Went into guitar shop, had about 1k to spend. Played everything. All the Les Paul ephihpnes, sgs, Mexican strats, etc. The Gretch line felt like absolute magic. Ended up with the gretsch orange and can't keep that thing down.
I bought the 6120 Setzer Smoke a couple years ago and it's been my main guitar for just about everything I do. From jazz to punk, my 6120 is my go to guitar. So yea, it's a very versatile guitar. I've noticed that I definitely have a different approach to playing when I use my Gretsch compared to my Gibson SG, but I find myself playing way better because of it. Whether it's lead or rhythm, I find myself firmly in the Gretsch camp. I wouldn't be surprised if my 6120 is the last guitar I'll ever buy.
Wow, I can't stop being impressed by your playing, Paul. So effortless and clean! If you've not already(in a video I maybe couldn't find?), please let us know in detail how you learned guitar. Maybe you tell us about some milestones you achieved in the sense of technique etc. Some tips/trick would be also highly appreciated 😉 Keep it up!
Great video. A couple of years ago I ended up trading a Gibson ES339 for a Gretsch DuoJet with TV Jones FilterTrons. I love it. I was planning on getting an LP instead. But the Gretsch is great. I also dig the PRS. I have Porter Pickups in my CU24 and it really sings. Thanks for the demo!
Textural sound is exactly what I'm after. Radiohead is one of my biggest influences, and I've just decided to put together a home studio to record a bit of stuff for myself. I've got my audio interface, mics, an acoustic guitar, a bass, and all that was missing was an electric, which I sadly don't have after my prize Japanese Tele getting lost overseas. My father has come to the rescue by deciding to send me a very similar spec to what you're showing Gretsch hollow that he had at home for a bit of his own practice playing. Looking forward to getting my hands on it!
Outstanding review Paul. As ever your honest about pros & cons. I love a Bigsby on any guitar IMO a guitar is naked without one. The secret to string change on a Bigsby is use a capo to hold the strings in place. You clearly point out that it will not go out of tune with a Bigsby. I never have tuning issues with a Bigsby often the issue is that even very experienced players still have no idea how to re string a guitar properly. In addition being in tune accurately is essential particularly, I’m sure most players just don’t invest enough in their tuners. I often walk into sessions with other guitarists and they will have tuned using an off the shelf tuner which will reflect their tuning and intonation as bang on. I always rely on my Peterson tuner often other players are taken aback when I invite them to use the strobe based tuner which reflects tuning much more accurately. I must admit I do love Gretsch guitars. I only have 2 a 1990 roundup & a Bo Diddley. Both are chambered opposed to hollow hence, I’ve never experienced neck dive issues. I’ve just ordered some of your new swag to support the channel. Keep up the hard work.
On Reverb you can buy upgrades for your American made Bigsby just type "Callaham Upgrade" and most of it will show up. You can tear apart your Bigsby and make it string thru with his upgrades. Plus on the cheaper side you can add a Vibramate String Spoiler to your Bigsby and achieve about the same thing. They come in many different finishes. Just shop around prices fluctuate bad on the Vibromate.
Filtertron, and dynasonics for that matter, are killer with gain. I'd love one of their semis or a duo jet with a filtertron bridge and dyna neck combo.
A pair of needle-nose pliers reliably takes half an hour off the process of changing strings on a Bigsby-equipped Gretsch. Great relief when I discovered this.
Yep, they are definitely not one-trick ponies. The 'Setzer Hot Rods are nice (I had one for a while in 2008 & 2009 - mine didn't have the cheesy truss rod cover yours has), but I went even further - I'm a Country Club nut! I've had both the Dynasonics pickup loaded versions over the years, and the FilterTron loaded versions. My current Country Club is a 2005 with FilterTrons. Great tones, and not just of the stereotypical twangy/rockabilly type - more what I call "beefy twang", due to it having some bottom end to it. With the right amp settings you can do smoky jazz, driving alt-rock sounds, and even great sounding metal (and I do mean modern metal) - just watch the feedback (no problem for me - I played a Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion for years in the 90s in a heavy rock band, and learned how to deal with feedback). The good thing - it's a different sound, which is what I want for an electric guitar (I got bored of the typical Strat, Tele, Les Paul, etc. guitar sounds).
