Gretsch Pro vs Gretsch Electromatic Guitars

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  • Опубликовано: 16 сен 2024
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Комментарии • 341

  • @tommymaguire3605
    @tommymaguire3605 8 лет назад +158

    Dude! You are a joy to watch. No ego, no bullshit, just intelligent info. I wish I could buy you a beer.

    • @MarshMallowMarauder
      @MarshMallowMarauder 8 лет назад +11

      You could - look into ChangeTip if you're serious! Great way to send people tips over the Internet :)

    • @Mr.56Goldtop
      @Mr.56Goldtop 2 года назад

      @@MarshMallowMarauder if everybody bought him a beer that wanted to he'd be an alcoholic!

  • @wherebandshaman
    @wherebandshaman 8 лет назад +169

    You're such an honest, intellectual, and unbiased reviewer. That's why I come to your channel for advice on gear.

  • @w1zard0f0h
    @w1zard0f0h 3 года назад +23

    You should do an update with the newer Electromatic.

  • @brianmcpartland3983
    @brianmcpartland3983 8 лет назад +15

    Phillip, I have to compliment you on your ability to speak so well extemporaneously. You are an excellent communicator.

  • @markbader4942
    @markbader4942 8 лет назад +46

    You also might remember that the orginal Gretsch factory burned down after it closed. Randy Bachman (The Guess Who, BTO, etc) had amassed a huge collection of Gretsch guitars over the years, and he donated a bunch of prime examples of the company's guitars for measurements and specs that were used when the company re-opened. I also heard that Bachman donated the instruments permanently, and there's a Grestch museum somewhere where most of these donated guitars can be seen.

    • @jordanpearce8079
      @jordanpearce8079 5 лет назад +3

      Mark Bader At the time Randy had 385 Gretsch guitars. All Randy asked was he got to keep one of each type of Gretsch(White Falcon, Penguin, Chet Atkins model, etc..) He gave all the rest to Gretsch just like you said.

    • @sl5932
      @sl5932 Год назад +2

      Interesting. IMO rock stars tend to be very self absorbed and not too generous in spirit. Sure, they occasionally do big events with their friends for causes they deem worthy and want cost them friends and bask in the limelight. But what Randy did comes from a really good place.

  • @comicsrcool5483
    @comicsrcool5483 8 лет назад +4

    Thank you once again for the great videos Phillip. I own an Electromatic(Hoping to have two soon. I LOVE the new blacktop Filtertrons) and a Pro Series. I love to take the Electromatic out to open stages and jams and such, but am hesitant to do that with the Pro. The best part is when people rave about how the Electro gets that great GRETSCH sound! Like you I can hear the difference, but all I know is when I am playing my Electromatic I am playing a Gretsch!

  • @pnutbutrncrackers
    @pnutbutrncrackers 7 лет назад +1

    I love, love, LOVE the way Chet Atkins's Gretsch sounded on his beautiful "Wildwood Flower". So warm, so gentle.

  • @kirkscobey3031
    @kirkscobey3031 4 года назад +1

    Late to this conversation. I own a Electromatic 5220 with broad trim pickups. I must say I love it much more than my Epiphone and Fenders.. Has its own voice and can rock or not. Hits them all with a classy vibe. Now using walnut in the necks.

    • @kirkscobey3031
      @kirkscobey3031 4 года назад

      Sorry broadtron pickups ... Auto correct sucks

  • @lighttouchchiropractic9605
    @lighttouchchiropractic9605 8 лет назад +14

    they have made some improvements on the 2016 Electromatics

  • @ThisisDustin
    @ThisisDustin 7 лет назад +5

    I own two electronics and a pro and the pick ups make all difference. I actually use my Tim Armstrong more than the pro series.

  • @SolidRockBluesBand
    @SolidRockBluesBand 7 лет назад +7

    Nice, good review. I own the Electromatic, but I can see one reason for the price difference -- The Pro's are made in Japan and, as you said, more-or-less build by hand. That makes a big difference in production costs. The pro sound is killer though, but the lady won't let me spend that much on yet another guitar ;)

    • @daveyponderosa9549
      @daveyponderosa9549 2 года назад +1

      Hahahaha
      Same story here Pal, the struggle is real.

  • @nofriendtojesus
    @nofriendtojesus 7 лет назад +10

    I own a 5420 and a Brian setzer 6120. I can say that there is very little difference between the two. The pro has better tuners, pickups, and electronics but other than that I can not tell much of a difference. If money is a issue for you, you would be better off buying a electromatic and buying new electronics and pups. On one hand it's great that you get such a great value for the 5420. But very disappointing when you spend 3 grand on a pro and it's not much better.

