Gretsch G5420T Electromatic. Legit Gretsch Tone?

[@JohnShalamskas]

The G5420T nails the "Stray Cat Strut" tone. Around 2015 the factory started building them with treble bleed circuit(s), I'm not sure if it is only on the master volume, or on all 3 volume pots. I bought a used 2014 model that had no treble bleed circuits, and if I turned down the volume at all, the treble disappeared. So I added a Fender style treble bleed to the main volume pot, and it was wonderful - I could use the full range of the master volume without getting muddy tone. Eventually I added a 1 nF capacitor across the input and output of each of the other 2 volume pots to help them stay brighter when turned down. Parts cost for all 3 treble bleed circuits was under 3 dollars since I have a local electronics shop - no shipping!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes. Honestly I think a simple treble bleed should be standard on most guitars. Although some of us who’ve played vintage and vintage style Fenders are in the habit of mellowing our Strats out a little with the volume rather than the tone control. But the majority of guitars, especially those with neck humbuckers, would benefit tremendously. Thanks so much for watching.

[@gahangore111]

I don't think Gretsch can be beat in terms of value for money, their sub-$1000 guitars are so good. Plus they're cool as hell because they're a Gretsch 😊

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

They do have a cool vibe. Thanks for watching.

[@Jeffcatbuckeye]

Numerous videos on KZbin. Look up Gretsch 5420 setup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moC0cpSZrc1pg9Esi=TmE3Y5Rw_cruSc-8

[@dansmusic3637]

I just bought a 5420TG in exactly the condition as yours! 2016, with all the plastic still on it, barely played. I'd always wanted one after seeing the one on the Chet Atkins Christmas album with his orange Gretsch leaning against the white Christmas tree. This is the prettiest guitar I've ever owned, and I have owned hundreds (owned a shop for 30 years). Nice picking, sir, and keep on keeping on!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you so much my friend. Enjoy yours!

[@NovaRedBaron]

Just discovered your channel. Your reviews are awesome, and most important of all, they are honest. I recently ordered a Gretsch Electromatic G5565T QM Sweet Tea. Tried one at a local music store and was very impressed, but I decided not to buy it on impulse. Went back to buy it a bit later but someone else had just bought it. So I ordered one. Gretsch, Epiphone, and other Asian builders have really been upping their game lately. I also own two Limited Edition Japanese Stratocasters and the build quality is awesome. You have a new subscriber. Thanks for the effort you put into your videos. 🎸👍

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. Very much appreciated.

[@blookbleak]

Thanks for the video! This guitar rocks unbelievably! So versatile, you can cover many styles with it! I love using it especially for a a cover version of "Should I stay or should I go", crank it up and it kicks a**! And that "TWANG"...! Of course it's great for Blues, too.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I have to agree. There’s really no genre this can’t cover. Thanks for watching.

[@redcatcliveupnorth7338]

Another good video Leonard😊😊 I have 2011 G5435, build quality is very good, basswood body ,very resonant ,u shapeneck, the blacktop filtertrons are definitely not normal humbuckers - they do blues to ac/dc. These can be found cheap in the uk, highly recommended. And it looks really Cool in black with a bigsby😅😅

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. Finding a guitar you really enjoy is always a very good thing. Thanks so much for tuning in.

[@davidwood351]

I love the sound of Gretsch guitars, I don’t have one, but I do have the Fender Coronado II, kind of a Gretsch vibe. I enjoy your playing style.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much.

[@johnduckworth474]

An excellent video, and I appreciate the tips on tuning having got one of these models myself. A lovely guitar for the price.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. Enjoy yours!

[@philnewton2011]

Ballsy! Great playing, Leonard.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks my friend.

[@johnwalsh3919]

Nice Leonard , I bought that guitar in 2018 and I love it, I have it hanging on the wall and I admire it every day , I’m lucky enough to own quite a few guitars way more than I should have but there’s something about an orange gretsch , have a great weekend and I’m looking forward to your next video ✌️🧷🎸

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend. I really appreciate regular viewers like you. Enjoy your weekend as well.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend. I really appreciate regular viewers like you. Enjoy your weekend as well.