I have a 6120 RHH and LOVE it. While you certainly have to be very precise with your live setup (plexi in front of amps etc.) these guitars can certainly be used live with aggressive gain. I think Dean Fertita has proved that with his White Falcon playing with Dead Weather. Nothing jangly and clean there.
Hi Paul, I was wondering on any suggestions you might have to try to dial in the tone you had around the 6:10 to 6:50 mark on a Boss Katana. I have a Gretsch and would love to get to close to that. Thanks as always for the great playing and video!
Hi Paul, very nice video describing A Gretsch Guitar. I just bought myself a G5420T. Can you please tell me the exact settings with your amplifier you had set for this particular video? I'm using a MARSHALL MG50FX amp, and ho do you make your sustain/reverb so long? Thanks
I was lucky enough to aquire a Gretsch Hot Rod last year, the ebony fretboard is the best I've played, and the guitar sounds so good matched to my Fender Twin!
I have heard many people some even luthiers complain about stringing a Bigsby. I have a Gretsch 5422-12 string and it takes much more time to string than my Gretsch Country Classic (formerly called a Country Gentleman).
The edge used a similair gretch on the unforgettable fire album, pride in the name of love is one track you can hear it, he plays it in the video. I’m surprised at how much gain and also how good it sounds.
Wow. Incredible playing and amazing tone. Do you dial in the amps differently for the Gretsch or leave your settings the same for each guitar? I’ve found my Gretsch to be slightly darker sounding. Great videos, keep it up. Love your playing and tone.
incredible guitar. Stuff some foam in the F holes or cover them with packing tape and Live is a go. Ive done it. Dont worry the tape comes off just fine even though it makes me nervous its no problem at all
I rally miss my 2622/5622 that I had for a while. Center blocks and literally the most comfortable necks I've played out of the box. Now...I'm totally forgetting why I got rid of them. Probably GAS and me being dumb on reverb......Lovely sounds here sir!
I have an off topic question concerning my TAE and my GT1000. I was wondering if a modified 4 cable idea would work. The connections for my idea are as follows. My guitar into the GT1000, the effects send of the GT1000 into the front input of my amp, the left main output of the GT1000 into the return of the TAE effects loop, and finally the return of the GT1000 to the send of the TAE effects loop. In this way I figured that the GT1000 effects that I want to go into the front of the amp would do so, and the time based effects of the GT1000 would be placed in the effects loop of the TAE. This way the time based effects of the GT1000 would come after the amp signal, just like the effects that are built into the TAE. Does this sound like a feasable idea? Please let me know what you think. :)
I have a mint 2000 Epiphone Ace Frehley that I bought new many years ago. I hardly ever play it and I've been thinking of selling it and buying a Gretsch Rat Rod. Should I or shouldn't I? I'm more a blues rock kind of guy and I already have a flying V and a Strat, so I'm things a Gretsch would be a nice addition and more versatile than the Epi Ace.
That Gretsch has more personality and interesting tone than any PRS I've ever heard or played. I still don't get the PRS thing, by comparison, it's pretty ordinary, pretty to look at but nothing special sound wise, to my ears.
I’m with you there-I’ve never understood the appeal of PRS guitars. I have a Gretsch Broadkaster jr, several Gibsons and fenders and I’ve never played a PRS that I liked better than any of ‘em.
Pete Townshend has used a 1958 Gretsch 6120 that was given to him by Joe Walsh. He has used it on every studio recording since half way into the making of Tommy. He say's it's the most versatile guitar he has ever owned. And he uses it on "everything" he records in the studio.
