Gretsch Pro vs Gretsch Electromatic Guitars
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- Опубліковано 25 січ 2016
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Dude! You are a joy to watch. No ego, no bullshit, just intelligent info. I wish I could buy you a beer.
You could - look into ChangeTip if you're serious! Great way to send people tips over the Internet :)
@@MarshMallowMarauder if everybody bought him a beer that wanted to he'd be an alcoholic!
You're such an honest, intellectual, and unbiased reviewer. That's why I come to your channel for advice on gear.
He's awesome!!!
Great demos, best I've seen
Thank you !
Sounds like a bag of nails being rattled in a can
I second that
Jep
You should do an update with the newer Electromatic.
Phillip, I have to compliment you on your ability to speak so well extemporaneously. You are an excellent communicator.
You also might remember that the orginal Gretsch factory burned down after it closed. Randy Bachman (The Guess Who, BTO, etc) had amassed a huge collection of Gretsch guitars over the years, and he donated a bunch of prime examples of the company's guitars for measurements and specs that were used when the company re-opened. I also heard that Bachman donated the instruments permanently, and there's a Grestch museum somewhere where most of these donated guitars can be seen.
Mark Bader At the time Randy had 385 Gretsch guitars. All Randy asked was he got to keep one of each type of Gretsch(White Falcon, Penguin, Chet Atkins model, etc..) He gave all the rest to Gretsch just like you said.
Interesting. IMO rock stars tend to be very self absorbed and not too generous in spirit. Sure, they occasionally do big events with their friends for causes they deem worthy and want cost them friends and bask in the limelight. But what Randy did comes from a really good place.
I love, love, LOVE the way Chet Atkins's Gretsch sounded on his beautiful "Wildwood Flower". So warm, so gentle.
Thank you once again for the great videos Phillip. I own an Electromatic(Hoping to have two soon. I LOVE the new blacktop Filtertrons) and a Pro Series. I love to take the Electromatic out to open stages and jams and such, but am hesitant to do that with the Pro. The best part is when people rave about how the Electro gets that great GRETSCH sound! Like you I can hear the difference, but all I know is when I am playing my Electromatic I am playing a Gretsch!
Really appreciated both this vid and the other one with the streamliner. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on these great Gretsches.
Thanks for the explanation of the similarities and differences between the Gretsch Pro and Electromatic.
Great comparison, thanks. I play an Electromatic, a 5420 which is the same that you demo’d. I have upgraded the pickups to TV Jones ones, which are a drop in replacement and reproduce the high end Filtertron sound perfectly, he also makes the Alnico pickups found on the player series. The cost of upgrading the pickups, tuners and bridge (I put in a genuine Gretch bar type bridge that works well with the Bigsby) and not I have a guitar that is pretty much top spec at a fraction of the cost. I love my Gretsch, and thank the company for selling this “mid-range” guitar ($750) that is so close to the $3000 models
What an excellent explanation of the differences. Thank you! Truly helps in my Gretsch hunt.
Love these comparison videos! It's always a big help. Thanks!!
Thank you Phil! You're a master at explaining stuff and pointing out differencies and similarities! Greetz from Deutschland
Hi Phil, great appraisal. Thanks for your honesty. Just to mention that Gretsch are known for mixing-up the recipe and there are all manner of variants from the past that are available. I have a 2007 5124 Electromatic which came with D'Armond 2000 pickups and Kluson-style tuners and I think it is truly awesome. I bought it second-hand as a sort-of financial stepping-stone towards a 6120 to see if it was my thing and it most definitely is! I love it and have no intention of replacing it now.
Great video Phil! Thanks for doing it! Definitely can tell a difference in tone when the two are compared side by side. Who knew such small features would make such a difference. But for $3k you can get two American Fenders!
Very helpful and enjoyable review, Phil. Thanks.
Love the way u take apart information man
about to pull the trigger and buy my first Gretsch. Thank you for this review Phil!
Superb clarity. Thank you
I'm new to Gretsch guitars & I've tried a few & the Electromatic G5445T is the winner. Using a Mesa Boogie Dual Caliber DC-10 amp clean channel with a Boss Metal Zone pedal it sounds unique. Different from Gibson & Fender which is what I want on certain songs. I plan to get one next. What an amazing sonic piece of work Dr. Smith
Thanks so much for your videos....I always learn allot....i recently got the new MIM Hendrix Strat....Overall I love it...the playability on the neck and the neck's finish is awesome...and with the 3 vintage 65 pups which have been reversed to give u the same effect as Hendrix reversing his strings makes the tone of this axe very "Jimi-like"...and I didnt have to spend a fortune...I installed some Fender locking tuners and a Switchcraft jack...sounds great n stays in tune..... :-)
Like your loyality through out all your vids. i've been fortunate enough to have seen . open honest most usually to the point and personable. Love your stuff. Phillip! Cheers!