[@renanlopes9144]

Perfect, dude! You just told me everything I wanted to know

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well glad I could help. Thanks for watching

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome Demo/Review of the Gretsch G5420T. I recently purchased an 'Airline Silver' G5420T on 'Black Friday' Sale in Australia saving hundreds of dollars. WOW. What an awesome and Fun Guitar. So Happy with my purchase. But this is my 3rd Gretsch, starting with a G5210 Black single cut, single pick-up rock machine, then a G5248T Gold Sparkle Double Jet with Bigsby and now My Dream guitar a Hollowbody G5420T. I would have preferred an Orange G5420T as in Eddie Cochran Guitar, But I'm still super happy with my bargain 'Airline Silver' Model. So Much Fun To Play and SO inspirational to make me play at my best. All The Best. Cheers

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. Glad you’re enjoying it and thanks for watching.

[@jeremybaker195]

Hay, man. The G 5210 is now the jet with P90s. What year was yours? What pickup? I know they reuse model numbers. I tried to look up a G5210 but all that comes up is the P90 version. I'm always interested in seeing Gretsch models I've never seen before. I really wish they would put out a run of the G5125 ( and other numbers) with the DeArmond pickups again. A Jet with the DeArmonds.🤤 You just know they would fly off the shelf.

[@aitken1965]

For "medium dollars" you can upgrade the pickups in your G5420! I put a set of TV Jones Classics in my G5420TG-59. They make a world of difference.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I’m sure they would. The guitar itself is solid.

[@EdVanMeyer]

I own Electromatic and Pro series and use both live and at home. Gretsch really kicked the other lookalikes out of the park when they introduced the 5120 guitars. The 5420T looks the part, set up plays the part and is a Gretsch. It is upgradeable without breaking the bank. It wins all round.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

It is remarkable how close they can be given the enormous price difference. Sure, the Pro series are nicer, but real world, practical difference is another matter. Thanks so much for watching.

[@steves.5342]

I'm really glad you like the guitar since I just bought one. Happy to hear it just likely needs a setup. That much I can do and I have some jeweler's files that seem to work well on the nut slots. Great playing but, since we're probably close in age, you screwed up my possible excuse of being slow because of age. Still, always nice to get just one more guitar!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well I’ve slowed up a bit as well, but so far no one’s noticed except me. LOL. Thanks so much for watching and enjoy the guitar.

[@ZackyDog]

The G5420T sounds very nice in the video. I have owned the original 60s models like the '62 G6120 Nashville (PAF Filtertrons) and a '66 Black Hawk (Supertrons). I have a 2005 G6122-162 Country Classic with Ray Butts TV Jones Ful-Fidelity Filtertrons. To my ears, those pickups are the best at recreating The Great Gretsch Sound of the late 50s/60s. I have tried many Filtertron pickups over the decades.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yeah, the TV Jones filtertrons are pretty hard to beat for vintage tones. The 5420T is a good guitar that gets the general vibe and is accessible. Of course you could put TV Jones pickups in it and it’d get very close, but I imagine the majority buying the 5420 are happy with it and the feedback I’ve gotten seems to confirm that. I plan to feature a pro series model down the road, so stay tuned and thanks for watching.

[@stringbender57]

Good review! I own this baby in beautiful azure metallic blue. A lot of guitar for the money.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

It is that! Enjoy yours and thanks so much for watching.

[@joshfeatherstone8546]

Thanks for the video , man. I love the 5420t. I have a couple Korean ones. One in orange stain and the other in Fairlane Blue. A lot of guitar for the money. 😊

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Solid guitars that won’t require a second mortgage. Enjoy them and thanks.

[@garypannone7755]

I was so lucky to find one of the last Korean made models. It is a great guitar.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Nice. I’m happy you grabbed on. There are still quite a few used Korean made ones out there, but if you’re after new they’re going to be hard if not impossible to find. Thanks so much for watching.

[@kenobisghost9572]

Me too.

[@jeremybaker195]

My Chinese G5427T ( GC Exclusive flame mapel) has the scarf joint in the same place. You mentioned the blacktop Filtertrons. I was told by Damin Chivers on youtube (who is a Gretsch rep) that the Blacktops are modeled on Tim Armstrong's Baldwin era Gretsch. If you look at the first few years of the blacktop on Electromatics, they look just like the Armstrong model. Same pickup rings same mounting style. Then they went to plastic rings and the mount to the rings ( no mount holes on top of the pickup) in the beginning they had ceramic magnets but before they even switched to the FT-5E Blacktops I believe they switched to AlNiCo magnets. I'm not sure when they did this exactly, but there is more than one post ( probably dozens) in the forums with people saying they took their pickups apart a d they had AlNiCo magnets Gretsch dosen't give much information on their pickup at all until they did the FT-5E pups. They do list those with AlNiCo. Before the Blacktops don't give any specs at all. So yah The Tim Armstrong model is where they started. Modeled after his personal guitar. Where they went from there is conjecture and educated guesses up until the FT-5E were released. I hope that was helpful. Great playing great video. New sub as of today.🙂👍🖖

