Gretsch Electromatic G5222 - Malcolm Young Tones on a Budget

[@grahamb646]

If anyone's watching this and undecided, I can say with confidence "Just get one. You won't be sorry". I bought this exact model and loved it, so later on I bought the same again in the beautiful "Walnut Stain" colour, which is really more Wine Red. Honestly, it really wants for nothing. The only thing I've had to do on both of mine is to re-align the tuners so they're all straight. Just a simple matter of plugging and re-drilling a few screw holes. Now it's spot on. It's very easy to play, and the laurel board feels a lot like a maple neck. It's very quick if you want it to be. The sound is classic Gretsch and I have no intention of changing any of the electronics. Absolute bargains for the price. The only minor downside is of you want a hard case, you really don't have much option other than buying the Gretsch one, but it's worth it.

[@bryanjohnston5355]

I have one arriving in a couple of days

[@summerspinecenter]

Mine just came today. Very excited to play it tonight. This is the best test drive of this guitar that i've found on here. You're playing is terrific and you really give a thorough tone preview of the guitar. Thank you!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Hey Dan, thank you so much for checking the video out. Hope you like the guitar! I'm a big fan of Gretsch, I think they make some amazing guitars in this price range. Really pleased you enjoyed the video, thanks for the kind words!

[@paulaeden5934]

Are you gay or what...lol

[@thomasd9237]

I now have a 5222 & a 2655p-90 Fantastic guitars & the best value for your money.

[@johnparker657]

Fantastic video. I have a black one on order can't wait to gig with it 😊

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Hi Leigh this is your first video I've ever seen and am now a subscriber. 👍 Really thorough and comprehensive demo on this axe! Best I've seen so far on it very well done! Always been a fan like you of the single cutaway Duo Jet body style. I have a G5220 with the Broadtrons (Casino Gold) and I really like it a lot. Just saw this same exact one in the LGS the other day and it caught my eye. I could get used to this jet double cutaway body style especially at this price point and in the natural finish. Loved the clean and dirty tones on this beast! Thank you! 👏

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Hey! Firstly, thank you so much and welcome to the channel, hope you enjoy the other videos too! Glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Yeah it's a great guitar, it's very versatile and while I'm not a fan (visually) of the double cut styles, it played and sounded killer. I do own a single cut Electromatic Jet which is basically the same spec as this, which I absolutely love! The one I own is pretty much the same as the G5220 except it's an older one... I think the model is something like the G5439T or something... but its the single cut with a Bigsby, same price and same spec, in silver sparkle.

[@eccentric0official]

I have been looking at these for a while. Just before Xmas I bought my first Gretsch which was a G6128T. It is incredible, I’m definitely going to check these out as well when I next go to a guitar store and will probably walk out with one.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Gretsch are great, even the lower priced models hold their own. I bought a single cut LP style one a few years ago (Think its the G5439 or something?) and it's such an awesome guitar. The 5222 in this video plays great. I never loved the double cut look of these, but you can't fault the way they feel.

[@daveormand4977]

Great job on your video and info! Love Gretsch guitars because of the quality of build, sound, and looks are all well done. I own 2 and looking for another😆. Keep on keepin on! Cheers🤘🏽

[@LMacNeill]

I've got a G5220 on the way -- same as this guitar, only a single-cut instead of a double-cut. Can't *wait* for it to get here. In the meantime, I'm watching as many videos as I can, living vicariously through KZbinrs like you. 😂 Thanks!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

I have a single cut similar to that, mine is the G5439T which is the same guitar (single cut, carved top) but with a Bigsby. Gretsch make some incredible guitars in that price range. I’m guessing yours has arrived now? How are you liking it?

[@LMacNeill]

@@LeighFugeGuitar It hasn't arrived yet. Latest estimate is August 23rd. It's a left-handed model -- apparently those aren't in stock anywhere, and it had to be manufactured from scratch? Total time is estimated to be about 6 weeks.

