Gretsch Guitars G5420T Electromatic Hollowbody Electric Guitar For Sale (2024 Update)

After reading a lot of reviews I thought maybe it's time for a more in depth look at this guitar. I've played a lot of guitars – HUNDREDS over the course of thirty two years, but this is one of the very best that I've had the personal pleasure to play! The pickups sound very sweet, and pure Gretsch vintage. They aren't exactly the same from guitar to guitar since they are made to varying specifications from model to model. This is something that shouldn't be expected to sound the same with every amplifier as this is something that is impossible to recreate perfectly from one amp manufacturer to another! It's unreasonable to say that these sound differently from each other when playing the same model as these are wound with CNC powered pickup winding machines. The difference is in what string guage, and the settings of your amp, and the guitar are according to your own preference. I used a Fender Deluxe Reverb and this sounded exactly like all the old recordings of songs that I listened to from the 60's! Although I don't own one yet as I'm still on the fence as to what colour I want, I have played a lot of Gretsch and other brands of guitars and this is one of the best values for what some call an "entry model" which this guitar isn't. The Duo Jet, and the Double Jet are considered entry models, but not this kind of guitar that uses this hollow type of construction. This the affordable version of the USA custom shop models costing thousands of dollars, but the features, and appointments are on par with their USA counterparts. The fit and finish are perfect with no buffing marks on it, and the fret work is great. Although one inlay on the one that I played (white with gold hardware) was a little less than perfectly fit into the hole cut for it. It was very easy on the hands with the U shaped neck that was much like a Les Paul Custom with a fairly thick body that allows for that true hollow body honk that only comes from a guitar such as this! The weight is what you'd expect of a hollow body. The action could've been a little lower to my taste, but it was pretty decent with no choking out when bending notes, or playing chords. It stayed in tune really well even when using the tremolo bar with a little aggressiveness – it played all the way through songs without the need for retuning afterward! Even after an hour playing straight through it only had to be retuned twice since the strings were still new. The finish and the fit on the machine heads were nicely done with the tightness that you'd expect from USA made machines. The nut was precisely cut and allowed the strings to ring true which you won't get with just any type of material, but the synthetic bone kept it true to form tone wise. The bridge isn't the best, but it allows for unilateral tuning which is nice, but not authentic to the original Melita bridge design, nor is it as attractive. The control layout is correct, and a great looking setup for this guitar and it's easy to use, and makes sense. The bar is in the just the right place for easy use when needed swings out of the way when you don't want to use it. The finish on the chrome is smooth with no apparent scratches in the metal beneath that you usually see on overseas guitars made in the orient. The binding is well done with no finish overlap, or paint smudges. All the wood is smoothly sanded, and properly shaped with no high or low spots, and the grain doesn't show through the finish surface when looking at it at an angle, or straight at it. There are no joinery lines in the finish and all the plastic is uniformly cut with the wood where the two join together. All in all I say that Gretsch did their homework when deciding to capitalize on their own history and appeal rather than going with some new radical strat inspired designs, and stuck with the one true hollow body manufacturer shape that has withstood the test of time, and is the most beloved. Sure you could put a solid block through the middle, but it would lose a lot of the characteristic quality that Gretsch guitars are known for! The same is true with their pickup design – this isn't something that you're going to get from just any guitar. The same is true as if you put a strat pickup in a Les Paul and vice – versa. It may sound a lot like it, but the true guitar that this pickup was designed for won't be exactly the same! I nitpicked, and thoroughly inspected this particular model with several different guitars, and they all passed with flying colours! I'm a guitar maker, not just a builder, or one who modifies them, but I make them from scratch. Not all guitars are going to please all people, but that's where I come in; to alter either an existing guitar with whatever pleases its' owner or to make one from scratch with the appointments that anyone would appreciate. However, this guitar is one of those right off the rack! I wouldn't change it, or any of its' appointments. Gretsch's truly one of the few that got it right the first time!redwithbnwstripes

I want to know hollow body so I ordered this one it fit my budget. Was advertised as next day shipping but took 2 days to get it no big deal, finally shows up and I unbox it leave it sit out in the house overnight play with it the following evening which is today 5-17-2020. Looks great sounds okay noticed a little bit of fret buzzing so first thing I check is straightness of neck lo and behold I find about 5 frets that are not level with the rest of them so being curious as I am I checked the neck relief there is none maybe one thousandth of an inch. so I go ahead and do the truss rod cover go to adjust it and the truss rod is loose meaning I cannot put any under bow back into the neck so right out of the box just guitar was no good not to mention the inspection tag was dated 7 6 2018 which means this sat on the shelf for almost 2 years and we all know that that is bad for guitars or any stringed instrument for that matter. So hopefully when I get the replacement it's not an absolute turd like this thing is if it is I don't know what's going to happen probably refund and never buy a gretsch again, which is sad because I always wanted one but if you're spending close to $1,000 you shouldn't have to put up with that kind of poor quality. I would expect this out of epiphone but not gretsch so my message is directly to fender musical company get a handle on your quality control.David

