Made me smile when listening to you and your Dad talking. My Dad is in his 80s and has been so supportive of my music over the years. He has been a music enthusiast all his life and its great to talk to him too about all things music. I am very lucky.
I still have my G5220. Gig it every other gig. LP one gig, the G5220 the next. I find it quite an inspirational guitar to play. Although the LP is undoubtedly the best of the two, I find the range of tones to be less versatile.
I’m a bit late to the party seeing as your video is a few years old. But I've just bought the G5220 for myself and think it is a great guitar for the price. Your dad is absolutely right about his Gretsch sounding better, but that is something I would expect from a guitar that is five times as expensive. I feel that when you compare the G5220 to guitars at that price point it is absolutely great. However if I ever win the lottery…
Part of the problem the red one has humbuckers not the Filtertrons, the true Gretsch pickup. That's why it sounds like a Les Paul. I've seen Filtertrons cheap on Ebay or Gretsch has a similar model for have 100 or 200 more with Filtertrons the G5230. Great channel
Hi Paul ! Greetings from Akron , Ohio USA ! Well , I thought that your Gretsch sounded pretty good until I heard your Dad's Gretsch . He is correct about the tone . I am not a Gretsch expert , but in 2007 I bought a new Gretsch " Country Classic " , made in Japan , and MSRP of $2 , 900 American Dollars . I always thought Gretschs sounded good and looked cool . I loved the tone of the new Gretsch tone, but the 16" neck radius , along with the goofy strap buttons , and the way it felt when played standing up , meant I did not play it much , never did a gig with it , and sold it in 2013 . It was a beauty , loved the tone , but I could never get used to the issues that bothered me . Gretschs have such beautiful tone , but maybe some day I will put a Gretsch pickup on one of my Teles . Your Dad has great taste in guitars . I really enjoyed the video of his collection a while back ! I will say that a properly setup guitar goes a long way to a good tone , compared to an expensive guitar that is not properly setup . But , nothing beats quality . Kind of like comparing a Kia to a Caddilac !
Loved the interaction with your Dad, he seems a great guy. Clocked some of the licks I have been practicing , slightly slowed down which sounds fantastic. Great Vid Paul.
Was a at a shop in february for a Les Paul P90 or a Maybach and finally fell in love with the Gretsch JAPANMADE version in Bourbon finish ! Play like butter 👍🥰
Really enjoyed this Paul. I had a Gretsch electromatic silver sparkle double cut that I sold a year ago. You’re making me wish I hadn’t! Hard to do a true comparison with the different pickups, electronics and build quality, but your Dad’s definitely has some Gretsch mojo that the newer one didn’t. I guess it comes down to what the player wants out of the guitar, in return for their investment.
Paul, love the “ in the family den” conversation- so much fun. Cute pooch too. I’ve got my white Gretsch 5420 t( I think) electromotive ( Korea)- and the sound really snaps... it needs a good set up and now - is very dependable. Your father is charming- brutally honest... yup!
Thanks Jamie. When you mentioned your white Gretsch I decided to jump across to your channel to remind myself of what it looked like. Yeah, stunning looking guitar!
Paul Stafford Cook - yes Paul... and, for me, that big hollow body + filltertron pickups really shines... but, Gretches are quirky beasts and take a little bit of fussing to get’em right.
Just an observation on the noise issue you talk about around 16:00 as you did take the problem seriously. That noise isn't unusual and can't completely be eradicated by anything most guitarists are aware of. Despite what most non-electronically trained guitarists will scream out on forums, coating your guitar interior with cheap pieces of overlapping copper foil will not remove this. Industry spends millions each year trying to prevent this effect in its own sensitive equipment and accepts that it is a diminishing returns problem. The hash buzz type noise isn't definitively a sign of incorrect or inferior grounding on any guitar. It is caused because your own body is picking up high frequency EMI from all around it and, being wrapped around the guitar electronics, it reradiates it as a very large aerial into the guitar circuitry. People believe that when you touch the guitar metalwork just as you did your body is grounding the guitar and stopping the buzzing but the opposite is actually true. The situation is that the guitar is grounding your body and removing this pickup and hence its ability to radiate. Try this. Set up the guitar on your lap just as you did, so it buzzes with you not touching it, then ground yourself firmly on something else other than the guitar. Even a nearby radiator can do. You should find the noise decreases a lot, unless you are in a disastrously noisy area of course, there are always limits. Of course there can be poorly grounded guitars but the process is such a simple "done deal" now it would surprise me if any guitar from a decent known maker suffers from genuine poor grounding. I would say the expensive Gretsch could have less susceptibility because of differences in the pot quality or in the order of its wiring. If the pots that you are turning fully down do not fully drop to 0ohms, and many don't as say 10 ohms is nothing in the context of a 1Megohm pot, and as we are considering high frequency EMI signals here which brings in the new issue of wiring inductance, then there is still the potential for picked up signals to be passed and these can be significantly large in this context. If there are also components and wiring after the pot and before it passes out into the cable then, once again, this can happen. Differences may be down to issues like that. Just a final thing to consider for the argument about "copper foiling". Copper is non-magnetic so simply cannot affect any mains hum from transformers or high current mains devices at all. They require magnetic materials to "catch and bend" the magnetic field through themselves preventing it from gaining access to the sensitive electronics. Low frequency magnetic fields such as mains hum pass straight through copper. That's plain Physics! Even in the case of high frequency hash as is the problem from fluorescent lights or digital gear, the foil is too thin to be completely useful and the slightest gap in it, where cables come in or even between separate overlapping pieces, allows entry to RF. Even cables which are allowed inside the foil shield carry it in with them. Coat with super special (expensive?) paint or foil by all means but it is a waste of time in real terms. Some guitar manufacturers themselves do this nowadays but only as a token gesture to those guitarists who believe it solves all ills. It doesn't. In industry, where this problem is a major issue, it is solved (reduced) with very complex and expensive designing like nested enclosures often made from exotic materials, even then with only results lower than a permissible minimum.
I'm a great believer in and fan of the Electromatic series and indeed I am half tempted to try a Streamliner but for lack of space and other 'wants' nagging me louder. Beautiful playing as always
First of all those are very different pickups, which is most of the tone/output feel. I bought a Korean Electromatic 5120 hollow-body private sale for $400 and invested in Filter'trons (which took some modification to get them in there!) but hey, for less than $600 that is pretty close to a top-of-the-line experience.
Love the sound of the 6128, but it’s out of my current price range. I picked up a 5220 in jade grey almost two years ago. After my neck pickup went out I upgraded all the electronics and wiring. I’m currently running a pair of TV Jones Classic pickups. I’m very pleased with the results and still well under the cost of the 6128. My thoughts on the 5220 is that it’s a good entry point into the Gretsch lineup and has great bones for modding should one feel so inclined. Thanks so much for the video!
One thing I would say (that I haven't seen anyone else mention, though I might have missed it) is that those block inlays are also 'genuine Gretsch' and actually pre-date the hump inlays - look at any Gretsch from 1953 and you'll see them! The thumbnail markers are my favourites followed by the humps; those block markers are too big for me - for much of that neck you're effectively playing on a plastic fingerboard.
I bought a G5220 about three or four months ago. So far the only real problem I've had was finding a case, which I had to resort to buying a used Gretsch case, and getting it setup to my preferred strings. I've been playing since about 1986 (I always say that I've only been playing "well" since 1990), and you're definitely getting more guitar now than you did back then.
@@paulstaffordcook8799 quick follow-up question; did you find out what causes the buzz? Mine does the exact same thing? I'm tempted to say that it's a bad ground, but I would get shocked anytime after touching anything metal?