    • @dowaliby1
      @dowaliby1 5 лет назад

      @Michael Jenkins - I can understand your frustration. I own an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro (black with gold hardware), which I picked up new for under $700, and (with no mods at all), I prefer it to my new Gibson Les Paul Studio costing me twice as much. I have been wanting to get a Gretch semi-hollow body probably the G5622T (love the orange one!). I see that the wonderful TV Jones replacement pickups would cost about $275 for a pair. It seems the way to go would be to buy an Electromatic and put those pickups in. Then, for well under half the cost, I would have a guitar as good or almost as good as its big brother. What do you think? Also, I was wondering, do you encounter problems staying in tune with either of your Gretch guitars?

  • @ThePosingPensioner111
    @ThePosingPensioner111 6 лет назад +3

    Thanks Phil superb as usual 👍🏻 Just to add I did own an Electromatic & can definitely say the build quality & finish for the price are excellent so buy with confidence. I will be getting another Electromatic soon but the thinner double cutaway model. Plus pickups/nut etc. can be upgraded when funds allow, just chucking that in if the excellent Pro series is outside your budget. Keep rocking guys 😎

  • @TassieLorenzo
    @TassieLorenzo 8 лет назад +12

    Those black-top filtertrons are so much better than the Gretschbuckers that used to come on the Electromatics, it's not even funny! :) I think the electromatics with the black-top filtertrons sound great... really has lifted the "budget" electromatic series up from where it was before about a decade ago. :) One thing Phillip glosses over a bit I think is how the Electromatics continue on and sort of combine the former Electromatic & Historic Korean-made budget lines from the pre-Fender Gretsch. :)

    • @robertwest9643
      @robertwest9643 8 лет назад +1

      This is what I've been wondering about too. I have one with those completely sterile sounding humbuckers in it. I'm getting that it's worth the upgrade, maybe even just to the blacktops (~$60 Ive seen). Just haven't taken it apart to see if it's as easy as just dropping in and soldering the new ones in...

    • @maxti6
      @maxti6 7 лет назад

      Robert Jon West You may find the pickup holes filled much with whatever the top was coated with. My 2006 CY built Electromatic had to be cleaned up a bit to get the P-90's in it

    • @Blaydrnnnr
      @Blaydrnnnr 7 лет назад +4

      Think about TV Jones pick ups. Gretsch started installing them a few years back on some models because they were so good. TV makes them as direct replacements, in any Gretsch style from the past, that you like. Classics, Powertrons, etc.

    • @mattgilbert7347
      @mattgilbert7347 6 лет назад

      Agree!

  • @tonehunter29
    @tonehunter29 8 лет назад +4

    Great video Phil! Thanks for doing it! Definitely can tell a difference in tone when the two are compared side by side. Who knew such small features would make such a difference. But for $3k you can get two American Fenders!

  • @johndurban2204
    @johndurban2204 6 лет назад

    Hi Phil, great appraisal. Thanks for your honesty. Just to mention that Gretsch are known for mixing-up the recipe and there are all manner of variants from the past that are available. I have a 2007 5124 Electromatic which came with D'Armond 2000 pickups and Kluson-style tuners and I think it is truly awesome. I bought it second-hand as a sort-of financial stepping-stone towards a 6120 to see if it was my thing and it most definitely is! I love it and have no intention of replacing it now.

  • @logicnotfeelings3835
    @logicnotfeelings3835 5 лет назад +1

    In my opinion, the comparison between the two when it comes to tone (beginning at the 7:47 mark) clearly shows the superior sound of the Pro series vs. the Electromatic. Thank you.

  • @dalepal
    @dalepal 8 лет назад +2

    Thanks for the explanation of the similarities and differences between the Gretsch Pro and Electromatic.

  • @evilcowboy
    @evilcowboy 5 лет назад +1

    Gretsch is usually a surprising guitar to anyone who picks one up. You just don't expect the range you get out of them. I got to admit the 3 volume knobs was new to me, I got a gutted one and it was pretty easy to figure out the wiring and I thought about putting the tone selector on it but decided against it. Honestly it is the only guitar that I had no real complaints about the cheap line they use to put out although getting a cheap guitar that is utterly junk is somewhat unheard of today since a lot of companies upped quality control so it seems gone are the days of trying to get by with one less screw and a sloppy neck pocket (yes I am talking to you Fender with your 3 bolt plate and sloppy neck pocket).
    The Gretsch I owned was the only guitar I regretted selling next to my Michael Kelly Custom Valor.
    The 50's style chord progression you did really lets you really hear the guitar and kind of throws it back to its hay day.
    Great guitars, no complaints from me on my extremely cheap one (it was free), it was caked in dirt, missing the bridge pickup, missing the master volume and the knob, the jack input, had stickers all over it. When it was given to me the person thought I was going to be using the parts but I couldn't resist fixing it. I ended up getting that, an LTD ESP Viper-50 and a Fernandes Dragonfly made in the late 90's (I was really impressed by the quality of that one too) all for free. I've never owned a Fernandes I was really surprised the guitar had a quilted maple top and the cut for the neck pocket is weird but I can see where they were going with it.
    So I got the guitars yesterday and I got the Gretsch working perfectly. The only things other than replace the missing parts was wash it off, remove stickers, level, crown and polish the frets, solder everything and set it up. To me the fact I got it done in less than a day I feel like I am doing pretty good. Next is the LTD (the easier one of all 3) and finally the Fernandes (will take a bit due to missing tuner knobs).
    Great video it showcases the Gretsch very well.

