Duo Jet vs Pro Jet! - Gretsch Guitar Tone Comparison!

[@SammyBoiBeThicc08]

What I like about your channel that other don’t quite do is the fact that you go straight to the point. Also other guitar channels seem to have forced humor that doesn’t quite fit, while you just stay relatively seriously while sti have fun. Keep up the great work!! Love the vids, you and samuraiguitarist are my favorite (both Canadians 🤔)

[@mikewhitfield2994]

Sam Griffin He also has incredibly rich playing. Far too many guitar KZbinrs play high gain shredding. Nothing wrong with that - I like some Satriani style from time to time myself - but for sheer beauty shredding can’t compare to giving each note room to bloom.

[@Lisbonized]

Superb guy! One of the only guitar gurus on KZbin that I trust! His voice is uncannily similar to the actor in 3 and a half men!

[@BillDutton]

A set of TV Jones Classics and an upgraded wiring harness for the Pro Jet would transform that guitar into a huge tone monster for a fraction of the price of the Duo Jet. Both guitars sound great and are lovely instruments. Awesome video as usual!

[@JammyGit]

TV Jones pickups are way overpriced & way overhyped pickups and he gets away with it because he basically has the monopoly on the after market filtertron market. I've had a set in my la cabronita for a few years and stupidly bought them for £250 a pair because I didn't know any better and there were hardly any other options at the time. Knowing what I know now, never again will I buy any more of his pickups. I found some other filtertron clones made by Roswell. They are almost identical specs, dc resistance & inductance are very close, and they're wound with the same gauge wire. The only discernable difference is that my TV Joneses have alnico 5 magnets and the Roswell FLT's have alnico 2 magnets. Even listening to them with different magnets, the Roswells are every bit as good as the Joneses and they sound very close tone-wise. So I've swapped my TV Jones Classics for the Roswells and they are up for sale now. The price of the Roswells? £29 for the bridge and £26 for the neck 😆 A quarter of the price of TV Joneses, it's madness.

[@Bourbon-Guitar]

Did you buy a wiring harness or make it?

[@BillDutton]

I buy my wiring harnesses from 920D Custom Shop. They’re well built, use top notch parts and reasonably priced.

[@savanaviolenta]

Nah,it's not necessary for all that hassle making mids,the guitar is already great as how it is.

[@LUCKYB.]

@@JammyGit your pots are what 500 ? jump them to a 1000 what will that do ?

[@jameshill2015]

Much warmer, smoother tone with the Duo than the Pro.. Amazing how different the tone characteristics are.. Go Darrel!!!

[@themorrigan1312]

Imo, the difference is like the difference between Epiphone and Gibson (sound and price wise, before theres any shots at either company) ones less expensive, one sounds a lil better, but end of the day, if you heard one and didnt know which it was, itd be hard to tell

[@laketownmusic]

Ashlynn Preston it’s true, I have an Epiphone Les Paul Special II with stock pickups and everything. I played a 1970’s Gibson a friend of mine had and yeah, there was a difference but the Epiphone wasn’t that far from the actual Gibson

[@cebrinpitts]

Not to mention if one is "brighter" that it can simply be EQed out 🤷‍♂️

[@JeighNeither]

Uh no. Pro players and industry jockey's can easily spot the cheap tone of the "Pro".

[@JeighNeither]

@@cebrinpitts Umm.. No, just no. I do tone for a living and pay my NYC rent from it. You couldn't be more wrong, but I doubt you're working at at level where it matters. Come see me in five years when your ears have matured.

[@cebrinpitts]

@@JeighNeither Actually, I spent the majority of my 20's, and 30's making a living off of it. Quite comfortably. If you can't get a good sound out of an Epiphone, the problem is not the guitar, it's the player. 80% of tone is in the hands.

[@caseyking8394]

The electromatic guitars are all fantastic, tons of options and excellent build quality. Another great comparison with some beautiful guitars, keep it up Darrell!

[@starrguitarworks]

I’m really impressed how well the Pro stacked up against the Duo. Great vid, man.

[@thecreativenerd3319]

Nice Work! If you have a Vox amp or two, try to pair both Gretsches up to them. Gretsch and Vox produces a unique clean sound as well as a nasty distortion sound. It’s pretty much your counter to Gibson and Marshall.

[@SheldonBird]

Your solos for the comparison spoke to my heart. Thanks for sharing your love for music!