1st it is just so cool looking 😀 just kidding, 1) For #1 it is hard to determine between build quality and comfort. I have a bad shoulder that makes my standard acoustic guitars uncomfortable. The thin hollow-body of the Gretsch G5420T overcomes that. But as well I am really impressed with the build quality. The fit and finish if the body and neck is impeccable, the knobs for the volume and tone have set screws so they won't fall off even if handled rough. The screw in strap holders make sure the strap won't accidentally fall off. Every fret extends the edge of the neck and is perfectly finished and all 22 are absolutely identical. The tuning machines are identical with the same stiffness feel in and they all hold evenly. The acoustic sustain on this guitar is as good as regular acoustics. The material, fit and finish are excellent. 2) The sound, I put the sound second because it is peculiar. It isn't good or bad, just peculiar. If you like it, you like it, If you don't you don't. I like it but that is probably relevant to my other guitars, it carries some qualities and tones the other don't. I have four guitars and they are all different and that makes each one of them special. 3) Finally, it is a totally cool looking guitar.johnintaegu

I record and play in a few different bands. Mostly rock, blues, and some country. This black and gold finish on the G5420t is just striking. Out of the box, the setup was good, just a quick tune up and we were off to twangsville. Components on this Electromatic were great. Filtertron's responded terrific and brought that sparkle-twang that only Filtertron's can. I play this through a Carvin VT50 out to a 2×12 cab with Celestion greenies. In the effects loop I have a Danelecto Dan-echo. Instant Setzer! Unplugged, you can definitely pick up the sparkle in this guitar. Throaty bass response, top end sparkle, and twang is a tasty and addictive combo. I have a Les Paul with Burstbucker pros, and they are my favorite pick ups ever. I also have a tele with Texas Specials, and that has a beautiful spank to them. The Filtertron's are somewhere in between the humbuckers and single coils. These Blacktop Filtertrons are pretty good sounding but from what I have heard, a swap to TV Jones will give the G5420 unmatched clarity in tone. These are great guitars and I found mine to be finished fantastically. Frets were dressed and polished, nut was cut and fit perfectly, and as nutty as this might sound, the action was a little too low for my tastes. I will probably raise the action a tad, but that's just my own thang! So, if you are in the market for a big ol', hollowbody rock box with some pretty, piano like qualities, this G5420T might be what you are looking for. Cheapest way to That Great Gretsch Sound!Strick 9

Overall: I wanted a hollow body sound to go with a Les Paul and a Telecaster. This deep bodied beauty was set up almost perfectly from the factory, in fact, only personal preference would cause you to tweak it. The neck plays noticeably better for me than competitors' necks in the same general price range. I got the Fairlane blue with a hard case and the appearance is stunning and pro looking. It is my main squeeze on stage now and it plays fast and accurate with lead parts. Best of all, it retains the great harmonics of an acoustic with the medium black-top filtertron pickups for a clear and full sound. I use it with a Vox 40 watt modeling amp which allows for tube-like tones and many different sounds in overdrive/distortion tones. Glad I went for it.John

Overall: Out of the Box I simply Tuned it Up and began Playing. Plays Very Well and Sounds Great. This Guitar was Made in KOREA and the Fit and Finish are Wonderful. Frets are well rounded and the Trim assures you No Fret Bite even if the Frets were a little Sharp. The Appearance of this Guitar would project the Impression it was a Much More Expensive Guitar than it Actually is. I Own a couple of FENDER Guitars and an Epiphone Guitar, I am here to tell you, This Gretsch Guitar is every bit as Nice and Plays just as Nice as any of my other Guitars, the Difference being this is a Hollow Body Guitar and you can certainly Hear the Difference over Solid Body Guitars and that was what I was Looking For. I enjoys many types of Music, Classic 60's, 70's 80's Rock and Country, Blues and Blue Grass. I do Believe This Guitar would Play ANY of those Genra's Very Well. It can Play Old Country Twang to Today's Shredding if one wanted to. The Range of this Guitar in my Opinion is just Incredible. Beginner or Professional, I do Believe this Guitar would Serve Any of them Very Well.Sandy

It's everything I was expecting. The neck fits perfectly, the sound is great and I couldn't be more pleased the overall appearance. Just a nice, well built guitar I know I will enjoy for years to come.Greg

The quality of craftsmanship is impeccable. The only complaint I have about it is at the head, there is a portion of the tuner that was scratched when it came in the mail. Naturally, being a gloss black, fingerprints and dust are easily visible, but as long as you take good care of it, it's not too much of a problem. Other than that, it is an amazing guitar and I would highly suggest it!Odysseus

Love this Gretch guitar. So many versatile sounds from the two blacktop humbucking pickups. Smooth controls. Love the gold hardware. Bigsby bridge with tremolo is rock solid. The factory bridge setup for string height and intonation were spot on. This beauty plays like butter.Rick T

I'm a full time player in Nashville and generally believe 'you get what you pay for,' so I've long been skeptical of the cheaper Gretsches. I needed a good Gretsch for when that sound is called for, but with the pandemic, something like a 'real' Country Gentleman is out of reach at the moment. So I took a chance with the 5422 along with the AMS payment plan, and boy am I glad I did. Is it a high-end guitar? No… but the differences are mainly subtle. The build quality, playability and overall sound quality are very, very good right out of the box, and with a few tweaks it can definitely be a formidable tool in the arsenal. Nice, airy top end with some jangle, though maybe not quite as detailed & pristine as you might desire. All in all, it's a super solid guitar and definitely worth $1k. Works great for middle of the road roots-y music from Brit pop to modern country, and is a keeperJC