[@JR-tg1vg]

Great review. I’m a big Gretsch head because I feel like they meet in between Gibson and Fender. I own 2 others, and I naturally flock to them over everything else I own. Just well built, versatile, and good to look at. I’m seriously considering getting this one as an everyday type of deal. Cheers! 👍

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

That's exactly how I always think of Gretsch. It can do the fat rock stuff from a Gibson, but the Filtertrons have a little more bite, like a Telecater. It's the best of both worlds. Thanks for checking out the video! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jefflitchfield4950]

Do it. I sold all my les Paul's when I got mine

[@SVR1968]

Gretsch make some nice guitars, and the one shown in the video is no exception. Great demo, and some of those classic rock tones were a pleasure to listen to.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

I think Gretsch make some really interesting stuff. They have a very unique tone too. Nothing else quite sounds like a Gretsch. They’re very unique pickups. They do rock very well! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@kbroomall]

Sick riffs and tone, gonna pick one up for sure

[@MrChuckyK]

I just got a 2nd hand Gretsxh G5222. Fantastic! A super versatile guitar.

[@SebastianHalfpenny]

Will it do both led Zeppelin and AC/DC? I am getting a tele on steroids vibe from it.

[@peterb2245]

@@SebastianHalfpenny yes

[@AdamBurseMusic]

That sounded awesome Leigh, great demo man 😀🤘🎵🔥🔥🔥

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Thank you man! Always good to see your name pop up! Thanks for checking it out as always!

[@peterbernice7629]

Just love listening to your playing Leigh, Top Man keep making more videos,

[@ROKRmarc]

Excellent summary here of this fine guitar...Great dollar to tone value...Thank you. 🤘🎸💯

[@hotwheel6663]

Bloody well done mate!

[@Peter81369]

Just bought one of these on reverb. Can't wait to play it!

[@johnskibler]

Bought a black one just a couple weeks ago, replacing a pretty but unsatisfying to me Epi LP Pro I just couldn’t bond with. This one will stick!

[@fdcentrella0069]

Love the review Leigh! I have a 5232T that surfs as well or better than my former more traditional surf instruments!

[@PedroDVC]

Double cut is so cool man... definitely my next guitar... and I cof cof am a cof cof drummer

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Even drummers need cool guitars! haha

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

Hey, thanks for the great review. I’ve been looking for a review of this specific guitar. I am a recent Gretsch convert and own a G5420, G5422-12 string, and a G5655. I’m thinking this may be my next one.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

That’s a nice Gretsch collection! This would make a great addition to that lineup!

[@earledaniels4539]

Great review. I am going to get me a G5222, Cheers 👍

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Thanks for checking the video out!! It's a great guitar!

[@tropixstarz2005]

I plan on buying this guitar and change the pickups to a tv jones Power'Tron Plus™ in the bridge and a tv jones Power'Tron in the neck

[@unlikenospark]

Hey Leigh hope your good it’s Emily young by the way can’t remember if I told you I changed my name on everything just want to say thank you for liking my videos the other day really means a lot and this guitar is really cool not for me though mind but it’s still really cool hope the rest of your week is good

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Hey Emily! Yeah I saw you'd changed your name on here, and no problem, your videos are great!! Thanks for checking out the video! Hope you're doing good!

[@unlikenospark]

@@LeighFugeGuitar your very welcome and thank you very much and yeah I’m ok thank you

[@timrobinson9192]

Mine should arrive in a day or two, I'm really excited about it, even though I'm a beginner. Wish I could do this instrument some justice as you do so well, maybe one day eh! Big thumbs up buddy 👍👍👍☮☮☮🤘🤘🤘

[@AllofJudea]

Keep playing and it will come. Take time everyday.

[@canadianrushfan12]

I’m getting that guitar this week!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Yes!! I hope you love it!

[@canadianrushfan12]

@@LeighFugeGuitar thank you! It should be at the store any day now. Excited!