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. I wasn’t aware of the Tim Armstrong connection and wondered why those blacktop filtertrons were based on Baldwin era pickups. I thought that was a strange choice since a lot of Gretsch guys prefer the older filtertrons. In any case I thought they sounded fine and get the Gretsch flavor pretty well.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

The "Improperly cut Nut" ended up making me a lot of money. My first Electromatic wouldn't stay in tune, so I needed to buy a nut that worked. I went to E-Bay to find the upgrade, after-market nut, designed specifically for the many thousands of 5120's out there with the same problem, only to find that no such product existed, anywhere! How could this be possible. I reasoned that I must be missing something?? Every 5120, ever made had a 12" radius, and a nut slot cut to the same depth. I realized that I could make these, from bone, just a tiny bit tall, so they could be fitted by sanding the bottom. I decided to buy the proper tools, weather this idea worked or not. I built this little jig that could only cut this one nut, but it only took about 20 minutes to cut one. I had a ten pack of Camel Bone, so I cut ten of them. One for me, and nine to try to sell. Through the power of the internet, and online forums, I sold out that day, and ordered a lot more bone... I made them for years, and shipped them out all over the world, which I thought was kind of cool. I really only set out to sell enough to pay for the tools. My eyes won't really let me do that anymore, but it was fun for a while.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. I’ve made a few nuts over the years but mainly for use on necks that came without them. Bone blanks are cheap and I bought set of nut files way back in the early 90s when I designed my own guitar. Nice to turn it into some income. Good job and thanks for watching.

[@EdVanMeyer]

I often find the 'out of the box' setup is never attended to by music shops, I bought a 6120 Hot rod like this, hardly used, much better now that I have set it up. I upgrade my 5420T guitars with a B6C V Bigsby and a roller saddle tunamatic bridge, Wilkinson Kluson style machines are also a near dead fit.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Some shops set their guitars up, but the ones that do it well are in the minority. Thanks so much for watching.

[@zazoomatt]

Just G5230T in the Door ! Hoping it is WHAT it IS Leonard Love the Style of Bopp. That is one Fine Guitar

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend. Best of luck with it.

[@thomasd9237]

I have a 5222 & a 2655p-90 They're both great guitars & affordable 👍👍

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Nice. Yes, they usually need a little setup work, but they’re very well made guitars for very reasonable prices. Thanks so much for watching.

[@jeremybaker195]

Great shirt bro. 👍

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

😎😊

[@Mike_S_Swift]

I picked up a like new 5420T Candy Apple Red 21’ Made in Korea model. Got it with a nice case not a Gretsch case but pretty nice. I jumped on it as the price with case and MIK would be hard to find down the road. Don’t see many Candy Apple Red ones either 😂 Thanks for the video.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yeah, you don’t see a lot of the candy red ones. Glad you got a nice one and thanks for watching.

[@johnchance1959]

I enjoy your videos. I have a concern. Listening to this video it seems to me the tone is significantly affected by amp or pedal settings. Sounds to me like there is quite a bit of reverb and probably delay. Is that correct? If that is true, to give an accurate review shouldn't you detail what pedals or amp settings are being used? Thanks.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Reverb yes, delay no. It’s plugged straight into a Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb. No pedals. Any grind you’re hearing is just the amp cranked. It’s interesting. I’ve never been what you’d call a Gretsch guy, but I enjoyed the guitar. I will say, the next Gretsch I review will be demoed with a cleaner sound. While many crank it up with their Gretsch (I think of rockabilly), I’ve learned many other Gretsch fans lean toward the super clean side of things so I’ll present both in future. Thanks so much for watching.

[@B49337]

Hey, just wondering if you have a video demo on the 6120?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Not yet. It’s on the list. Thanks for watching.

[@buddhamus]

Nice overview of the Gretsch Electromatic. Gretsch is the one guitar maker from my early influences that I haven't tried. I've often thought of getting one, but could never decide on which model. I've always liked the Country Gentleman because of George Harrison, but I like the Duo Jet as well, along with the models that Steven Stills and Neil Young played. Maybe one of these days. By the way, nice playing.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. The Electromatics are good guitars, but in my experience do need some setup work. If you don’t do that dork yourself, I’d recommend buying from a shop that includes a good setup. Many do. Thanks for watching.