I purchased the walnut version with the cloud inlays. It was listed as a 'Blemish' and marked down $150.00. I cannot find a blemish anywhere, and the plastic coating was still on the components. I am thrilled with the guitar. The action and intonation was dead on perfect right out of the box. It took about a half hour to get used to the settings and adjust my amp to handle the tone from this, as the sound is completely different than any other guitar I own (all high end Strats and Gibsons) The neck is comfortable, silky smooth and the frets are well done, properly crowned and polished, and no sharp edges anywhere up and down the neck. The sound is crisp and clean, almost bell like, and chimey, almost like a 12 string. The finish is perfect, although a bit 'plastic' feeling, more like an Epiphone heavy polyurethane finish than a nitro finish, but it is beautifully applied and no ripples or defects at all. The clean tone is perfect for rockabilly, country twanging and mellow stuff, and with a bit of overdrive, it can pass as a good rock and roll axe as well. All in all, it is a fine instrument, well built and has that great Gretsch sound. I couldn't be happier.Bluesman Sammy Guy

After playing religiously throughout adolescence and my teens, I fell off the practice wagon and piece by piece, my collection dwindled to nothing. After a nearly 7 years absence, I decided it was time to pick the instrument back up and this turned out to be perfect specimen to do so with. THE GOOD – it's a Gretsch – long had I dreamed of owning a Gretsch when I was younger, it seemed to meet the perfect amount of "cool" without being a typical gibson or fender option. – playability out of the box – this thing required very little work to get it into playing condition. The action was near perfect for my preference and the pickup positions weren't too hard to hone in to my desired tone. – the looks – this thing is a gorgeous piece of equipment. I went with the Bristol fog coloration and couldn't be happier. It has a unique mix of vintage yet new age appeal to it that fits my tastes exactly. THE BAD – fret buzz – as some others have said, yes there is a small amount of fret buzz out of the box. However it isn't enough to be a real issue. The buzz doesn't even translate through to the amp. So you only really hear it when you're playing unplugged. – the knobs – while i understand the desire to find a niche, the pickup volume knobs are just weird. It doesn't really make sense to me why I would want to have volume control instead of tonal control when I could just switch the pickup with the switch. It really only works in the middle position, and even then the effect isn't really noticeable unless you have one turned all the way down. Which At that point it makes more sense to just switch to the neck or the bridge instead of both.Thom

I just received our Gretsch 5220 in Jade Grey after eyeing it for a few years. I'd read all the glorious reviews and was prepared to be underwhelmed but it's all it was advertised as an more. The 2020/21 models seem to differ from some earlier ones in that it has a great black walnut fretboard as well as full sized pots. The taper is different from my other guitars but it allows for some great alternative tones. The finish is flawless and the Broad'trons have a unique voice as compared to both the standard probuckers that came on my Epi Les Paul as well as the Seth Lovers I dropped into it. For the price it is without question the best guitar purchase I've ever made when factoring everything in. I highly recommend this guitar to someone who is looking for a versatile guitar that is different from the standard LP/Strat/Tele.JFie14B2

Overall: My initial feelings about the guitar were ones of disappointment. The box had arrived smashed up from FedEx. I unboxed the guitar and inspected it carefully and couldn't see any damage. However, the neck pickup was almost completely sunken into the body cavity. The adjustment screws had almost completely backed themselves out of the guitar. In order to tighten and raise the treble side of the pickup I had to remove the pickguard. I want to remove the pick card I found a dime-sized blemish in the finish of the guitar. This wasn't a scratch or a ding, it was a flaw in the paint. I debated sending it back, but then I plugged the guitar in.This is where the disappointment ends. This guitar sounds amazing. From crystal clear cleans to grungy rhythm sounds this is a versatile guitar. I really like the master volume setup I can adjust the neck and middle pickups to my liking and then raise and lower the overall volume without changing the balance between the pickups. Right now I can't see any reason for swapping out the pickups. The binding around the guitar is nice and neat, the mahogany back looks spectacular, nice deep color, beautiful grain and nicely matched. You really have to look hard to see where the individual pieces were joined. The frets could use a bit of a polish but they were nicely beveled at the ends, no sharp or rough spots. The neck binding is flawless. The neck is a bit shallow, I prefer a chunkier neck, but that's personal preference and I got used to it quickly. The only other place that I think the guitar falls short is with the tuning pegs. I will swap them out for some locking tuners in the near future. But overall for its price this is a great guitar.When it arrived besides the loose pickup, the action was very low and the truss rod needed to be tweaked, I had a professionally set up and now it plays incredibly well. Overall this is a fantastic guitar especially given the price.Pete