  • @somebodyelseuk
    @somebodyelseuk 8 лет назад +6

    I own a 5420, but I'm not what I'd call a 'Gretsch player'. The build quality is excellent. I think if you're a real Gretsch-head, the details matter enough to pay up. The sound...? An EQ pedal or pickup change will sort that, but let's face it, there are some real pro quality, budget end Strat-a-likes available these days, but for some reason we still perform better with a 'name' on the head.

  • @MrLespaul1963
    @MrLespaul1963 8 лет назад +13

    I do hear a difference but to my ear what I hear in either case still says Gretsch to my ears. Perhaps not the best analogy, but it's the difference between a contemporary Gibson Les Paul and a Gibson SG. Both definitely Gibson solid body, humbucker equipped guitars that while different are definitely Gibson solid body instruments. In a conceptually similar manner do these two Gretsch lines sound to me. Now as to feel, I haven't played them side by side, but when presented with the opportunity, I'll make that assessment. Thank you Phil for the review.

  • @ericandreeatingachickenwin2140
    @ericandreeatingachickenwin2140 8 лет назад +11

    So just change the pickups on the electromatic and it'll get you in the ballpark if tone is what you're after. Im not dropping $2500 on a duo jet when i can throw good pickups in a $400 pro jet and it'll get me close to the duo jet's sound.

    • @aaron.s.robinson
      @aaron.s.robinson 8 лет назад +6

      That's basically how guitar companies work. Lol same with fender and Epiphone. Put new electronics in and you pretty much get the top of the line stuff. Just - the bragging rights. And that's all too important for people.

    • @TooLooze
      @TooLooze 8 лет назад +1

      To me, the Electro felt flimsier than the pro, moreso than a MIM Strat compared to a USA. But you are correct about the PUPs and definitely a better nut. Sometimes Gretsch PUPs are odd sizes. Some Epis are very close to Gibson; sometimes they aren't nearly as good. Nothing better than playing both and then deciding. My two cents, anyway.

    • @mattgilbert7347
      @mattgilbert7347 6 лет назад

      Yup

    • @kckennedy55
      @kckennedy55 6 лет назад +2

      Contrary to popular belief, changing pickups will not get you there. I guess you missed the info about ebony as opposed to rosewood. Also the Pro has a thinner top. But of course, none of that matters. Just change the pickups and your crap ass Electromatic will sound like a REAL handmade Gretsch!

    • @bryannash1668
      @bryannash1668 6 лет назад +4

      kckennedy55 u mad bro

  • @profkeenan
    @profkeenan 6 лет назад

    Here's what I do/did and it worked. I got a 5120 and did some work on it. New frets was the main expense. But pinning the bridge and tuners etc... really helped. Now, its amazing and plays incredible. I've owned it about 10 years and I have yet to play a gig that people didn't ask me about my guitar. The Korean build is brilliant-think Japanese Stratocaster from the 1980's . For 1K, you can have an incredible, incredible guitar. I've used it as a slide tuned and rigged with 13s in a rock band all the way to what I do now (jazz) with the bigsby replaced. Just my experience but I can say this is a guitar you can start cheap and build up.

    • @profkeenan
      @profkeenan 6 лет назад

      Oh yeah, great review! I should have said that first.

  • @metocvideo
    @metocvideo 2 года назад

    Great comparison, thanks. I play an Electromatic, a 5420 which is the same that you demo’d. I have upgraded the pickups to TV Jones ones, which are a drop in replacement and reproduce the high end Filtertron sound perfectly, he also makes the Alnico pickups found on the player series. The cost of upgrading the pickups, tuners and bridge (I put in a genuine Gretch bar type bridge that works well with the Bigsby) and not I have a guitar that is pretty much top spec at a fraction of the cost. I love my Gretsch, and thank the company for selling this “mid-range” guitar ($750) that is so close to the $3000 models

  • @DavidKestler
    @DavidKestler 8 лет назад +1

    awesome presentation. I started Fender so I felt like I was cheating on my girl when I got a SG. My grandpa left me his 59 Gretsch Chet Atkins series guitar and I am in love with that sound. Rock a billy, swing, jazz, punk, country it all works on it. Just hard to bring it out for I hate sweating over losing it so I hide her. But oh she is sweet. Thanks for giving the details on the difference of the two types.
    Dave

  • @MoonDoggie999
    @MoonDoggie999 8 лет назад +1

    Really appreciated both this vid and the other one with the streamliner. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on these great Gretsches.

  • @rivercity3908
    @rivercity3908 4 года назад

    What an excellent explanation of the differences. Thank you! Truly helps in my Gretsch hunt.

  • @BirdRockin
    @BirdRockin 2 года назад

    about to pull the trigger and buy my first Gretsch. Thank you for this review Phil!