My first electric was an epiphone Les Paul back in 2017, amazing guitar felt great and played great for $250. Since then I now own a Gibson historic Les Paul custom and an L5. At the time my ear could not differentiate the tonal difference. Now It’s night and day, just like your dad explains it. Air and bounce is how I can explain it. Justifies the price/quality and it certainly makes you play and bring out the EQ. Wonderful video
Thanks Frederick, appreciate the compliment. Yes, you get the impression that Paul Smith would simply not allow anything other that TOP quality out of any PRS factory 😊
15:42 I love whatever you call it when you drag the pick from high strings to low ... Paul I'm curious that your dad said he isn't even a guitarist??? Another fab entertaining and informative video.
Great video both for the guitar comparison and the craic & interaction with your dad....brilliant!👍 As a Scot it sounds very familiar!👍 I have a bunch of expensive Gibsons & Fenders but am always on the lookout something different, eg I bought a PRS last year and love it and had planned to buy a Gretch at some point so after watching your review & a host of others, Ím having one of those 400 quid Jets in gold!👍👍😂
this is wild......... I recently bought one of the Green ones, and my buddy bought the Burgundy one. Crazy you have both. My Vintage spec 57 is one of the finest guitars I own. My buddy got a Power Jet on his burgundy one- but I also have an Electromatic 5420T that is excellent. So the Korean Gretsch hold up pretty well against the Terada ones. I'm a believer.
I played one of these (the burgundy-colored one) today at GC. I get your admiration for it 100%. My excuse for not buying it was "It's not my cup of tea." In reality, I've got too much else going on at the moment. But what a nice guitar through a Katana 50!
Very helpful vid. Thx. I’ll take a lower priced model Gretsch until I can afford a higher model. They are fine by me! Some notes: I have a Boss tuner pedal and step in it to mute any guitar completely on stage when needed. Also, Try a lower model with P90’s. Awesome. And Cheers.
Brilliant vid, you and your dad are so alike, love the banter. This has nothing whatsoever lol Well big yin am finally going to guitar guitar in Edinburgh next month, got my holidays booked and £1200 saved up so hopefully get myself my guitar, if I like something more expensive will just save a few more months and get it 😎
Thanks Derek. Yeah, growing up we could always rely on my Dad’s brutally honest opinions. I’m still smiling at the “it’s like ice” comment 🤣. On a different note, I admire your financial responsibility, in deciding to save up in advance for the things you want. I tended to pick something up, fall in love with it, and then whip out the credit card. NOT the way to do it, so I admire your discipline!
@@paulstaffordcook8799 thanks big yin. Yeh your dads banter is epic. I could just imagine you when you were a young gtar player "dad, listen to this song I've wrote" 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 "what do you think", "well son I'm not going to lie to you" "gosh that was terrible Paul, that song had nothing, you tone is like ice, if you keep playing like that son, I'm afraid I will have to take the guitar off you and replace it with a Triangle or a flute" lol Yeh, I always save now, got myself in a ryt old mess with credit cards once upon a time!
I have a lefty Japanese Professional Player G6228 stoptail Jet with Broadtron pickups (and a lefty G6120TG). I have had a Chinese Gretsch which was great value for money but I sold it as I noticed the difference in quality when compared with the Japanese guitars. There is a range of USA made Gretsch Custom Shop instruments that are even more expensive than the Japanese guitars (Andertons had one in stock recently for £11k).
Hi. Paul, I was enamoured by the Gretsch 2420... I pestered the local dealer to get it for me to demo ... finally I had it in my hand - was surprised that the sustain was absolutely dead. No matter what position, decay was very high - as if it had a Wes Montgomery mod in it.... I had been playing a wonderful gem Ibanez Artcore hollowbody... compared to it it was nothing. I think the models vary wildly, all QC apart...the high end is high end in the subtle way.
Really enjoyed this video👍 I own both a 6129T and a 5222, and while making a comparison is always fun ... IMO these two guitars are not really intended to sound or feel alike - primarily due to PU design (for instance, you would not expect a Tele with singles to make you feel the same as one with humbuckers!). Since I am a fan of Gretsch and particularly Gretsch PUs, I also own a 5435T (Black face FilterTrons) and a 5120 loaded with TVJones- Setzer SIGs - so, a full spectrum of what I consider "Gretsch Sounds" ... but, each carries it's own interpretation of that charater! Here we have a very classic Gretsch voiced with Dynasonics, or perhaps even DeArmonds ... while the 5222 is specifically aimed at a current market that demands higher output to push the amp tubes and where distortion and overdrive are king (definitely not 'softness'!!!). That all said, there is no denying that the Japan produced instruments have a definite Aire of Refinement.
I like your wise words Spike. And judging from your knowledge of Gretsch guitars and pickups, it sounds like you know your stuff. Cheers for watching 🍻
Great playing in the vid. Recently got a 2005 6128t - the filtertron brother of your dad’s guitar. His wasn’t offered before 2005 by the way. It was a winter NAMM release that year. I absolutely love the mij Gretsch. The electromatics are nice, but I knew I would always want the higher quality one. Buy what you want, and you spend less in the long run.
Wow. I use to have the Same Guitar your Dad has. I purchased it in 2007 or 2008. I really miss that Guitar. Have tried the China made, but to me a Hugh Difference. May have to find me another Japan in The Cadillac Green just like mine was and your Dads.
Hi Billy sorry for late reply. Yes, I definitely started to hear the difference more and more as the video progresses. So yes, I wish you luck in your quest to find another Cadillac Green Gretsch from Japan 👍
The G5220 is great for just about everything, including high-gain sounds. The 6128 is like a piece of artwork. I'd be hesitant to play the 6128 out at a bar or party gig though.
Hello Paul! I LOVE your playing and insight. But what I'm really digging is the interaction between you and your Dad. Peace and happiness to you and yours.
This vid inspired me to visit Tom Lee here in HK to take a serious look at your new Gretsch - they recently got the new line in. Before I tried any, though, I got ambushed by a Cherry Red Japanese one w. Bigsby that had been sitting in the shop virtually untouched for several years - it was reduced from USD 2,500 to USD 1,200. Well, you know what happened next 😃 Neil Finn (fellow Kiwi) has famously used a Gretsch for years (and our George had a US original, of course) so happy bunny here - I guess I blame your Dad, then? Cheers, thanks for the vid as always.
Well congratulations on the new axe Morton 🤣👍. It sounds like a familiar story that I’m sure we can all relate to. Dam, I hate how great guitars just “ambush” you when strolling through guitar shops….. Cheers
I just ordered a G5220, itll be my first electric when it arrives. Im thinking about swaping the Broad'trons with P-90s. I dont know how easy is that gonna be but it should be a huge difference!
Great stuff Paul really enjoyed the upload , I’m a relatively new subscriber and have just watched 4 back to back videos, great stuff, this being the last “ until next time” love the interaction between you both and as beautiful guitars are and believe me i have the guitar illness 😂 whats more precious than any of the guitars you and you father have !!!! Is That time with your Dad “ priceless “ Great uploads mate, love them. Cheers John
What a lovely comment John, thank you! My Dad was up visiting me this morning and we were both reflecting on the fact that watchers of my channel have really picked up on the Father / Son thing. Well cheers John, appreciate you watching my wee videos 😁👍
Some very interesting points raised about the quality difference and value. Especially when he said ‘would you rather have one of those or five of these’. My view would be that although the professional one is a dream guitar, I’d be comfortable taking the Electromatic out gigging anywhere, leaving it in the back of the car, leaning it against an amp on stage, letting my belt buckle rub against it etc!
i think the G5230T would be a better comparison.. It has the bigsby trem and blacktop filtertron that are more similar to the real gretsch sound than those larger humbucker sized broadtron pickups.
Newer Gibsons have static issue,especially in our cold Canadian winters when the house is dryer because of the air-conditioning, sounds like there is a wiring earth issue on the cheaper one.