WHEN I FIRST SAW THIS GUITAR IN ANOTHER VIDEO, I THOUGHT THE SAME THING ABOUT THE TRUST ROD COVER. THOUGHT, IF I WERE TO GET THIS GUITAR, I'D CHANGE THAT THING OUT. CHEESY LOOKING AND CHEAPEN'S THE LOOK. I ALSO HATE SIGNATURES ON MY GUITARS FRONT OR BACK OR ANYWHERE.
@@Meditech509 That's only true in movies, I have "neurotic guitar disease", it's a longing to own and play guitars, strats, teles, knowing they are uncomfortable.
Went into guitar shop, had about 1k to spend. Played everything. All the Les Paul ephihpnes, sgs, Mexican strats, etc. The Gretch line felt like absolute magic. Ended up with the gretsch orange and can't keep that thing down.
I was waiting for this! Great stuff Paul! I've got the G5420TG and I love it :)
Cheers, Dave
Good choice!
You know what they say, Once you go Gretsch you never go back! I love my Streamliner G2420 *non bigsby* in Brooklyn Burst
Your playing is so neat and tidy and you really know tone , brilliant vid dude
I bought the 6120 Setzer Smoke a couple years ago and it's been my main guitar for just about everything I do. From jazz to punk, my 6120 is my go to guitar. So yea, it's a very versatile guitar. I've noticed that I definitely have a different approach to playing when I use my Gretsch compared to my Gibson SG, but I find myself playing way better because of it. Whether it's lead or rhythm, I find myself firmly in the Gretsch camp. I wouldn't be surprised if my 6120 is the last guitar I'll ever buy.
I own two Gretsches, buying a third one and hunting down an orange 1970's Gretsch. They are GREAT guitars!
Wow, I can't stop being impressed by your playing, Paul. So effortless and clean!
If you've not already(in a video I maybe couldn't find?), please let us know in detail how you learned guitar. Maybe you tell us about some milestones you achieved in the sense of technique etc. Some tips/trick would be also highly appreciated 😉
Keep it up!
Cheers! I was really fortunate to have lessons from Guthrie Govan for a while, if you want to see great technique check him out.
I’ve a 1989 Gretsch 6120G...Amazing for country & Rockabilly
Nice, where was that one made?
Japan
Great video. A couple of years ago I ended up trading a Gibson ES339 for a Gretsch DuoJet with TV Jones FilterTrons. I love it. I was planning on getting an LP instead. But the Gretsch is great.
I also dig the PRS. I have Porter Pickups in my CU24 and it really sings.
Thanks for the demo!
I have an Gibson R9 and a gretsch black falcon. The falcon is my number one for live and studio, sounds beautiful, cuts through the mix.
Nice guitars!
Textural sound is exactly what I'm after. Radiohead is one of my biggest influences, and I've just decided to put together a home studio to record a bit of stuff for myself. I've got my audio interface, mics, an acoustic guitar, a bass, and all that was missing was an electric, which I sadly don't have after my prize Japanese Tele getting lost overseas. My father has come to the rescue by deciding to send me a very similar spec to what you're showing Gretsch hollow that he had at home for a bit of his own practice playing. Looking forward to getting my hands on it!
Owner of a Setzer Hot Rod here. The damn thing does it all and looks great doing it..
Outstanding review Paul. As ever your honest about pros & cons. I love a Bigsby on any guitar IMO a guitar is naked without one. The secret to string change on a Bigsby is use a capo to hold the strings in place. You clearly point out that it will not go out of tune with a Bigsby. I never have tuning issues with a Bigsby often the issue is that even very experienced players still have no idea how to re string a guitar properly. In addition being in tune accurately is essential particularly, I’m sure most players just don’t invest enough in their tuners. I often walk into sessions with other guitarists and they will have tuned using an off the shelf tuner which will reflect their tuning and intonation as bang on. I always rely on my Peterson tuner often other players are taken aback when I invite them to use the strobe based tuner which reflects tuning much more accurately.