Thanks Phil superb as usual 👍🏻 Just to add I did own an Electromatic & can definitely say the build quality & finish for the price are excellent so buy with confidence. I will be getting another Electromatic soon but the thinner double cutaway model. Plus pickups/nut etc. can be upgraded when funds allow, just chucking that in if the excellent Pro series is outside your budget. Keep rocking guys 😎
In my opinion, the comparison between the two when it comes to tone (beginning at the 7:47 mark) clearly shows the superior sound of the Pro series vs. the Electromatic. Thank you.
I believe the neck construction is different also, where the electromatics use a scarf neck joint and the pro series use traditional neck construction.
they have made some improvements on the 2016 Electromatics
Great review and analysis. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for the review. I just got a used 2015 Korean made Electromatic. It is so much lighter than a Swingster Epi I had and when I saw the Gretsch (I love Gretsch) I traded it on the spot for the weight difference alone, with some trepidation,. But I'm so happy with it and I remembered seeing this review when I was trying to come up with the money for the Gretsch. Cannot begin to afford the pro, but I'm very happy with the Electromatic and very much appreciate all the good info you put out (always!) in your reviews. Again -- thanks very much, Phil. I always can count on you for the straight scoop.
This is a great video. Thank you for posting this.
I just picked up a 2017 Electromatic. They have started putting the neo classic thumbnail inlays and using the NuBone nut. I love it! some day I will own a White Falcon or an Eddie Cochran, until then....I will be happy with the 5420t. Thanks for your unbiased reviews.
Thank you Phil for doing this video. You cut through the bs and get down to business in all your vids.
Really enjoy the videos to compare guitars.
Both sounded good, didn't sound much different through my HP beats audio speakers, and the Electromatics are close enough for rock and roll for sure! I did a gig with a ProJet that rocked the house.
I own two electronics and a pro and the pick ups make all difference. I actually use my Tim Armstrong more than the pro series.
I bought an Electromatic goldtop with stop tail piece, added a "Gretsch by Bigsby" and I am thrilled with the guitar.
Fantastic review by an excellent reviewer Thanks I learned so much Phillip
Great stuff! I use the master volume on my Duo Jet just as ''the only volume''. So when I'm turned down and switch pickups, I'm still at the low volume. It even gets complicated when I play a Gibson.. haha!
Hello Phil! Love your channel! I went out and Got a G5230t! thank you!!
In the event you see this (or if anyone reading it knows) I got two of them (one after another) because there was a weird rattling I can't locate. wondering if you had any idea. sounds like its the bridge or the pick guard
Thanks again Phillip!!
I bought a 5622T a month ago, and love it! On sale for $699 at Guitar Center. I can not imagine getting much more if I bought a Pro. I guess it is a personal thing. I did buy a Variaxe Standard, and having run thru all the different guitar types, I am amazed at how little sound difference there is between various types of guitars within their own genre - - - solid body, LP, Tele, Strat, etc. Maybe it is because amplifiers are more versatile than back in the 60s and 70s, and the differences can be massaged together to get whatever sound you want.
I also love my Epi Sheraton II, and my Samick Royale, and if I only had any one of the three as my only semi-hollow, I could be happy.
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
Thank you for teaching us about gretsch , I didn’t know half of the stuff you touched on.
Great video ... Very professional and informative...Didn't hear that much difference. Tone switch is very useful.
I may decide to get one of the $750 Gretch guitars in the classic orange stain but would love to have a Brian Setzer model one day. The new pickups are really cool sounding, they have the warmth of a humbucking design but the clarity of a single coil - much like Brian May's guitar but with a different direction. Gretch 6120's are also wrapped up in cool, especially running through a great Fender or Vox. Enjoyed the video as always!
Awesome just found this channel. You're super amazing!! Thank you!!!
Well done Phil.....I used to have an old Gretch and loved it. After you vid...I'm looking for a good deal!
Great video phill very informative great info,think just from price point would go for the electromatic
Late to this conversation. I own a Electromatic 5220 with broad trim pickups. I must say I love it much more than my Epiphone and Fenders.. Has its own voice and can rock or not. Hits them all with a classy vibe. Now using walnut in the necks.