[@yodasecondave]

I’m in the process of shopping for a new guitar. Sold my strat. I’m torn between the Gretsch electro magic 5420t and the Epiphone Les Paul 59 standard. I play a lot of acoustic, old country and folk. I also love to play a lot of punk rock green day, living end, but also into grunge, 90s pop rock like third eye blind, love the 80s stuff ,particularly U2, cure, clash, cult, inxs. I also grew up on zeppelin and like the old blues rock. No idea which way to go….any thoughts?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

In terms of quality, they're similar. Factors like fretwork are likely to be luck of the draw with either model and I don't think there's much to separate them in terms of build quality and quality of materials. But obviously they're very different guitars with radically different personalities. I'm sure I don't have to tell you a big, fully hollow guitar is a very different animal to a solidbody. The Epiphone LP 59 does have the Gibson pickups and that's going to suit most players except those that are after the specific Gretsch, filtertron sound, which is absolutely it's own thing. While the blacktop filtertrons aren't especially accurate, they still sound way more like a Gretsch than a Gibson humbucker. One thing to keep in mind is the neck profiles. The 59 LP has a fatter, 50s style neck whereas the 5420 has a more average, slim neck. For many players, the neck profile is the number one consideration since that is, after all, what you'll be interacting with. I don't know how much help this is. The best thing would be to find local examples and see which feel you prefer. Either can cover a lot of ground.

[@guitarzan0515]

You know, the only thing wrong with theses types of guitars, is they are Too Big for my 5ft height 😘🥵😆😆😆😆 One of these would go from my ankles to my chest!! But these truly are fabulous looking and sounding guitars!! Great demonstration as usual! Thx!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well, actually you’re in luck because they make a smaller version. It is a centerblock model rather than fully hollow, but it has essentially the same look. It’s the G5655TG. There’s also a quilted maple top version of the same thing. Personally I prefer the plain top. But hey, that’s just me.

[@Jimmy-iy7zi]

Got same model around 9 years or so ago. Haven''t bonded that much with it unfortunately. Sounds decent enough clean but with distortion, pickups sound very ''squeaky' or 'reedy' if thats the right word.. Hate the stock wiring.... the volume pot taper drops from full on to nothing with just a slight downturn. I do plan on installing a new high quality harnness which might help improve the sound in and of itself. Don't know if I want to then shell out another $325+ on top of that for pickups. I found a possible ~ $10 solution to make the stock pickups sound better by replacing their magnets. If that doesn't help I guess I'll just have to make peace with it on its own terms or shell out for new pups lol.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

The pickups are based on the 70s Baldwin era blacktops. No idea how accurate they are but most people really want to hear traditional late 50s Filtertrons. Still, these can sound pretty decent. Best of luck and thanks for watching.

[@cliffrhodenizerjr.1333]

Thanks Leonard! I have the same model but having trouble getting it dialed in right. Neck relief, string height, and intonation all good, but can't find that optimal pickup height. If you dont mind, could you tell me what height you have your pickups at, and what strings do you like on this? Anyone else with a G5420T care to chime in, I would be grateful.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Unfortunately I have to sell review guitars on in order to keep my channel from losing too much money. As I recall, I just set those by ear. I believe from 3 to 5 millimeters from the poles to the strings is usually recommended. Some seem to like them as close to the strings as they can get but mine weren’t that high. I’d say start about 4 mm from the poles and move them up or down until they sound best. Sorry I can’t give you whet I did, but hopefully this is helpful. Thanks so much for watching.

[@viperBSG]

I know the Blacktop's use Ceramic Magnets not Alnico (Not a thing wrong with that) and that the most recent G5420T's have FT5E Filter 'Trons.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes, I discovered the change when researching this video. I haven’t had an opportunity to play the newer pickups yet. Thanks for watching.

[@wakan2a]

I had a 6120 ( Japan made) which was not that good and an old Anniversary sunburst from the begining of the 60´s with HiLo Tron pick up. The finish was awfull but I definitely love the sound of the HiLo Tron ( Ticket to ride guitar)… I was wondering if there was a significant difference between Japanese and Korean models, apart the price…

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well, I hope to find out for myself at some point. I briefly owned a pro series jet model a few years back and it was very beautifully built. I’ll be completely honest. At this point my channel isn’t big enough to earn much more than coffee money, and there’s no other financial support, so while I plan to make those kinds of comparisons, up to now I’ve been staying in the under $2,000 range for guitar reviews. I’m interested in the Pro Series though, and I’ll do my best to get one on the channel at some point in the not too distant future. Thanks so much for watching.

