Understanding Gretsch Guitars | Buyers Guide

[@TomMoberg]

I don't know where you found a 1942 RAF pilot with those guitar skills, but amazing.

[@jamesgretsch4894]

LOL you know I was thinking exactly the same thing when I was watching the guy play!

[@Mark_Ocain]

You read my mind, man!! A group captain crossed with the chops of Greg Koch LOL

[@Cooper1]

$100 bucks says his name is Nigel. And Nigel is hell of a good guitar player.

[@jamesgretsch4894]

@@Cooper1 I’d never take that bet because you’d be right his name is Nigel. It’s probably Nigel Simon Bates.

[@NoStringsAttached777]

Dead right there. I was thinking he probably smokes a pipe when relaxing

[@nick-dm3if]

the guy playing is phenomenal he deserves a shoutout for sure.

[@jessesmith8452]

Yeah- Is he even mentioned at all?

[@CourtneyLee62]

@@jessesmith8452 Maybe he's a man with no name.

[@Jm0417-s]

His name is Nathan McDonough. It’s in the description.

[@lostplanet1308]

Kirk Douglas lol

[@westernnoir4808]

That guitar player(uncredited) could have his own franchise.Spy/ hitman by day, guitar god at night.

[@ulisescortaza3143]

Lmao, accurate

[@EssensOrAccidens]

When your fine dining waiter sits down on stage & blows your mind!

[@The1stLumiens]

Excellent playing by Nathan McDonough.

[@Little960]

I love Gretsch guitars. By the way their solid body guitars are not entirely solid. Their solid body are actually chambered which makes them more resonant . I actually have 3 Gretsch and I think I need one or two more.

[@briannugent3629]

There was a model released in the 1960s called the Corvette. Rory Gallagher used one for slide for a bit.

[@bruceday8464]

I have 2 Gretsch guitars. I always wanted a Gibson Les Paul, but after seeing a one on one comparison video (with headphones) I was amazed that the Gretsch Duo Jet walked all over the Les Paul. So....I got a Duo Jet to match my '63 Tennesseean. The Duo Jet is just an amazing guitar.

[@liquid7315]

It's your life... it's your bank account and dont care what she says...you are getting a new gretch!

[@MrProfGary]

I currently own 6 Gretsch guitars, 4 Gretsch bass guitars, 2 Gretsch banjos and a Gretsch Uke. I even have a Gretsch clarinet and a C-Melody saxophone (both from the '30's). Uh...did I mention I'm divorced and live alone???

[@monroefuches2707]

@@MrProfGary You didn’t have to.

[@KandyMan90]

Incredible playing in these demos, absolutely incredible

[@jamesfetherston1190]

Yep, I am bookmarking so to learn some licks.

[@nathanmcdonough687]

@@jamesfetherston1190 I also teach guitar btw ;) Eitherway, thanks for the kind words!

[@pg123ab]

Yes amazing guitar player. 🙌

[@DiotraxSecondlives]

came for the guitar guide, stayed for the guitar player

[@pramodmicelli]

This was an exhibition of the guitarist more than the guitar honestly. Great skills!

[@DiosDeSombra]

Just bought one three weeks ago. Teaching myself how to play guitar. Love the way it sounds

[@dougdriever8058]

Would love to hear about using pick ups On a 2622t.

[@dougdriever8058]

Have had mine about 2 months Still figuring it out

[@markymarco2570]

Who?

[@RByrne]

Nice. I haven't played in 15yrs, since high-school, and I'll be buying one any day now, soon as I get some time.

[@markymarco2570]

Who bought it, dammit?

[@malakisands8180]

My son is self taught and playing for 8 years now. He did not know what guitar he wanted so I got him a Epiphone Les Paul jr. one year later he got a Gretsch Acoustic. He played some shows and wrote his own songs. 2 more years he bought a used Country Gentleman. This past September he got a MIJ Gretsch White Falcon. The tones that he gets in either his Vox or Orange setup is spectacular

[@bumblefritz]

The White Falcon is definitely in the Holy Grail category for guitars!

