FYI, you can brighten up the sound of that Streamliner with a simple pot upgrade. You don't even have to change the pups on that guitar. They're actually very good pick ups. Just put in some 1MB CTS pots and it will really transform the tone and if you still want something even more "Gretschy" sounding, the Seymour Duncan Hot Rod filtertrons in full PAF size are great as well.
I find the "weak point" of all of the Chinese/Indonesian Gretsch's is the pots. They have virtually no taper, and are just generally crap. I bet some basic CTS pots will bring any of them to life!
Got a streamliner two months ago....best decision I ever made. Always wanted a Gretsch and finally broke down and got one. I absolutely love this guitar and the price was perfect. You can get into a Gretsch for less than 500 if you don’t mind getting cheaper hardware. To be honest it sounds and plays amazing and if I can save a hundred bucks going with the basic knobs that doesn’t change the tone so I don’t mind. Great guitars and a joy to play. Keep the videos coming and keep playing everyone! The world needs more music.
I think the current Streamliners are to my mind the same quality or almost the same as the old pre-2016 Electromatics - ie. pretty darned good. The current Electromatics are brilliant, though, pushing closer to the Japanese big league models in sound and feel. My G5420 was just perfect - the action was a touch high from the factory but the nut was cut well, frets totally level, and the relief was proper so could get it down with a little bridge adjustment. I'm ever reinterpreting some of my bands songs that were written on a 'fat gainy humbucker' guitar to use the Gretsch and it gives me a less generic sound and I love playing it.
@@poiseinchaos3182 I sat down with my old '08 5120, along with the 5420 and the 2420, when I was looking to upgrade. There really wasn't much difference between the 5120 and Streamliner sound and playability wise, but the 2420 really felt cheap. The 5420 on the other hand was beautiful to play and the blacktop Filtertrons sounded a lot better to my ear. Ended up going with the 5420, but dipped my toes into the Streamliner lineup with a 2215 Jnr Jet Club (although I immediately ditched the crappy plastic knobs for some gold "G" logo ones).
I have a G2420 sunburst with the Broadtron p/ups. They have more midrange response than a FilterTron, more like a Gibson. Came with chrome bezels. Great tone unplugged. Good looking guitar and it plays quite easily, Incredible value.
Excellent! This comparison is exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't find anyone else showing subtle (and not so subtle) differences between the Streamliner and other Electromatics. Cheers.
I just received the 2420 in Brooklynburst, and it is an excellent guitar. The neck plays like butter. I like the large position markers (easier to see where you are, especially in dim lighting). The workmanship throughout is perfect! I like the looks of the F holes and am glad that they didn't bind them. If this guitar were twice as much money, it would still be a bargain.
Got a 2420T. Changed to bone nut, gotoh locking tuners, polished/lubed nut & saddles until no more pinging when press behind the bridge and ahead of nut. Awesome guitar.
I bought the Aspen green G5420 you see in this video 10 months ago. I still love this guitar. Phillip is a great guy to deal with and I can't say enough good things about him. If you are going to spend some money, spend it with him and help support his channel.
I love your reviews because you actually REVIEW the gear, do a thorough walk through, I haven't found this small differences until your review. SO many reviews the people just play and show off their playing without showing the guitar to the camera, talking about details etc. Thanks!
I played both the Steamliner and Electromatic. I bought the Electromatic. I think the tuners on the Electromatic are better and just liked the Electromatic better overall.
I got a 2420T for my birthday this year. Beautiful guitar! Since I didn't have to pay for it, I gave it some nice upgrades. Grover locking tuners, Tune-O-Matic roller bridge, coil splitter, and a new set of TV Jones PowerTron Plus pickups! I'm not sure what kind of pots it has in it, but I will likely replace them at some point as well. I should have it all done in time for my show this weekend, can't wait!! 😁
Just bought the 2420 in sunburst, Wow I Love it, I was trying to get an acoustic sound, but still have the option to rock out with some gain and this is the guitar that fits the bill. Great review.
Love your videos! My son bought me a G2620 last Father's Day and I love it! I have always been a Gibson guy (ES 175, 330, and Les Paul Deluxe) and also have a Strat and a Tele. This is the first Gretsch I have ever owned in 47 years of guitar playing, and I don't know how I ever got along without a Bigsby! A couple months ago I found an incredible G5122 made in Korea and had to get it. One of the best playing guitars I have ever played. On par with my Gibson hollowbodies. That said, the 2620 is really nice, and plays almost as well as the 5122. Gretsch is such a unique sound, unlike Gibson or Fender. I have become a Gretsch convert!
Nice comparison vid. After hearing that, for me it would be the Electromatic line, hands down. You can dial out jangle, but you can't add it if it's not there. But I can certainly see the value in the Streamliners, sweet looking guitars, and for jazzier tones or with more gain, I'm sure they'd fit the bill.
I think the Streamliners are essentially the "Squier" of the line, and are positioned to compete with the Epiphone 335/339 guitars, and the Electromatics are there to compete with upper end Asian hollowbodies. They are kindof the "Mexican Fender" of the Gretsch line. The Korean EM's are just fantastic guitars, the new Chinese made ones are rather ho-hum IMHO.