I just can't afford much so I went with an expensive amp and a decent guitar. Maybe one day I can spring for something amazing like your dad's Gretsch. On top of sounding great it's beautiful
I like your decision to go for expensive amp & affordable guitar.... I reckon that’s a quick way to good tone, more than great guitar/cheap amp. Mind you.... the Boss Katana springs to mind as a very affordable but toneful amp.... ooo, this debate could go on all day 🤣
The Electromatic is nice, but the Dynasonics are wonderful, even with an aggressive approach, sort of a Strat/tele on steroids. A great demo, with your cool dad.
I own a G6117-T-HT Double Anniversary, a G5420TG ltd edition in Cadillac Green, and a G5220 ltd edition in Aleutian Blue. Yes the Professional series made in Japan are special but the new Electromatics made in Korea are bridging the gap! That said my Double Anniversary still feels more special. To be happy with my G5220 I had to file some frets, swapped out the Tune-O-Matic with a Gotoh, swapped out the tuners with Kluson Contemporary locking tuners, planning to swap out the pick-ups and all electronics! Only then will this guitar sound and feel more like a Professional series except for the walnut fingerboard which will never feel like ebony.
Wondered why I got another notification from you lol, it seems that you have re-uploaded this video, I commented on that one, great playing, just wanted to re-write the comment to give you a video idea just in case you missed the other comment. I was thinking that the reason your Gretsch doesn't sound like a Gretsch is because of the Tuneomatic bridge...l would suggest for you to get a Dusenberg Les Trem II and install it on your Gretsch, it's fairly affordable, you can install it within 5 minutes and it is one of the most stable tremolos out there.. I think that will bring some of that Gretsch springy sound alive, it will also make a great video! Cheers mate!
Thanks for re-commenting man, appreciated. Yes, the resolution wasn’t quite as good on the first attempt at uploading, hence the 2nd attempt 🤣. Thanks for the tip on the trem.... I will enjoy doing a bit of research on that 👍
Ah the pick ups , ( thats the snob in me mate LOL), that would make a big difference perhaps? it does sound great through an amazing amp by the way. I am looking at putting something similar in one of firebirds do they fit that PU cavity. More importantly I absolutely love the fact that you can play with your dad.
I enjoyed this comparison, but you might as well compare a Squier to an American Ultra Fender. Not a reasonable comparison. I just purchased a Gretsch 5220 and can't wait to receive it.
Sounds like a banjo to be honest , I'd say the metal in the pick ups etc quality , and it's not a simple swap out , very southern , I've opted for the g5425 more humbucker sounds with warmth , The duo jet I think both you lads should play well That green Gretsch pickups are so sireal warmth and serenity , Great to hear classic vibes as I'm approaching 50 my wife bought me one , I'm know player though I twanga ,
I'm hearing more mids in the Jet and more acoustic-like clarity in the TCG. One thing I'm noting though is that the Jet has humbuckers and the TCG has single coils. I know that vintage spec Filtertrons are full frequency and can have a lot of clarity, but those broad-trons have much less, and they will not ever match the clarity of good single coils. I could be wrong, but just speaking tone-wise, I think if the Jet had the exact same pickups as the TCG, it would probably sound pretty much as good.
Yeah, I think your points are valid. It would be interesting to see if you’re right! Unfortunately I’ve already sold the G5220..... but a pickup upgrade would have been an interesting experiment. Cheers for watching. 👍
@@jacobbrown1690 That may be the case for your personal taste, but the blacktops are designed to be more of a traditional PAF type of tone for higher gain stuff, but the sacrifice is not having that full frequency chime and clarity that is characteristic of the original FilterTron sound. So, for my taste - not a better sound.
but what if you put dynasonics in the 5220 ? I suspect that once you add new picks ups and reverb/delay that it will be a very minor difference and not even detectable in a live situation.
Yeah, as I recall, yours is that beautiful pale blue, and has a Bigsby? Yeah, I’m very late to the Gretsch party.... My childhood was too much Gary Moore and not enough Beatles 😂
Loved this Paul " Your better with that than 5 of these " 😂 Gr8 Video again my freind So informative as usual 🎶🎵👊 That Green is rather nice with the mahogany and bling to be fair 👍 Not much wrong with the 400 quider gr8 value thou ... We can make comparisons all day but it all comes down to the dollar eh ...keep em comin Paul and your dads a natural at Ol skool honesty 👍🎶🎵
Very nice you an your dad share a love of guitars and music. My son tried but never really got into playing. Which is a shame. Love the JUNIOR. Do my a favor some time play your tele and R9 into the romany with the the lightspeed. I bought the sweetcream. And like it but wonder if the lightspeed would be similar but better and have more control.. (im lioking for that 5%) another pedal i wonder if you have tried into the romany is the ceritone klon clone? I definitely seem to prefer medium gain. The amp I have is kind of a handmade V III Tweed Deluxe thing which means it's probably louder than the brahminy it's about 18 watts and it's and plays with the band all night long no problem. But generally I kind of like kind of a Keith Richards the Paul kossoff kind of amp breakup I think my extreme would be a Clapton sound or Gilmore but generally I'm going for tones very similar to what you like can I use a Les Paul with P90s or I use an R9 Les Paul that looks almost exactly like yours I noticed that your pickup in the neck position is in upside down is it a phase? And you don't seem to be much on modulation nor am I doesn't mean I don't have five or six Petals of doing it just means I know how to use them give me Reverb,echo tremolo and Gain. Maybe a wah pedal if I'm feeling funky sorry to be so long-winded
Hi Dan. Liked reading your comment. Actually, if you have WhatsApp on your phone (free to download from the App Store), then I’m happy to record a short video clip of me demo’ing the Lightspeed v’s Sweet Cream through the Cornell. WhatsApp allows me to send the video to you. No charge. Cheers Dan
@@paulstaffordcook8799 thanks paul I just downloaded the whatsapp app. That would be great im trying to find the right low to medium gain pedal. I just tried channel jumping this amp. Very interesting because of the interaction between the two channels. I would greatly appreciate you doing that comparison for me. So what do you need? Email? Phone number? Just let me know an thank you.
Hi Dan. I’ve recorded a couple of short videos for you, with the R9 & Tele with the Greer v’s Sweet Cream. So if you text me your phone number I’ll send them via WhatsApp. My number is 07890 067773. Alternatively you can email me your number to paul_ursusarctos@hotmail.co.uk. Cheers Dan
@@paulstaffordcook8799 paul i accidentally deleted my whatsup app. But i got a new one. You still loving your JTM SS? I looked the maker up. An he lives in the next state over. Texas. Think its a good pedal still?
Yes, I’ll d say the JTM SS is right up there with my Broadcast. The broadcast has a very obvious lo-fi sound, slightly gritty and almost fuzzy. Whereas the SS is just fat and warm and gorgeous. Very different to the Broadcast. So if I was to do a run of gigs tomorrow I’d be taking both these pedals.
Is the green one hollow but the Electromatic solid or semi? I have a high end Japanese G6120 which is hollow and also an Electromatic 5655T which is semi with a centre block and this are the most significant differences, although pickups and Pots are also slightly poorer quality (to be expected).
As I understand it, all Jets have channels cut out of their solid mahogany bodies, creating a much lighter guitar than say a Les Paul. This then gives them a semi-accoustic vibe, whether plugged in or not. But I did notice the green Gretsch was noticeably lighter than mine.... so maybe more wood carved out? This, along with the Bigsby, and the single coils, seem to result in more semi-acoustic experience. Hope that helps 👍
@@nightshiftblues I delight in my menagerie a trios: a Tennessean 6119, a Tele, and a 60th Anniversary Strat. Like you, I see/hear some beauty in each of them. We are very fortunate with a variety of excellent guitars around to make music on.
Paul, you can take the noodles out of a can of Chef Boy Ardee Spaghetti and string up the broom you sweep us other guitarists up with and make it sound amazing!! You are that damn good
Hi Paul, I’ve been considering to get an electric guitar for a while now after my acoustic’s tuning machines broke and the G5220 seems to be a great choice for my first electric as it seems to be the best guitar for its price range. The problem is I love the sound of a telecaster as well and I’ve been torn to choose between the G5220 and a squier classic vibes Tele. They’re roughly the same price so I would like to ask for your advice on what I might be better off choosing.