  • @buddyluuv4644
    @buddyluuv4644 6 лет назад

    I'm new to Gretsch guitars & I've tried a few & the Electromatic G5445T is the winner. Using a Mesa Boogie Dual Caliber DC-10 amp clean channel with a Boss Metal Zone pedal it sounds unique. Different from Gibson & Fender which is what I want on certain songs. I plan to get one next. What an amazing sonic piece of work Dr. Smith

  • @lone-wolf-1
    @lone-wolf-1 5 лет назад

    Thank you Phil! You're a master at explaining stuff and pointing out differencies and similarities! Greetz from Deutschland

  • @doghammerbiscuit
    @doghammerbiscuit 6 лет назад +1

    Very helpful and enjoyable review, Phil. Thanks.

  • @barrychristiansen4579
    @barrychristiansen4579 6 лет назад

    Like your loyality through out all your vids. i've been fortunate enough to have seen . open honest most usually to the point and personable. Love your stuff. Phillip! Cheers!

  • @buckwilliams2234
    @buckwilliams2234 8 лет назад +1

    Hey nice comparison! I also have both; 2013 6120(am) and orange Electromatic 5420. Back in the early 80's I had an original (1962) 6118 Double Anniversary which I sold to buy a... drum machine! Wanting to relive my youth, I was going to buy a new (-ish) 6118 but I was won over by the looks of the 6120am (known as the 'Prom Queen' in Gretsch circles!). As much as I love my 6120, the 5420 gives it a good run for the money. For me the 5420 falls down on the fretboard (ebony v rosewood), tuners and the electrics/ pickups. The pots are very on/off with the 5420 ie seems like all of the control is within the last 5% of the turn. Then again, look at the price! The 5420, Black-Top pickups are supposed to be a re-make of the old Baldwin pickups. They don't sound bad but I find them thin-sounding in comparison to the standard filtertrons on the 6120. If anything, I think they sound more glassy and TV Jones-esqe. Bottom line is, if I lost my 6120 (please don't let that happen!), I probably wouldn't replace it. Instead, I would just change out some stuff on the 5420 and keep that as my 'Gretsch' (and possibly get a second one with the insurance money!).
    Thanks for sharing.

  • @bjl4433
    @bjl4433 6 лет назад

    Thanks so much for the review. I just got a used 2015 Korean made Electromatic. It is so much lighter than a Swingster Epi I had and when I saw the Gretsch (I love Gretsch) I traded it on the spot for the weight difference alone, with some trepidation,. But I'm so happy with it and I remembered seeing this review when I was trying to come up with the money for the Gretsch. Cannot begin to afford the pro, but I'm very happy with the Electromatic and very much appreciate all the good info you put out (always!) in your reviews. Again -- thanks very much, Phil. I always can count on you for the straight scoop.

  • @gitrhack
    @gitrhack 8 лет назад +1

    I believe the neck construction is different also, where the electromatics use a scarf neck joint and the pro series use traditional neck construction.

  • @squeezeprod
    @squeezeprod 8 лет назад +25

    You forgot to mention Mike nesmith. He played a one

    • @PhillipMcKnight
      @PhillipMcKnight  8 лет назад +18

      +squeezeprod You know whats funny is he is the reason they make a 12 string

    • @JDL0111
      @JDL0111 8 лет назад +3

      +Phillip McKnight dang

    • @layladystay
      @layladystay 7 лет назад

      Phillip McKnight gretsch g6123!

    • @alanjohnson2853
      @alanjohnson2853 6 лет назад

      Hey, Hey with the Monkees!

    • @petesacco3255
      @petesacco3255 4 года назад

      Love Mike Nesmith

  • @timmcdonald9877
    @timmcdonald9877 8 лет назад

    Thank you Phil for doing this video. You cut through the bs and get down to business in all your vids.

  • @bluesman9344
    @bluesman9344 6 лет назад

    I collect guitars for the fun of it. Researching is the funnest part and I NEVER buy a guitar until I see if Phil has reviewed it. There are many great guitar channels on RUclips but Phil’s is one of the best. I’d type more but I have to go to the bank and then my local guitar shop - buy from the small shops when you can - if you don’t, we’ll be buying all our gear on www ... that would not be good!

  • @johnnyboy6480
    @johnnyboy6480 Год назад

    Love the way u take apart information man

  • @69kpm
    @69kpm 8 лет назад

    Gretsch was my dream guitar. I bought a Chinese Electromatic solid body with Mega Tron pups. It was $700.00 and it fell apart. I traded it in for a Jay Turser that cost $250. It was a 335 copy that was great, I was happy to see my dream guitar put behind me.

  • @hellbent6344
    @hellbent6344 6 лет назад +1

    Thank you for teaching us about gretsch , I didn’t know half of the stuff you touched on.

  • @comickebs748
    @comickebs748 4 года назад

    Don't forget that Rory Gallagher rocked a Gretsch Corvette! Sure he installed a P90 at the bridge, but it had that Gibby SG vibe with that Gretsch chime. It's Electromatic reissue & current CVT production is probably one of the most underrated, solidbody Gretsches out there.