Spend the money and get the electromatic. The blacktops are definitely not tv jones, but I really don't even think it's worth replacing mine. Had mine for 3 years now, debated changing them, but every time I do I plug in and play some slow blues with a tiny bit of grit and it's sonic sex
I'm (obviously) looking at one of the G2420s, which is why I'm here. On this video, if the tone setting is the same on both guitars, The 2420 sounds "boxier" than clear and bright on the bridge setting.... at least on computer monitors. I'm checking out a number of reviews, so the tone here isn't a deal breaker. Thanks for doing the direct comparison.
The first guitar i ever bought was a streamliner 2655. Still an amateur, i used to play an old chinese GK warlock copy. I really enjoy playing the gretsch because of the centerblock body i can practice without plugging into an amp. 100% recommend a streamliner serie gretsch to all starting guitar player
Thank you for your insight I’m a novice I don’t have no idea what the hell I’m doing and I believe you gave me very honest opinion to help this novice out
I have a 2010 model 5120 with Gretschbuckers and I think it sounds amazing. It plays like butter too. Gretsch always seems to make quality instruments, regardless of the model. There's probably a few lemons out there but I would wager fewer than other big brands.
I think the biggest difference in sound is in the pickups. I didn't plan on even demoing a gretsch and ended up taking one home. the streamliner has a nice gretsch tone when dialed in on mu vox and a killer rock tone when red distortion. can't put it down.
Those 'minor differences' you point out were right off my list of things I wanted to know, and made my mind as to whether or not to spring for the Electro.
I just bought one of these yesterday based on your review and I absolutely love it ! I think it sounds exceptionally well for a lot of the Beatles catalog too ! Thanks for your review, it was so helpful.
I have a Electromatic Jet that came with the Blacktop pickups. I found that swapping the magnets from the 1/8” stock to a 1/4” traditional Filtertron magnets gets the tone much closer to the pro series pickups. I don’t care for the pickups in the Streamliner but at the price it’s a great platform to put the pickups you really like in and customize. You could easily put PAFs, P94s or TV Jones makes a humbucker size filtertron and I’m not 100% but it seems like TVJ may have a Dynasonic style that is humbucker size. There’s definitely a lot of choices in the Gibson humbucker size of pickups to choose from.
After watching and listening - I just went to Amazon and bought an electromatic, for the 850 price point I figured I couldnt go wrong, and I have always loved that Gretsch orange color!
Hi Phil, I had an gretsch anniversary in the 60's, my very first decent guitar. it was over $300 back then.(thanks dad ). Same color and very similar to the electromatic you are demonstrating.I put a Bigsby on it and it knocked it out tune all the time. By the way, the name is what they called products in the 60's.pretty dated. I'm considering these 2 instruments and also the Ibenez AF75. Thank you for your demo , really well done !
You should have so many more subs... you definitely deserve them. but small channels are actually better for the viewers because we can actually communicate unlike channels with so many subs you barely ever get a reply back. obvious you for the most part know what you are talking about. I for one love your videos! if I had a time machine I'd have started learning to play younger because ive always loved music but I'm 28 and have not even been playing a year yet and your videos have taught be ALOT. there's some really cool channels out there but yours is one of the unique ones for sure.
I’ve got a 5122 and did a side-by-side with the budget gretsches. Damned similar sound, but emailed gretsch and asked. They told me the pickups in the Streamliners are Broad’Trons whereas the 5120 and 5122s have plain Gretsch Filter’tron (not blacktop filtertrons). I do like the Streamliner models. Been recommending them to friends.
Pickup height is phenomenally important for filtertrons (and Dynas). Ceteris paribus, the lower output a pickup has, the more tiny adjustments in height = big tonal changes. I won't bore you with the physics but consider gravitational fields and magnetic fields don't work linearly as to distance. They work GEOMETRICALLY
Just got mine to day ..really cant say how happy i am ..got mine for $600 (au) +Xtream hard case brand new after i traded in a couple of really bad guitars....so happy now
I got the 2420 non Bigsby in Brooklyn Sunburst on sale last week at GC for $400. Traded in some gear and paid almost nothing 😁 I've had a Bigsby before on an Epiphone semi hollow and a Squier Telecaster but I found after a month of owning a new guitar with one I don't really use it anymore. I think the Art Deco Chromatic II trapeze bridge is rad and since I play more oldies and Johnny Cash covers than Rockabilly and Surf I'll be alright. I play through a Supro Blues King using the Keeley Memphis Sun pedal and it's got the vibe I'm going for. Thanks for your comparison of the two models.
Cool Demo/Review/ Comparison Thankyou. Hope my next guitar will be a Gretsch Hollowbody and this was very Informative, and useful. Already have a G5215 and G5248, so want the Electromatic Hollowbody. Cheers
Nice review! I just bought a 2019 G2420 Streamliner (not the T) in the dark sunburst finish. The fretboard is Laurel instead of rosewood, the inlays are now the same hump-block style as the Electromatic and my volume and tone knobs are a smoky gray semi-transparent color as opposed to the gold tone on the guitar you demoed. It looks like a classy jazz box, but it can do so much more!