[@StephenGangi]

My first good guitar was a Chet Atkins Country Gent Model 6122. It was my main and only electric for decades, before burglars got it.

[@StuartBridson]

Big thing I'd say for people looking at Gretsch is to look at the pickups - it's worth spending a bit extra if you can to get the BT models with the Broadtron pickups. They're absolutely fantastic, well balanced but powerful enough to handle tons of gain but also retain clarity when clean. I have them in my Streamliner Centreblock Jr and they're immense.

[@doninetexas]

Just purchased my first Gretsch - reason was a quality guitar fit for a Left Handed player!! Had to pay extra for Left Hand guitar, but I am more than pleased. Just starting to learn guitar - just started local group lessons -- I'm 87.... don

[@cass2771]

Really good coverage of the price ranges, and the main structural categories. I’d love to see a follow up comparing and explaining the various Gretsch pick ups - FilterTrons, BroadTrons, etc etc.

[@JellyrollHorton]

Me too.

[@jchristensenbiology]

Yep, calling it a buyer’s guide without discussing the massive quality differences between the Streamliner pickups and the Electromatic and up pickups is missing something important.

[@randallcl9925]

Gretsch guitars multiply like no others. They are unique and special and getting one makes you want more. They play so well and sound so fantastic that it is rare someone only owns one. I started with a G2622 and was stunned by how good it is for what little it cost. Then I had to grab a used G5129T, then another G2622T with P-90s and I still have my eye out for a few more. I have a fairly big collection and the Gretsches are some of my favorites even though they weren't expensive.

[@jackallenproductions]

Well let me know if you have a semi-hollow you need to let go of in order to make room/help finance new additions. :)

[@Mike28625]

I got the 2627 and thought i was done until i saw a player Jet in that dark cherry metallic. No way i could afford it, but luckily they make an (almost) identical electromatic model that i could. God bless Gretsch!

[@JDKingStratslinger]

They are just SOOOOO good! Streamliner, Electromatic? Excellent all around! Fit, finish, frets, intonation, style! And different!

[@JellyrollHorton]

Plus, they’re beautiful!

[@lurklingX]

🤣 multiply like no other. dang isn't that the truth. something about them is fascinating, too, at least to me.

[@TropicalLatitude]

This vid has one of the best 6120-55 demos on KZbin.

[@Paulster1973]

"The range varies $500 to $5000, the choice is up to you..." Wife: . . . Nope.

[@jw_au]

Ditto :(

[@judsonadair9218]

You’re choosing to be married so the choice really is up to you.

[@carloscarias6276]

*laughs in happily so single

[@tntstorms7969]

For my 20th anniversary (yesterday) my wife bought me my first duo jet for $2700 at GC. I loved how light it was, how bright and strong it played, and how different it is to my Fender stratocaster. The Gibson gold top (my other choice) weighs a ton compared to it and you have to pay double for a pro series. So Gretsch duo is now my new buddy.

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

I don't have a wife now to say "no" and depending on where you live, the prices start much lower and can go higher. I paid $428 CDN for mine. They start at less that $300 USD, but can run up to $10,000. There is a Falcon in my local store for $5,000. Work of art. Pretty good deal for a quality instrument. Umm...not just the Falcon. All of them.

[@quinn4626]

I wish every guitar video was this informative and entertaining. Really, excellent job!

[@jalapenowarrior1665]

I played Gibson and Fender my whole life. When I finally decided to buy a Gretsch, I decided to go all-out. I bought a G6131T-62 VINTAGE SELECT '62 JET™ WITH BIGSBY. I absolutely love it. 😃 What a killer guitar! It makes me happy just to look at it, and playing it is a dream come true. 🙂

[@dowaliby1]

I am now encouraged that it will only take about 5 more lifetimes to play half as good as this.

[@neoaureus]

Not really... your brain will wire itself if you give it time and enjoyment !

[@SR-xk8cd]

Gretsch make superb guitars, I recently purchased the Malcolm Young signature model, and it plays beautifully, and sounds great when plugged into a Marshall.

[@greatkingrat]

The tune played at 7:48 is beautiful. I’d love the tab for that. Great great video and perfect explanation of the range and features. Love this video.