[@chrisf6216]

Thank you DBG! No losers here. Both gits look and sound fantastic! While the Pro's brightness may be good to cut through a mix, I prefer the Duo's overall full dimensional tones - cheers!

[@alabamahebrew]

Hey! I have that same backing track, "Joe Bonamassa Style backing track in G" - you started playing it and it was driving me crazy because I knew it but didn't know from where!!! BTW, I suck at lead guitar but I was kind of happy to see we started in the same area of the neck and our styles were similar, although you do a lot more bending than I do, something I want to learn how to do better. There's another one I really like I don't know who put it out but it's called "SLOW BLUES backing track in B" - The all caps is how the composer wrote it so it might help you find it, I love playing to that one.

[@artamussumatra6286]

I like the slightly brighter tone of the Pro Jet.

[@rexrobards7407]

This is one of the consequences of the setting of the 3-way tone switch on the Pro-Series guitar. You never see Darrell use this switch, but the three settings choose between two treble-bleed capacitors or a clear, pass-thru circuit. The pass-thru setting would result in a much brighter tone for the Pro-Series guitar.

[@fuglbird]

I don't know if the Pro Jet was brighter but it sounded much cleaner and well defined in the solo. I like the Pro Jet.

[@murrayrowley2900]

I played a pro jet China model in our band recently, very useable tones in the sonic landscapes between Strat and Les Paul. The nut slots needed work though so I avoided using the bigsby tremolo.

[@lucasargandona4658]

I don't

[@JeighNeither]

So many people just don't have good ears. There is a serious difference in tone, and you're not hearing brightness, you're hearing cheapness.

[@thecman26]

Gretsch makes some absolute eye candy! They are some beautiful guitars!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

So which Jet was your favourite? As a long time fan of the firebird, I've got to say that the CAR and gold Pro Jet is a BEAUTIFUL guitar! The Duo Jet is definitely a touch more understated in looks, but has a richer and more complex tone :) Guitars: PRO JET: imp.i114863.net/7PGr3 DUO JET: imp.i114863.net/rMzrG

[@davidjackson9898]

Darrell Braun Guitar I like the duo

[@ianmiller4195]

I like the tilt on the neck where it meets the body. I've got a guitar with the same features. It allows a significant gap between the body and the strings (also you can see the side of the pickups sticking up) But it can still have a nice low action. It's pretty interesting.

[@caltown79]

Was hoping the pro would hold its own but the duo has it. By a good bit.

[@tdunster2011]

I'm currently trying to decide between a 6128t 59 Vintage Select, 6131t Players Edition, and a 6118t SGR Players Edition Anniversary model. I really wish I could be happy with the Chinese model Pro Jet - but unfortunately I'm a registered cork sniffer and can't come around to thinking like a normal person.

[@billamj]

I was quite pleasantly surprised by the pro jet. Yes, it is brighter, some might say thinner, but all in all it stood up very well to it’s big brother. I would love to see a comparison of the pro jet and an Epiphone les paul. Another awesome video Darrell, keep up the good work.

[@diemturner5755]

Wow. The pickup comparison produced some very interesting and, in parts, unexpected subjective preferences for me personally. Clean tone: I preferred the neck PU of the Pro and the bridge of the Duo. Bridge on the Pro was serious ice pickage on the top 3 strings. Blues tone: The bridge of the Duo had a more balanced, pleasing tone for me on this one. Again the Pro was a bit bright on top for this sound, but some EQ could remedy that. Mixed PU Clean: Here they kinda broke even for me. Neither were offensive and to me just offered different flavors variants but with a little EQ tweaking can be made to fit. Higher gain tone: The edginess of the Pro bridge paid dividends here imho, I prefer the crunchiness and string definition, the Duo was a bit dull and muddy for my taste. Solo: Neck PU went to to the Duo, bridge to the Pro (to be fair tho, the Duo bridge solo was at the end and short); The Duo's tone had more of a satin sheen, smooth and good sustain. What also surprised me that the fit and finish on the Pro looks much nicer with the binding meeting up at the neck joint and no towering block on top of the body. Is this possibly related to the tailpiece mounted on the Duo? Does it just have that much more "ground clearance" than the Bigsby? Would the neck fitting and height match the Pro had the Duo also been fitted with a Bigsby? That bridge with the rollers just looks really tall from here but that might just be how it looks on screen and I've not had one like that in my hands. Just a thought. I own a black G5439 Pro Jet with a LP style hard tail and my neck is set like the Pro you have there. The Pro Jets are really good value for money in my book, I've never regretted buying it and use it almost daily. Nice review/comparison duder! -Diem

[@TheSoulsandRevive]

The Duo Jet tone appeals to my preference. Gretsch guitars are brilliant! Love the new Made in Japan players edition models, especially the Broadkaster G6659TFM Jr. Gretsch has really knocked it out of the park with that model! Absolutely flawless from the tone variety to it's visual appreance.