After reading a lot of reviews I thought maybe it's time for a more in depth look at this guitar. I've played a lot of guitars – HUNDREDS over the course of thirty two years, but this is one of the very best that I've had the personal pleasure to play! The pickups sound very sweet, and pure Gretsch vintage. They aren't exactly the same from guitar to guitar since they are made to varying specifications from model to model. This is something that shouldn't be expected to sound the same with every amplifier as this is something that is impossible to recreate perfectly from one amp manufacturer to another! It's unreasonable to say that these sound differently from each other when playing the same model as these are wound with CNC powered pickup winding machines. The difference is in what string guage, and the settings of your amp, and the guitar are according to your own preference. I used a Fender Deluxe Reverb and this sounded exactly like all the old recordings of songs that I listened to from the 60's! Although I don't own one yet as I'm still on the fence as to what colour I want, I have played a lot of Gretsch and other brands of guitars and this is one of the best values for what some call an "entry model" which this guitar isn't. The Duo Jet, and the Double Jet are considered entry models, but not this kind of guitar that uses this hollow type of construction. This the affordable version of the USA custom shop models costing thousands of dollars, but the features, and appointments are on par with their USA counterparts. The fit and finish are perfect with no buffing marks on it, and the fret work is great. Although one inlay on the one that I played (white with gold hardware) was a little less than perfectly fit into the hole cut for it. It was very easy on the hands with the U shaped neck that was much like a Les Paul Custom with a fairly thick body that allows for that true hollow body honk that only comes from a guitar such as this! The weight is what you'd expect of a hollow body. The action could've been a little lower to my taste, but it was pretty decent with no choking out when bending notes, or playing chords. It stayed in tune really well even when using the tremolo bar with a little aggressiveness – it played all the way through songs without the need for retuning afterward! Even after an hour playing straight through it only had to be retuned twice since the strings were still new. The finish and the fit on the machine heads were nicely done with the tightness that you'd expect from USA made machines. The nut was precisely cut and allowed the strings to ring true which you won't get with just any type of material, but the synthetic bone kept it true to form tone wise. The bridge isn't the best, but it allows for unilateral tuning which is nice, but not authentic to the original Melita bridge design, nor is it as attractive. The control layout is correct, and a great looking setup for this guitar and it's easy to use, and makes sense. The bar is in the just the right place for easy use when needed swings out of the way when you don't want to use it. The finish on the chrome is smooth with no apparent scratches in the metal beneath that you usually see on overseas guitars made in the orient. The binding is well done with no finish overlap, or paint smudges. All the wood is smoothly sanded, and properly shaped with no high or low spots, and the grain doesn't show through the finish surface when looking at it at an angle, or straight at it. There are no joinery lines in the finish and all the plastic is uniformly cut with the wood where the two join together. All in all I say that Gretsch did their homework when deciding to capitalize on their own history and appeal rather than going with some new radical strat inspired designs, and stuck with the one true hollow body manufacturer shape that has withstood the test of time, and is the most beloved. Sure you could put a solid block through the middle, but it would lose a lot of the characteristic quality that Gretsch guitars are known for! The same is true with their pickup design – this isn't something that you're going to get from just any guitar. The same is true as if you put a strat pickup in a Les Paul and vice – versa. It may sound a lot like it, but the true guitar that this pickup was designed for won't be exactly the same! I nitpicked, and thoroughly inspected this particular model with several different guitars, and they all passed with flying colours! I'm a guitar maker, not just a builder, or one who modifies them, but I make them from scratch. Not all guitars are going to please all people, but that's where I come in; to alter either an existing guitar with whatever pleases its' owner or to make one from scratch with the appointments that anyone would appreciate. However, this guitar is one of those right off the rack! I wouldn't change it, or any of its' appointments. Gretsch's truly one of the few that got it right the first time!redwithbnwstripes

I want to know hollow body so I ordered this one it fit my budget. Was advertised as next day shipping but took 2 days to get it no big deal, finally shows up and I unbox it leave it sit out in the house overnight play with it the following evening which is today 5-17-2020. Looks great sounds okay noticed a little bit of fret buzzing so first thing I check is straightness of neck lo and behold I find about 5 frets that are not level with the rest of them so being curious as I am I checked the neck relief there is none maybe one thousandth of an inch. so I go ahead and do the truss rod cover go to adjust it and the truss rod is loose meaning I cannot put any under bow back into the neck so right out of the box just guitar was no good not to mention the inspection tag was dated 7 6 2018 which means this sat on the shelf for almost 2 years and we all know that that is bad for guitars or any stringed instrument for that matter. So hopefully when I get the replacement it's not an absolute turd like this thing is if it is I don't know what's going to happen probably refund and never buy a gretsch again, which is sad because I always wanted one but if you're spending close to $1,000 you shouldn't have to put up with that kind of poor quality. I would expect this out of epiphone but not gretsch so my message is directly to fender musical company get a handle on your quality control.David

1st it is just so cool looking 😀 just kidding, 1) For #1 it is hard to determine between build quality and comfort. I have a bad shoulder that makes my standard acoustic guitars uncomfortable. The thin hollow-body of the Gretsch G5420T overcomes that. But as well I am really impressed with the build quality. The fit and finish if the body and neck is impeccable, the knobs for the volume and tone have set screws so they won't fall off even if handled rough. The screw in strap holders make sure the strap won't accidentally fall off. Every fret extends the edge of the neck and is perfectly finished and all 22 are absolutely identical. The tuning machines are identical with the same stiffness feel in and they all hold evenly. The acoustic sustain on this guitar is as good as regular acoustics. The material, fit and finish are excellent. 2) The sound, I put the sound second because it is peculiar. It isn't good or bad, just peculiar. If you like it, you like it, If you don't you don't. I like it but that is probably relevant to my other guitars, it carries some qualities and tones the other don't. I have four guitars and they are all different and that makes each one of them special. 3) Finally, it is a totally cool looking guitar.johnintaegu

Love this Gretch guitar. So many versatile sounds from the two blacktop humbucking pickups. Smooth controls. Love the gold hardware. Bigsby bridge with tremolo is rock solid. The factory bridge setup for string height and intonation were spot on. This beauty plays like butter.Rick T

I'm a full time player in Nashville and generally believe 'you get what you pay for,' so I've long been skeptical of the cheaper Gretsches. I needed a good Gretsch for when that sound is called for, but with the pandemic, something like a 'real' Country Gentleman is out of reach at the moment. So I took a chance with the 5422 along with the AMS payment plan, and boy am I glad I did. Is it a high-end guitar? No… but the differences are mainly subtle. The build quality, playability and overall sound quality are very, very good right out of the box, and with a few tweaks it can definitely be a formidable tool in the arsenal. Nice, airy top end with some jangle, though maybe not quite as detailed & pristine as you might desire. All in all, it's a super solid guitar and definitely worth $1k. Works great for middle of the road roots-y music from Brit pop to modern country, and is a keeperJC