[@thesmashingdumpkins]

Me and you both buddy

[@brada1997]

I'll second that

[@willt8884]

Sounds like earths angels, back to future🤣

[@masonkilgore9126]

It reminds me of the intro song on black ops 2 zombies transit and idk why😂

[@Bogeyman19Was4BraindeadPeople]

Isn’t it just “Sleepwalk” or similar? It’s good no doubt but the others I heard were far superior.

[@karltraunmuller7048]

That’s one of the most accessible introductions to the world of Gretsch guitars 👏🏻👏🏻 i own a 5420T in Aspen Green and a 5230T in Airline Silver, both lovely instruments.

[@raphaelmostien6541]

I like the fact that the selector switch is placed high on the body. That's really handy and typically Gretsch. Great guitarist in your demo.

[@p1eces]

A lot of the guitars described here as solid are chambered. Also, it would be great to hear about Dynasonics vs. Filtertrons vs Broadtrons vs Gretschbuckers.

[@billherbert4961]

No mention of who the picker is? Great playing!

[@robertrouleau1000]

I own a 2013 6120 with DuoSonics. Fantastic instrument. I have been playing for over 50 years. You can play any type of music with this instrument. Remember that "tone is in the fingers". Take it from a "vintage" guitarist...

[@AbangPete]

@Chester Guitarman and may i also add that you tend to play different guitars a little differently. You tend play a strat differently than you would a Gretsch, even if it is the same song that you are playing.

[@soofitnsexy]

thats a great guitar Ive seen guys play zeppelin and van halen on it!!!

[@michellelangdon5134]

The 6120 is my favorite.

[@W1017-o5g]

This video is exactly what I needed, looking at buying a gretsch soon

[@trenthm]

Fantastic video. Loved the editing, esp how fast you got to the meat of the video. You've got a great voice and presence for these style videos. And the guitarist was mind-blowingly talented

[@robertwright1084]

I have a 5655TG Gretsch in Azure Blue. Stunning guitar that plays very nice! I switched the pickups in mine to a TV Jones classic in the neck position and a Powertron plus in the bridge position. The Blacktops that came stock were decent, but IMO didn't have that classic filtertron warmth. Love the new TV Jones pickups! I also did locking tuners and a graphite nut to help with tuning stability with the Bigsby tremolo. Props to your player on the classic style chops!

[@Thorkell64]

I played a hollow bodied Chinese Gretsch last night, and I couldn’t believe the build snd sound quality. Was blown away. I’d heard they were good, but didn’t expect that level of quality..

[@bobparsonsartist564]

I love a guitar review without a bunch of pedals! Plus this unknown guitarist is wonderful.

[@octavioleons.5900]

Best way of introduce Gretsch to new players. Amazing vid

[@x3a3x3]

Perfect choice for of guitarist for this demo. Mr mustachio can really rip! Amazing clean leads and fingerpicking, all bases covered!

[@justiceforall6412]

I just added an Electromatic 5120 to my collection and I have to say I've been very pleased and I've never really been a Gretsch guy to begin with. The neck is smooth and easy to play, the pick ups sound great, it's not as heavy as it looks, and it holds it tune pretty well.

[@emanuele6461]

Jets are not truly "solid body" guitars, they are chambered (including the centre-block) which gives them amazing versatility of tone. You can get classic rockabilly and country tones as well harder rock and jangly indie sounds.

[@arjenuil6139]

I was thinking the same thing, george harrisons duo jet was hollow and for the tribute model they scanned the guitar to get the exacte chambering.

[@weedyguitarstudio1715]

I just ordered me a Left Handed Gretsch Streamliner Torino Green yesterday it looks beautiful and they have more options than anyone for a Lefty

[@GaryWilfong-q7v]

None of those guitars can sound good without a quality amplifier. Quality electronics are very expensive. That is also a consideration in the investment. I absolutely love Gtretch guitars. Electric as well as acoustic. The guy demonstrating the guitars is an awesome talent.

[@Regantdarcy]

I was always overwhelmed with differentiating all the Gretsch guitars…but this video cleared things up for me. Thanks!