Sorry broadtron pickups ... Auto correct sucks
I have two 6118 Anniversaries, ( One is a 125th Anni, the other a 120th Anni ) and a ProJet, and a DuoJet. All are fantastic. BUT, I did swap the "licensed" Bigsby for a B12 on the ProJet. ( Also used the B11 version on a Casino that is amazing ) The Licensed version has a metal TUBE instead of a solid bar on the tension bar. There was a definite sustain difference for me.
Always wanted a Gretsch. Finally pulled the trigger on an Electromatic. It’s a beautiful guitar, plays nice, and the Bigsby is fun. But... I have an 90’s vintage Epiphone Riviera that I put some Seymour Duncan pickups in and the two guitars sound quite similar. Too close to keep both. This review is spot on in that the Electromatic has “its own thing” going on. It isn’t bad, just not what I was hoping for.
That was an amazing video! You answered a lot of questions I had and some didn't. Unfortunately ninety nine percent of the tutorial videos, Are people trying to show how much they can Rock out on their guitar with no explanation.
Love the tone on your Pro Series Gretsch. Curious: what kind of Pro model is that? And, are those TV Jones or HS Filtertrons in it?
Thank you for the comparison. Both sounded great, though I must admit I liked the Pro sound best. What's the name of the model you have there? And have you compared the different Gretch hollowbodies?
Thank for sharing your great review!! Please, is there much difference between the fret wire?
I really love Gretsch. I own 3 all Electromatic. A Bo Diddly . A hollow body 2010(Befor pined bridge was standerd.). A Pro Jet ltd white. I really wish they made a Electromatic Billy-Bo. I really love that guitar but 3 and a half grand is a little steep for me.
Hey nice comparison! I also have both; 2013 6120(am) and orange Electromatic 5420. Back in the early 80's I had an original (1962) 6118 Double Anniversary which I sold to buy a... drum machine! Wanting to relive my youth, I was going to buy a new (-ish) 6118 but I was won over by the looks of the 6120am (known as the 'Prom Queen' in Gretsch circles!). As much as I love my 6120, the 5420 gives it a good run for the money. For me the 5420 falls down on the fretboard (ebony v rosewood), tuners and the electrics/ pickups. The pots are very on/off with the 5420 ie seems like all of the control is within the last 5% of the turn. Then again, look at the price! The 5420, Black-Top pickups are supposed to be a re-make of the old Baldwin pickups. They don't sound bad but I find them thin-sounding in comparison to the standard filtertrons on the 6120. If anything, I think they sound more glassy and TV Jones-esqe. Bottom line is, if I lost my 6120 (please don't let that happen!), I probably wouldn't replace it. Instead, I would just change out some stuff on the 5420 and keep that as my 'Gretsch' (and possibly get a second one with the insurance money!).
Thanks for sharing.
fantastic and very professional review… thank you!
Thank you, great useful no nonsense information that answered some questions I had, having very recently bought an electromatic myself and being a newbie as far as Gretsches. I love the guitar but I'm still searching for the sweet spot in the sound, anyone have any comments regarding these pickups ( same as the ones in this video )?
Here's what I do/did and it worked. I got a 5120 and did some work on it. New frets was the main expense. But pinning the bridge and tuners etc... really helped. Now, its amazing and plays incredible. I've owned it about 10 years and I have yet to play a gig that people didn't ask me about my guitar. The Korean build is brilliant-think Japanese Stratocaster from the 1980's . For 1K, you can have an incredible, incredible guitar. I've used it as a slide tuned and rigged with 13s in a rock band all the way to what I do now (jazz) with the bigsby replaced. Just my experience but I can say this is a guitar you can start cheap and build up.
Oh yeah, great review! I should have said that first.
Thanks for all of the highly informative reviews, Phil. Because of your other Gretsch video, I ordered a Streamliner from Musician's Friend last night. Can't wait to get my hands on it.
Just bought an e-matic. Cant wait for it to arrive. Thanks for the great overview. Let me know if I can send it to you to sharpen! *cough* Graphtech nut and bridge and locking tuners *cough*.
Thank you for making such great videos.
awesome presentation. I started Fender so I felt like I was cheating on my girl when I got a SG. My grandpa left me his 59 Gretsch Chet Atkins series guitar and I am in love with that sound. Rock a billy, swing, jazz, punk, country it all works on it. Just hard to bring it out for I hate sweating over losing it so I hide her. But oh she is sweet. Thanks for giving the details on the difference of the two types.
Dave
Insure it.