Dude! I really appreciate this review. I am knew to Gretsch as a METAL player up in age, moving to Jazz - more fitting. Lol. Anyway I am looking at both of these models and I played the 5420T looking forward to exploring something different but... I was disappointed. I figured out that I was subconsciously expecting a Humbucker sound from the 5420T so of course I was like... where is the UMPH? I then noticed what look like mini humbuckers which I feel are too light for me. However you side by side playing really helped me hear what I thought I can expect from the 2420T. The 5420T does sound nice but I am too used to Humbucker tone that if I get the 5420T I'm gonna feel like I didn't get my money's worth. Anyway I am excited about the sound, look and PRICE of the 2420T. Thank you friend!!!
Good job Phil.... I love my 2015 Electromatic 5620T CB. Semi hollow body, cats eye sound holes. It does everything great. Made in Korea. Korea? I was skeptical. Bought it on line. What a surprise out of the box. Lots of chrome. Polished frets. Gretsch makes the Cadillac of guitars. Quality fit and finish, impressive quality build. Flawless, as good as any American made, and better than many,. The Koreans do a terrific job. Remarkable sound, Plays great, rocks great. Can't believe what I got for $850 bucks. If it were American made.....Easy 12 to $1500.00
Great review! I own a Electromatic guitar, and the problem is that they're not cheap. I think what they tried to accomplish with the Streamliner Series, is that "your first Gretsch" thing without loosing their pedigree. That's why they did the binding on the headstock and kept any Streamliner logo out of the equation. I would not make ANY changes on a Electromatic guitar, but on a budget guitar with a regular humbucker hole on it, I would think about putting some different pickups, change the three way switch, maybe the knobs. And I would pick the Streamliner over an Epiphone, for sure. Greetings!!
Great video! The comparison to the Electromatic was brilliant! I do like this guitar, but still I am kind of torn between one of these and a Casino. Thanks much!
that's funny I'm having the exact same dilemma between a 2420 and a Casino..... I like the single coil sound better than HBs usually but these Broadtrons don't sound bad at all! could always go Eddie Cochran style and throw a P-90 in the neck position I suppose....
The 'old' pre-2016 Electromatics were much like the current Streamliners in spec and quality, albeit Korean rather than Chinese. They made the Electromatics more upscale post-2016. They cost more but now you don't need to mod anything- they sound much more Gretschy, closer to the Japanese models.
Phil, I just bought this G2420T guitar because of this review. Bought used and it is like new with strap locks, chrome selector switch and perfectly set up. $380 total including shipping, saved lots and I actually like the sound over the chromatic. I have only been playing more seriously over a year, no need to spent the extra. Plus I bough a Fender Blues Junior amp to go with it. Also used and saved $200 on that. Thank you for the review.
I love my blacktop pickups they have that classic gretsch sound but you can drive them hard and they sound great. I used to always think about getting TV jones but I really prefer my blacktop.
Thanks Mr McKnight!! You totally sold me on the G2420T and thus I picked up a brand new 2017 G2420T like yours yesterday at Long n McQuack! This is my 5th Gretsch and I love it as much as the others! You Da Man!
Very good comparison. I am definitely shopping. FWIW, I have an original Streamliner, which had the same shape pick guard as that Electormatic, but in black. When it got to looking ragged, I ordered a replacement, using my serial number, and Gretsch sent me another black one.
That streamliner really does sound good. Those pups are what they used to put into the old 5120’s. I took them out of my 5120 and my 5122. And put TV’s in them. But they really do have a pleasant sound to them. Is there a center block in the streamliner? I thought I read somewhere that there is. I feel like those old gretsch buckers sound better in a streamliner. They sounded really kinda muted or something in my electromatics. Maybe because mine are full hollow bodies? I don’t know. I do totally dig those streamliners tho. They can probably hold their own in just about any kind of music. I kinda want one now 😂 Great vid!
I've got one of the streamliners. Love them both. I think the streamliner is easier to match to whatever style of music you wanna play. Most gretschs are kinda locked in on one style. But for the price man it's better than about any other guitar you'll find until you hit a much higher price range.
Most Gretsches are locked into only one style? Oh really? Most Gretsches are super versatile guitars and can play wide pallette of sounds. You definitely are not aware of that and you think that Streamlines series are a better bang for the bug. You need to investigate more my friend. Gretashes are the most versatile guitars out there.
just purchased a 2017 5420T Electromatic- it's headstock has the binding like the Streamliner you are showing and the Electromatic name is off the headstock and moved to the pickguard
I love the gretsch lineup, I got the electromatic pro jet with bigsby and absolutely love it. I aim to get another soon, either a 2420 or a 5420 I’m not sure which. Don’t believe ya can go wrong with either.
I purchased a streamline. played it and had to have it. turged in a couple epiphones and never regretted it. the tuning problems go away once the strings are fully broken in (takes a bit longer than hardtail).
I was in the market for a non-solid body guitar and just happened to be in store that had a traded-in Electromatic 5620T in. Had to have it and I"m super hyped. :D
I have a 6120t 59 I just bought and also the same 2420t. I bought the 2420 first. I play the 2420 much more than the 6120. It feels similar and I dont worry about scratching it lol.