Hi Ryan 👋. Interesting dilemma.... the good news is that in 2020, most guitars in that price bracket are really good! You have a large choice of guitars that will play well, intonate properly and sound good. For me? It’s the Squier Telecaster all day long. But that’s just a personal thing. I love Telecasters. I love their vibe, their sound, their looks, that bridge pickup, my heroes played them.... I could go on. But if you prefer a fatter sound, then the Gretsch G5220 will definitely win. It actually does a decent Les Paul impression. What it DOESN’T do is sound like Gretsch 🤣 (as I think my video demonstrates). So enjoy your dilemma.... Regardless of which way you go, you’ll be getting a great guitar! Cheers Ryan
Thanks Ian. Yeah, definitely not 5x better🤣. As regards my Dad’s man cave.... hopefully you’ve seen my vid “My Dad’s amazing guitar collection” ua-cam.com/video/YMAcuCqlB3Q/v-deo.html. We throw the man cave doors wide open and reveal the treasures within! Twenty five stunning guitars🙏
Simply for the fact that the cheaper version of the jet can accommodate playing multiple genres it takes the cake, the more expensive alternative is essentially a one trick pony. You get warmth yes but when you need that bite for heavier music you just can't achieve it. The fire stick red gretsch takes the cake I also own one that very same color and play it more than guitars I own that are twice the value simply because of the smoothness and playability. Gretsch for life🤘
Are you using any pedals at the beginning of the video when you are playing through the Romany 12? If so, which ones? Thanks Paul! Such a sweet sound I want to know how to replicate it.
Hi 👋 . Yes, just 1 pedal - it was a Tremolo, just to give that gentle “movement” in the sound. Whilst the Strymon Flint is LOVELY, you can achieve the same effect with any Tremolo. For example the Mooer Trelicopter is widely regarded as one of the best “affordable” Tremolos out there (approx £50). It’s excellent. I did a review of the Trelicopter a while ago ua-cam.com/video/S9ABwAH8-oU/v-deo.html
You and your Pappy speak Scottish, not English! Even reading Irvine Welsh books (think Trainspotting* ) in my teens hasn't prepared myself fo understanding you two nabber on! It's heartwarming to listen to...but I cannae understand it!!!😂👍 *Never forget the fist line of Trainspotting. " The sweat was lashing offay Sickboy! "
love the sound of the neck p/up no way am letting yer Dad play my Harley Benton HB35 not really a fair comparison sound wise cause of the bridges and the p/ups, floating bridge makes a lot of difference .
Not a great comparison due to different pickups. They were designed to sound different. If you want the old school Gretsch sound, get one with Filtertrons. If you want more of a solid humbucker sound, go with one that has Broadtrons. I have guitars with both, and they're great for different things. They are both good pickups, and I've used many over the last 33 years. The amp will matter more, as well as your ability.
Oh great !! i like your song at the beginning (so emotional) and i would like to learn it...Can you tell me the name of this song ? I have not yet a g5220 as yours ...this color is so beautiful... but i think i gonna buy one in few week... thanks ^^
After they change the electromatics to Mahogany and put the blacktop pickups in they are night and day but still not a pro model. But still I haven't got 2 grand lol
It’s not the 5-10 percent extra though, it’s the pickups. The 5-10 percent i think is in construction but the pickups are incomparable. I’m guessing it’s the blackjtop filtertrons in the cheaper one. Either way the expensive one has what look like single coil… maybe the d’armond vintage ones? They’re so different. I think they both sound good. Is the cheaper one also chambered, i think from memory jets may be and i found it had a very hollow body sound considering how it looked.
Made me smile when listening to you and your Dad talking. My Dad is in his 80s and has been so supportive of my music over the years. He has been a music enthusiast all his life and its great to talk to him too about all things music. I am very lucky.
What a lovely comment. I’m smiling too 🤣. Yes, precious times and so we’re right to appreciate them.
I still have my G5220. Gig it every other gig. LP one gig, the G5220 the next. I find it quite an inspirational guitar to play. Although the LP is undoubtedly the best of the two, I find the range of tones to be less versatile.
Great father and son moments, very nice to share
Thank you kayakttt 👍. Delighted you liked my wee vid.
I’m a bit late to the party seeing as your video is a few years old. But I've just bought the G5220 for myself and think it is a great guitar for the price. Your dad is absolutely right about his Gretsch sounding better, but that is something I would expect from a guitar that is five times as expensive. I feel that when you compare the G5220 to guitars at that price point it is absolutely great. However if I ever win the lottery…
Thanks for watching Bartmaas. And congrats on your Gretsch 🍻
Part of the problem the red one has humbuckers not the Filtertrons, the true Gretsch pickup. That's why it sounds like a Les Paul. I've seen Filtertrons cheap on Ebay or Gretsch has a similar model for have 100 or 200 more with Filtertrons the G5230. Great channel
Thanks John 👍
In less than 1 minute you have explained every key point of the guitar’s features & feel .. brilliant, thank you !👌🏼
Glad it was helpful! Thank you Sydney 👍
Hi Paul ! Greetings from Akron , Ohio USA ! Well , I thought that your Gretsch sounded pretty good until I heard your Dad's Gretsch . He is correct about the tone . I am not a Gretsch expert , but in 2007 I bought a new Gretsch " Country Classic " , made in Japan , and MSRP of $2 , 900 American Dollars . I always thought Gretschs sounded good and looked cool . I loved the tone of the new Gretsch tone, but the 16" neck radius , along with the goofy strap buttons , and the way it felt when played standing up , meant I did not play it much , never did a gig with it , and sold it in 2013 . It was a beauty , loved the tone , but I could never get used to the issues that bothered me . Gretschs have such beautiful tone , but maybe some day I will put a Gretsch pickup on one of my Teles . Your Dad has great taste in guitars . I really enjoyed the video of his collection a while back ! I will say that a properly setup guitar goes a long way to a good tone , compared to an expensive guitar that is not properly setup . But , nothing beats quality . Kind of like comparing a Kia to a Caddilac !
I recently bought this exact guitar. I cannot put it down. It is amazing. The sound, the feel of it. I can't believe how nice it is.
Thanks for your comment Joseph! Happy jammin 🤘
Loved the interaction with your Dad, he seems a great guy. Clocked some of the licks I have been practicing , slightly slowed down which sounds fantastic. Great Vid Paul.
Thanks Neil. Yes, delighted you recognised some of what you and I were doing 👍.
Was a at a shop in february for a Les Paul P90 or a Maybach and finally fell in love with the Gretsch JAPANMADE version in Bourbon finish ! Play like butter 👍🥰
Really enjoyed this Paul. I had a Gretsch electromatic silver sparkle double cut that I sold a year ago. You’re making me wish I hadn’t!
Hard to do a true comparison with the different pickups, electronics and build quality, but your Dad’s definitely has some Gretsch mojo that the newer one didn’t. I guess it comes down to what the player wants out of the guitar, in return for their investment.
Thanks Paul A 👍.
Great to see you and your dad share your love for guitars!
Yeah, it’s always fun having him on the channel. Cheers Jeff.
Paul, love the “ in the family den” conversation- so much fun. Cute pooch too. I’ve got my white Gretsch 5420 t( I think) electromotive ( Korea)- and the sound really snaps... it needs a good set up and now - is very dependable. Your father is charming- brutally honest... yup!
Thanks Jamie. When you mentioned your white Gretsch I decided to jump across to your channel to remind myself of what it looked like. Yeah, stunning looking guitar!
Paul Stafford Cook - yes Paul... and, for me, that big hollow body + filltertron pickups really shines... but, Gretches are quirky beasts and take a little bit of fussing to get’em right.
