Gretsch Jet Challenge: Electromatic vs Pro

We take two Gretsch Jets from different lines and blind test them. Can you tell which is which?

[@noi5emaker]

I chose A. The pickups sounded more detailed and rich. But the Electromatic still sounds great. Thanks for aggravating my GAS!

[@pcollenyt3683]

The A guitar tone was a HONEYDRIPPER. If all one wants to do is drench their tone in distortion, anything will do.

[@t.skradde1686]

I thought B was the expensive one, the PU sounded more "velvet"

[@Gibson45er]

Same here.

[@Arfonfree]

Like A clean, B dirty

[@correarc]

I thought the same thing!

[@luizalbertokoehler4904]

Same things

[@wayne1142zx]

The chime of the Electromatic is right up my alley.

[@guitarmike240554]

Excellent video wish there was more like these. Certainly answered all my questions.

[@Mike28625]

I picked A as the player right away but had serious doubts when the dirt kicked in. To me, B sounded more stable under high gain. Thanks for the test!

[@RodrigoCarrillo94]

En teoria no son comparables, pasa que la Electromatic tiene pickups BroadTron y la Pro tiene FilterTron, es decir algo como, la Electromatic tiene unas Humbuckers mejoradas y la Pro tiene una single-coils mejoradas, es por eso que notan que la Pro es mas brillante y cuando tiene drive/dist es mas chillona (solo por que son "single style", digo que solo por eso, por que FilterTron es la solucion al bobinado ruidoso de las single coils convencionales, al menos asi comenzó la historia), en cambio la Electromatic es mas calida, menos chillona con drive/dist, tipico de humbuckers. Sostengo que no son comparables por que no se puede comparar la calidad de objetos distintos, no es lo mismo Single Coils que Humbuckers, sin embargo, si comparamos ambos sonidos pasando por alto que son tecnologias diferentes, claro, todo es comparable, yo diria que amabas suenan bien, dandole una excelente nota a las BroadTron, por que cualquier guitarra Gretsch por el hecho de tener unas FilterTron aumenta su valor considerablemente y esto sonoramente a veces es muy subjetivo.

[@john-di1mz]

An excellent comparison...as a practical player I could live with either.... love 'em both. Great narration too....thankyou

[@sublyme2157]

Thanks for the comparison, this is great! I guess it really boils down to which one feels better to play.

[@truemansparks]

I was convinced the B guitar was the Player it just sounded a bit warmer but turns out it was the Electromatic and based on that demo i would definitely get it.

[@justiceforall6412]

I have both. The Electromatic is every bit as good IMO.

[@rabbittoothstudio8371]

Guitar A wasn’t tuned properly

[@bueller8278]

this comparison was really important to me - thanks for doing it. I like the sound of the Electromatic better on this video

[@thephoenixcycle8854]

À, sounds soft and mellow. B, sounds like its more ready to rock out.

[@kevinmusso2397]

You forgot to you say, “ you have a superb host for this demo”. So well done.

[@arthowardmusic3209]

I just bought a G5220 and believe me, sounding "dark" isn't a problem. They're quite bright and twangy on the bridge, like a Telecaster. Sometimes a bit spiky, but overall, lovely, great-playing guitar!

[@James-qu6ul]

AI just got my g5220, what strings you using on it? I was thinking about trying 10-52 light top heavy bottom.

[@malcolmkendall1547]

Wow! I got punked. I was CERTAIN from the beginning and all the way through that the Electromatic was on the left. The actual Electromatic on the right was less full but sounded more elegant and musical for all that. Guess I was wrong but thanks for the $ saved because I'm interested in a 5230 and researching whether I should climb upmarket. Thanks for a great and honest demo.

[@kentfitzsimmons6872]

I liked guitar B to be honest. I thought immediately that the B guitar was better. I have owned a 6228T. Very beautiful and yes it feels wonderful to play. But, the differences are only slight in the sound. I thought the 5220 had a more defined sound, more clarity. I'll spend less and get the 5220.

[@terryjohinke8065]

I picked the more expensive Gretsch. I gould tell by the the more mellow sounding pickups. Gretsch are great guitarist- love 'em.

[@TheWriter86]

Man, I’m happy the way it turned out, because that’s the one I plan on getting. I saw it for the first time a few days ago at my local music shop. I play lefty and it was the only one that was there. Man, I look forward to owning it. It’s $699 there USD.

[@cajunqueen5125]

VERY helpful! Thanks for posting this. :)

[@ipuya]

That was a great video. I subscribed. I thought A was the player series. Just shows how great the Electromatic range are. Gretsch is the only brand where i can say that i like every single model. Such stunning guitars! Would love to see a comparison between one of the Gretsch hollow bodies up against a Gibson 335! 🙏

[@davidoverman3282]

Wow, I actually thought 5220 sounded better!

[@brandonwilliamsmusic_]

David Overman same

[@bciecko1]

Me too. Had more of the Gretsch sound. While neither was particularly twangy, could've been playing style and EQ for sure but the electromatic pups were a lot closer to the Gretsch sound.