[@chrisorth]

I was so in awe of your playing, I totally forgot you were doing a side by side review. Thanks!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words Chris!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words Chris!

[@besirnakiboglu6037]

Oh boi!!! 3 videos in one week. My man darrell is on fire

[@toddmcmakin]

Great comparison! A couple of things to note... First off, the Pro Jet is now made with a mahogany body and maple cap, not basswood. I think they quit with basswood a few years ago in the newest iteration. Also, when talking about the tone controls, the lowest knob of the three is the master tone, not the center knob. Aside from that, great info! I think they both sound really good to my ears and it's as much a matter of preference and how much money you want to spend as it is anything else.

[@multipipi1234]

Yes..mine is mahogany.

[@tizianocirillo7704]

Duo Jet sounds better

[@emilio23canton]

OH MEN I WAS DYING TO SEE THIS VIDEO! LOVE U SO MUCH 😭👌🏼🙌🏼

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😁🤘

[@abduljabbaralhayyan7791]

Me too!! Thanks a lot Darrell!!

[@rayschoch5882]

Nicely done, as usual, and it seemed a fair comparison. Not having played either one, they sound VERY similar - I noticed a tone difference only when both pickups were activated. That said, the solos (very nice) sounded almost identical. The Duo-Jet looks a little classier, but that might just be the black / chrome vs. the faux-gold / red on the Pro-Jet. It's a good red, but I loathe fake gold hardware. Even with the differences (neck joint, etc.), I could be happy with either one.

[@glenngardin3561]

Agree, 100%...... fake gold makes anything look cheesie. (IMO.....)

[@raymondhair8384]

@@glenngardin3561 Eh, sometimes it looks good. Manufacturers do go overboard on it tho

[@Falasi4]

I've been making a point to just listen blind to the side by side on these comparison videos and maybe if I was using headphones I'd notice but can't tell them apart with speakers and some real world ambient noise. Both sounded fantastic.

[@jonathanrittenour8862]

He uploads fantastic sound quality and I can’t really hear a difference with or without headphones. Does the duo sound $2k better? It may feel that way but doesn’t sound it.

[@MrElembee]

i have the G5434T-LTD Electromatic Pro Jet, it is a great guitar and i love it but, there are a couple of things that need to be said. The first is the break angle from the bridge to the break bar on the Bigsby, it is way too steep and leaves the strings pressing against the back of the bridge which causes problems with tuning after using the Bigsby, it will also wear grooves into the back of the bridge. Simple fix is to bypass the break bar ( you realy don't need it imho. now waiting for people to tell me i'm crazy ) The second is the pickups. I've heard a lot of people say the Blacktop Filtertrons have a weak sound. Simple fix, just raise them up as close to the strings as you can ( or desire )..... sounds great!

[@harveyjones1955]

Great comparison! Maybe my age is a factor but I always hear the highs better on the cheaper guitars. This time the highs were very bright on the Pro. I am with you though about the richer sound of the Duo Jet.

[@ShawnTBell]

The way the bridge strings, pickups and neck sit up so high on Japanese Gretsch was super surprising to me the first time I played them. Now I consider it one of the things that make it unique.

[@Selvinop94]

Finally!! The shoot out I’ve been waiting for!

[@TangiersIntrigue]

Both are amazing, and the Pro Jet was definitely a big surprise. Shows how awesome some mid-range guitars can sound. Definitely wouldn't mind geting my hands on one of those!

[@davidhollander829]

Makes me glad I sprung for the Duo Jet. Both sound great, but I really think the warmth and depth of the Duo Jet wins the day. Great playing, great vibes, great video!

[@collinmcmahon2427]

I completely agree that the TV Jones are a better pickup, but man do those blacktop filtertrons sound good!

