Gretsch Electomatic G5420

#knowyourgear #podcast #guitarpodcast #geekystuff #guitaroftheweek
Gretsch Guitar Giveaway
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[@PhillipMcKnight]

Congratulations John Burks! Watch Podcast 367 to hear a super extra exciting announcement.

[@fueymanchoo1291]

I have one of these. You can run this thru the cleanest amp and still get it to growl somehow. I'm sold on Gretsch.

[@emil8446]

I bought a 5622T about a month ago and it’s absolutely flawless. It sounds amazing and plays beautifully. I couldn’t be happier. What a guitar at a reasonable price.

[@NeonBlade]

I just bought one (red one with 3 pickups) a week ago. Awesome guitar!

[@mitchlss]

I picked up the 2622 after deciding I was getting an Epiphone 335. I pulled the gretsch just to compare and just absolutely fell in love. So incredibly dynamic especially with the coil splitting. Built in overdrive!

[@Gene_Cali]

Good luck to all entering! Thanks to Phil & Family, for thinking of us. This is a beautiful instrument. 😊🤞

[@CitizenofMelee]

Killer! And who doesn't want a Orange hollowbody Gretsch?

[@craig.encinitas]

Got one myself! 🤘🏼 6120 Setzer Nashville 🎸

[@ToriesgoneofImglad]

Anyone who lives on one of the many countries that can't enter the draw? Again...

[@MrPointy75]

Any dumb college football fan like me, who hates Tennessee Orange (Roll Tide). And all the other finishes have Laurel fretboards. And yes, I'm being serious. Will never own an orange guitar (I'm so dumb).

[@marthaflinchum8266]

Roll Tide! ​@@MrPointy75

[@rickp3646]

I love orange

[@lookingbehind6335]

Gretsch guitars are in a league of their own. Classic yet modern, beautiful yet gaudy. Easily one of the best all around guitars available. Better than any Gibson on any level on any day.

[@johnfoskey7855]

They nice..wouldn't pick this over a les paul though..everyone has their choice

[@lookingbehind6335]

@@johnfoskey7855 A Les Paul? That’s the absolute worst product Gibson makes. If you want an unstable guitar that can’t stay in tune more than a minute, I guess they are a good choice.

[@johnfoskey7855]

​@lookingbehind6335 ..ive never had that issue with my gibsons..maybe im lucky

[@lookingbehind6335]

@@johnfoskey7855 You must have picked some good ones. It isn’t often people find one that stays in tune.

[@johnfoskey7855]

@@lookingbehind6335 I guess so

[@waygone6657]

I have a Gretsch 5420T, Orange, Made in Korea. It is awesome. Perfectly smooth all around and so comfortable to hold. I usually play it unplugged, the tone and resonance are fine even unplugged.

[@rich1891]

I mostly play mine acoustically also. 😁

[@jefflevy3557]

Hey, I've got that model. Mine has a fat D neck with lots of shoulder (which I don't love but the guitar is great otherwise). Yours too?

[@waygone6657]

@@jefflevy3557 honestly I don't know the difference between a C or D neck. The neck on mine is thinner than my two steel string acoustics. It is really comfortable to me for grabbing F chord and barring A is easier than using three fingers.

[@markvonwisco7369]

The clean tones are especially nice to my ears on this guitar.

[@kevinfarrellUK]

I am in uk and have had one of these (lefty) for 6yrs. I love it. Something you did not touch on is the weight balance when standing. I find it perfect. Downsides: I had to thin the nut width by about half and very carefully curve the string grooves toward the tuning pegs at the back of the nut to help tuning stability with the bigsby. Secondly, being hollow body it needs time to adjust to temp/hum changes in venues for about an hour to stabilise and this time reduces the older the strings so I keep strings changes to bare minimum. Having said that, I wouldn’t swap it for the world, it has genuine character. ;))

[@carlo6485]

I had been subscribed already and going to the podcast website as well to enter for the giveaway was super easy, and thank you Phillip for all you share!