5420t pod każdym względem jest lepsza. Sound zbliżony do Falcon. Osprzęt dużo lepszej klasy i wykonanie dużo lepsze. A twierdząc że nie widzisz większej różnicy po Prostu jesteś niesłyszący. Bigsby nie rostraja gitary w takim stopniu jak to przedstawiłeś. Ja nie posiadam problemu z utrzymaniem stroju strun. Gorąco polecam g5420t mam tę gitarę i ją kocham.
Good demo Phil - thanks for sharing the info. "Inexpensive Stepsister" - whoops! (it doesn't sound any better even if you said "Expensive Stepsister" either. . . )
'T' stands for tremolo ... even though it's a vibrato - oh well , we can blame Fender for the mix-up decades ago ...... the Sreamliner sounds kind a bit more muffled and it looked like it was on the bridge pickup - I suppose some adventurous buyers might put some new pickups in that if they wanted more chime (maybe even a couple more affordable GFS ones). Might be a good modding guitar
Would you mind explaining the issue with the G nut slot and why that happens? Also, just got one of these and I already love it. Fun to watch this review, thanks for the video
Because nut slot is too tight. When you bend usually you pull string in. When you release string doesnt get back to where it was because slot catches it. You need to widen the slot or lubricate it so string slides trough it more freely.
@@SatyrProds Makes sense, thanks! Can a tight nut slot also cause strings to break when detuning? I've had that happen a few times while changing strings - loosening them before cutting. Always wondered why it happens...
@@ringosteve21 if it breaks where nut is than it could be that nut is too sharp. Check where it breaks. If in middle than thats not it. If near bridge than bridge moght be too sharp. Its possible to dull them to skme extent. But not all. Telecaster bridge is known to snap strings.
Hi Phil, I noticed that you mentioned that the 5420T you have is the newer model, but I just saw another video that explains 5420T with the thumb nial inlay is the newer model.
This was before the newest Electromatic models with the thumbnails. The original Es had thumbnails with the pups from the Streamliner. The middle version had clouds and Blacktop Filtertron pups. The newest Es have thumbnails and Filtertrons. So depending on when you see this his comments may be accurate but out of date. Hope that helps!
Very cool. I had a 1963 Streamliner for several decades, and it is amazing to see these modern guitars selling for what they did in the early 1970s...except a dollar was worth about SEVEN of today's "dollars". I had bought a Stratocaster a few years before, and loved the way it plays, but you have so much control out of the hollow body Gretsch and Gibson guitars. Keep this stuff coming.
They are beating Ibanez at the game. I bought myself an Artcore in December and have hated it for 2 months straight. Took it to Guitar center and walked out with a G2420T. Couldn't be happier. Can't speak as to how they stack up against Epiphone.
I recommend always upgrading the pickups in a cheaper priced guitar...Unless, on the rare chance they are actually really good pickups. If, you buy a low priced Gretsch, just splurge for the TV Jones. If, you play in your living room all by yourself, don't worry about it then...keep the stock ones. It matters when you play live or against a wall of sound with other instruments.
The streamliner has a super muddy cheap un-gretschy sound.. The Electromatic however sounds great; love the clarity and energy and twang in it. Hate the streamliner.
FYI, you can brighten up the sound of that Streamliner with a simple pot upgrade. You don't even have to change the pups on that guitar. They're actually very good pick ups. Just put in some 1MB CTS pots and it will really transform the tone and if you still want something even more "Gretschy" sounding, the Seymour Duncan Hot Rod filtertrons in full PAF size are great as well.
I find the "weak point" of all of the Chinese/Indonesian Gretsch's is the pots. They have virtually no taper, and are just generally crap. I bet some basic CTS pots will bring any of them to life!
That's the one thing I hate about mine, it is so muddy and dark.
Got a streamliner two months ago....best decision I ever made. Always wanted a Gretsch and finally broke down and got one. I absolutely love this guitar and the price was perfect. You can get into a Gretsch for less than 500 if you don’t mind getting cheaper hardware. To be honest it sounds and plays amazing and if I can save a hundred bucks going with the basic knobs that doesn’t change the tone so I don’t mind. Great guitars and a joy to play. Keep the videos coming and keep playing everyone! The world needs more music.
The 2420t is amazing just bought one. Always dreamed of a Gretsch and drooled, never thought i could own one. thanks for the demo.
I think the current Streamliners are to my mind the same quality or almost the same as the old pre-2016 Electromatics - ie. pretty darned good. The current Electromatics are brilliant, though, pushing closer to the Japanese big league models in sound and feel.
My G5420 was just perfect - the action was a touch high from the factory but the nut was cut well, frets totally level, and the relief was proper so could get it down with a little bridge adjustment. I'm ever reinterpreting some of my bands songs that were written on a 'fat gainy humbucker' guitar to use the Gretsch and it gives me a less generic sound and I love playing it.
I just bought one too. So excited.
Yea i bought one also in wine. Now just need a slide and do some george thorogood.
@@poiseinchaos3182 I sat down with my old '08 5120, along with the 5420 and the 2420, when I was looking to upgrade.
There really wasn't much difference between the 5120 and Streamliner sound and playability wise, but the 2420 really felt cheap. The 5420 on the other hand was beautiful to play and the blacktop Filtertrons sounded a lot better to my ear. Ended up going with the 5420, but dipped my toes into the Streamliner lineup with a 2215 Jnr Jet Club (although I immediately ditched the crappy plastic knobs for some gold "G" logo ones).