[@AllmightyMilpil]

Great video and some of the best guitar playing I've heard in a long time. Demo dude absolutely smashed it

[@ipuya]

Awesome video. Gretsch is definitely my favorite brand of Guitars. They have the much emulated filtertrons pickups that have the clarity of a single coil, the fullness of a humbucker and mid tones that are hard to find in other humbuckers. They are so incredibly well rounded and that's why there is the current resurgence in filtertrons and TV Jones pickups. And esthetically they are stunning looking with beautiful colors instead of boring bursts.

[@blamecomunusm5164]

I never thought it wood happen but I've become obsessed with a gretch

[@davidnoir188]

Never would have guessed Oswald Mosley plays guitar?! Mussolini on drums, Franco on bass, disgruntled Austrian painter on vocals and Schäferpfeife. Things could have been so different.

[@AmperahGaming]

He does look like Mosley. The resemblance 👁👄👁

[@amax7321]

A real good story with incredible demo episodes! Cudos to the guitar man here!!!

[@rodandrews3416]

Nathan is a flat out certified guitar player!

[@ThirtyCentFare]

I use a hollow body for shoegaze and it still sounds amazing with high distortion.

[@patrickateman06]

I have a beautiful gretsch streamliner with a flying bridge and Gibson pickups worth around $600 and I absolutely love it!

[@davidbyers7246]

The guitarist in this video had beautiful hands, perfect for guitar playing.

[@johncollins5552]

I knew a pro guitarist who played a gorgeous vintage Broadcaster and asked why he only played it for 2 songs at a gig and he told me although it was his best sounding guitar it was very sensitive to heat change and being onstage at gigs wouldn't stay in tune long. So he mostly played a Tele live but the Gretsch was on most of his studio recordings.

[@johncollins5552]

Respect for the young David Niven fan playing in this great video. Cool for cats.

[@mchabert7087]

@@johncollins5552 Hahahahaha. Funny.

[@Zwidawurzn]

Buying a Gretsch was easy for me. I picked up a 5620T at the local guitar store saying: "hey i like these (cat's eye) soundholes, not the normal boring f-hole" the salesman said: "this one has a center block so it does higher gain aswell" so i plugged it into a EVH 5150 and tried some metal riffs, then i bought it.

[@nazmoking3171]

I believe I recognize the gentleman playing guitar who was once featured in the movie Deliverance while playing the banjo! Nice to see he has taken up the guitar 😄

[@maikelf5351]

That sound of the hollow body just touhed my soul. From that moment I know what kind of guitar I need

[@andrewkoastephens210]

Holy Moley! That Country Gentleman sounded fantastic considering the packaging foam was still under the bridge.

[@johnnybgood7812]

I hadn’t realised GAK had a KZbin channel until I saw this. They are my go-to site for all things guitar. Always super fast delivery and if it says it’s in stock it is in stock. Usually the best price too.

[@badcomma]

I cannot believe I found this video AFTER spending months mulling over my next guitar, reading, watching reviews and demos - trying a few, and then buying a 5620T CB - today. It's a 2015 in Georgia Green, an orphan that hung on a PHX guitar shop wall for seven years, still new, and a sweet deal.

[@dragan4658]

It's nice to know the different stages of a guitar brand. I saw the G5222 electromatic double jet today and it looks and feels really good, quality at a reasonable price. Thanks for sharing and educating us!

[@SuperOpposum]

Such a soothing video, that guy's bending is on point.

[@douglilesbusdev]

Absolute best review I’ve seen on the Gretsch line so far. Well spoken and well played.

[@petermarkovic8837]

Great playing, where can I see more of this gentleman's guitar playing?

[@funnymansaif4659]

exactly!

[@aniquinstark4347]

I recently got into their resonators and I'm loving my alligator

[@jackmccomedy]

I’m currently looking to buy a Gretsch & your video has made it crystal clear what I’m looking for! Great work!! 🤘

[@cass2771]

Keen to hear more! What do you plan to get? If you’ve got it, welcome to the World of Gretsch! And how’s it going?

[@square9011]

An April video with a Christmas tree in the background! Amazingly informative, learned all about Gretsches and beautiful playing, thanks!