[@markbrown7103]

I bought a GT 427 Gretsch last year. It’s midnight blue with gold hardware. It is a beautiful guitar. I love it. I have about $700 invested in this instrument. It plays absolutely beautiful played beautiful right out of the box. I’m very pleased with this instrument. I played guitar since 1974. This is one of the seven guitars I have I think that’s enough. I just recently bought a 12 string acoustic and a few years back. I bought a classic fender squire and put a new bridge and new machine heads on it and it plays beautiful too. Don’t waste your money on namebrand guitar, it’s not worth it is the person that is playing take care of your instruments. They’ll last forever. Have a beautiful day.❤️❤️😄😎🎸

[@bulico06]

I have a a g5125 with the Dearmond dynasonics, it punches way above its weight. Awesome guitars.

[@lookingbehind6335]

I have the G6134T-58, absolutely the best recording electric you can get.

[@drdoom8793]

Always loved an Orange Gretsch. I just picked up a new Inspired By 335 and the quality of the newer Chinese Semi-Hollows/hollow bodies are crazy for the price

[@Uncle_Torgo]

I'm an old (literally) Gretsch guy and have owned/own lots of them. I appreciate your review, but the title is "When The Mid Level Guitar Is Better Than The Pro Level" and I missed the explanation of that. If it's the number of top plies, I don't think that is a reasonable suggestion, a hollow body top is supposed to vibrate, the fewer plies the better. Better still is a hand cut spruce arch top, but Gretsch hasn't done that since the early 50's.

[@ds97853]

I have 3 new Electromatic 5420s, including the Sweetwater 59 version, and they are nice, but it is absolutely ridiculous to claim they are even close in quality to any of my proline MIJ Gretsch guitars. I have been A/B ing them all week, and it's not even close. Even people who don't play guitar notice a dramatic difference in the sound quality, and on the playing end, it's like a Honda civic against a Ferrari. I don't know why anyone would make this claim, and I seriously doubt you own a 6100 series guitar.

[@leer.2137]

My Gretsch WAS a Syncromatic 6014 {acoustic} 1954, made in Brooklyn New York

[@sharkman4928]

I love the sound of those Gretch Filtertron pickups! 😍

[@elenbrandt290]

As always - thank you. In Phil We Trust!

[@RocktCityTim]

Love my Gretsch guitars. Great dive in on the Electromatic.

[@markkenward7040]

I have a great Gretsch Jumbo acoustic. It is like a rancher, but is yellow/orange with tri oval sound hole, and no markings. Very loud and stable. Awesome guitar.

[@davidhelling9296]

Thanks for the technical aspects of this review ! Very informative.

[@chichelms7663]

Very nice. Sounds like a great guitar for a beginner. You always have a lot of good info on your channel. Thanks for what you do!

[@jasonhuizinga6898]

What a beautiful guitar. I've had my eye on one for such a long time but just can't justify the cost having been recently laid off. Hope whoever gets this really enjoys it for the wonderful instrument it is.

[@pablobobatty4720]

Thank you Phil! I ❤ this guitar and the clarity it has!

[@scottfulghum4398]

What a beautiful guitar. I’ve never owned a Gretsch but I’ve played many. The feedback isn’t hard to control. I’d put flats on it the first day.

[@pedropadel141]

Thanks for the great review. I have one of these Gretsch hollows. You've made me appreciate it more. Mine is a Ratrod in white. I love it. The trem arm is not for hanging out of though. I love the dirty sound and also the big clean sound.

[@joe19912]

Stunning looks and sound! Been thinking about finally breaking down and getting a fun electric, this could be the one. ❤

[@dukeofearl4117]

When I played in a band back in 67-71 our lead player had a 12 string Gretch. It sounded wonderful and he still has it. They have some pretty acoustics also.

[@mattj6676]

That thing is both beautiful and sounds great. I never really thought of hollow body guitars much but I like to play electric and I like the sound of acoustic so it's a nice mix where you can put a little fuzz into the sound and still get the nice clear ring of an acoustic. I think I need one of those!

[@picksalot1]

I've always liked the sound and look of Gretsch guitars. They seem to have figured out the right combination of features early on to create an enduring and classic instrument. Always wanted one. Maybe some day. Thanks

[@paulechols]

Thanks for great content and giveaways Phillip

[@billknudson7895]

I bough an Electromatic 5120 several years ago. I yanked the stock pickups and put in a set of Fralin Unbuckers and a push/pull pot for tapping the coils. It made a huge difference in the twang factor.