[@cybernautsterranautsandast2151]

This video was very helpful. Accept for my starting on a Gretsch Corvette in high school ca '72, the Gretsch world has been a complete mystery for me. The Chinese Gretsch was really impressive. I'd rather have the ebony fret board Japanese guitar but the thousands ain't happening--especially after my recent purchase of a PRS S2 Studio--the Swiss Army knife of guitars. Great work as always Darrell.

[@jorgegvb]

Interesting comparison Darrell! I have been eyeballing a Pro Jet for awhile. I will need to take a closer look.

[@squirelova1815]

What a wonderful blessing to have these top notch Gretsches at any price point really. I never doubted if I got my money's worth with Gretsch. The factory setups, materials and quality control are outstanding. Such a relief.

[@uptopmikep7065]

I like both but I’d have to choose the Duo. Much more rounded and full tonal values. The Pro sounds very thin not nearly the depth. Nice brightness though. One suggestion for you Darrell if I may, when you talk about features you might mention the benefits of those features Great video. Thanks!

[@walstafa]

I've got an early (2010 I think) Electromatic Pro Jet that someone tricked out with TV Jones pickups and a proper Bigsby before selling it on. I think TV Jones Classics are my favourite pickups, so resonant and complex without ever getting muddy when you add gain.

[@SandyBlJ]

Beautiful job, playing both guitars. In my opinion: Pro Jet is a good guitar, but Duo Jet is an excellent one. The Duo has a fuller, more well rounded (I'd even say, velvety) sound. The Pro sound is sharper, you can say brighter - but, to me, the Duo sound is definitely more pleasant, and more powerful too.

[@gino3286]

Dave Gilmour plays a Gretsch G6128T Duo Jet ... it could tell something

[@MachSea]

THANK YOU. I've been looking heavily into the Duo Jet, so I needed this.

[@DBSG1976]

You can't have that Surf Green Tele in plain view while I'm trying to pay attention to your video! All I keep thinking is..."I NEED a Surf Green Tele with a Bigsby"

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Yes!!!

[@marcospintor1333]

Dude i was honestly thinking the same thing. That thing is absolutely perfect.

[@Lisbonized]

It’s true!

[@adamski101]

Ugh. Nobody needs a Thinline Tele with a Bigsby. File under 'Les Pauls with trems' and other guitar offences.

[@jimcamp2423]

@@adamski101 Oh no I'm going to offend, I decided to add a Chigsby-like B5 thingy to my Epiphone LP Special I P90 and see what it turns into ? I played one at GC the other day, was a Epi LP Special II with the humbucklers. It was actually quite an enjoyable experience. Obviously, I'm doing it to mine for the trem/vibrato feature, but the Epi I have is a very plain flat top slab in worn cherry and needs some bling appeal. Don't worry though I won't go GM and create fake F-holes like they do for the hood & fenders on a Buick.

[@sublyme2157]

I love blind tests and sound comparisons because they open our eyes (err, ears) to how good inexpensive instruments really sound compared to their expensive counterparts. The one thing they cannot tell the viewer is what the guitars feel like to play. That's the intangible that can only be derived in person, and it often justifies the price tag :)

[@williamd1891]

Yes. Sometimes you can feel the difference in your hands. Plus there is the longevity quality as well. Many MIC guitars fall apart after a few years because of the cheap glue and materials. Not saying this is the case with MIC Gretsch, but an overall trend the guys at my local guitar shop talk about since they are the ones who repair them.

[@stevem5010]

This guy has to be one of the best reviewers that I have seen in a very LONG time. Perfect comparison, using the same settings, which a lot of folks seem to miss, and his insight is concise and thorough. Well done mate, for providing such an excellent review. I actually own one of the G5435TG's in black, and I echo every sentiment that you proclaimed in your video. For the money, you will be hard pressed to find a more usable, well-built guitar, and it holds its' own against any higher end guitar, as you have seen in the excellent review above. Tonally, the blacktop filtertrons are a HUGE home run for Gretsch, and they would not be out of place in any of their higher end guitars. I love the articulation that you get from them, and, while they lack some of the fullness of the TV Jones pickups, they are comparable to pickups worth 3 times what they cost. Cheers Darrell, and thanks so much for your awesome work!!!