Phil, I have to say I dig your reviews more than any of the others I have run across on RUclips. You break things down nicely.
Got the G2420T two months ago… love it plugged or unplugged. Thanks for a very informative comparison! ✌️❤️
I have a G2420 sunburst with the Broadtron p/ups. They have more midrange response than a FilterTron, more like a Gibson. Came with chrome bezels. Great tone unplugged. Good looking guitar and it plays quite easily, Incredible value.
Excellent! This comparison is exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't find anyone else showing subtle (and not so subtle) differences between the Streamliner and other Electromatics. Cheers.
I just received the 2420 in Brooklynburst, and it is an excellent guitar. The neck plays like butter. I like the large position markers (easier to see where you are, especially in dim lighting). The workmanship throughout is perfect! I like the looks of the F holes and am glad that they didn't bind them. If this guitar were twice as much money, it would still be a bargain.
Got a 2420T. Changed to bone nut, gotoh locking tuners, polished/lubed nut & saddles until no more pinging when press behind the bridge and ahead of nut. Awesome guitar.
Just ordered a 2420T based on your review, and the comments posted here. Can't wait to get it and try it out.
Harry How does your 2420T go? I hope you are happy with it :)
Great comparison, I think about buying a streamliner, on Friday I am going to test one, your video helped a lot, I know some things now I will test!
Did you wind up buying one?
I bought the Aspen green G5420 you see in this video 10 months ago. I still love this guitar. Phillip is a great guy to deal with and I can't say enough good things about him. If you are going to spend some money, spend it with him and help support his channel.
Lubrication on the G string and using a pencil to “get in there”! Love it haha!
LOL!!!
Yep, them G strings are the wild ones
I love your reviews because you actually REVIEW the gear, do a thorough walk through, I haven't found this small differences until your review. SO many reviews the people just play and show off their playing without showing the guitar to the camera, talking about details etc.
Thanks!
I played both the Steamliner and Electromatic. I bought the Electromatic. I think the tuners on the Electromatic are better and just liked the Electromatic better overall.
I got a 2420T for my birthday this year. Beautiful guitar! Since I didn't have to pay for it, I gave it some nice upgrades. Grover locking tuners, Tune-O-Matic roller bridge, coil splitter, and a new set of TV Jones PowerTron Plus pickups! I'm not sure what kind of pots it has in it, but I will likely replace them at some point as well. I should have it all done in time for my show this weekend, can't wait!! 😁
Just bought the 2420 in sunburst, Wow I Love it, I was trying to get an acoustic sound, but still have the option to rock out with some gain and this is the guitar that fits the bill. Great review.
AllStylesproduction/Bands/and/music i got the same one, its got some road where but i still love it
love that sound a gretsch and a bigsby has the rock a billy sound
Love your videos! My son bought me a G2620 last Father's Day and I love it! I have always been a Gibson guy (ES 175, 330, and Les Paul Deluxe) and also have a Strat and a Tele. This is the first Gretsch I have ever owned in 47 years of guitar playing, and I don't know how I ever got along without a Bigsby! A couple months ago I found an incredible G5122 made in Korea and had to get it. One of the best playing guitars I have ever played. On par with my Gibson hollowbodies. That said, the 2620 is really nice, and plays almost as well as the 5122. Gretsch is such a unique sound, unlike Gibson or Fender. I have become a Gretsch convert!
Nice comparison vid. After hearing that, for me it would be the Electromatic line, hands down. You can dial out jangle, but you can't add it if it's not there. But I can certainly see the value in the Streamliners, sweet looking guitars, and for jazzier tones or with more gain, I'm sure they'd fit the bill.
I think the Streamliners are essentially the "Squier" of the line, and are positioned to compete with the Epiphone 335/339 guitars, and the Electromatics are there to compete with upper end Asian hollowbodies. They are kindof the "Mexican Fender" of the Gretsch line. The Korean EM's are just fantastic guitars, the new Chinese made ones are rather ho-hum IMHO.
I have always loved Gretsch guitars. Great video.
nice breakdown thanks. Streamliner sounds fatter and warmer. All depends on what you need.
that pause from 6:10 to 6:15 was hilarious lol.
You need to get a life bro.
@@lust4bass Lmao where tf did that come from
lust4bass LMFAO
Fixed that issue with a nut and roller bridge. Love the result!
Spend the money and get the electromatic. The blacktops are definitely not tv jones, but I really don't even think it's worth replacing mine. Had mine for 3 years now, debated changing them, but every time I do I plug in and play some slow blues with a tiny bit of grit and it's sonic sex
I'm (obviously) looking at one of the G2420s, which is why I'm here. On this video, if the tone setting is the same on both guitars, The 2420 sounds "boxier" than clear and bright on the bridge setting.... at least on computer monitors. I'm checking out a number of reviews, so the tone here isn't a deal breaker. Thanks for doing the direct comparison.
The first guitar i ever bought was a streamliner 2655. Still an amateur, i used to play an old chinese GK warlock copy. I really enjoy playing the gretsch because of the centerblock body i can practice without plugging into an amp. 100% recommend a streamliner serie gretsch to all starting guitar player
"T stands for Bigsby..." the pregnant pause and face is pretty much perfect
T = tremolo
Those Streamliner pickups actually work pretty decent on a solid body gretsch They still have an oldschool tone eventhough I use pretty heavy gain.