Just an observation on the noise issue you talk about around 16:00 as you did take the problem seriously. That noise isn't unusual and can't completely be eradicated by anything most guitarists are aware of. Despite what most non-electronically trained guitarists will scream out on forums, coating your guitar interior with cheap pieces of overlapping copper foil will not remove this. Industry spends millions each year trying to prevent this effect in its own sensitive equipment and accepts that it is a diminishing returns problem.
The hash buzz type noise isn't definitively a sign of incorrect or inferior grounding on any guitar. It is caused because your own body is picking up high frequency EMI from all around it and, being wrapped around the guitar electronics, it reradiates it as a very large aerial into the guitar circuitry. People believe that when you touch the guitar metalwork just as you did your body is grounding the guitar and stopping the buzzing but the opposite is actually true. The situation is that the guitar is grounding your body and removing this pickup and hence its ability to radiate.
Try this. Set up the guitar on your lap just as you did, so it buzzes with you not touching it, then ground yourself firmly on something else other than the guitar. Even a nearby radiator can do. You should find the noise decreases a lot, unless you are in a disastrously noisy area of course, there are always limits. Of course there can be poorly grounded guitars but the process is such a simple "done deal" now it would surprise me if any guitar from a decent known maker suffers from genuine poor grounding. I would say the expensive Gretsch could have less susceptibility because of differences in the pot quality or in the order of its wiring. If the pots that you are turning fully down do not fully drop to 0ohms, and many don't as say 10 ohms is nothing in the context of a 1Megohm pot, and as we are considering high frequency EMI signals here which brings in the new issue of wiring inductance, then there is still the potential for picked up signals to be passed and these can be significantly large in this context. If there are also components and wiring after the pot and before it passes out into the cable then, once again, this can happen. Differences may be down to issues like that.
Just a final thing to consider for the argument about "copper foiling". Copper is non-magnetic so simply cannot affect any mains hum from transformers or high current mains devices at all. They require magnetic materials to "catch and bend" the magnetic field through themselves preventing it from gaining access to the sensitive electronics. Low frequency magnetic fields such as mains hum pass straight through copper. That's plain Physics! Even in the case of high frequency hash as is the problem from fluorescent lights or digital gear, the foil is too thin to be completely useful and the slightest gap in it, where cables come in or even between separate overlapping pieces, allows entry to RF. Even cables which are allowed inside the foil shield carry it in with them. Coat with super special (expensive?) paint or foil by all means but it is a waste of time in real terms. Some guitar manufacturers themselves do this nowadays but only as a token gesture to those guitarists who believe it solves all ills. It doesn't. In industry, where this problem is a major issue, it is solved (reduced) with very complex and expensive designing like nested enclosures often made from exotic materials, even then with only results lower than a permissible minimum.
Wow, lots of amazing info there! Very interesting, thank you Albert, you clearly have some knowledge on this subject 👍
"I was trying to check my snobbery at the door but then realized I was a snob" is an incredible thing to walk away with lol.
How awesome it must be to be able to talk guitars with one’s dad! Very enjoyable talk to watch
Yeah, these times are precious. Glad you liked it.
Thank you. Can definitely hear the single coil difference. Had the same static electricity problem
Loving hearing the accents! Haven't been up the Grassmarket for ages (fae Glesca masel' but been living doon sooth for 25 years, now in East Sussex)
To be fair, the Bigsby on the MIJ will colour the sound more than any difference in the woods or pickups, or place of manufacture.
not really..i have many and they make no difference. lol
I'm a great believer in and fan of the Electromatic series and indeed I am half tempted to try a Streamliner but for lack of space and other 'wants' nagging me louder.
Beautiful playing as always
First of all those are very different pickups, which is most of the tone/output feel.
I bought a Korean Electromatic 5120 hollow-body private sale for $400 and invested in Filter'trons (which took some modification to get them in there!) but hey, for less than $600 that is pretty close to a top-of-the-line experience.
Yes, I have to agree, the single coils in the green one definitely added to the “Gretsch” feeling.
I have replaced the Electromatic Broadtrons with original Gretsch Filtertrons, also changed the bridge. Now I'm very happy with the result.
These are my favorite kind of videos. Got pop in there sharing knowledge. 👍
Glad you enjoyed 👍
Love the sound of the 6128, but it’s out of my current price range. I picked up a 5220 in jade grey almost two years ago. After my neck pickup went out I upgraded all the electronics and wiring. I’m currently running a pair of TV Jones Classic pickups. I’m very pleased with the results and still well under the cost of the 6128. My thoughts on the 5220 is that it’s a good entry point into the Gretsch lineup and has great bones for modding should one feel so inclined. Thanks so much for the video!
Thanks for that info OCbohemian, it’s great to have info like that on the channel 👍
I have a 6120 (China) 2004 I think, with the Dearmonds. Wonderful clean tones. I'm with Jim, the warmth is what it's all about.
One thing I would say (that I haven't seen anyone else mention, though I might have missed it) is that those block inlays are also 'genuine Gretsch' and actually pre-date the hump inlays - look at any Gretsch from 1953 and you'll see them!
The thumbnail markers are my favourites followed by the humps; those block markers are too big for me - for much of that neck you're effectively playing on a plastic fingerboard.
I bought a G5220 about three or four months ago. So far the only real problem I've had was finding a case, which I had to resort to buying a used Gretsch case, and getting it setup to my preferred strings. I've been playing since about 1986 (I always say that I've only been playing "well" since 1990), and you're definitely getting more guitar now than you did back then.
Yeah, I agree. I remember when I was a kid (the 70’s), affordable guitars were often rough! 🤣
@@paulstaffordcook8799 quick follow-up question; did you find out what causes the buzz? Mine does the exact same thing? I'm tempted to say that it's a bad ground, but I would get shocked anytime after touching anything metal?
My first electric was an epiphone Les Paul back in 2017, amazing guitar felt great and played great for $250. Since then I now own a Gibson historic Les Paul custom and an L5. At the time my ear could not differentiate the tonal difference. Now It’s night and day, just like your dad explains it. Air and bounce is how I can explain it. Justifies the price/quality and it certainly makes you play and bring out the EQ. Wonderful video
Thank you Markonefifteen, cheers for watching 😊
Nicely done Paul , your Dad is magic.
Thank you Dobster 👍
I think you could make a cigar box guitar sound good, Paul. But I just purchased an Indonesian made PRS and it's quality is amazing.
Thanks Frederick, appreciate the compliment. Yes, you get the impression that Paul Smith would simply not allow anything other that TOP quality out of any PRS factory 😊
15:42 I love whatever you call it when you drag the pick from high strings to low ... Paul I'm curious that your dad said he isn't even a guitarist??? Another fab entertaining and informative video.
Thank you Spawn Dooley! Yes, my Dad sees himself more as a singer who accompanies himself on guitar, rather than an outright player.
Smashing stuff loving the banter, your auld man knows whats what. You can tell he don't move the Bigsby much, lube it, loved it thanks.🙂
Glad you liked the vid, cheers for watching 👍
Another Excellent Comparison Video Paul.. and Great to Hear Your Dad Playing Too ,Awesome !!All the Best to You Both👍😎🎸
Great video both for the guitar comparison and the craic & interaction with your dad....brilliant!👍 As a Scot it sounds very familiar!👍 I have a bunch of expensive Gibsons & Fenders but am always on the lookout something different, eg I bought a PRS last year and love it and had planned to buy a Gretch at some point so after watching your review & a host of others, Ím having one of those 400 quid Jets in gold!👍👍😂
Excellent, I love the Gold one! Well I wish you many happy hours playing your Jet 👍. And delighted you enjoyed my wee vid.
Thanks Paul...