I purchased the walnut version with the cloud inlays. It was listed as a 'Blemish' and marked down $150.00. I cannot find a blemish anywhere, and the plastic coating was still on the components. I am thrilled with the guitar. The action and intonation was dead on perfect right out of the box. It took about a half hour to get used to the settings and adjust my amp to handle the tone from this, as the sound is completely different than any other guitar I own (all high end Strats and Gibsons) The neck is comfortable, silky smooth and the frets are well done, properly crowned and polished, and no sharp edges anywhere up and down the neck. The sound is crisp and clean, almost bell like, and chimey, almost like a 12 string. The finish is perfect, although a bit 'plastic' feeling, more like an Epiphone heavy polyurethane finish than a nitro finish, but it is beautifully applied and no ripples or defects at all. The clean tone is perfect for rockabilly, country twanging and mellow stuff, and with a bit of overdrive, it can pass as a good rock and roll axe as well. All in all, it is a fine instrument, well built and has that great Gretsch sound. I couldn't be happier.Bluesman Sammy Guy

Bought this guitar wanting a lightweight comfortable player with a good setup. And thats what i got. The chambered body keeps weight down (7lbs 8 oz) and balances well. Fretwork was fine and action can go very low with minimal buzz, unlike a lot of higher priced Fenders/Gibsons. Gretsch guitars with this bridge assembly seem to behave nicely regardless of price. Vol/tone are fine but three way selector might want an upgrade (as well as the strings of course). The chambered body gives u a slight semihollow vibe, but it takes the pickups into muddy-tone territory. I just eq it out with a clean drive/eq pedal for now. Heck, for the price, no tragedy to upgrade the pickups down the line.Go_Pats

I love the look of this guitar. I did have to adjust it a little as I am very picky. It came with a little fret buzz. So I adjusted the neck relief by slightly loosening the truss nut with the supplied Allen wrench. Then I tuned it up and did some slight adjustments to the intonation and bridge height. The fret work, inlays, paint finish and hardware are all really nice. The quality control is great. It just needed a little attention to get the action as low as it can get without fret buzz. It wasnt really bad either out of the box. Like I said I'm picky and check all my new guitar purchases. For the price its definitely a standout cool guitar. I like the stock p.u.'s. Cool look and they sound great to me. I play everything from country to metal. I would recommend this instrument as a first or to add to the collection. Oh fyi it has great sustain and a nice neck joint.Expro70

It has been awhile since I had an electric guitar (10 years), and I was ready to get one. After reviewing options of my preferred design and price range, I automatically gravitated to this guitar. I knew Gretsch was a top of the line brand, and saw the good reviews on this guitar. Since I have been playing it I have been loving the tones and feel of the neck. This is my first upper tier electric guitar and I can tell the quality is up there. I soo wouldn't change my mind on this purchase. To top it off I get on a deal! Love this Gretsch!Anthony

Ok. I've had Danelectro, Fender and 3 Rickenbacker 12 strings. I like the extra sizzle.jangle that a 12 string provides. But they usually play very poorly and stay in tune even worse. Even the vaunted Rickenbacker was a general pain to deal with. But a POG doesn't give you the full effect, so I bought this Gretsch 12 string. The guiatr arrived flawless and after tuning was perfect. The classic tones, experimental tones even ripping leads….all quite possible on the Gretsch. Being a kid of 70's I grew up on the Monkees and the Nesmith factor was a big thing for me. But I'm blown away at how well this thing plays and well voiced it is. Ricky-like treble plus the bluesy twang of a Gretsch. Middle setting is especially useful. I run this through massive amounts of distortion sometimes and tune to dropped D. The Gretsch (with a compressor) can handle it all. You can rip leads effortlessly on this thing. It's an extremely useful instrument.Uncle Frank

I'm usually a semi-snobby MIUSA guitar guy – with multiple Gibson, Fenders and Martins, but this Chinese Made Gretsch is a thing of absolute beauty. Gretsch QC is remarkable and I've had others in the past decade that have been equally wonderful. The finish and details are fantastic, even down to binding on the F Holes. The neck is ridiculously playable for a 12 string and I've had fun learning all the classic 12 strings songs, in addition to trying some new stuff. Tuning is easy, and it stays in tune really well. I'll be getting a professional setup done on this soon, but out of the box this guitar was exactly what I was looking to have to noodle around with, but be nice enough to hold a permanent spot. If you are looking to add an electric 12 String to your lineup, this is the one. They've been dipping in and out of stock, so keep an eye out or pre-order one. It took me about a month from when I "reserved".Darren

All of these guitar companies market their guitars with pictures of nice, dark, fretboards, that look like dark Rosewood, or even Ebony. They do that because they know that's what people want, but then what you often end up getting is an ugly, dull, light brown or grayish looking board.Pablo