[@varanzmaj]

Feel like these would sound absolutely killer with the original Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity pickups....I mean the guitar still sounds great but it's like there are tonal frequencies to there to be had there that are not coming through...

[@JParsells]

Great review. Mine is on the way.

[@bryanjohnston5355]

Mine to .. Thursday this week

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

Great review, thanks.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Thanks Robert, glad you enjoyed! Thanks for checking it out!

[@RoyvanRikken]

Good video ! Though I am curious about how this guitar sounds over that Peavey Classic standing in the background. I got a Classic 30 and I’m looking to buy a Gretsch guitar.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Unfortunately that Peavey Classic 30 is out of action, this video was shot 2 years ago and that amp is in need of a service to bring it back to life. It's a great amp, but it's currently in my storage lockup waiting for me to eventually get it fixed!

[@RoyvanRikken]

@@LeighFugeGuitar Well, if it does get repaired some day, could you make a video with the Gretsch ? 😃

[@frederichussenot5469]

j en ais une elle est vraiment super

[@firstnamelastname6717]

What kind of electric strings that should be on this guitar. I have medium light strings, . I just bought this guitar for about $600 bucks. At Guitar Center 🇺🇸 USA ,I had a Les Paul for the same price, the Les Paul had a more bit more of a deeper richer tone that I love . This guitar is not as deep or rich in tone as the Les Paul. , I probably should have gotten the Les Paul. But I’m gonna try to find my groove on this guitar until I find my sweet spot hopefully. But it also depends on what kind of Amp. You’re playing in. I feel like the Fender Blues Devillle tube amp with the dual 12 inch speakers will make most guitars sound professionally realistic and give you more authentic tones that you may be looking for when playing.

[@toneydavis9802]

On another note. Have you any experience with Peerless guitars? They just hit my radar. I purchased a single cut LP style called a Jezebell. Arrives next week.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Hey Toney, I haven't tried any of their stuff. I've heard of the brand, but never seen one in person. I know that the factory they come out of produces very good stuff so I'd assume they're pretty solid feeling guitars!! Let me know what you think when it arrives.

[@BJJandBS]

One issue I have with mine, standing and playing it is hard. It nose dives pretty bad. Not sure how to fix that.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

The easiest way without modifying the guitar is to get a really wide strap, I’ve heard leather straps are good for this because they have a textured back which helps grip your shoulder

[@DikiBolz]

​@@LeighFugeGuitarSo this is not a guitar you use. It's just a review.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Yeah I don't own this guitar, Gretsch sent it to me on loan for a few weeks for this and a few other videos I was making. I sent it back once I was done with it. I do own another Gretsch guitar from the same range, but one of the single cut versions.

[@bm7760]

I just bought one and can't fault it.

[@jc23858369]

Are the pickups noiseless, like a Gibson humbucker, or more like a P90?

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

The pickups are Filtertron style pickups, which technically fall into the same family as a humbucker, but they sound closer to a P90. Filtertron pickups are always brighter and lower output than a humbucker, but with no noise.

[@Mr-Safology]

Does anyone know what other case, apart from the Gretsch G6238FT, I can buy for this guitar? Any alternatives, as they're £130. Thanks 👍🏼

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

I think some generic cases might fit, but when I bought my Gretsch G5439T a few years ago (One of the LP style ones) I had to fork out £130 for the official case (Looks like the same case you mentioned there). This is because the body shape is slightly bigger than a regular single cut style, so it doesn't fit into a generic "Les Paul" case. It would probably fit into a generic large rectangle case providing it has the neck support for the angled headstock, but failing that, I couldn't find any other brand that made cases specifically for a Gretsch.

[@MrSeven-ii3vp]

Were was the AC/DC tone?

[@CrazyCooter-ld6sz]

In Malcolm's hands!

[@paul7t5]

I've got one. Qulaity is below par tbh. And definitely not Mal tones. And the toggle selector switch has broken.

[@rj2128]

Not even close ...

[@leoolivero963]

Excellent review! Thankyou.