[@BackToTheBlues]

Without breaking the bank? Oh, come now - do be serious. Yes, the Electromatics are remarkable value for the price, but once you've got one you get hooked and start thinking how nice it would be to have another to go with it. I've just got Gretsch number six - three Electromatics (including a 5422T in orange - I believe it's the law that you have to have an orange one) and three Japanese made Vintage Select models. I enjoy playing them all equally - the Electromatics play beautifully and are well up to gigging quality guitars, but the Japanese ones have something that's hard to explain, which I can only define as 'added Gretsch.'

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

They are nice. I was possession of Pro Series Jet model for awhile (not actually mine) and it was flawlessly built and played and sounded wonderful. They do a fine job at all price points. Thanks so much for watching.

[@alaindeleon2220]

last track title please

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

There’s no title. I create these backing tracks myself, that way there’re no copyright issues. I’ve been writing songs and creating demos for decades so it’s fairly simple. Thanks for watching.

[@henrychew5604]

I have the same exact guitar which is not able to be in tune after some playing. So what exactly did you do to the nut to fix the tuning issue?

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I bought a roller bridge, it makes a big difference

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

The problem was the nut slots weren’t properly angled toward the tuner posts. Very common with 3x3 tuners that flare out from both sides. Especially the D and G strings. Tuning issues on those kinds of guitars (including Gibsons) is the nut slotting 90% of the time. It’s too much to ask for the strings to take a sharp turn and return to pitch. Lubrication helps, but it won’t likely solve the problem unless the nut is cut correctly. All that said, quality nut files and a little experience greatly increase your chances for success. There are plenty of KZbin videos on this stuff, and I’d recommend studying up before attempting it for the first time. Or just take it to an expert.

[@MyMotherTheCar]

My 5420T was a great guitar but the bridge pickup is in a bad location. It has a weird harsh out of phase sound no matter how you set it up or what you replace it with. Deal breaker for me. Neck was great, workmanship was beautiful and the pickups sounded good in every combination except bridge. And it looked gorgeous.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Too bad you had that issue but with all the guitars available at all price points these days, if something doesn’t work for you, you’re smart to move on. Thanks so much for watching.

[@outtabubblegum7034]

If you never heard about Duane Eddy, you REALLY should.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Oh yeah, I’ve been familiar with Duane for decades. Very distinctive player. Thanks for watching.

[@johncarlo7395]

I like to hear Gretsch guitar tones with absolutely no distortion or crunch, this video didn't do it for me.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well, you know what they say about pleasing all the people all the time. I’m sure there are videos showcasing your preferred approach.

[@johncarlo7395]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845Check out Damian bacci, that's what a Gretsch should sound like.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

There’s no one way a guitar should sound. Brian Setzer cranks the crap out of his bassmans and gets a lot of crunch with his 59. I’m glad you found someone who goes for the sounds you like.

[@michaelrosawatkins3928]

They don't make Filtertron's like they did back then. No twang now days. Blacktop just a regular humbucker. I own both. NO comparison

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I would hardly expect an $800 guitar to perfectly replicate the vintage pickups (or the ones used in the modern pro series for that matter). On the other hand, they don’t really seem to sound like standard humbuckers either and it seems they made a real effort to get the flavor. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelrosawatkins3928]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 great channel BTW appreciate your efforts.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

@@michaelrosawatkins3928 Thanks so much. Appreciated. 😎

[@choplass]

Guy looks like an O.G.

[@fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied]

I think it’s the player, dude, never the guitar.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Oh, of course the player is always the most important thing. Still, different guitars do feel, sound and play differently. Thanks for watching.

[@ExploreAmerica]

Damn I can’t buy China

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Okay. Well as my wife likes to say, you do you. That said, the model I reviewed was from Korea and I believe I mentioned that in the video. But yes, they’ve moved current production to China.

[@tancho103]

Can you do a video of this or other gretsch guitars without playing the blues? You're a great player but gretsch aren't out and out blues guitars. Regards 👍

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Actually, that guitar is long gone. But the short answer is sure. Though I began playing professionally in the late 60s, for the last 30 years or so I’ve been a blues specialist, touring the international festival circuit, etc. At this point, it’s as much what I am as any traditional blues player you can name (not crossover blues/rock guys like, say, Clapton or Mayer, but players like BB or Freddie King, or modern blues guys like Kirk Fletcher). So yeah, while I’ll never be a Chet Atkins type, I can certainly throw in some rockabilly flavored stuff when I review another Gretsch. Thanks for watching.