[@bassyey]

2mm action height allows manufacturers to hide fret level problems lol. That's simply it. Leveled frets won't have problems with 1.5mm below, that's how I setup my guitars.

[@tedstieghorst7113]

This Gretsch is a real beauty of a guitar. I have to say thanks to you, Phill, your family, and Sweetwater for giving the lucky winner this magnificent instrument.

[@nicholsr1]

Great video! Gretsch guitars are magical - I love my G2420 and G5220! Sure would love to add this one to my collection!

[@paulg1897]

I love mine. I got a 2020 MIK. Out of the box, it was pristine, and it plays better than my US-made guitars. The action was super low, fast neck (12" radius). It's my favorite guitar and cost a fraction of my US Tele/Strat/Les Paul. The pickup switch is a bit dodgy but it works. Great platform to replace with high-end TV Jones and electronics. And, of all my guitars this has been the most stable. You don't need to make any adjustments. Perhaps that's due to the 5 piece neck.

[@Phatsultan]

I got the old style version of this a few years ago, I much prefer this current look but I wasn’t to know they’d change it. Got some TV Jones pickups put in and I love playing it.

[@jasondorsey7110]

I put a tv jones thunderblade in an older single-pickup junior jet bass and it is a raging low-end monster, I was blown away by how punchy yet clear the sound is

[@thebenefactor6744]

Me too, plus a serpentine bridge. It's one of my best players.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

If yours says, "Made in Korea," on the headstock, you very likely have a better guitar. The body outlines on the new Chinese versions are wonky. Most noticable on the horns of the double-cutaway hollow bodies.

[@Stricknyne1]

Thanks for including an archtop guitar in your reviews, would love to see more. Really enjoy your channel!

[@sorenahlback]

Lovely color.

[@Dirtydingodog]

Great review! Thanks for doing such an incredibly detailed and entertaining job!

[@LiberatingRemembrance]

Thank you Phil, Sweetwater and Co. for the great review and good luck everyone!

[@alementary4065]

I used to have the Gretsch Electromatic Jet. Absolutely some of the cleanest machining and routing of any guitar I have ever owned. Really top-notch construction. Wish I hadn't sold that one.

[@TheRealBrentRasmussen]

I have this same guitar, except mine is the 125th Anniversary edition orange Electromatic, and the Filtertrons have been swapped out for TV Jones. It's a phenomenal guitar that punches way above its weight. The fit and finish are outstanding, and it's a great player.

[@garycoates4987]

Gretsch makes amazing guitars across the whole line at every price point

[@rayschoch5882]

Love that color - and the Bigsby. I mostly play blues and country, and this instrument really personifies that style.

[@anthonycruz6909]

Oh wow thank you Phillip for giving me this chance to win this outstanding piece of craftsmanship ,, i love your channel !!!❤❤❤

[@jtshannon]

That model and color has been on my want list since it was around $500. I like that the bridge is now fixed. Used to see them at GC with foam under the bridge.

[@teerexness]

Even Gretsch's cheap guitars are outstanding.

[@rockerbuck967]

Agreed! I have an Electromatic, and I totally love it. Nothing fancy, just a player - and I'll keep it forever.

[@Craig52-zq1bt]

For a Gretsch. Large, awkward control placement, bizarre colors, etc.

[@teerexness]

@@Craig52-zq1bt Large? Look at anything with "Jet" in the name. The controls make total sense and the colors are much more interesting. They are for extroverts, not cork-sniffers.

[@ironmikezero]

@@teerexness Gotta agree! Once you get used to the controls' layout, you realize how well it works--the master volume alone will spoil you.

[@auntjenifer7774]

😂 That's the only thing I hate about Gretsch is the master volume. ​@@ironmikezero

[@two50ne77]

orange does affect the tone

[@danstringer7610]

Must be played through an Orange amp.

[@DouglasMcLaughlin-kq7hk]

​@@danstringer7610because nothing rhymes with That except 'door hinge' and that's just silly.