[@stevem5010]

Darrell - I added a Tru-Arc serpentune compensated bar bridge to my G5435TG, and it made a huge difference with the sustain. It's a direct drop-in replacement for the tune-o-matic that is on it now, and is a very reasonably priced upgrade. If you look at all of the high end Gretsch guitars, they mostly all utilize a solid bar bridge, as part of their signature sound. Just thought I'd mention the option, in case it may be something that interests you. Also, from what I hear, those blacktop FilterTrons are an exact recreation of the Baldwin era filtertrons, that were used in the high end Gretsch guitars, after Baldwin bought the company. They are superbly voiced pickups, and a perfect accompaniment for the Electromatic line. Cheers!!

[@tdtom1376]

Darrell, I hope YOU are having an excellent day. nice job with the single cut Gretsch coomparison. Any plans to do a Duesenberg?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks! Yes, I just need to get my hands on one!!

[@bobboitt3126]

Yeah the Duesenberg would be great. I always wondered what the neck feels like on those.

[@robertferns10]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar a paloma if you can

[@tonepilot]

Want to borrow my StarPlayer TV?

[@grodriguez512]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar Say no more I can send you 3 of my Doozy if you like

[@TenisDimants]

Great comparison, I have the older G5435T Pro Jet and it is a piece of art. Low action, tuners hold great and so joyful to play.

[@justiceforall6412]

I just got a G5120. I was never a big Gretsch guy. Their necks were too thick and I associated them with a bygone era. However, I was very, very pleasantly surprised and have to reevaluate my original stance on Gretsch. The 5120's neck was just right, the pickups were very good and versatile, and the neck was just right for my hands. It's a great guitar and quite beautiful to look at too.

[@ponchohernandez4708]

I like your videos. You made me realize that I only need an affordable nice guitar not an expensive guitar for home use. THANKS DARRELL!!

[@raptorperegrine]

They both sounded great !!! Darrell you play really precise and on tempo !!! I love the looks of the ProJet red and gold looks amazing!!!!

[@TheMNB]

I find the Pro to be overly bright while the Duo is more refined and smooth. I'm not a fan of fingerboards high off the body. In fact, I hate them. It messes with my picking. I own a couple Gretches, a White Falcon Professional Series and a Penguin Special Edition. Both play and sound really good and I absolutely love them. I can't recall if the fingerboard is high on either of those, but it's gonna bug me now until I get home to look! I just can't see buying a Gretsch without a Bigsby, it just seems wrong. For the 'in the mix' section, the tone you had on the Duo was just drippingly sweet. The amp, the guitar... they just worked so well for a very magical tone. And it doesn't help that the guy playing has a really good emotive feel for expressive playing, either.

[@jimliedeka3978]

I know it's subjective but I really preferred the warmth of the Duo-Jet pickups on the clean stuff. The Pro-Jet was great for the crunchy stuff. For the higher gain, I liked both but give the edge to the Duo.

[@Zelomeisterdude]

They both sound great, I thought. The both have the same sound, but sound like different ages: The Pro Jet sounds like a brash teenager, the Duo Jet a sophisticated mature adult.

[@robsonkingstrat]

Really enjoyed the part where you had both guitars in a mix along side each other :)

[@elevenAD]

duo jet sounds much more pleasant imo!

[@diligenceintegrity2308]

Both had a great sound. I'm impressed with the filtertrons, too.

[@rijosigns]

2 great guitars indeed duo is in my near future forsure

[@tonidupont-mora1572]

I have to say, that the differences between the two up until the mix, was so subtle. But then I thought that the Pro one had a much crisper cleaner sound.

[@evilpandakillabzonattkoccu4879]

I like the tone of the duo jet but that pro jet.....wow, gorgeous! Wow!

[@charlespeck886]

I have this Gretsch Gretsch Guitars FSR Two-Tone Electromatic Pro Jet with Bigsby Electric Guitar Candy Apple Red and White G534TG. Love it!

[@josephgrant757]

The Pro Jet had more sustain and the pickups really made it ring out more. Mahogany really added to it. Both models did well but if you threw a compressor on the Duo Jet the sustain will become better, regardless it still held it’s own against the Pro. Great video bud!