[@csharpminorseven]

Great job Nathan - what a fine player, and cool to boot!

[@wesw2121]

I just received my first Gretsch, a 5410T Limited edition "Tri-Five" ocean turquoise/vintage white and I haven't been able to put it down. Have wanted to dip my toe into the Gretsch hollow body pool for years now and am kicking myself for not having done so sooner.

[@davidwillsofthenorth]

Great video! The only thing most of us Gretsch plays find puzzling, befuddling, and troublesome, is the strap / end pins. They are indeed, a pain in the.... It's a small price to pay, but good advice is to pair your Gretsch with a good strap.

[@calebvindas488]

I love my G2622T Streamliner, they are perfect if you want to start in the Gretsch world

[@Anjohl]

Sweet Jesus, that overdriven Jet at the 7:08 mark! That tone is *money*!

[@piperofsimms]

I enjoyed this because I needed to know what all the models were about. Thank you GAK from Tucson, Arizona USA

[@TONGUES742]

My red center block is a beauty. Fit and finish is amazing, great tone.

[@davidgpeterson]

I’m equally impressed with got he guitar player’s ability as i am with his manicure. Seriously. Those nails shine.

[@dantecantu2626]

Outstanding! Love that sweet Gretsch sound! And hats off to the guitar player!!!

[@swenhanson4125]

Just love Them! Something magical especially the orange stain, I do have a G5620T in the Georgia Green , love it!

[@swenhanson4125]

I do as well, sweet

[@trevormekelburg3773]

This demo dude looks like he’s going to help Corrella Devil steal 101 Dalmatians. I’m digging the all black cat burglar/ henchman outfit.

[@Wobbz9413]

Lol, corrella devil.

[@daves7086]

The professional range sounds really clean. I definitely notice the difference between that and the beginner

[@festushaggen2563]

Just bought my first Gretsch this week. Never paid them much attention but the new G5220 BT Jet changed that. It offers a refreshingly different tone and style to my Les Paul while also feeling familiar and I’m really enjoying it. I feel like I got a lot more guitar than what I paid for.

[@EM_life-gr8sn]

Just bought my first one two days ago. I have twelve other guitars and its now my favourite.

[@musicauthority7828]

I have a Gretsch G5122DC electromatic, it's a great guitar, and it's one of my favorite guitars.

[@sfgators]

If I could play as well as the guy who demo'd, it wouldn't matter which one. He's a great guitarist!

[@kennethbroderick6358]

I bought a Gretsch G2655t 5 months ago. The build quality is excellent and it s smaller body suits my height and build perfectly. .The pups( broadtron) are also very good, a very good professional guitarist gave it a good workout and gave a big thumbs up. So whats not to like?

[@EliKuo]

Great guitarist can make any guitar sound amazing! This guy who is performing in this video is amazing! Either way, I like the sounds produced by all of these guitars!

[@neonskyline1]

might be amazing but boring

[@pjd417]

I've been playing guitar professionally since the '70s a few years back I purchased two gretch guitars and I have never looked back they are the most versatile awesome hollow Bodies I have ever owned in my life I will never go back to Gibson's fenders or telecasters

[@ericdavidwallace]

That guitar player is nuts ! This video was extremely helpful thank you! I have a Jet. Love it 🖤🎶🎸

[@Terribleguitarist89]

A duo jet with dynasonics is on the top of the list for dream guitars.

[@chrisvassos1869]

Bought the most expensive streamliner with gold hardware and bigsby by for $855 CAD, around 480 pounds, fantastic guitar.

[@axeaddiction796]

That Chet Atkins model sounded wonderful

[@rlk54]

I bought my first Gretch G5434 Bigsby Electromatic. It has got a fantastic sound.

[@jimdeeds]

The player's moustache needs its own channel. Superb playing by the way!

[@robertagresti7188]

Long time Gibson and Fender player but not very familiar with Gretsch. Very informative video. I was hoping to hear a bit more about their model numbering scheme.