Many thanks - a useful and informative video.
I got a Gretsch that is old. No pick ups flying F holes like a Viola. Acoustic only. One time had a stylus from a elect record player fitted to the neck strap stud.
Very informative, thank you.
Gretsch is usually a surprising guitar to anyone who picks one up. You just don't expect the range you get out of them. I got to admit the 3 volume knobs was new to me, I got a gutted one and it was pretty easy to figure out the wiring and I thought about putting the tone selector on it but decided against it. Honestly it is the only guitar that I had no real complaints about the cheap line they use to put out although getting a cheap guitar that is utterly junk is somewhat unheard of today since a lot of companies upped quality control so it seems gone are the days of trying to get by with one less screw and a sloppy neck pocket (yes I am talking to you Fender with your 3 bolt plate and sloppy neck pocket).
The Gretsch I owned was the only guitar I regretted selling next to my Michael Kelly Custom Valor.
The 50's style chord progression you did really lets you really hear the guitar and kind of throws it back to its hay day.
Great guitars, no complaints from me on my extremely cheap one (it was free), it was caked in dirt, missing the bridge pickup, missing the master volume and the knob, the jack input, had stickers all over it. When it was given to me the person thought I was going to be using the parts but I couldn't resist fixing it. I ended up getting that, an LTD ESP Viper-50 and a Fernandes Dragonfly made in the late 90's (I was really impressed by the quality of that one too) all for free. I've never owned a Fernandes I was really surprised the guitar had a quilted maple top and the cut for the neck pocket is weird but I can see where they were going with it.
So I got the guitars yesterday and I got the Gretsch working perfectly. The only things other than replace the missing parts was wash it off, remove stickers, level, crown and polish the frets, solder everything and set it up. To me the fact I got it done in less than a day I feel like I am doing pretty good. Next is the LTD (the easier one of all 3) and finally the Fernandes (will take a bit due to missing tuner knobs).
Great video it showcases the Gretsch very well.
i have an electomatic... with a few basic mods, and a quality set up, it is a high quality, and great sounding instrument.... i would really have to love a guitar to drop 3 grand.... also, the blacktop filtertrons are a good pickup... the are clear and pretty transparent, but get gritty quite nicely
How similar are the neck profiles between the pro line and the electromatics? I don't have access to play both of these and compare the necks. Are they similar to a 60s slim taper neck like on a les paul? I actually prefer a chunkier neck. Thanks, I enjoy your channel.
@Phillip McKnight Great video and truly helpful, i am having an argument with a friend currently. What is the name of the song at 6:33?
Good God Phil, you're making me wanna bring in my Gretsch to get fixed....
Nice, good review. I own the Electromatic, but I can see one reason for the price difference -- The Pro's are made in Japan and, as you said, more-or-less build by hand. That makes a big difference in production costs. The pro sound is killer though, but the lady won't let me spend that much on yet another guitar ;)
Hahahaha
Same story here Pal, the struggle is real.
Thank you very much for digging deep.
Don't forget that Rory Gallagher rocked a Gretsch Corvette! Sure he installed a P90 at the bridge, but it had that Gibby SG vibe with that Gretsch chime. It's Electromatic reissue & current CVT production is probably one of the most underrated, solidbody Gretsches out there.
The pro with the ebony board gives it that classic spank and the tone switch ,
What kind of melody is Phil playing in this video and in de Streamliner/Electromatic video? Could somebody tell me/have an idea?
had no idea theres Bigsby and Bigsby licensed..i just got me a electromatic G5435...with the licensed tremolo...i love it! and also becuase of the price.. after watching this, i figure upgrading to a Bigsby original, and other pick ups will kind of be cool.. thank you so much for this vid!!
I collect guitars for the fun of it. Researching is the funnest part and I NEVER buy a guitar until I see if Phil has reviewed it. There are many great guitar channels on UA-cam but Phil’s is one of the best. I’d type more but I have to go to the bank and then my local guitar shop - buy from the small shops when you can - if you don’t, we’ll be buying all our gear on www ... that would not be good!
Hi Phil ,
Is Gretsch a good guitar to learn on as a beginner? Any advice on a specific type?
Mike
What model is the Pro series guitar? Love your videos - thanks!
Great vid. Gives me the info for buying a used Gretsch. Thanks.
Have you reviewed the G2622T? I'd love to know what you think of it and is it a good buy like some folks are saying.
I have an electromatic and I replaced the nasty plastic nut with a bone one, it sounds a little nicer? I didn't really expect that! And it now stays in tune!