I do love when I get into a guitar time warp zone...cheers mate..😊
Thanks trinitytunes 👍
this is wild......... I recently bought one of the Green ones, and my buddy bought the Burgundy one. Crazy you have both. My Vintage spec 57 is one of the finest guitars I own. My buddy got a Power Jet on his burgundy one- but I also have an Electromatic 5420T that is excellent. So the Korean Gretsch hold up pretty well against the Terada ones. I'm a believer.
Thanks Jimmy, cheers for watching 🍻
I played one of these (the burgundy-colored one) today at GC. I get your admiration for it 100%. My excuse for not buying it was "It's not my cup of tea." In reality, I've got too much else going on at the moment. But what a nice guitar through a Katana 50!
Yeah, that Gretsch plus a Katana 50 would be an “affordable” combination that could keep a player happy for years. Cheers for watching 😀
I can attest to that: I have both the G5220 in deep cherry red and a Katana 50, for me as a beginner a wonderful combination.
Great video, oh to have a Dad who's into guitars 😄 the buzzing sounds like an earthing issue.
Very helpful vid. Thx. I’ll take a lower priced model Gretsch until I can afford a higher model. They are fine by me! Some notes: I have a Boss tuner pedal and step in it to mute any guitar completely on stage when needed. Also, Try a lower model with P90’s. Awesome. And Cheers.
Thanks Fluff 👍
That was fantastic, your Dad's ace and all!
Thank you TootingVampire 👍
Brilliant vid, you and your dad are so alike, love the banter. This has nothing whatsoever lol
Well big yin am finally going to guitar guitar in Edinburgh next month, got my holidays booked and £1200 saved up so hopefully get myself my guitar, if I like something more expensive will just save a few more months and get it 😎
Thanks Derek. Yeah, growing up we could always rely on my Dad’s brutally honest opinions. I’m still smiling at the “it’s like ice” comment 🤣. On a different note, I admire your financial responsibility, in deciding to save up in advance for the things you want. I tended to pick something up, fall in love with it, and then whip out the credit card. NOT the way to do it, so I admire your discipline!
@@paulstaffordcook8799 thanks big yin.
Yeh your dads banter is epic. I could just imagine you when you were a young gtar player "dad, listen to this song I've wrote" 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 "what do you think", "well son I'm not going to lie to you" "gosh that was terrible Paul, that song had nothing, you tone is like ice, if you keep playing like that son, I'm afraid I will have to take the guitar off you and replace it with a Triangle or a flute" lol
Yeh, I always save now, got myself in a ryt old mess with credit cards once upon a time!
I have a lefty Japanese Professional Player G6228 stoptail Jet with Broadtron pickups (and a lefty G6120TG). I have had a Chinese Gretsch which was great value for money but I sold it as I noticed the difference in quality when compared with the Japanese guitars. There is a range of USA made Gretsch Custom Shop instruments that are even more expensive than the Japanese guitars (Andertons had one in stock recently for £11k).
Hi. Paul, I was enamoured by the Gretsch 2420... I pestered the local dealer to get it for me to demo ... finally I had it in my hand - was surprised that the sustain was absolutely dead. No matter what position, decay was very high - as if it had a Wes Montgomery mod in it.... I had been playing a wonderful gem Ibanez Artcore hollowbody... compared to it it was nothing. I think the models vary wildly, all QC apart...the high end is high end in the subtle way.
Really enjoyed this video👍
I own both a 6129T and a 5222, and while making a comparison is always fun ... IMO these two guitars are not really intended to sound or feel alike - primarily due to PU design (for instance, you would not expect a Tele with singles to make you feel the same as one with humbuckers!).
Since I am a fan of Gretsch and particularly Gretsch PUs, I also own a 5435T (Black face FilterTrons) and a 5120 loaded with TVJones- Setzer SIGs - so, a full spectrum of what I consider "Gretsch Sounds" ... but, each carries it's own interpretation of that charater!
Here we have a very classic Gretsch voiced with Dynasonics, or perhaps even DeArmonds ... while the 5222 is specifically aimed at a current market that demands higher output to push the amp tubes and where distortion and overdrive are king (definitely not 'softness'!!!).
That all said, there is no denying that the Japan produced instruments have a definite Aire of Refinement.
I like your wise words Spike. And judging from your knowledge of Gretsch guitars and pickups, it sounds like you know your stuff. Cheers for watching 🍻
Great playing in the vid. Recently got a 2005 6128t - the filtertron brother of your dad’s guitar. His wasn’t offered before 2005 by the way. It was a winter NAMM release that year.
I absolutely love the mij Gretsch. The electromatics are nice, but I knew I would always want the higher quality one. Buy what you want, and you spend less in the long run.
You're dad is spot on. The warmth of the green is magnificent and this comparison really shines a light on the reason the red is $400 bucks.
Wow. I use to have the Same Guitar your Dad has. I purchased it in 2007 or 2008. I really miss that Guitar. Have tried the China made, but to me a Hugh Difference. May have to find me another Japan in The Cadillac Green just like mine was and your Dads.
Hi Billy sorry for late reply. Yes, I definitely started to hear the difference more and more as the video progresses. So yes, I wish you luck in your quest to find another Cadillac Green Gretsch from Japan 👍
The G5220 is great for just about everything, including high-gain sounds. The 6128 is like a piece of artwork. I'd be hesitant to play the 6128 out at a bar or party gig though.
At 19:00 the dad calls "Lenny" by SRV HENDRIX. Because as we all know but some refuse to admit...it is HENDRIX
Love the green one It’s beautiful!
Thanks Dan. Yes, it’s a joy to play too. Cheers
Hello Paul! I LOVE your playing and insight. But what I'm really digging is the interaction between you and your Dad. Peace and happiness to you and yours.
Well thank you jonislow, cheers man 👍
This vid inspired me to visit Tom Lee here in HK to take a serious look at your new Gretsch - they recently got the new line in. Before I tried any, though, I got ambushed by a Cherry Red Japanese one w. Bigsby that had been sitting in the shop virtually untouched for several years - it was reduced from USD 2,500 to USD 1,200. Well, you know what happened next 😃 Neil Finn (fellow Kiwi) has famously used a Gretsch for years (and our George had a US original, of course) so happy bunny here - I guess I blame your Dad, then? Cheers, thanks for the vid as always.
Well congratulations on the new axe Morton 🤣👍. It sounds like a familiar story that I’m sure we can all relate to. Dam, I hate how great guitars just “ambush” you when strolling through guitar shops….. Cheers
What a cool dad. Wish I could play guitar with my father.
Thank you Jesse! 😀
I just ordered a G5220, itll be my first electric when it arrives. Im thinking about swaping the Broad'trons with P-90s. I dont know how easy is that gonna be but it should be a huge difference!
Well I hope your mods go well. Sounds intriguing 😊
Just found this - wow. I need to borrow this Dad when I go shopping. No nonsense that is for sure. He's so right.
Thanks RonJ, cheers
Really loved this, the dynas do really chime, sounds especially good with the solid body Gretsch's
Thanks Lance, delighted you liked the vid 👍
Great stuff Paul really enjoyed the upload , I’m a relatively new subscriber and have just watched 4 back to back videos, great stuff, this being the last “ until next time” love the interaction between you both and as beautiful guitars are and believe me i have the guitar illness 😂 whats more precious than any of the guitars you and you father have !!!! Is That time with your Dad “ priceless “
Great uploads mate, love them.
Cheers John
What a lovely comment John, thank you! My Dad was up visiting me this morning and we were both reflecting on the fact that watchers of my channel have really picked up on the Father / Son thing. Well cheers John, appreciate you watching my wee videos 😁👍
Some very interesting points raised about the quality difference and value. Especially when he said ‘would you rather have one of those or five of these’.
My view would be that although the professional one is a dream guitar, I’d be comfortable taking the Electromatic out gigging anywhere, leaving it in the back of the car, leaning it against an amp on stage, letting my belt buckle rub against it etc!
Good points Twangabilly.