I record and play in a few different bands. Mostly rock, blues, and some country. This black and gold finish on the G5420t is just striking. Out of the box, the setup was good, just a quick tune up and we were off to twangsville. Components on this Electromatic were great. Filtertron's responded terrific and brought that sparkle-twang that only Filtertron's can. I play this through a Carvin VT50 out to a 2×12 cab with Celestion greenies. In the effects loop I have a Danelecto Dan-echo. Instant Setzer! Unplugged, you can definitely pick up the sparkle in this guitar. Throaty bass response, top end sparkle, and twang is a tasty and addictive combo. I have a Les Paul with Burstbucker pros, and they are my favorite pick ups ever. I also have a tele with Texas Specials, and that has a beautiful spank to them. The Filtertron's are somewhere in between the humbuckers and single coils. These Blacktop Filtertrons are pretty good sounding but from what I have heard, a swap to TV Jones will give the G5420 unmatched clarity in tone. These are great guitars and I found mine to be finished fantastically. Frets were dressed and polished, nut was cut and fit perfectly, and as nutty as this might sound, the action was a little too low for my tastes. I will probably raise the action a tad, but that's just my own thang! So, if you are in the market for a big ol', hollowbody rock box with some pretty, piano like qualities, this G5420T might be what you are looking for. Cheapest way to That Great Gretsch Sound!Strick 9

Overall: I wanted a hollow body sound to go with a Les Paul and a Telecaster. This deep bodied beauty was set up almost perfectly from the factory, in fact, only personal preference would cause you to tweak it. The neck plays noticeably better for me than competitors' necks in the same general price range. I got the Fairlane blue with a hard case and the appearance is stunning and pro looking. It is my main squeeze on stage now and it plays fast and accurate with lead parts. Best of all, it retains the great harmonics of an acoustic with the medium black-top filtertron pickups for a clear and full sound. I use it with a Vox 40 watt modeling amp which allows for tube-like tones and many different sounds in overdrive/distortion tones. Glad I went for it.John

Overall: Out of the Box I simply Tuned it Up and began Playing. Plays Very Well and Sounds Great. This Guitar was Made in KOREA and the Fit and Finish are Wonderful. Frets are well rounded and the Trim assures you No Fret Bite even if the Frets were a little Sharp. The Appearance of this Guitar would project the Impression it was a Much More Expensive Guitar than it Actually is. I Own a couple of FENDER Guitars and an Epiphone Guitar, I am here to tell you, This Gretsch Guitar is every bit as Nice and Plays just as Nice as any of my other Guitars, the Difference being this is a Hollow Body Guitar and you can certainly Hear the Difference over Solid Body Guitars and that was what I was Looking For. I enjoys many types of Music, Classic 60's, 70's 80's Rock and Country, Blues and Blue Grass. I do Believe This Guitar would Play ANY of those Genra's Very Well. It can Play Old Country Twang to Today's Shredding if one wanted to. The Range of this Guitar in my Opinion is just Incredible. Beginner or Professional, I do Believe this Guitar would Serve Any of them Very Well.Sandy

It's everything I was expecting. The neck fits perfectly, the sound is great and I couldn't be more pleased the overall appearance. Just a nice, well built guitar I know I will enjoy for years to come.Greg

The quality of craftsmanship is impeccable. The only complaint I have about it is at the head, there is a portion of the tuner that was scratched when it came in the mail. Naturally, being a gloss black, fingerprints and dust are easily visible, but as long as you take good care of it, it's not too much of a problem. Other than that, it is an amazing guitar and I would highly suggest it!Odysseus

Great big ole semi-hollow body. Beautiful to look at and makes me feel like Dwayne Eddy when I take a run at Rebel Rouser with it. Great workmanship, sounds great and a beautiful finish. It just feels right when I pick it up. A really good one to have around.pressure99don

Pros – Compared to a G6120 which it's a copy of, is remarkable value. First time I've seen a lower priced Gretsch with a Bigsby! Well finished, good sized neck, and Intonation spot on. Seems to keep in tune well. Cons – Nut and action had to be taken down a touch. Pickups although set at Gretsch's optimum height seem a little weak and slightly lacking in tone. (Might invest in TV Jones at a later date). Tone control has little variation. Pity the Bigsby and bridge aren't gold plated to match the rest of the guitar. No case included. As it's a big guitar with 3rd party cases apparently unavailable, surely a case should be included, even if it puts the price up.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.

Finding a decent lefty guitar is no easy task. With the help of my salesman Brian, he assisted me in making a informed decision while still playing into what I was looking for and he guided me right into this left handed Gretsch. Love the guitar…highly recommend him for your music equipment needs. The manager Fredrick was extremely helpful as well with ensuring I was well taken care of and to top it all off it was an online order and it arrived a day early!! Worried, I was to until they assured me that I had 45 days to return it. Love the guitar…love the storeROBERT

I record and play in a few different bands. Mostly rock, blues, and some country. This black and gold finish on the G5420t is just striking. Out of the box, the setup was good, just a quick tune up and we were off to twangsville. Components on this Electromatic were great. Filtertron's responded terrific and brought that sparkle-twang that only Filtertron's can. I play this through a Carvin VT50 out to a 2×12 cab with Celestion greenies. In the effects loop I have a Danelecto Dan-echo. Instant Setzer! Unplugged, you can definitely pick up the sparkle in this guitar. Throaty bass response, top end sparkle, and twang is a tasty and addictive combo. I have a Les Paul with Burstbucker pros, and they are my favorite pick ups ever. I also have a tele with Texas Specials, and that has a beautiful spank to them. The Filtertron's are somewhere in between the humbuckers and single coils. These Blacktop Filtertrons are pretty good sounding but from what I have heard, a swap to TV Jones will give the G5420 unmatched clarity in tone. These are great guitars and I found mine to be finished fantastically. Frets were dressed and polished, nut was cut and fit perfectly, and as nutty as this might sound, the action was a little too low for my tastes. I will probably raise the action a tad, but that's just my own thang! So, if you are in the market for a big ol', hollowbody rock box with some pretty, piano like qualities, this G5420T might be what you are looking for. Cheapest way to That Great Gretsch Sound!Strick 9