[@JeighNeither]

Bro, the Duo Jet is the expensive model, and the Pro is the Chinese model. I think you might have them backwards in your head since you wrote that the Duo Jet still held up to the Pro? Of course it did; it's the OG, much better build, materials, design, etc. t

[@cerealkiller5688]

great video, I think the pro jet did a pretty good job considering the same duo jet beat a Gibson LP, in my opinion, in one of DB's other vids. That said, I have a 5655 center block ltd that is my first guitar at 51 Years old. I've been playing 3 months now and I'm really enjoying it. I'd love to see preview on the semi hollow center blocks from a master player like DB. The only problem I can identify is the strap connector screw keep coming out of the guitar body.

[@ffemto4]

I think I actually prefer the pro over the duo. Maybe because I’m 7-8 coors in, but to my ear, the pro jet just cuts through more

[@gabrielvalentino6282]

I thought they both had interesting tone qualities as well as they both shared qualities. I would have to vote for the Pro Jet (sounded a hair more twangy and had that clean country tone and plus im a sucker for red and gold, lol

[@thomasseveroii5093]

both guitars have distinguishable characteristics that sound amazing. by just listening, can't tell what's more expensive.

[@ginkolildawg4802]

I preferred the Duo Jet on almost every sound. It has a definition the Pro Jet hasn't, the Pro Jet sounded more muffled to my ears, I couldn't help but feel it muddy while their was a grit to the Duo Jet that was especially nice and audible on distorted sound. I do love the Pro Jet though (I actually have a Pro Jet and no Duo Jet, but and older model with a different electronic setup, mahogany body and, sadly, a construction defect I couldn't identify without buying). Cool video!

[@harringtonbenton334]

Pro Jet all the way. I was a little disappointed in the Duo Jet's TV Jones PUs and I've never heard Black Tops sound so good. But you mentioned the difference, feel in the hand, ease of play and over all quality + fit and finish all go to the Duo Jet

[@adamconnor3002]

Gretsch guitars are killer instruments! I have an affordable Streamliner G2622, plays freaking amazing. As good as my Gibbo LP :)

[@davidkastin4240]

I can confirm that also my friend

[@mikewhitfield2994]

Adam Connor I’ve got the same, absolutely love it.

[@davidkastin4240]

@@mikewhitfield2994 I was going buy a Gibson ES 335. $3000 and no binding or block inlays or Broadtron pickups or tusk nut or special design interesting tail piece👎 My Streamliner has all that and imo sounds and looks better for alot less.

[@3cardmonty602]

Great comparison, Darrell. I thought the Pro Jet was a little too tinny to my liking. And there’s no way I’m paying big bucks for a Duo Jet. Darrell: You should really try out some Reverend Guitars. I love them. They come with high-end features w/o the high-end price, & you really get a Big Bang for your Buck.

[@69voxbeetle]

That's what I thought too. Tried the Flatroc and almost bought it, waited because I wanted to try the Contender RB. When I did, it felt like playing a 2x4, the twelve inch radius was as flat as a board. I've yet to try a Pro Jet that I haven't liked, but a guitar this nice needs to come with a case.

[@mikemagnum7987]

Great comparison! I especially enjoyed your excellent Solos! Very beautifully done! Thank you Darrell!

[@davidkastin4240]

These are both great! If I could only have one of them I'd go with the Pro Jet

[@ryban1001]

Pre 1967 music: Duo Jet Anything after Cream: Pro Jet

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Agreed. It's really quite simple. Old school? Or new school? How about both?

[@bobboitt3126]

I like the control layout on the Pro Jet and the color, I like the ebony fretboard on the Duo Jet and sound of the pickups seem a bit richer. Nice comparison thanks!

[@danielkreft]

I just noticed you have Soli Deo GLoria! at the end of your description. Ever since I learned what that meant I have put it on everything I could. Props. SDG brother.

[@danielmann5427]

I never notice that before. Thats cool.

[@alittlebitoflight]

Ever do vintage? Wonder what you would make of a microfrets guitar? Love the Japanese Gretsch - fuller, wider spectrum of sound.

[@TheGreenKingdom]

Nice comparison! I've got the gold Pro Jet and I like it a lot. Pickups sound a bit brighter and tinnier than the Duo though.

[@zaneflow]

Sure you can cut off that bite that the Pro Jet has, but you can never add clarity and top end to a guitar that doesn't have it. By the way, love you videos Darrell, keep up the excellent work!

[@drothberg3]

The Duo Jet sounds a bit better, but the Pro Jet sounds very good. And I'd much prefer the tone control on the Pro Jet to the old fashioned tone switch on the Duo Jet. The Electromatics are really good guitars.