  • @jonathanchavez1198
    @jonathanchavez1198 8 лет назад +1

    Really enjoy the videos to compare guitars.

  • @fonzybrookestone727
    @fonzybrookestone727 8 лет назад

    Love these comparison videos! It's always a big help. Thanks!!

  • @rexhargrove5172
    @rexhargrove5172 5 лет назад

    Probably the best explanation of the difference in these two models. But, for my money, this is the best demonstration of what the true Gretsch tone is.

  • @dbouquet
    @dbouquet 2 года назад

    Superb clarity. Thank you

  • @tomski9976
    @tomski9976 8 лет назад +1

    Thanks so much for your videos....I always learn allot....i recently got the new MIM Hendrix Strat....Overall I love it...the playability on the neck and the neck's finish is awesome...and with the 3 vintage 65 pups which have been reversed to give u the same effect as Hendrix reversing his strings makes the tone of this axe very "Jimi-like"...and I didnt have to spend a fortune...I installed some Fender locking tuners and a Switchcraft jack...sounds great n stays in tune..... :-)

  • @jamesmcgheeii7838
    @jamesmcgheeii7838 7 лет назад

    I bought an Electromatic goldtop with stop tail piece, added a "Gretsch by Bigsby" and I am thrilled with the guitar.

  • @GarryFullerSr
    @GarryFullerSr 8 лет назад +4

    I have a Gretsch 5120 and Love it. Just something about it

    • @omarrodriguez4237
      @omarrodriguez4237 6 лет назад

      Garry Fuller Sr Is it any good for metal and rock??

  • @johnathanjordan6468
    @johnathanjordan6468 8 лет назад +2

    Great video phill very informative great info,think just from price point would go for the electromatic

  • @nathansongne9790
    @nathansongne9790 8 лет назад +2

    Good God Phil, you're making me wanna bring in my Gretsch to get fixed....

  • @SqueekyFromm
    @SqueekyFromm 5 лет назад

    I bought a 5622T a month ago, and love it! On sale for $699 at Guitar Center. I can not imagine getting much more if I bought a Pro. I guess it is a personal thing. I did buy a Variaxe Standard, and having run thru all the different guitar types, I am amazed at how little sound difference there is between various types of guitars within their own genre - - - solid body, LP, Tele, Strat, etc. Maybe it is because amplifiers are more versatile than back in the 60s and 70s, and the differences can be massaged together to get whatever sound you want.
    I also love my Epi Sheraton II, and my Samick Royale, and if I only had any one of the three as my only semi-hollow, I could be happy.
    Squeeky Fromm
    Girl Reporter

  • @blasty290
    @blasty290 8 лет назад +2

    Thanks for all of the highly informative reviews, Phil. Because of your other Gretsch video, I ordered a Streamliner from Musician's Friend last night. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

  • @houdini1972
    @houdini1972 Год назад

    That was an amazing video! You answered a lot of questions I had and some didn't. Unfortunately ninety nine percent of the tutorial videos, Are people trying to show how much they can Rock out on their guitar with no explanation.

  • @bikerut
    @bikerut 7 лет назад

    I just picked up a 2017 Electromatic. They have started putting the neo classic thumbnail inlays and using the NuBone nut. I love it! some day I will own a White Falcon or an Eddie Cochran, until then....I will be happy with the 5420t. Thanks for your unbiased reviews.

  • @TheBeatle49
    @TheBeatle49 3 года назад +1

    Used to visit a store that lots of both. Many of the Electromatics were very comparable to the Pros.

  • @TheZooropaBaby
    @TheZooropaBaby 8 лет назад +9

    So standard/high-end model for the Gretsch is made in Japan? well good to know as a Japanese guy.

    • @Beringtunes
      @Beringtunes 6 лет назад +3

      The Pro Gretsches and reissues are made at the Fender factory in Terada, Japan, to the original Gretsch specs, as far as reissues go, even using the original body shaping molds, etc. As Phil points out, the Electromatics are made in either Korea or China, with slightly different parts and specs. The Custom Shop Gretsches: signature, custom design and other highest-end guitars, are made in the US at the Fender Factory in Corona, Calif. There's a great "tour" of the factory at www.themusiczoo.com/blogs/news/factory-tour-stephen-stern-the-gretsch-custom-shop. The one glaring mistake in this article is that they say Fender bought and OWNS Gretsch, in partnership with the Gretsch family. Fender does NOT own Gretsch - Fred W. Gretsch, nephew of Fred Gretsch Jr. and his family still retain full ownership. They do have an agreement with Fender Musical Instrument Co. (FMIC) for the manufacture and distribution of their instruments, but fully under the auspices of the Gretsch family.

    • @DelScully
      @DelScully 5 лет назад +1

      some of the best guitars come out of Japan! Even with the regular Fenders, I'd prefer to buy a nice Japanese one even over an overpriced US one!