This is so great :D Father and dad playing music and testing guitars :D
Thank you lo ol
i think the G5230T would be a better comparison.. It has the bigsby trem and blacktop filtertron that are more similar to the real gretsch sound than those larger humbucker sized broadtron pickups.
Newer Gibsons have static issue,especially in our cold Canadian winters when the house is dryer because of the air-conditioning, sounds like there is a wiring earth issue on the cheaper one.
just wipe them with the anti static dryer sheets. i use them on all my les pauls...
@@jacobbrown1690 I do that but it leaves a gungy horrible stickiness on the neck afterwards
I just can't afford much so I went with an expensive amp and a decent guitar. Maybe one day I can spring for something amazing like your dad's Gretsch. On top of sounding great it's beautiful
I like your decision to go for expensive amp & affordable guitar.... I reckon that’s a quick way to good tone, more than great guitar/cheap amp. Mind you.... the Boss Katana springs to mind as a very affordable but toneful amp.... ooo, this debate could go on all day 🤣
Broadtrons really fill the room with an AC30 brother. Nice!
Cheers Peyote Pete 👍
The Electromatic is nice, but the Dynasonics are wonderful, even with an aggressive approach, sort of a Strat/tele on steroids. A great demo, with your cool dad.
Thanks so much Jamie, glad you liked the vid 👍
I own a G6117-T-HT Double Anniversary, a G5420TG ltd edition in Cadillac Green, and a G5220 ltd edition in Aleutian Blue. Yes the Professional series made in Japan are special but the new Electromatics made in Korea are bridging the gap! That said my Double Anniversary still feels more special. To be happy with my G5220 I had to file some frets, swapped out the Tune-O-Matic with a Gotoh, swapped out the tuners with Kluson Contemporary locking tuners, planning to swap out the pick-ups and all electronics! Only then will this guitar sound and feel more like a Professional series except for the walnut fingerboard which will never feel like ebony.
Wondered why I got another notification from you lol, it seems that you have re-uploaded this video, I commented on that one, great playing, just wanted to re-write the comment to give you a video idea just in case you missed the other comment.
I was thinking that the reason your Gretsch doesn't sound like a Gretsch is because of the Tuneomatic bridge...l would suggest for you to get a Dusenberg Les Trem II and install it on your Gretsch, it's fairly affordable, you can install it within 5 minutes and it is one of the most stable tremolos out there.. I think that will bring some of that Gretsch springy sound alive, it will also make a great video! Cheers mate!
Thanks for re-commenting man, appreciated. Yes, the resolution wasn’t quite as good on the first attempt at uploading, hence the 2nd attempt 🤣. Thanks for the tip on the trem.... I will enjoy doing a bit of research on that 👍
Ah the pick ups , ( thats the snob in me mate LOL), that would make a big difference perhaps? it does sound great through an amazing amp by the way. I am looking at putting something similar in one of firebirds do they fit that PU cavity. More importantly I absolutely love the fact that you can play with your dad.
Hi Frank, glad you liked the video. Yes, I’m so pleased that my Dad has appearances on my channel. And I’m sure he’ll be on here again soon 😀
lovely video, you are a blessed man
Great video, loved it.
Delighted you liked my wee vid 👍
I enjoyed this comparison, but you might as well compare a Squier to an American Ultra Fender. Not a reasonable comparison. I just purchased a Gretsch 5220 and can't wait to receive it.
Sounds like a banjo to be honest , I'd say the metal in the pick ups etc quality , and it's not a simple swap out , very southern , I've opted for the g5425 more humbucker sounds with warmth ,
The duo jet I think both you lads should play well
That green Gretsch pickups are so sireal warmth and serenity ,
Great to hear classic vibes as I'm approaching 50 my wife bought me one , I'm know player though I twanga ,
The hum of the cheap gretsch sounded like a grounding issue. My electromatic jet doesn't hum like that at all
Thanks for the info Chris, good to know.
I'm hearing more mids in the Jet and more acoustic-like clarity in the TCG. One thing I'm noting though is that the Jet has humbuckers and the TCG has single coils. I know that vintage spec Filtertrons are full frequency and can have a lot of clarity, but those broad-trons have much less, and they will not ever match the clarity of good single coils. I could be wrong, but just speaking tone-wise, I think if the Jet had the exact same pickups as the TCG, it would probably sound pretty much as good.
Yeah, I think your points are valid. It would be interesting to see if you’re right! Unfortunately I’ve already sold the G5220..... but a pickup upgrade would have been an interesting experiment. Cheers for watching. 👍
the g5230 come with blacktop filtertrons and sounds way better for 100 more.
@@jacobbrown1690 That may be the case for your personal taste, but the blacktops are designed to be more of a traditional PAF type of tone for higher gain stuff, but the sacrifice is not having that full frequency chime and clarity that is characteristic of the original FilterTron sound. So, for my taste - not a better sound.
The Guitar Mugs are cool too... sounds like the ground wire on the guitar is in the wrong place ?
but what if you put dynasonics in the 5220 ? I suspect that once you add new picks ups and reverb/delay that it will be a very minor difference and not even detectable in a live situation.
Yeah, that’s a good point about the live situation.... If you’re right, then the cheaper guitar becomes even more viable. Cheers for watching.
You see why I love my Gretsch now. 😉
Yeah, as I recall, yours is that beautiful pale blue, and has a Bigsby? Yeah, I’m very late to the Gretsch party.... My childhood was too much Gary Moore and not enough Beatles 😂
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Oh, but you weren’t wasting your time with Gary. Love that man’s playing.
Loved this Paul " Your better with that than 5 of these " 😂 Gr8 Video again my freind So informative as usual 🎶🎵👊
That Green is rather nice with the mahogany and bling to be fair 👍
Not much wrong with the 400 quider gr8 value thou ... We can make comparisons all day but it all comes down to the dollar eh ...keep em comin Paul and your dads a natural at Ol skool honesty 👍🎶🎵
Thanks Robbo, cheers for continuing to watch my vids, appreciated 👍
Very nice you an your dad share a love of guitars and music. My son tried but never really got into playing. Which is a shame. Love the JUNIOR. Do my a favor some time play your tele and R9 into the romany with the the lightspeed. I bought the sweetcream. And like it but wonder if the lightspeed would be similar but better and have more control.. (im lioking for that 5%) another pedal i wonder if you have tried into the romany is the ceritone klon clone? I definitely seem to prefer medium gain. The amp I have is kind of a handmade V III Tweed Deluxe thing which means it's probably louder than the brahminy it's about 18 watts and it's and plays with the band all night long no problem. But generally I kind of like kind of a Keith Richards the Paul kossoff kind of amp breakup I think my extreme would be a Clapton sound or Gilmore but generally I'm going for tones very similar to what you like can I use a Les Paul with P90s or I use an R9 Les Paul that looks almost exactly like yours I noticed that your pickup in the neck position is in upside down is it a phase? And you don't seem to be much on modulation nor am I doesn't mean I don't have five or six Petals of doing it just means I know how to use them give me Reverb,echo tremolo and Gain. Maybe a wah pedal if I'm feeling funky sorry to be so long-winded
Hi Dan. Liked reading your comment. Actually, if you have WhatsApp on your phone (free to download from the App Store), then I’m happy to record a short video clip of me demo’ing the Lightspeed v’s Sweet Cream through the Cornell. WhatsApp allows me to send the video to you. No charge. Cheers Dan
@@paulstaffordcook8799 thanks paul I just downloaded the whatsapp app. That would be great im trying to find the right low to medium gain pedal. I just tried channel jumping this amp. Very interesting because of the interaction between the two channels. I would greatly appreciate you doing that comparison for me. So what do you need? Email? Phone number? Just let me know an thank you.
