhaus Thomann
Interesting but I don't think so . I say this because very early Rickenbacker guitars (like the "frying pan") have a nameplate reading Rickenbacher . People were seemingly anglocising their names ...
@christopher weise Adolph Rickenbacher hailed from Switzerland and was related to the WW1 pilot , Eddie Rickenbacker.
The Red Barron, really?! That’s a great bit of trivia.
@KC They did both have cool planes though ! 😉
@@fivewattworld Uh..as KC said 😉
George Harrison has to be the most famous duo jet player.
After Cliff Gallup.
Ha! That's the spirit. George might have said the same.
Always loved that sparkle finish.
Great History Lesson !! Thank You !! I have a 2022 Gretsch G6229TG, Turquoise Sparkle Jet, Ltd Edition, 1998 Gretsch G6120, 1992 Gretsch G7594T DC White Falcon, and 5 more Gretsch Guitars including a 2016 Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel. Bought ‘‘em all new and play ‘em as much as I can. Looking forward to visiting the Gretsch Guitar Museum in Savannah, GA. 🎸
Lockdown Guitar Porn...I'll take it.
*"The company was very comfortable adding a plastic skin to the laminated drums, and it wasn't a stretch to apply this method to the laminated top of the guitar"*
- I see what you did there 😏
You’re the first to comment. :)
I love the ‘59 Duo Jet in silver sparkle and in black.
I had a black Duo Jet back in about 1960. Wish I still had it....probably be worth a small fortune today. I'd like to have another one but in Roundup orange with a Bigsby.
When I turned 19, my dad mentioned in passing that Gary Burton was my cousin. We visited his mom in Princeton, IN all the dang time when I was a kid and I had no idea who her son was!
After that I need a duo jet in my life... thank you for this video!
I love these little snippets of tasty knowledge! You DA MAN , Keith. Thanks
Thanks Lonnie
A full McIntosh stereo! I headed off to study Engineering in 1977 with my Sansui 8080 receiver, a Radio Shack direct drive turntable (which I still have) and a pair of home-made speakers. My roommate brought his cassette player and we were in business. I believe I still have my own copy of Elegant Gypsy...
I loved the roundup, but needed a bigsby. Thank you so for showing me the jet firebird. I've been playing for 30 years on gretsch and never seen that beauty,.
Last year I traded two guitars of harsh geometry for a used black double jet, an inexpensive Chinese model I believe. I did a lot of work on it and now I love it. It’s the perfect companion to my Princeton Tweed! So many sounds!
It's interesting how I'm more attracted to these videos as I bought my first 5 watt valve amp head...
Totally understandable.
I love these short history’s!! Very well done sir