    • @andyc5392
      @andyc5392 4 года назад

      @@DelScully crafted in Japan..👍

  • @paulcarey9245
    @paulcarey9245 7 лет назад +1

    I have a electromatic. And I love the tone.

  • @danielslaats5817
    @danielslaats5817 8 лет назад +3

    im gonna buy the 5420t electromatic in about 7 weeks..cant wait.

  • @JDL0111
    @JDL0111 8 лет назад +7

    what is your favorite gretsch guitar

  • @stevehornshaw4478
    @stevehornshaw4478 6 лет назад

    Fantastic review by an excellent reviewer Thanks I learned so much Phillip

  • @SveinOlavGlesaaenNyberg
    @SveinOlavGlesaaenNyberg 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for the comparison. Both sounded great, though I must admit I liked the Pro sound best. What's the name of the model you have there? And have you compared the different Gretch hollowbodies?

  • @davesurace1281
    @davesurace1281 6 лет назад

    Well done Phil.....I used to have an old Gretch and loved it. After you vid...I'm looking for a good deal!

  • @linclink
    @linclink 8 лет назад +1

    I think more budget line guitars are a great thing. Electromatic & Squire both make some terrific guitars to be sure!! One thing I will say is this... I would never, ever, consider spending the money on a new lower line model when there are great deals to be had on used, more top line, instruments. For many reasons (part was choosing the relative freedom of a more Bohemian lifestyle, part the horror show of the modern era U.S. oligarchical economy) I was working class poor most of my adult life. Saving money for great gear was a major priority & huge struggle. Now I'm able to do a bit better & I scour ebay & craigslist to find great deals & recently got the Gretsch of my dreams (a Dec. 2003 Orange 6120DC powered by TV Jones Classic pickups... my fave Gretsch pickups ever!!) & I have to say that while the Electromatic's are nice, what I got is just at another level altogether. And it didn't cost ...Just two years ago, I found a used 6120 once for $850! I just didn't bond with it & then flipped it for a tidy profit, while still giving a good deal by selling it, priced to move, at the bottom end of the market price. The one I just got came to $1600 total, but sounds & feels priceless. You can find used Gretsch pro series for under $1500, even closer to $1000, depending on what you are looking for.

  • @greatkingrat
    @greatkingrat 2 года назад

    This is a great video. Thank you for posting this.

  • @LCMSM
    @LCMSM 3 года назад

    Really enjoy these shorter videos.

  • @ClaudioOlivaresMedina
    @ClaudioOlivaresMedina 7 лет назад

    Great review and analysis. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing.

  • @tricko2286
    @tricko2286 8 лет назад

    Great video ... Very professional and informative...Didn't hear that much difference. Tone switch is very useful.

  • @sn95_mustang_garage
    @sn95_mustang_garage 8 лет назад +2

    With my headphones on I can hear the difference between the two. The PRO is warmer tone for sure. Still not enough to want to spend $3K though. When I think of Gretsch, Brian Setzer comes to mind always (I'm an 80's kid).

  • @blamecomunusm5164
    @blamecomunusm5164 Год назад

    I never knew I'd fall in love with a grertch

  • @paulsimmons5726
    @paulsimmons5726 7 лет назад

    I may decide to get one of the $750 Gretch guitars in the classic orange stain but would love to have a Brian Setzer model one day. The new pickups are really cool sounding, they have the warmth of a humbucking design but the clarity of a single coil - much like Brian May's guitar but with a different direction. Gretch 6120's are also wrapped up in cool, especially running through a great Fender or Vox. Enjoyed the video as always!

  • @flightofthefatman
    @flightofthefatman 3 года назад

    I was going to buy the Electro as it's on sale but after this video and hearing the classic Gretsch sound against it I would be bitterly disappointed. Thanks..your my go to guy and I can see why others make the same comment.

  • @treverroddick8489
    @treverroddick8489 6 лет назад

    Always wanted a Gretsch. Finally pulled the trigger on an Electromatic. It’s a beautiful guitar, plays nice, and the Bigsby is fun. But... I have an 90’s vintage Epiphone Riviera that I put some Seymour Duncan pickups in and the two guitars sound quite similar. Too close to keep both. This review is spot on in that the Electromatic has “its own thing” going on. It isn’t bad, just not what I was hoping for.

  • @davidstensaas1471
    @davidstensaas1471 8 лет назад

    Both sounded good, didn't sound much different through my HP beats audio speakers, and the Electromatics are close enough for rock and roll for sure! I did a gig with a ProJet that rocked the house.

  • @bonezbraker1860
    @bonezbraker1860 8 лет назад +2

    I really love Gretsch. I own 3 all Electromatic. A Bo Diddly . A hollow body 2010(Befor pined bridge was standerd.). A Pro Jet ltd white. I really wish they made a Electromatic Billy-Bo. I really love that guitar but 3 and a half grand is a little steep for me.

  • @petezaroll4421
    @petezaroll4421 8 лет назад +10

    Don't even care about gretsch lol but you're just so knowledgeable which makes it interesting to watch.