[@danstringer7610]

@@DouglasMcLaughlin-kq7hk nothing wrong with Silly, it’s where I live.

[@fredstevens799]

first time I've LOLed in days! Thank you!!!

[@two50ne77]

@@fredstevens799 this is why I wake up everyday. thanks stranger

[@Paine-yr9wd]

That was the best review of a guitar I’ve seen! I bought that guitar from Sweetwater and you did a great job describing it with great detail! I swapped out the stock pickups for TV Jones Classic Filtertrons and I couldn’t be more pleased! The stock pickups sound good but are not constructed like an original Filtertron!

[@AAllinsonNN]

I was actually blown away by this! Beautiful guitar!

[@joshfeatherstone8546]

I have two of those 5420ts. One in orange and one in Fairlane Blue. They're incredible sounding and beautiful looking

[@caseymuzio7609]

I love my elctromatic i had a set of semore duncan psycotron hots installed and a brass true arc bridge

[@original_Gee]

I have a G5422T and a G5622, they are amazing. I prefer the non Bigsby, just because I find it makes the guitar a bit tail heavy since they are so light overall. Awesome video Phil!

[@brannonjones3668]

Love the demo and what an awesome looking Axe!

[@jdavidsavage]

Great sounding guitar!!! Would love to add it to my collection!!!

[@brotherwind5015]

You always do nice informative videos. I love the 24.75 scale. This Gretsch also has a sweet color. One day I'll own one ❤

[@NeonBlade]

I've got a 5420T in the Walnut finish. I was going to get an orange one until I saw the walnut in a shop and realised that photos don't do it justice it's a dark red wine colour and is just stunning. Awesome guitar that I picked up on special $400 of the normal retail. It came with a faulty pickup selector, apparently a very common fault in this model, but otherwise it's just perfect. Also bought a 3-pickup 5622T a week ago, also an amazing guitar. Great review!

[@BuckFlicks]

I have the metallic blue finish from a couple years ago. It’s my favorite electric guitar, and if I could only play one of my guitars the rest of my life, it would be this one.

[@suedeface]

Got one a couple months ago. It's great. Learning Travis picking now, but they can shred too- check out Dan Peter's doing what he calls shredabilly.

[@SurfRockitt]

I've been after this guitar!! I'm in!!

[@claudiajay8291]

The 5 piece neck is something I’ve never seen before . I’d love to hear the guitar on the Amplified Nation amp ! The “ Dumble” sound❤

[@davesnyder7094]

What a beautiful instrument. Orange is my favorite color for these guitars. Just Classic!!

[@lenonel3286]

I'm so in love with Bigbsy-type bridges eventhough they're not common in the type of music i listen to, they just look comfy. This one's a beaut! whoever wins it is gonna be a very happy person

[@ironmikezero]

Very nice Gretsch, a mid-tier version of the iconic 6120 that meets and exceeds the original's standards. I think the Pro series is still at another level; but the cost is commensurate. I recently found a NOS Streamliner G2410TG (hollow body) in amber that's also amazingly good. It may not be a fair comparison to my Falcons, but--man, is it fun!

[@TimBoulette]

That guitar has been on my wish list for awhile.

[@garyssimo]

It took me 71 yrs for my first orange Gretsch...now I have two! a 6120 and 5120. the 5120 has TV JONES pickups it was 640 used and the other one 1800. I like the cheaper one more!

[@stonebrakerstudio8238]

That would look nice sitting in my bedroom I have a stand for it

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

I have one of these. Absolutely love it

[@christophervincent8420]

Wow. I didn't know this was a giveaway. I was just checking out the Gretch. Congratulations to the person that wins this. Looks as good as it sounds.

[@OmnyDevi]

thanks for the knowledge as always, Phil. idk why guitars with a Bigsby don't come standard with a rolling bridge. i have like two that i am always having to swap due to the bridge with the more sharp ends generally pulling the strings out of tune. just a fleeting thought. be well out there Amigo.

[@ragsdirt3492]

Phi;;ip, great detail on the Gretch. I been playing since I was in high school in 1964. I i don't have a Gretch and would love to have one. Keep up the good work fur us players.