[@Supperconductor]

I’ve got a classical guitar with a raised fretboard, which is a nice ergonomic feature to be sure. But considering the price, I’d get the Pro Jet. I love the way Gretsch guitars feel in my hands.

[@ShaneOpeno]

So, here's my question. When are you going to release an album of you playing blues like we hear on the channel? I'll be the first in line to buy. Hell, I'll buy a couple extra to give away as gifts.

[@barbmelle3136]

Gretsch vs Gretsch. That will always be a happy day for me. Either one gives a great value in it's price range. I really like the TV Jones filtertrons, but the black top FT pickups keep the tonal signature pretty well. I am glad the Gretsch brand did not die out. Hopefully, FMIC does not compromise Gretsch to the point that it looses it's unique attributes.

[@rogerbranton1752]

Excellent way to do the back-to-back comparison. Too many other comparisons like this have too much talk in between but this made the two tones obvious & evident! Good work. And wow...I always loved Jets but now I'm thinking I want a Chinese-built Jet!

[@rogerbranton1752]

According t the above post, it was a year ago that I typed that! I'm just now awaiting delivery of my black Duo Jet Pro! I wanted to re-watch this video to get an idea what to expect and I'm sure I'll be delighted with it. I've picked it up for an obscenely low price, so even if I want to upgrade it, I'll still be way ahead!

[@fostexfan160]

I'm a little confused about the Pro Jet....are they still making it? Here in the UK I only see the G5230 T which seems to be the closest comparison but it has a mahogany body and neck with black walnut fingerboard. Which I assume is a better quality wood than the bass wood of the Pro Jet....The Duo jet referred to here is called the G6128 Pro players edition, again all very confusing and costs more than 4 times the price of the G5230

[@deltablue6618]

I just ordered a G5210 from Sweetwater in Broadway Jade after playing it in a local guitar shop. Love it!

[@tito.tarantula]

Great vid, as always! My favourite: the DUO JET!!! 🤩⚡️🚀🎶But as mentioned, the Pro Jets still offer a lot of bang for the buck.

[@papatorr3669]

Most excellent video. I know you're the better judge, but the Arpegio and clean picking favored the Duo Jet, it was cleaner. But for the money, the Pro jet with the Bigsby is my pick. It just had it's own great singing voice during solos. It's time I get a Gretsch. : )

[@guitarally7289]

Great comparison Darrell! I like them both!

[@Grecoguitardude]

Geez, tough to say here. Sometimes the Duo's warmth is great, but then it sounds muddy which makes the Pro sound better. Saying that, the brightness of the Pro sometimes makes it sound too thin. I like both at different times, great comparison!

[@Walks-With-Pride]

This video clearly shows that you get what you pay for. The Duo Jet sounds decisively better than the Pro Jet to my ears. However, the Duo Jet is nearly three times the price of the Pro.

[@wyattsdad8561]

Omg I’m so excited about this vid! I just started it

[@robgolding8218]

Really enjoyed this, you have a really nice natural way of getting the information over and your playing is beautiful. :)

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words Rob!

[@j.d.thompson3505]

I like the black one for the fuller sound when playing clean at the nut, but I really thought the red one had a better sound soloing in the end.

[@FrancisFurtak]

Yes, I too like the straight ahead approach. I go nuts when people spend 5-6 mins unboxing a guitar and talking about nothing! We know how to open a cardboard box and we don't want to hear the BS. So keep doing it this way! thanks

[@wyattsdad8561]

So I have a gretsch 5220 coming within the week; it’s the new updated pro jet. They stopped making those pro jets. I’m either going to install tv classics or T-Armonds in it. It would be a really cool vid if you put tv classics in your pro jet; then compared the tone of your Pro jet and your Duo jet. That! Would be an amazing vid. You could do some proof on whether or not the woods play that much of a role in tone when using the exact same pickups in these two guitars. Another Great vid btw.

[@wyattsdad8561]

I looked it up on tv Jones and gretsch pro jets made after 2011 do not require routing out of the neck cavity. So some tv classics should drop right in your pro jet! Mine finally came in but it had some factory finish issues so I’m waiting now for a replacement. But I plan on changing the pups. But it would be cool to hear the difference between a duo jet and a pro jet with the tv classics installed.