  • @ronnydee2
    @ronnydee2 2 года назад

    Just obtained a used Electromatic, I absolutely love it.

  • @Ranametalera
    @Ranametalera 7 лет назад

    NO need to shred nothing at all and this is a superb review, thanks.

  • @montys8th
    @montys8th 8 лет назад +13

    Both look great but that Pro series sounds heavenly. Not sure if it's 3 times better but definitely better.

    • @HBSuccess
      @HBSuccess 8 лет назад +1

      +Awesome2ThePowerOfSick More like 4-5x the price. A buddy of mine just spent a solid $3K on a 'real' Gretsch. No doubt it's some "better" than the cheaper series- but considering you could equip the whole band for the price of one "real" Gretsch it's hard to get your head around.

    • @montys8th
      @montys8th 8 лет назад +1

      +Tioga Fretworks yeah that's crazy. $3k USD is $4.3k in Australian dollars and for that I could buy a brand new Gibson and an Orange head and cabinet. Gretsch are beautiful guitars but they are certainly an expensive piece of kit.

    • @bradcarroll3719
      @bradcarroll3719 8 лет назад

      I got a used US made older 6120 for a little less than that! I tried them all, and the quality is def better on the 6120. Of course it's old, and has some play wear, but that's a good trade off in my book!

    • @TassieLorenzo
      @TassieLorenzo 8 лет назад +2

      "3k USD is $4.3k in Australian dollars and for that I could buy a brand new Gibson and an Orange head and cabinet." Could you really buy a Gibson archtop & an Orange amp within that price though, i.e., a Gibson that is like-for-like with the Gretsch? Perhaps it is unreasonable for Gretsch to price their Japanese guitars as if they are American made, but I don't think the prices for the standard Double Anniversary or Chet Atkins models are that unreasonable. The White Falcon prices are certainly obscene though!

    • @fueradeljuego
      @fueradeljuego 7 лет назад

      I adore Epi Les Pauls and MiM Strats, but I would hold out for the Pro Gretsch.

  • @frankpfau9054
    @frankpfau9054 2 года назад

    fantastic and very professional review… thank you!

  • @jwgmarine4314
    @jwgmarine4314 4 года назад

    Awesome just found this channel. You're super amazing!! Thank you!!!

  • @takfam07
    @takfam07 5 лет назад +1

    Love the tone on your Pro Series Gretsch. Curious: what kind of Pro model is that? And, are those TV Jones or HS Filtertrons in it?

  • @unymirless8760
    @unymirless8760 8 лет назад +4

    I love the sound of Gretsh!!

  • @Watzline
    @Watzline 3 года назад

    When I went shopping for a Gretsch, I played the cheaper one and was like, cool.. but the salesman said, let me get you the really nice one hanging in the Platinum Room. I played it and it was very much nicer. So I paid the extra money and got the much nicer real deal.

  • @davidbishop7341
    @davidbishop7341 10 месяцев назад

    The problem with the lack of Dynasonic pickups in the Electromatic and Streamliner series of guitars. If it don’t have that twang, it don’t mean a thing.

  • @bobbyberetta4206
    @bobbyberetta4206 8 лет назад

    I love the way Tim Armstrong's Gretsch sounds.

  • @chrissayre2124
    @chrissayre2124 2 года назад

    I own the last gretsch acoustic made in USA. Of all 8 gretsch's I own,it's my favorite

  • @dherdy9205
    @dherdy9205 3 года назад

    The pro with the ebony board gives it that classic spank and the tone switch ,

  • @1961jscofield
    @1961jscofield 8 лет назад +4

    Gorgeous guitars.

  • @TheJesseMusic
    @TheJesseMusic 8 лет назад

    Great stuff! I use the master volume on my Duo Jet just as ''the only volume''. So when I'm turned down and switch pickups, I'm still at the low volume. It even gets complicated when I play a Gibson.. haha!

  • @soundboy3
    @soundboy3 8 лет назад +1

    love my Tim Armstrong Electromatic... plays beautifully and has a killer tone through my Egnater Tourmaster. Not many lefty guitars with that sound for $1200.

    • @westbayk2156
      @westbayk2156 2 года назад

      Not many lefties......PERIOD!
      Then you usually have to settle for whatever the company wants to offer....because nothing under $2k comes with a Bigsby!

  • @richardc2803
    @richardc2803 7 лет назад

    I bought an Electromatic from a guy recently. He installed the TV Jones classic pick ups. They sound better than my other Electromatic with Filtertrons ...but the guitar still doesn't sound as good as my Brian Setzer signature 6120 with the same TV Jones classic pups... I think it may have something to do with how thick the guitar bodies are. The 6120 neck is much thinner too...which I like but that would be a personal thing it's not necessarily better. TV Jones pick ups are awesome pups... the new black topped filtertrons are unique and sound good too but not as bright and clear as TV Jones. My next guitar is going to be a black Brian Setzer 6120 G6120SSU-BK (Brian Setzer signature series TV Jones comes standard with this guitar) ...I just have to convince my wife and I'm all set !