I recently purchased a Gretsch 5622T-CB. I know there are other reviews on the internet but I really trust your judgment and wonder what's your opinion of it.
Those black-top filtertrons are so much better than the Gretschbuckers that used to come on the Electromatics, it's not even funny! :) I think the electromatics with the black-top filtertrons sound great... really has lifted the "budget" electromatic series up from where it was before about a decade ago. :) One thing Phillip glosses over a bit I think is how the Electromatics continue on and sort of combine the former Electromatic & Historic Korean-made budget lines from the pre-Fender Gretsch. :)
This is what I've been wondering about too. I have one with those completely sterile sounding humbuckers in it. I'm getting that it's worth the upgrade, maybe even just to the blacktops (~$60 Ive seen). Just haven't taken it apart to see if it's as easy as just dropping in and soldering the new ones in...
Robert Jon West You may find the pickup holes filled much with whatever the top was coated with. My 2006 CY built Electromatic had to be cleaned up a bit to get the P-90's in it
Think about TV Jones pick ups. Gretsch started installing them a few years back on some models because they were so good. TV makes them as direct replacements, in any Gretsch style from the past, that you like. Classics, Powertrons, etc.
Agree!
Really enjoy these shorter videos.
hi what is the exact model of gretsch pro you are holding? It sounds fantastic and it's beautifull.
Definitely something about that pro series tone. But for my needs and use, don’t know if it’s 3x worth the dough haha. Thanks for the review.
Great reviews.. very knowledgeable, funny and well presented! Thanks
Your Welcome thank you for watching and posting
Where do I find the Pro Series guitars on Gretsch's web site? I don't see any Professional line that indicates they are made in Japan.
Great Video! Very Informative
love my Tim Armstrong Electromatic... plays beautifully and has a killer tone through my Egnater Tourmaster. Not many lefty guitars with that sound for $1200.
Not many lefties......PERIOD!
Then you usually have to settle for whatever the company wants to offer....because nothing under $2k comes with a Bigsby!
Can't justify 2grand more sounding so similar!TV Jones pups would up the ante on the cheaper model.Good video,keep on rockin.!
... 02/16/2020: I have a Gretsch Electromatic 5120, which I love, except for one feature. The 3-way toggle switch clicks real loud when switching each position. Is there a quick fix for that noise without changing the toggle switch? If not, what brand of toggle switch would be silent?
Great video, now I know the difference between the two. I think I'll go with the Electromatic until I can afford the pro series.
Hi there Phillip, I'm very interested in Gretsch's Electromatic, but I'm still doubtful between 5420T or 5620T CB. 5420 goes with 2x “Black Top” Filter’Tron™ pickups and 5620 goes with “Black Top” Filter’Tron™ pickup + Dual-Coil SUPER HiLo'Tron™ pickup. I'm wondering, how do you feel about the tonal differences between these two models, in fact, which one combination achieve "that Gretsch sound" better? And secondly, is the neck feeling the same on both models? Tnx
Hi Philip, any timing stability issue on these gretch electromatics based on your experience? Is there a need for a roller bridge or so.
I’ve got a Gretsch electromotic first time Ive used one it’s on our new single coming out soon it does all I need great sound
what was the Johnny Cash style riff that was being played in this video?
... 03/02/2020: Can you do a video about changing the 3-way selector switch in a Gretch 5420 electric guitar. My switch clicks very loudly from the day I bought it many years ago, and I want a silent one installed.
I own a 5420 and a Brian setzer 6120. I can say that there is very little difference between the two. The pro has better tuners, pickups, and electronics but other than that I can not tell much of a difference. If money is a issue for you, you would be better off buying a electromatic and buying new electronics and pups. On one hand it's great that you get such a great value for the 5420. But very disappointing when you spend 3 grand on a pro and it's not much better.
@Michael Jenkins - I can understand your frustration. I own an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro (black with gold hardware), which I picked up new for under $700, and (with no mods at all), I prefer it to my new Gibson Les Paul Studio costing me twice as much. I have been wanting to get a Gretch semi-hollow body probably the G5622T (love the orange one!). I see that the wonderful TV Jones replacement pickups would cost about $275 for a pair. It seems the way to go would be to buy an Electromatic and put those pickups in. Then, for well under half the cost, I would have a guitar as good or almost as good as its big brother. What do you think? Also, I was wondering, do you encounter problems staying in tune with either of your Gretch guitars?
im gonna buy the 5420t electromatic in about 7 weeks..cant wait.