[@tdunster2011]

I thought the pickups in the 5220 were really good not sure why you would want to change them out. The main thing I prefered about my G6128t 59 VS is the shape of the neck and the geometry of the body / neck / pickups making it a lot more comfortable for playing finger style. Given the different geometry I'm not sure you'd get the same sound as the Duo Jet by simply changing pickups - as pickup / string heights are going to be completely different.

[@wyattsdad8561]

tdunster2011 yeah I get it, but I still think it “could” be close! 😃 man I’d really love to have a duo jet tho.

[@tdunster2011]

@@wyattsdad8561 What amp are you using ? I played the 5220 through a Carr Rambler, Vox AC30HW, Super Reverb, and a 59 Bassman - they all sounded really good. The only thing I didn't like was the neck profile didn't suit me.

[@wyattsdad8561]

tdunster2011 oh I think the pickups are fine! I jus want it to be the Duo Jet that I will probably never own. 😁 Hey do you think the pups in the new 5220’s are the same as the old Gretschbuckers they put in the old 5120’s, but just put a different cover on them?

[@john-di1mz]

Another excellent review Darrel...thank you so much!! Have a wonderful safe and prosperous 2020

[@sickb2200]

I like the sound of the Duo only very slightly more than the Pro. There is not even close to $1800 difference here! I'd buy the Pro for sure.

[@alanknott363]

Both sounded great to me and I couldn't hear much difference tonally between them at all. Then again my ears are not young lol. Both lovely guitars, the red one is absolutely stunning. Thanks for a great comparison video.

[@davesaenz3732]

I honestly like these better than Les Paul. I have a les paul but I want this one.

[@teerexness]

You would not be disappointed. Get one of the Pro Jets and you'll be shocked at the quality/price.

[@saddle8bag]

Both sound great. The black one sounds a little brighter. I think it works a little better with dirt. I prefer the red one clean. I wouldn't kick either out of the amp.

[@TacticsTechniquesandProcedures]

With the right settings, pedals, or amps, minimal differences are moot.

[@chadrynlopez1044]

You are probably the best guitar review guy..... no b.s. straight to point, what else?

[@bigfootingermany]

Hey Darrell, I have a gold top G5435T. Really wish I hadn't gotten the T model with the Bigsby. Would have probably gotten much more use out of it than I do. In fact I rarely ever play it at all. Always liked the look of a Bigsby, something about the old school classic looks. So this model has a chambered mahogany body. Not weight relief, actual chambered like a semi hollow LP, Maple cap, mahogany neck. Rosewood fretboard (which is why I'm either selling it or stripping the parts off it before I come back to the US, CITES ll) and the bump top block inlays with the Filtertron pups. I absolutely love the sound and clarity of a Filtertron. Much more even than the PAF's. It's a personal thing, and a hearing problem thing. They are brighter than a PAF. I want to stick one in the neck position of a Tele. Next project ;) But personally on these two guitars of yours, Duo Jet all the way. The Pro jet is a great guitar. It really is. But when in the mix with a bit of drive on it, the bridge kind of disappeared. I was surprised. Anyway, take care buddy, Bob in Germany (Pretty soon it's going to be Bob in Nevada....)

[@astoundinglyawesome3730]

I love these vids. I'm not a guitar or gear nerd yet and im just getting into this stuff but you make learning a whole lot of fun. Thanks ks for makeing great videos

[@rickhill6277]

Nice Vid Derrell! I have a Black Pro Jet from about 4 or 5 yes ago and I just love it! I perform Blues and Classic Rock and it sound Killer! Have a Great Day!!

[@DonStrenz]

Thanks for the comparison. But, if the 'Pro Jet' is the 'Electromatic Jet' g5230, note that it has a mahogany body, not basswood. If it were basswood, it would be much lighter than the Duo Jet. And, besides the mahogany body, they both have a maple top.

[@hypersmudge1]

Great comparison and analysis. Thank you! It’s the Duo for me.

[@keithshwalbe6981]

Always really great videos Darrell. Thank you bonny lad

[@draganm7823]

Duo Jet is distinguishably the better sounding guitar, cleaner sound than the Pro Jet. That is why its a lot more money. Dirty the Pro Jet sounded good. Leave it to Darrell to do an excellent comparison as usual. Its obvious which is the better guitar but I like both lol. And I love the Pro Jet price, a Gretsch Jet is on my list for the future. G6128T $ 2000 USD ( similar to Darrels), Pro Jet G534TG us $ 550 USD👍.