A lot of it is your amp too. You plug one of those into a nice Vox, and you're going to like what you hear!
Thank you for your insight I’m a novice I don’t have no idea what the hell I’m doing and I believe you gave me very honest opinion to help this novice out
I just pulled the trigger on my third Electromatic. They're great guitars. Right up there with the SE series.
Gretsch are knocking out of the park at the moment
I have a 2010 model 5120 with Gretschbuckers and I think it sounds amazing. It plays like butter too. Gretsch always seems to make quality instruments, regardless of the model. There's probably a few lemons out there but I would wager fewer than other big brands.
I really wish they'd offer these guitars in the classic ivory color.
I think the biggest difference in sound is in the pickups. I didn't plan on even demoing a gretsch and ended up taking one home. the streamliner has a nice gretsch tone when dialed in on mu vox and a killer rock tone when red distortion. can't put it down.
Quality review Phil always enjoyable, you tell it straight and honest, and you can play really well, a big fan
Those 'minor differences' you point out were right off my list of things I wanted to know, and made my mind as to whether or not to spring for the Electro.
I just bought one of these yesterday based on your review and I absolutely love it ! I think it sounds exceptionally well for a lot of the Beatles catalog too ! Thanks for your review, it was so helpful.
I have a Electromatic Jet that came with the Blacktop pickups. I found that swapping the magnets from the 1/8” stock to a 1/4” traditional Filtertron magnets gets the tone much closer to the pro series pickups. I don’t care for the pickups in the Streamliner but at the price it’s a great platform to put the pickups you really like in and customize. You could easily put PAFs, P94s or TV Jones makes a humbucker size filtertron and I’m not 100% but it seems like TVJ may have a Dynasonic style that is humbucker size. There’s definitely a lot of choices in the Gibson humbucker size of pickups to choose from.
After watching and listening - I just went to Amazon and bought an electromatic, for the 850 price point I figured I couldnt go wrong, and I have always loved that Gretsch orange color!
Hi Phil, I had an gretsch anniversary in the 60's, my very first decent guitar. it was over $300 back then.(thanks dad ). Same color and very similar to the electromatic you are demonstrating.I put a Bigsby on it and it knocked it out tune all the time. By the way, the name is what they called products in the 60's.pretty dated. I'm considering these 2 instruments and also the Ibenez AF75. Thank you for your demo , really well done !
You should have so many more subs... you definitely deserve them. but small channels are actually better for the viewers because we can actually communicate unlike channels with so many subs you barely ever get a reply back. obvious you for the most part know what you are talking about. I for one love your videos! if I had a time machine I'd have started learning to play younger because ive always loved music but I'm 28 and have not even been playing a year yet and your videos have taught be ALOT. there's some really cool channels out there but yours is one of the unique ones for sure.
I’ve got a 5122 and did a side-by-side with the budget gretsches. Damned similar sound, but emailed gretsch and asked. They told me the pickups in the Streamliners are Broad’Trons whereas the 5120 and 5122s have plain Gretsch Filter’tron (not blacktop filtertrons). I do like the Streamliner models. Been recommending them to friends.
Pickup height is phenomenally important for filtertrons (and Dynas). Ceteris paribus, the lower output a pickup has, the more tiny adjustments in height = big tonal changes. I won't bore you with the physics but consider gravitational fields and magnetic fields don't work linearly as to distance. They work GEOMETRICALLY
proximity effect surely plays a role as well I would think
Just got mine to day ..really cant say how happy i am ..got mine for $600 (au) +Xtream hard case brand new after i traded in a couple of really bad guitars....so happy now
I got the 2420 non Bigsby in Brooklyn Sunburst on sale last week at GC for $400. Traded in some gear and paid almost nothing 😁 I've had a Bigsby before on an Epiphone semi hollow and a Squier Telecaster but I found after a month of owning a new guitar with one I don't really use it anymore. I think the Art Deco Chromatic II trapeze bridge is rad and since I play more oldies and Johnny Cash covers than Rockabilly and Surf I'll be alright. I play through a Supro Blues King using the Keeley Memphis Sun pedal and it's got the vibe I'm going for. Thanks for your comparison of the two models.
I'll shoot for the 6120 ! The others are okay but I guess I want it all .
Just got one used (2016) not a ding on it anywhere and 300 bucks cheaper than list. Love it!
Glad I found this old video. Great comparison!
Cool Demo/Review/ Comparison Thankyou. Hope my next guitar will be a Gretsch Hollowbody and this was very Informative, and useful. Already have a G5215 and G5248, so want the Electromatic Hollowbody. Cheers
Nice review! I just bought a 2019 G2420 Streamliner (not the T) in the dark sunburst finish. The fretboard is Laurel instead of rosewood, the inlays are now the same hump-block style as the Electromatic and my volume and tone knobs are a smoky gray semi-transparent color as opposed to the gold tone on the guitar you demoed. It looks like a classy jazz box, but it can do so much more!