I must admit I do love Gretsch guitars. I only have 2 a 1990 roundup & a Bo Diddley. Both are chambered opposed to hollow hence, I’ve never experienced neck dive issues. I’ve just ordered some of your new swag to support the channel. Keep up the hard work.
On Reverb you can buy upgrades for your American made Bigsby just type "Callaham Upgrade" and most of it will show up. You can tear apart your Bigsby and make it string thru with his upgrades. Plus on the cheaper side you can add a Vibramate String Spoiler to your Bigsby and achieve about the same thing. They come in many different finishes. Just shop around prices fluctuate bad on the Vibromate.
Filtertron, and dynasonics for that matter, are killer with gain. I'd love one of their semis or a duo jet with a filtertron bridge and dyna neck combo.
The Dynasonics are the best single coil pickup made !
I’ve never tried them, one of my jobs this year.
@@fposmith i would say toasters are a close second
A pair of needle-nose pliers reliably takes half an hour off the process of changing strings on a Bigsby-equipped Gretsch. Great relief when I discovered this.
Nice tip cheers James.
The Brian Setzer is deeper bodied. and has the toggle switches 'back to front' as opposed to the normal 6120.
Yep, they are definitely not one-trick ponies. The 'Setzer Hot Rods are nice (I had one for a while in 2008 & 2009 - mine didn't have the cheesy truss rod cover yours has), but I went even further - I'm a Country Club nut! I've had both the Dynasonics pickup loaded versions over the years, and the FilterTron loaded versions. My current Country Club is a 2005 with FilterTrons. Great tones, and not just of the stereotypical twangy/rockabilly type - more what I call "beefy twang", due to it having some bottom end to it. With the right amp settings you can do smoky jazz, driving alt-rock sounds, and even great sounding metal (and I do mean modern metal) - just watch the feedback (no problem for me - I played a Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion for years in the 90s in a heavy rock band, and learned how to deal with feedback). The good thing - it's a different sound, which is what I want for an electric guitar (I got bored of the typical Strat, Tele, Les Paul, etc. guitar sounds).
I have a 6120 RHH and LOVE it. While you certainly have to be very precise with your live setup (plexi in front of amps etc.) these guitars can certainly be used live with aggressive gain. I think Dean Fertita has proved that with his White Falcon playing with Dead Weather. Nothing jangly and clean there.
Hi Paul, I was wondering on any suggestions you might have to try to dial in the tone you had around the 6:10 to 6:50 mark on a Boss Katana. I have a Gretsch and would love to get to close to that. Thanks as always for the great playing and video!
Have a look at one of my preset packs on our website. It’s all about driving the front end and using compression.
Hi Paul, very nice video describing A Gretsch Guitar. I just bought myself a G5420T. Can you please tell me the exact settings with your amplifier you had set for this particular video? I'm using a MARSHALL MG50FX amp, and ho do you make your sustain/reverb so long? Thanks
I was lucky enough to aquire a Gretsch Hot Rod last year, the ebony fretboard is the best I've played, and the guitar sounds so good matched to my Fender Twin!
Great review by the way. And your playing was fantastic.
Cheers Malcolm.
I have heard many people some even luthiers complain about stringing a Bigsby. I have a Gretsch 5422-12 string and it takes much more time to string than my Gretsch Country Classic (formerly called a Country Gentleman).
The edge used a similair gretch on the unforgettable fire album, pride in the name of love is one track you can hear it, he plays it in the video. I’m surprised at how much gain and also how good it sounds.
Wow. Incredible playing and amazing tone. Do you dial in the amps differently for the Gretsch or leave your settings the same for each guitar? I’ve found my Gretsch to be slightly darker sounding. Great videos, keep it up. Love your playing and tone.