Overall: I wanted a hollow body sound to go with a Les Paul and a Telecaster. This deep bodied beauty was set up almost perfectly from the factory, in fact, only personal preference would cause you to tweak it. The neck plays noticeably better for me than competitors' necks in the same general price range. I got the Fairlane blue with a hard case and the appearance is stunning and pro looking. It is my main squeeze on stage now and it plays fast and accurate with lead parts. Best of all, it retains the great harmonics of an acoustic with the medium black-top filtertron pickups for a clear and full sound. I use it with a Vox 40 watt modeling amp which allows for tube-like tones and many different sounds in overdrive/distortion tones. Glad I went for it.John

Overall: Out of the Box I simply Tuned it Up and began Playing. Plays Very Well and Sounds Great. This Guitar was Made in KOREA and the Fit and Finish are Wonderful. Frets are well rounded and the Trim assures you No Fret Bite even if the Frets were a little Sharp. The Appearance of this Guitar would project the Impression it was a Much More Expensive Guitar than it Actually is. I Own a couple of FENDER Guitars and an Epiphone Guitar, I am here to tell you, This Gretsch Guitar is every bit as Nice and Plays just as Nice as any of my other Guitars, the Difference being this is a Hollow Body Guitar and you can certainly Hear the Difference over Solid Body Guitars and that was what I was Looking For. I enjoys many types of Music, Classic 60's, 70's 80's Rock and Country, Blues and Blue Grass. I do Believe This Guitar would Play ANY of those Genra's Very Well. It can Play Old Country Twang to Today's Shredding if one wanted to. The Range of this Guitar in my Opinion is just Incredible. Beginner or Professional, I do Believe this Guitar would Serve Any of them Very Well.Sandy

Overall: So I admit I am Gretsch biased but I have avoided the Electromatic series for a long time. I have 5 Gretsch now that are all Japanese “pro” models. ( I am NOT a pro in any manner) and each gives its own sound, they are gorgeous and they have an significant CDI rating. Anyway as of late I've heard a lot of good things about the 5556TG. So I decided why not? I am a fan of Gretsch’s junior like the 6120, 6122 and various Falcons that seem to pop up occasionally. Size wise think Gibson 335 vs 339..for me they work quite nicely.This particular guitar arrived several days ago. I gave it some time to acclimate, in looking over the guitar I saw about ZERO issues with body. No overspray or signs of inattention by the guy/gal who put it together. The intonation was spot on, even string height seemed to be goojd to go. The pickups, what to say they are different than what I’m used to on the pro models. Not bad just different, still no doubt it’s got Gretsch flavors. I’m ran the guitar through a small head/combo Fender super Champ x2. Sounded a bit more uh…angry than the normal p/ups as tho it was pushing to get itself maxed out. I did and it sounded pretty darn good. I’ll hold of on a pickup swap for now…Final thought: it plays well, provides a new taste for Gretsch fans…and it’s just dang gorgeous in the blue. Worth your hard money? I’d say yes!Jay

It was meant to be. I realised once I got it home according to the serial number broken down was my birthday! Haha freaky stuff. Haven't stopped playing it since getting it. Even the wife stopped mid sentence chastising me & said "OH WOW!" When I opened the case.Troy M.

Ok. I've had Danelectro, Fender and 3 Rickenbacker 12 strings. I like the extra sizzle.jangle that a 12 string provides. But they usually play very poorly and stay in tune even worse. Even the vaunted Rickenbacker was a general pain to deal with. But a POG doesn't give you the full effect, so I bought this Gretsch 12 string. The guiatr arrived flawless and after tuning was perfect. The classic tones, experimental tones even ripping leads….all quite possible on the Gretsch. Being a kid of 70's I grew up on the Monkees and the Nesmith factor was a big thing for me. But I'm blown away at how well this thing plays and well voiced it is. Ricky-like treble plus the bluesy twang of a Gretsch. Middle setting is especially useful. I run this through massive amounts of distortion sometimes and tune to dropped D. The Gretsch (with a compressor) can handle it all. You can rip leads effortlessly on this thing. It's an extremely useful instrument.Uncle Frank

I'm usually a semi-snobby MIUSA guitar guy – with multiple Gibson, Fenders and Martins, but this Chinese Made Gretsch is a thing of absolute beauty. Gretsch QC is remarkable and I've had others in the past decade that have been equally wonderful. The finish and details are fantastic, even down to binding on the F Holes. The neck is ridiculously playable for a 12 string and I've had fun learning all the classic 12 strings songs, in addition to trying some new stuff. Tuning is easy, and it stays in tune really well. I'll be getting a professional setup done on this soon, but out of the box this guitar was exactly what I was looking to have to noodle around with, but be nice enough to hold a permanent spot. If you are looking to add an electric 12 String to your lineup, this is the one. They've been dipping in and out of stock, so keep an eye out or pre-order one. It took me about a month from when I "reserved".Darren

All of these guitar companies market their guitars with pictures of nice, dark, fretboards, that look like dark Rosewood, or even Ebony. They do that because they know that's what people want, but then what you often end up getting is an ugly, dull, light brown or grayish looking board.Pablo

Great big ole semi-hollow body. Beautiful to look at and makes me feel like Dwayne Eddy when I take a run at Rebel Rouser with it. Great workmanship, sounds great and a beautiful finish. It just feels right when I pick it up. A really good one to have around.pressure99don

Pros – Compared to a G6120 which it's a copy of, is remarkable value. First time I've seen a lower priced Gretsch with a Bigsby! Well finished, good sized neck, and Intonation spot on. Seems to keep in tune well. Cons – Nut and action had to be taken down a touch. Pickups although set at Gretsch's optimum height seem a little weak and slightly lacking in tone. (Might invest in TV Jones at a later date). Tone control has little variation. Pity the Bigsby and bridge aren't gold plated to match the rest of the guitar. No case included. As it's a big guitar with 3rd party cases apparently unavailable, surely a case should be included, even if it puts the price up.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.