Dude! I really appreciate this review. I am knew to Gretsch as a METAL player up in age, moving to Jazz - more fitting. Lol. Anyway I am looking at both of these models and I played the 5420T looking forward to exploring something different but... I was disappointed. I figured out that I was subconsciously expecting a Humbucker sound from the 5420T so of course I was like... where is the UMPH? I then noticed what look like mini humbuckers which I feel are too light for me. However you side by side playing really helped me hear what I thought I can expect from the 2420T. The 5420T does sound nice but I am too used to Humbucker tone that if I get the 5420T I'm gonna feel like I didn't get my money's worth. Anyway I am excited about the sound, look and PRICE of the 2420T. Thank you friend!!!
Good job Phil....
I love my 2015 Electromatic 5620T CB. Semi hollow body, cats eye sound holes. It does everything great. Made in Korea. Korea? I was skeptical. Bought it on line. What a surprise out of the box. Lots of chrome. Polished frets. Gretsch makes the Cadillac of guitars. Quality fit and finish, impressive quality build. Flawless, as good as any American made, and better than many,. The Koreans do a terrific job. Remarkable sound, Plays great, rocks great. Can't believe what I got for $850 bucks. If it were American made.....Easy 12 to $1500.00
Great review! I own a Electromatic guitar, and the problem is that they're not cheap. I think what they tried to accomplish with the Streamliner Series, is that "your first Gretsch" thing without loosing their pedigree. That's why they did the binding on the headstock and kept any Streamliner logo out of the equation.
I would not make ANY changes on a Electromatic guitar, but on a budget guitar with a regular humbucker hole on it, I would think about putting some different pickups, change the three way switch, maybe the knobs.
And I would pick the Streamliner over an Epiphone, for sure.
Greetings!!
Pedro Toledo
Phil implicitly trust your advice man thanks for the great videos.
Great video! The comparison to the Electromatic was brilliant! I do like this guitar, but still I am kind of torn between one of these and a Casino. Thanks much!
+Uncle Edward That is tough, The Casino is a very good guitar as well.
that's funny I'm having the exact same dilemma between a 2420 and a Casino..... I like the single coil sound better than HBs usually but these Broadtrons don't sound bad at all! could always go Eddie Cochran style and throw a P-90 in the neck position I suppose....
Sweet guitar for the price! Thanks for all of the pictures at Namm!
Great job!
Great review, thank you. Very honest and down to earth. Thanks for sharing 👍
Don't worry, I don't have a step-sister :) Thanks for the review, I'm about to buy a 2420. Cheers!
played an electromatic and the feel of the neck was awesome and the tone was full, really surprised me and totally love the look of a black penguin
Sam ash mistook an Electromatic for a streamliner so they priced it at $430 used, so I bought it and it is my favorite guitar to play
The 'old' pre-2016 Electromatics were much like the current Streamliners in spec and quality, albeit Korean rather than Chinese. They made the Electromatics more upscale post-2016. They cost more but now you don't need to mod anything- they sound much more Gretschy, closer to the Japanese models.
@@poiseinchaos3182 oh damn, didnt know that lol, still a great deal though
Thanks for your accurate explanation Phil. The more expensive the shimmier. Got it
I have played the brown stain streamlined, double cut, and my my it was wonderful
I find the 2420T a bit muddy for my liking (personal preference)... thanks for doing the back-to-back review!
Phil, I just bought this G2420T guitar because of this review. Bought used and it is like new with strap locks, chrome selector switch and perfectly set up. $380 total including shipping, saved lots and I actually like the sound over the chromatic. I have only been playing more seriously over a year, no need to spent the extra. Plus I bough a Fender Blues Junior amp to go with it. Also used and saved $200 on that. Thank you for the review.
I love my blacktop pickups they have that classic gretsch sound but you can drive them hard and they sound great. I used to always think about getting TV jones but I really prefer my blacktop.
Thanks Mr McKnight!! You totally sold me on the G2420T and thus I picked up a brand new 2017 G2420T like yours yesterday at Long n McQuack! This is my 5th Gretsch and I love it as much as the others! You Da Man!
Very good comparison. I am definitely shopping.
FWIW, I have an original Streamliner, which had the same shape pick guard as that Electormatic, but in black. When it got to looking ragged, I ordered a replacement, using my serial number, and Gretsch sent me another black one.
That streamliner really does sound good. Those pups are what they used to put into the old 5120’s. I took them out of my 5120 and my 5122. And put TV’s in them. But they really do have a pleasant sound to them.
Is there a center block in the streamliner? I thought I read somewhere that there is. I feel like those old gretsch buckers sound better in a streamliner. They sounded really kinda muted or something in my electromatics. Maybe because mine are full hollow bodies? I don’t know.
I do totally dig those streamliners tho. They can probably hold their own in just about any kind of music.
I kinda want one now 😂
Great vid!
I've got one of the streamliners. Love them both. I think the streamliner is easier to match to whatever style of music you wanna play. Most gretschs are kinda locked in on one style. But for the price man it's better than about any other guitar you'll find until you hit a much higher price range.
Most Gretsches are locked into only one style? Oh really? Most Gretsches are super versatile guitars and can play wide pallette of sounds. You definitely are not aware of that and you think that Streamlines series are a better bang for the bug. You need to investigate more my friend. Gretashes are the most versatile guitars out there.
just purchased a 2017 5420T Electromatic- it's headstock has the binding like the Streamliner you are showing and the Electromatic name is off the headstock and moved to the pickguard
Had the same issue with the G strings on these guitars
A very good Review , thanks !