Hi Dan. I’ve recorded a couple of short videos for you, with the R9 & Tele with the Greer v’s Sweet Cream. So if you text me your phone number I’ll send them via WhatsApp. My number is 07890 067773. Alternatively you can email me your number to paul_ursusarctos@hotmail.co.uk. Cheers Dan
@@paulstaffordcook8799 paul i accidentally deleted my whatsup app. But i got a new one. You still loving your JTM SS? I looked the maker up. An he lives in the next state over. Texas. Think its a good pedal still?
Yes, I’ll d say the JTM SS is right up there with my Broadcast. The broadcast has a very obvious lo-fi sound, slightly gritty and almost fuzzy. Whereas the SS is just fat and warm and gorgeous. Very different to the Broadcast. So if I was to do a run of gigs tomorrow I’d be taking both these pedals.
TV gold as they say. ( just noticed the hammer at the door, I presume a theft deterrent lol )
🤣, you spotted it! Yes, that little hammer was cheaper than employing a bouncer to guard the guitars. Cheers Ross
For me, Gretsch guitars have always been time machines. I have a Harrison Duo-Jet and words are insufficient. Such a wonderful fiddle.
Is the green one hollow but the Electromatic solid or semi? I have a high end Japanese G6120 which is hollow and also an Electromatic 5655T which is semi with a centre block and this are the most significant differences, although pickups and Pots are also slightly poorer quality (to be expected).
As I understand it, all Jets have channels cut out of their solid mahogany bodies, creating a much lighter guitar than say a Les Paul. This then gives them a semi-accoustic vibe, whether plugged in or not. But I did notice the green Gretsch was noticeably lighter than mine.... so maybe more wood carved out? This, along with the Bigsby, and the single coils, seem to result in more semi-acoustic experience. Hope that helps 👍
Never played a Gretsch but they are IMO the prettiest guitars on the market. The humble Telecaster is more pleasing to my ears though.
Yeah, it was the looks that drew me to buy that Gretsch..... the V shaped tailpiece makes me think of old American classic cars 🤣
Paul Stafford Cook Absolutely.
@@nightshiftblues I delight in my menagerie a trios: a Tennessean 6119, a Tele, and a 60th Anniversary Strat. Like you, I see/hear some beauty in each of them. We are very fortunate with a variety of excellent guitars around to make music on.
10:41 Paranormal theorists: and that's a super natural orb/ghostly light flying in front of the the door. :))
Paul, you can take the noodles out of a can of Chef Boy Ardee Spaghetti and string up the broom you sweep us other guitarists up with and make it sound amazing!! You are that damn good
Love it, thank you Luis 😂.
This is such a nice education in guitars.
Thank you Sean, what a nice comment 👍
Hi Paul, I’ve been considering to get an electric guitar for a while now after my acoustic’s tuning machines broke and the G5220 seems to be a great choice for my first electric as it seems to be the best guitar for its price range. The problem is I love the sound of a telecaster as well and I’ve been torn to choose between the G5220 and a squier classic vibes Tele. They’re roughly the same price so I would like to ask for your advice on what I might be better off choosing.
Hi Ryan 👋. Interesting dilemma.... the good news is that in 2020, most guitars in that price bracket are really good! You have a large choice of guitars that will play well, intonate properly and sound good. For me? It’s the Squier Telecaster all day long. But that’s just a personal thing. I love Telecasters. I love their vibe, their sound, their looks, that bridge pickup, my heroes played them.... I could go on. But if you prefer a fatter sound, then the Gretsch G5220 will definitely win. It actually does a decent Les Paul impression. What it DOESN’T do is sound like Gretsch 🤣 (as I think my video demonstrates). So enjoy your dilemma.... Regardless of which way you go, you’ll be getting a great guitar! Cheers Ryan
Who is the guitarist is he talking about at 5:58 please ?
Hi. I think my Dad is suggesting that the guitar player in the Australian band Crowded House used to play this style of Gretsch. 😊
Very interesting. The Electromatic is a great guitar for£400 but the green one does sound better. Maybe not 5x though! I like your Dad’s mancave!
Thanks Ian. Yeah, definitely not 5x better🤣. As regards my Dad’s man cave.... hopefully you’ve seen my vid “My Dad’s amazing guitar collection” ua-cam.com/video/YMAcuCqlB3Q/v-deo.html. We throw the man cave doors wide open and reveal the treasures within! Twenty five stunning guitars🙏
Simply for the fact that the cheaper version of the jet can accommodate playing multiple genres it takes the cake, the more expensive alternative is essentially a one trick pony. You get warmth yes but when you need that bite for heavier music you just can't achieve it. The fire stick red gretsch takes the cake I also own one that very same color and play it more than guitars I own that are twice the value simply because of the smoothness and playability. Gretsch for life🤘
Some good points Brandon. Cheers for watching 👍
@@paulstaffordcook8799 Great video, just did a cover of steppenwolfs screaming night hog on the gretsch if you have the time check it out man🤘 cheers
A Duo Jet is the exact opposite of a one trick pony and can accommodate any genre, particularly heavier ones.
There aren't really any bad Gretsch 's but the top end are just lovely and as the man says, you pay a lot for the extra 5%.
I recently tried a G5435 and hated it. It felt cheap and nasty to be honest.
Love you guys❤
I'd hate to hear John's opinion of my Fender jag. He's brutally honest, as usual. 😏
Yeah, I can hear that potential conversation now, in my head....
I prefer the sound of the cheaper guitar to be honest.
Are you using any pedals at the beginning of the video when you are playing through the Romany 12? If so, which ones? Thanks Paul! Such a sweet sound I want to know how to replicate it.
Hi 👋 . Yes, just 1 pedal - it was a Tremolo, just to give that gentle “movement” in the sound. Whilst the Strymon Flint is LOVELY, you can achieve the same effect with any Tremolo. For example the Mooer Trelicopter is widely regarded as one of the best “affordable” Tremolos out there (approx £50). It’s excellent. I did a review of the Trelicopter a while ago ua-cam.com/video/S9ABwAH8-oU/v-deo.html
You and your Pappy speak Scottish, not English!
Even reading Irvine Welsh books (think Trainspotting* ) in my teens hasn't prepared myself fo understanding you two nabber on! It's heartwarming to listen to...but I cannae understand it!!!😂👍
*Never forget the fist line of Trainspotting.
" The sweat was lashing offay Sickboy! "
Yeah, it’s funny, many of the comments in this video are people wanting a translation 🤣
love the sound of the neck p/up no way am letting yer Dad play my Harley Benton HB35 not really a fair comparison sound wise cause of the bridges and the p/ups, floating bridge makes a lot of difference .
Hi Charlie, sorry for late reply. Yeah, your point about the bridges being different.... I agree, a Bigsby is bound to add some bounce and some twang.
Not a great comparison due to different pickups. They were designed to sound different. If you want the old school Gretsch sound, get one with Filtertrons. If you want more of a solid humbucker sound, go with one that has Broadtrons. I have guitars with both, and they're great for different things. They are both good pickups, and I've used many over the last 33 years. The amp will matter more, as well as your ability.
Oh great !! i like your song at the beginning (so emotional) and i would like to learn it...Can you tell me the name of this song ? I have not yet a g5220 as yours ...this color is so beautiful... but i think i gonna buy one in few week... thanks ^^
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. Yes, I made most of it up, but it was inspired by the various James Bond type theme tunes.
After they change the electromatics to Mahogany and put the blacktop pickups in they are night and day but still not a pro model. But still I haven't got 2 grand lol
Put a set of Dynasonics in the Electromatic and they would be much closer.
It’s not the 5-10 percent extra though, it’s the pickups. The 5-10 percent i think is in construction but the pickups are incomparable. I’m guessing it’s the blackjtop filtertrons in the cheaper one. Either way the expensive one has what look like single coil… maybe the d’armond vintage ones? They’re so different. I think they both sound good. Is the cheaper one also chambered, i think from memory jets may be and i found it had a very hollow body sound considering how it looked.