Finding a decent lefty guitar is no easy task. With the help of my salesman Brian, he assisted me in making a informed decision while still playing into what I was looking for and he guided me right into this left handed Gretsch. Love the guitar…highly recommend him for your music equipment needs. The manager Fredrick was extremely helpful as well with ensuring I was well taken care of and to top it all off it was an online order and it arrived a day early!! Worried, I was to until they assured me that I had 45 days to return it. Love the guitar…love the storeROBERT

fantastic,beautiful, everything I ever wanted, love it love it love it, so happy with it. real ladys guitar thankyou so much Leisa Kerrisleisa3398

It's a gorgeous guitar – finish is immaculate. Played great upon delivery. It is used but in excellent condition. I assume that it was set up for the original owner and the set up is excellent. The bridge pickup bites a bit and I'm still getting used to them. But, love the decision to purchase and use it every week for a Sunday performance through a small Fender Super Champ XD. Great guitar!hazy_2003

Fantastic product and a great deal. The new series sound and play just as good as the originals. I have played Gretsch my whole life. Thanks again for a wonderful product.black49ford

Couldn't find this guitar in the stores so I pulled the trigger and ordered online. I don't listen to Rancid, so I bought this guitar more because it's a baldwin-era gretsch with a cool finish and filtertron pups. The pickups are crisp and clear and take dirt well, love the control over tone with all the knobs. I am impressed with these blacktop pups. They sound very close to the hs filters in my 5120. I see no need to change them. The top is thicker than my 5120, binding all over the place, beautiful headstock and wider body. The action was high and I set the intonation, but otherwise no work needed. Here's the thing, the flat finish does wear off leaving shine spots where your arms and hands come into contact. Like on the neck and upper body, and where I rest my pinky or fingers while picking. It looks cool to me but something you should be aware of before buying. Tuning is pretty stable, never seems to go way off. Body is balanced and neck plays smooth and fast. Love thJesse

Sound: I luv pyscho Billy , rocks Billy ,punk ,thrash , doom , this does it all , and sounds treat doing it , not just for rock a Billy , sounds great and uniqe in all genres Features: I'm not fond of the knurled strap locks , they come lose easy , I'll switch em out, and why no case ??? For such a great , expensive, signityre guitar , from gretsch and no case !?? Otherwise perfect Ease of Use: It goes great with my little peavy blazer158 till I upgrade, can only imagine the rocks Billy sound with a twin fender amp , and slapback!! Quality: Built like a tank , exept the knurled strap locks Value: Great price , awsome payment plan , never thought I could afford a great gretsch like this!!! The Wow Factor: Its stunning , beuitiful, punk rock looking! Built like a tank , looks like u can play it out and it can take abuse like Tim Armstrong himself does every show and his country club is still as good as the he bought it so if exepct the same of the replica Overall: This guitar sounds great , even in my little peavey blazer158 , I can't wait to get a twin fender amp!! The looks are are beautiful, yet still punk rock with the flat black color, the harp tail and the gold hardwear add to the beauty, and it has that great gretsch sound and twank gretsch is known for , it can roar one sec then get all twankyvon the flip of a switch and turn of a dial or two ! This is my dream guitar come true , always wanted a gretch , and Tim Armstrong is my favorite front man of all time so I feel lucky and proud to own this, and thanx to the great payment plan zZounds offers i can offerd this treasure!!!Robert

I had promised my granddaughter a Gretsch a few years ago, but life happened. Now, the time was right, I had her find the guitar she wanted and she chose a Gretsch. How do I get her to stop playing it 24/7? Just kidding on how long she plays on a daily basis, but she loves it. She actually has musicians offering to purchase it from her! A couple are professional artists.Gramma of 4

I find a guitar to be very nice. Theres a slight reverberation in the E Sting against the fret board. Other than that I find the guitar in excellent condition. It plays well. This is my first Gretsch. Ive owned Gibsons les Pauls and others. This is a well made instrument. Reminds me of the Guitars used by the Stray Cats.kriyayogi108

New 'Gretsch' Guitars Are Now Made By 'Fender'; Which Is Why They All Sound Like 'Telecasters' – AND Are Cheaper. If LOOKING Like A 'Gretsch' Is All You Seek, Knock Yourself Out. But If You Want An ACTUAL Gretsch Guitar, Buy An Old One. These Imitations Are A Rip-Off In My Humble Opinion. THIS Is A 'Fender'.ec80-a

You always have to adjust the bridge before you play a fresh hollowbody. Just like a violin, you adjust your bridge almost right above the soundpost to achieve tone, stability, and intonation. If you don't even know how to take care of a hollowbody vs a solid body. LEARN. Don't complain like this dud below. Btw, it's a MIK (Made in Korea), which means it takes 4,000 miles to reach the East coast, and if came in perfect condition in the package, you're the luckiest player to own such a beautiful instrumentDYO