[@fju1107]

I've been eyeing a Gretsch for a while. They sound great in any style but I've been vibing to some rock-a-billy lately and these were made for that sound.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Lol Phil does the screen color inversion for the glove test. Man that is a nice guitar though. I've been playing clean tones lately. The Supro Tremolo pedal really sounds great!

[@MrSmiley1964]

Thinking about buying another guitar in the next month or so and a Big Old Gretsch is def on my list. Your timing is impeccable my friend. It will be perfect if I win.

[@buddehaole]

Last summer tried a bunch of 6120s, players, Setzer, Cochran. Currently looking at the 6118 anniversary and trying to figure out differences. The Cochran was amazing

[@carpathus]

Great review. Cheers!

[@alangreenway6695]

My first Gretsch was a Japanese Lefty Country Gent 2. It’s a lovely high end guitar, but I’ve had to become a better player to really know how to use it. It has a very smooth Bigsby and subtle pickups. I bought a Lefty Korean G5420T on clearance and was really impressed by the build quality. I was expecting a softer sounding guitar being a hollow body, but the pickups and Bigsby are very spiky and rocky. They’re different but both really fun guitars. I also own a Japanese Jet and a Japanese Bo Diddley. I love Gretsch quality.

[@grimora-dg3vq]

I bought a G5420t Gretsch before making my large purchase (Gretsch G5739t-BD). The quality of both builds are absolutely flawless! Gretsch is the ONLY mfg I've bought from where the guitars are playable right out of the box or case with only minor tuning. Second up is Schecter and Sire (tied). Fender, PRS, Epiphone and Fernandes all needed extra attention to be playable.

[@howardmaryon]

Got a 2018 5420T in orange, but chrome hardware. Tombstone inlays. Plays and looks amazing. I am a left handed player, so I had to buy and fit my own left hand b6 from Bigsby, Gretsch do not supply Bigsby’s on lefties.

[@chrislute1211]

Great deals. I use a baritone jet with a bigsby. Great guitar.

[@brentstewart4360]

nice - always liked playing the Gretsch guitars I've tried

[@mmmichaeldane1288]

Aloha Phil, thanks for your excellent review and breakdown of the Gretsch. Love the tone of the instrument. M 😎

[@stevemurray2737]

These are Fantastic Guitars! I’m Picking up a White 5422TG in July! Can’t wait! Super Versatile and Killer Tone straight into the Amp.

[@ironmikezero]

Congrats! You'll love it--it's even half an inch narrower in body depth (2.25" vs 2.75").

[@tostrmofo6686]

I used to own one of those. Fantastic guitar with great playability. It had to move on because I decided to limit myself on 8 guitars and there were others I just bonded with more, which doesn't mean they were objectively better.

[@mattsteele3031]

I just ordered my first Gretsch! I hope I do not end up disappointed.

[@littlerhodyguitar2169]

I love that guitar I've been eyeing that one on Sweetwater for ever. I gotta pay off my LP that I got from them first, but fingers crossed for the win.

[@lonecrow1577]

Very Nice guitar. Thanks for the review.

[@lucabrasi5070]

Absolutely. Take a nice mid level guitar, add a really good set up and just a little bit of time tweaking it, and it can be very hard to tell the difference between it and a guitar costing twice as much. Ask any touring musician that doesn’t want to take their expensive stuff on the road.

[@gibsondcxpl85]

I’ve had a G2655T Streamliner for a few years, the build quality is flawless. Plays, looks and sounds great, though the Broadtron pickups are a little dark and not particularly ‘Gretsch-like’. I’d like to check out a Jet or Penguin

[@Doug5524]

Sounds great thank you Phil

[@joesatchton212]

Hey Phil: small suggestion for you. When you point out things like "5 piece neck", consider taking a moment to mention the pros and cons of such a construction method. How do they differ from one piece necks? etc, etc, etc...Maybe even your own opinion. You already do that with other things.

[@ibanmayo2]

The neck shown is similar in construction to the best classical guitars. And the scarf joint...Gibson should adopt that for their Les Paul necks Then no more horror broken neck videos on youtube. I know the pros...best construction for structural integrity. What are the cons?