[@patrickhopkinson1851]

Gretsch model numbers generally mean whatever Gretsch wants but there sometimes a kind of logic. If the number starts with a 2, then it’s an “entry level” model, most likely a type of Streamliner (kind of like a Squire or Epiphone). If it’s starts with a 5, then it’s a mid range model such as an Electromatic and if it starts with a 6 (or occasionally a 7) then it’s part of the professional series. Sometimes the numbers that follow give some notion of the type of guitar and it’s position in the order of precedence. For example the 6120 is the Chet Atkins model (sort of the Custom); the 6119 is the Tennessee Rose (sort of the Standard) and the 6118 is the Anniversary (sort of the Special). They are all the same guitar (with occasional variations: some Tennessee Roses and Tennesseans had a longer scale length neck) but with different appointments. Now it would be great if 61xx meant an arch top and the xx it’s specification, but this is Gretsch so it doesn’t work like that. The 6121 is the Chet Atkins solid-body and 6128 is the Duojet. Again both are essentially the same guitar but this time the 6121 has fancier appointments than the 6128, despite its higher number. Then there’s the 6122…which is another archtop but this time a Country Gentleman, which is different from a 6120 (and 19 and 18). It is more akin to the 6136 White Falcon and the 6196 Country Club (17” body, 25.5” scale length), but this time it’s the 6136 that’s most richly appointed. Hope this helps. I’ve found it best to consider that there are only three models: the Chet Atkins 6120 (and variations such as the Tennessee Rose and Anniversary, all are c.16” with a 24.6” scale length), the Country Club (and the Falcon and Country Gent) and the Duojet (chambered solid bodied Les Paul-a like and it’s variations such as the 6121 and the White Penguin). Then there will occasionally be letters and other numbers following the model numbers. Numbers like -55 or -59 denote the original model year the guitar is recreating and letters generally refer to pickups and sometimes to whether or not it has a Bigsby. DS means Dynasonic single coils, TV means TV Jones pickups etc.

[@johnwelch557]

And to think this guy just started playing last week..... 🤪 I love Gretsch!

[@chuckparkinson7470]

😁😄😂😂

[@lauranceemory4448]

That's what you can accomplish when you have a good guitar ;)

[@yonniesboy]

Thank you so much for the explanation.. I have the electromatic as used in the video and it makes me want to get another type of Gretsch guitar .. I am not a pro but in use my guitar for worship music .. once again .. thank you so much for the explanation 😊

[@johnvarricchio6856]

Brilliant Video 🙋‍♂️🤙🏻 The player is super super talented !!! So enjoyable

[@buzzstankos8532]

I wonder about neck carve -- I tend to like a chunky neck (50's LP style) ... I don't see much about the necks on the various Gretsch models...

[@KordTaylor]

Oh man some of those bends were crazy! 😍

[@matthiasgugelmann8516]

D😢ideo😢x swell of my my syheart was 😟😟 but my den dgot is a good 👍👍 dbut dbut but dy dyjust dydddyddddddddddddyyyxdm

[@elizabethhardzog2894]

Thanks for the information. It's hard to think when you're awestruck in the presence of the Gretsch lineup. The "eye candy" high can rack your decision making process as well as the "do I really NEED another guitar" budget. There is a Gretsch in my future, definitely..

[@fatherof3kidz]

Thinking of adding a Gretsch to my herd. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@uffu2490]

I’m in love with Gretsch guitars 😌 that hollow body sounds immaculate 😌

[@benjaminwebeck4749]

You know I came here for the guitars but stayed for that blokes phenomenal playing. Bravo dude!

[@172turtla]

Very informative, and great playing. Thanks for the video! Now I am going to look at a 6120 today.

[@cass2771]

Great! How did the shopping go?

[@andygrove285]

Gretsch pickups sound unbelievably epic for metal. That 'twang' translates into shredding articulation.

[@alangreenway6695]

I love Gretsch guitars, but be aware that some of the semi hollow versions have very odd wiring and switches that aren’t always that accessible.

[@diogomp81]

Great video, just thought there should've been some coverage to the pickup differences. I would have loved to see how the Filtertrons fared on a hollow body with the kind of playing being done on the Chet Atkins model.