I love the gretsch lineup, I got the electromatic pro jet with bigsby and absolutely love it. I aim to get another soon, either a 2420 or a 5420 I’m not sure which. Don’t believe ya can go wrong with either.
Excellent review Phillip. Thank you.
I purchased a streamline. played it and had to have it. turged in a couple epiphones and never regretted it. the tuning problems go away once the strings are fully broken in (takes a bit longer than hardtail).
I've got me a 5620T center block, but I want one of those aspen green 5420's so bad.
I was in the market for a non-solid body guitar and just happened to be in store that had a traded-in Electromatic 5620T in. Had to have it and I"m super hyped. :D
I have a 6120t 59 I just bought and also the same 2420t. I bought the 2420 first. I play the 2420 much more than the 6120. It feels similar and I dont worry about scratching it lol.
A great review but what would have made It substantially better is if you would have played them on the dirty channel.
I’m not in the market for that style but it sounds like the Gretsch G2420T is a really nice guitar for the money if one wants that “Gretsch” sound.
5420t pod każdym względem jest lepsza. Sound zbliżony do Falcon. Osprzęt dużo lepszej klasy i wykonanie dużo lepsze. A twierdząc że nie widzisz większej różnicy po
Prostu jesteś niesłyszący. Bigsby nie rostraja gitary w takim stopniu jak to przedstawiłeś. Ja nie posiadam problemu z utrzymaniem stroju strun. Gorąco polecam g5420t mam tę gitarę i ją kocham.
Good demo Phil - thanks for sharing the info.
"Inexpensive Stepsister" - whoops!
(it doesn't sound any better even if you said "Expensive Stepsister" either. . . )
The Electromatic has a cleaner more crisp sound to it.
Nut had same issue on my streamliner... after a bunch of graphite all was good.
'T' stands for tremolo ... even though it's a vibrato - oh well , we can blame Fender for the mix-up decades ago ...... the Sreamliner sounds kind a bit more muffled and it looked like it was on the bridge pickup - I suppose some adventurous buyers might put some new pickups in that if they wanted more chime (maybe even a couple more affordable GFS ones). Might be a good modding guitar
Would you mind explaining the issue with the G nut slot and why that happens?
Also, just got one of these and I already love it. Fun to watch this review, thanks for the video
Because nut slot is too tight. When you bend usually you pull string in. When you release string doesnt get back to where it was because slot catches it. You need to widen the slot or lubricate it so string slides trough it more freely.
@@SatyrProds Makes sense, thanks! Can a tight nut slot also cause strings to break when detuning? I've had that happen a few times while changing strings - loosening them before cutting. Always wondered why it happens...
@@ringosteve21 if it breaks where nut is than it could be that nut is too sharp. Check where it breaks. If in middle than thats not it. If near bridge than bridge moght be too sharp. Its possible to dull them to skme extent. But not all. Telecaster bridge is known to snap strings.
@@SatyrProds Thanks!
would look so cool with black sides, maybe also the back and neck too,
Very nice. I guess one should have both guitars on their wall.
Hi Phil,
I noticed that you mentioned that the 5420T you have is the newer model, but I just saw another video that explains 5420T with the thumb nial inlay is the newer model.
This was before the newest Electromatic models with the thumbnails. The original Es had thumbnails with the pups from the Streamliner. The middle version had clouds and Blacktop Filtertron pups. The newest Es have thumbnails and Filtertrons. So depending on when you see this his comments may be accurate but out of date.
Hope that helps!
I have the middle version from 2015 IMO the most beautiful of them all.
Great review Phil!!! I'm swinging daily between the 5420t and 2420t or do I hold out for a 6series.but this review was super helpful
Your review format is the best!
O have a gold dust streamliner with the bigsby and it is awesome. With elixirs on it it's a dream.
Very cool. I had a 1963 Streamliner for several decades, and it is amazing to see these modern guitars selling for what they did in the early 1970s...except a dollar was worth about SEVEN of today's "dollars". I had bought a Stratocaster a few years before, and loved the way it plays, but you have so much control out of the hollow body Gretsch and Gibson guitars.
Keep this stuff coming.
Always a great watch mate👍🎸🇦🇺. From Australia 🍻🍻
Great comparison, thank you
They are beating Ibanez at the game. I bought myself an Artcore in December and have hated it for 2 months straight. Took it to Guitar center and walked out with a G2420T. Couldn't be happier. Can't speak as to how they stack up against Epiphone.
T stands for Bigsby. Love it!
I recommend always upgrading the pickups in a cheaper priced guitar...Unless, on the rare chance they are actually really good pickups.
If, you buy a low priced Gretsch, just splurge for the TV Jones. If, you play in your living room all by yourself, don't worry about it then...keep the stock ones.
It matters when you play live or against a wall of sound with other instruments.
The streamliner has a super muddy cheap un-gretschy sound.. The Electromatic however sounds great; love the clarity and energy and twang in it. Hate the streamliner.
Phil, I think I prefer the Electromatic, though.