  • @eddielopez5798
    @eddielopez5798 7 лет назад

    had no idea theres Bigsby and Bigsby licensed..i just got me a electromatic G5435...with the licensed tremolo...i love it! and also becuase of the price.. after watching this, i figure upgrading to a Bigsby original, and other pick ups will kind of be cool.. thank you so much for this vid!!

  • @RADLADRICK
    @RADLADRICK 6 лет назад

    I have the hot rod model. I played several "electromatic" models- no comparison whatsoever. The pro models are top of the line in playability tone and appointments. Brian seltzer nailed it with his design and specs. Spend the extra coin get the pro guitar models.

    • @Jimbob-hp6ud
      @Jimbob-hp6ud 10 месяцев назад

      Bollocks to that the electromatics are just as good, stop being a snob

  • @BTBystrom
    @BTBystrom 6 лет назад

    Maybe someone already mentioned it but not all pro´s have two switches! The 6120 57-model f.ex had only one switch and no mudswitch. My 6120 2000-model also have only one switch and two volumecontrols/ knobs and one tonecontrole/ knob + one mastervolume. But otherwise it´s a kind of a good «Whats the difference explained in short, short time» I had a 5120 before and that was a really good guitar but it is very big difference in quality of the hardware. The lisenced Bigsby f.ex is good but it´s a huge difference in materialquality between the original and the lisenced one. But all in all the Electromatic is good guitar for the money. I was very happy with my 5120 for a long time, but then I came over a true 6120.........and I was sold....... Huuuuuuge difference in playabillity, feeling and craftmanship! :) Nice work Phillip as always. Really like to watch your videos! :)

  • @Wildman9
    @Wildman9 7 лет назад

    Can't justify 2grand more sounding so similar!TV Jones pups would up the ante on the cheaper model.Good video,keep on rockin.!

  • @Blaydrnnnr
    @Blaydrnnnr 7 лет назад

    I have two 6118 Anniversaries, ( One is a 125th Anni, the other a 120th Anni ) and a ProJet, and a DuoJet. All are fantastic. BUT, I did swap the "licensed" Bigsby for a B12 on the ProJet. ( Also used the B11 version on a Casino that is amazing ) The Licensed version has a metal TUBE instead of a solid bar on the tension bar. There was a definite sustain difference for me.

  • @obornes
    @obornes 8 лет назад

    I've had two Electomatics, a 1970 Roc Jet and now a 1964 6119. They're all good guitars.
    The thing I want to mention is that with the Electromatc models I had, I wore the frets down after a year or so of daily use.
    Has anyone else experienced this?
    I played the Roc Jet for 15 years as my only guitar, practising, recording and touring, and there was no fret wear on it.
    The 6119's had little fret wear when I got it. It's been used a lot.

    • @beatlesrgear
      @beatlesrgear 6 лет назад

      I have a blue sparkle Electromatic Jet and I wore down the frets on it in about 13 or 14 months. I was rather upset and found the refret price of $120 to be cost prohibitive. So I looked for a new one and they cost $200+ so, because I love my Sparkle Jet, I had it refretted.
      I think next time I'll just buy another gtr.

  • @ronandlanadisorda2001
    @ronandlanadisorda2001 8 лет назад

    Thanks for the video, it was informative, however I think you overlook the fact that for most musicians three times the price is a deal breaker. Yes, there are palpable differences between the two series, but not to the point where it could be said that one is great and the other sucks. In fact, I think when I compare the two in a store, I'm quite impressed by the quality of the build in the Electromatic series and that real Gretsch tone is available for such an affordable price. By the way, I just got a 5422 12 string that I totally love. I chose it over a Rickenbacker 360 12 string that I didn't think played as well as the Gretsch and cost three times as much. Thanks for your time and consideration.

  • @TheFlowNetwork
    @TheFlowNetwork Год назад

    I have a 5120 Electromatic with TV Jones T-90 pickups. The pickups make all the difference. I have a friend with an original mid 60's model and we both agree mine sounds, feels and plays just as good, if not better. The only difference in playability is with the Bigsby...his original has slightly less resistance from the spring, so it feels a bit "smoother". I assume the springs are made of different materials. As for the tone controls...I prefer the tone knob on the Electromatic over the tone switch on the original. Only three, pre-set choices of tone? Who would want that? Back in the day, most guitar players would remove the tone switch altogether. Look at old photos. Usually just a hole there. The pro series might be great if you're a collector or you want the prestige...but if you're a working musician who needs a work-horse guitar at an affordable price (downright cheap when you consider the quality!)...Electromatic all the way. Just upgrade your pickups.

    • @TeeFetch
      @TeeFetch 10 месяцев назад

      bricksbiggsfix sells some softer springs and some other options. I have a 125th anniversary 5120 . I may sell or trade it though as I'm finding out as I learn that I'm more of a hardtail guy.