[@joesatchton212]

@@ibanmayo2 So...what you're saying is that in terms of structural integrity, multiple piece necks ALWAYS are superior to one piece necks? Is that correct? Has that been verified by builders? Clearly, even to my ignorant brain, a one piece neck is less expensive, less complex and less time consuming to build versus multiple piece necks. Right? Also, from your logic, 3 piece necks are less durable than 5 piece necks, but 7 piece necks are best of all? Cheers

[@ironmikezero]

@@joesatchton212 You can get into quite a bit of discussion about multiple piece vs single piece necks; unfortunately, it tends to devolve into wood species arguments. The general consensus (as I understand it) is that careful selection of grain direction and subsequent placement when glued enhances inherent stability in multi-piece necks to a considerable degree over single-piece necks. It does take more time and impacts costs.

[@joesatchton212]

@@ironmikezero Thanks man. Totally understand the sadly toxic discussions about gear in our universe. So dumb and pointless. Appreciate your feedback for sure! I am no luthier but I am familiar with discussions that indicate necks that have been glued for repairs [a la Gibson breaks] are supposed to result in a stronger final product as the modern ,proper glues used can create stronger bonds than even a single piece of wood can achieve. To my original comment, I would love to hear Phil's thoughts on this matter, with his deep experience as a repair guy. Cheers and thanks again.

[@jeremyholbrook2094]

New to the channel. I just purchased an eastman t486. I wonted a high value mid price range guitar. I looked at the electromatic guitar at 800, and the next level was almost triple. I'm now wondering if I made a mistake. I guess I'll have some ides when it arrives. That iconic gretch sound is definitely amazing 👏

[@pedroleal7118]

Hello! I have one of those, Made in Korea, and it's a great guitar. I did change the tuners and put Sperzels in it , for tunning purposes. I don't enter 'giveaways' any more (living in Europe) because I've never seen anyone getting anything overseas (maybe you should mention that...?). Take care!

[@zenwave5272]

you're not gonna make me feel bad about buying my Brian Setzer 'Smoke' G6120 😂 been traveling for 2 months with the Donner Hush guitar for practice, can't wait to get back to my Gretchen!

[@mikekozi-lester3887]

Hi Guitar Guy nice video 📹 and workmanship!!! It's got a nice deep voice like talking deep !!!

[@edryba4867]

I happen to LOVE my Japanese-built Gretsch Country Gent. It plays better than the ones I played in 1965.

[@Gk2003m]

Eastman had this a few years ago. Their AR605/610ce ‘jazz’ hollowbody guitars, instead of being all maple like the 8xx and 9xx series, had a spruce top with mahogany back and sides. And sounded better acoustically, while also sounding better thru the floating pickup. All for roughly half the price of the maple guitars.

[@XiaNingTian]

The current line of 5420s are fantastic guitars. To me, though, it's a hard task to surpass my 6120 Smoke. The comfort and ease of play on my 6120 surpasses all my other guitars and that's something the 5420 falls slightly short on, but it is worthy of being a #3 or 4 guitar if I wasn't saving for a Falcon and 5622.

[@fordhammie]

Absolute beauty and I AM grateful to witness it 👀

[@mjvicc1952]

Gretsch is currently one of the best value for a quality guitar . Doesn’t get the respect it deserves.

[@dennisneo1608]

Gorgeous guitar.

[@howardmaryon]

Best upgrade for any Bigsby Gretsch, is the Gretsch Rocker Bar bridge, just a big round bar that lets the strings move easily when using the Bigsby.

[@ironmikezero]

My G6136T White Falcon came factory equipped with one; Bigsby use is smooth as glass.

[@fredstevens799]

I put a Reverend adjustable-saddle roller bridge for the same purpose ($20) and softer spring ($10) both drop-in replacements, on both my Bigsby-equipped Duo-Jet and Streamliner Gretsches - like buttah! Also, locking tuners. original Bigsby springs can be used as replacements for station wagon rear suspensions. I also use a penny (current year if I can find one) to replace the plastic spacer under the spring - helps date the guitar. And yes, the guitars are awesome!!!