Cheers! I try to leave the amps more or less the same. Try lowering your neck pickup, mine was too dark until I did that.
incredible guitar. Stuff some foam in the F holes or cover them with packing tape and Live is a go. Ive done it. Dont worry the tape comes off just fine even though it makes me nervous its no problem at all
I rally miss my 2622/5622 that I had for a while. Center blocks and literally the most comfortable necks I've played out of the box. Now...I'm totally forgetting why I got rid of them. Probably GAS and me being dumb on reverb......Lovely sounds here sir!
Cheers, yep we are all guilty of that.
Beautiful guitar, would like more knobs to twist though...
I have an off topic question concerning my TAE and my GT1000. I was wondering if a modified 4 cable idea would work. The connections for my idea are as follows. My guitar into the GT1000, the effects send of the GT1000 into the front input of my amp, the left main output of the GT1000 into the return of the TAE effects loop, and finally the return of the GT1000 to the send of the TAE effects loop. In this way I figured that the GT1000 effects that I want to go into the front of the amp would do so, and the time based effects of the GT1000 would be placed in the effects loop of the TAE. This way the time based effects of the GT1000 would come after the amp signal, just like the effects that are built into the TAE. Does this sound like a feasable idea? Please let me know what you think. :)
Love gretsch! What are you playing through? Kemper? Amp? Thanks!
It was a Boss GT1000
I have a mint 2000 Epiphone Ace Frehley that I bought new many years ago. I hardly ever play it and I've been thinking of selling it and buying a Gretsch Rat Rod. Should I or shouldn't I? I'm more a blues rock kind of guy and I already have a flying V and a Strat, so I'm things a Gretsch would be a nice addition and more versatile than the Epi Ace.
Sounds great
get a VibraMate for the Bigsby....simple thing but makes it SO much easier to string up.
Nice tip cheers.
got a 6118 smoke green with Brian seltzer pu
Great vid.
That Gretsch has more personality and interesting tone than any PRS I've ever heard or played. I still don't get the PRS thing, by comparison, it's pretty ordinary, pretty to look at but nothing special sound wise, to my ears.
I hear ya.
I’m with you there-I’ve never understood the appeal of PRS guitars. I have a Gretsch Broadkaster jr, several Gibsons and fenders and I’ve never played a PRS that I liked better than any of ‘em.
I cant shred on Gretch geets, but Paul sure can
Cheers Lando!
Pete Townshend used one in one or two every famous instantly recognizable intro's.
Pete Townshend has used a 1958 Gretsch 6120 that was given to him by Joe Walsh. He has used it on every studio recording since half way into the making of Tommy. He say's it's the most versatile guitar he has ever owned. And he uses it on "everything" he records in the studio.
👍 very nice!
Thanks for the visit
what are you useing for your sound that im hearing?thanks
If you mean amps, a divided by 13 rsa and a Marshall jubilee and a boss gt1000. All separately
What year is this guitar?
A wooden truss cover would look awesome!!!
Yeah I need to sort that!
WHEN I FIRST SAW THIS GUITAR IN ANOTHER VIDEO, I THOUGHT THE SAME THING ABOUT THE TRUST ROD COVER. THOUGHT, IF I WERE TO GET THIS GUITAR, I'D CHANGE THAT THING OUT. CHEESY LOOKING AND CHEAPEN'S THE LOOK. I ALSO HATE SIGNATURES ON MY GUITARS FRONT OR BACK OR ANYWHERE.
Wait. Can you shred on a Gretsch? I mean are you actually allowed to?
Not in 23 states.
If Andre the Giant played guitar...
Hours? Jesus!
Just because a Gretsch has a nice Bigsby doesn’t mean one needs to keep using it constantly.
I Don’t tell you how to play Boris.
Hideous color.
It doesn't look comfortable for a Hobbit person like myself to play.
Setzer is only 5'8. You'll be fine. You won't regret getting one.
@@Meditech509 But I'm 5'5".
@@hanskung3278 get the 6120 its smaller.
Besides, nothing can stop a determined Hobbit.
@@Meditech509 That's only true in movies, I have "neurotic guitar disease", it's a longing to own and play guitars, strats, teles, knowing they are uncomfortable.