[@christopherclarke3022]

The G6228 player sounded nicer clean, The G5220 I preferred the sound when used with distortion on this particular comparison. More as the G5220 had more mid distortion as opposed to a more brittle and broken sound of the G6228. Nothing no doubt that couldn't be fixed with some tweaking. Thanks for the comparison

[@naguilar6]

I like the warmer sound of the Broad'tron pickups in the g5220. Although I am now a fan of everything Gretsch guitars.

[@potwms99]

I have a 5220 and I got fooled. I thought A was the Electromatic. Cool. Makes me feel even better about my less expensive guitar. I have a semi-hollow Streamliner, too, and it is a fantastic guitar. Gretsch is making some good guitars. Fender's input has really helped the brand, IMHO.

[@xF1revolution]

Import guitars have cheaper pickups/magnets that tend to be much darker sounding as evidenced here. You can always buy a set of your choice to swap for.

[@aitken1965]

Me too!

[@davidford1548]

On the clean sound I thought they sounded different but both great, with the driven sounds my preference swapped back and fore with different pickups.

[@UncleTerry]

that's how I felt as well. I have a streamliner 2620 in walnut and it sounds great. Gretsch makes some great sounding guitars at a reasonable prices

[@zamarpraisejames7619]

On the Clean sounds guitar A had more of the upper hand. On the dirty sounds guitar A was a tiny bit more Gretschy. Price range IMO I’d go with the Guitar B because it’s not much of a push to pay 3-4 times more for something that has a little bit of an edge. That you for this video. It definitely helped myself to know I made the right choice.

[@ElmanAuthement]

I have an Electromatic Double Jet being delivered this Thursday! Same pickups.

[@belo1971]

Tried the Pro version a few months aval and it sounded awesome !!!! Was at shop for a high grade Tokai CS Reborn old but those Grestch are amazing !!!!! Next one...

[@MrAnders1976]

adjustable pole pieces and pickup height can be adjusted to fine tune and balance the broadtron on the cheaper electromatic. Especially the neck pickup I would lower and slighty raise the pole pieces for the strings that needs a small boost.

[@stefanwolf888]

Wow, these both sound great in their own way, I reckon it would come down to how much money you've got to drop, which model you like the look and feel of. BTW I had no idea which was which in the blind sound test, thanks this was good.

[@lindenellefson8558]

I've been able to pick up the 6228 in the guitar store, as well as hear it here. It's one of the few times I've picked up an instrument and immediately been impressed. It's one of those guitars that you can't stop thinking about!

[@peterluck3154]

Same for me man !! I got it in cadillac green... even when she is hanging on the wall, its like having a picasso 😱

[@jackbaker5620]

I was fooled. I thought the Player Jet would be B. A sounded a little harsh to me, so I figured it would be the Electromatic. Totally loved the sound of the Electromatic and I'm getting one. Very warm and musical sounding in this demo.

[@1redgate8]

Very harsh, very unpleasant...

[@anthorzeitgeist8162]

Thank you for the illustrative video. The excellent Gretsch G6220 Player, sounds really better. Clear, pristine, warm, nearly acoustic, but with crystal treble. I have a nice Gretsch G5230T Electromatic with Bigsby And having a wonderful Fender Stratocaster Made in USA, I fall in love everyday with my new Gretsch. The new Gretsch G5210T-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90 with Bigsby, it's not only so beautiful and gorgeous-as the Brand always presents, but it also sounds astonishing.

[@elwynsmiles]

Love my Player edition. Pick ups punchy but with great clarity (you forgot the Gotoh locking tuners 😁)....overall a great guitar 👍🤘

[@peterw1878]

I could hear the difference in guitars quite clearly. I never approached the challenge as trying to determine which was which, but simply as which sounded better to me and that was "Guitar A". It seems that whoever pays more for the Players Edition will get what they are paying for, top notch workmanship and sound. The Electromatic may be the better value for the money but it does not match the Players Edition for performance.

[@jasonwright7513]

I was totally fooled I thought that the electromatic would have the brighter pickups and the players edition would be more mellow cuz that's usually what happens in these comparisons. I guess you could buy the electromatic and change out the pickups for something better? Really enjoyed that video because I'm thinking of picking one of these up the electromatic that is.

[@SydneyDrums]

Good review.. Pick ups can be upgraded. The feel in your hands of the expensive jet is beautiful. The feel of the electromatic is great & at the lower price point it’s just awesome, better than a high end epiphone lp or sg.

[@michaelbentley4182]

Very good review.

[@autistichead8137]

I love my 5622T hollow. Electromatic beast .

[@elwynsmiles]

I bought a player’s edition from A Strings, it is a beautifully crafted guitar and a joy to play 😎🤘

[@NGC0Music]

I could tell which was which. At some point it was in doubt, but at the end it got clear again. The Pro has clearer sound, more low end (fills more the space), and has more defined sound when distorted.

[@VonBlade]

I know it's waaaay too late but I'd love to see the same between the Bigsby ones, as I imagine the official vs licensed is a big change.

[@chrisdunn4705]

I was sure the Pro was Guitar B! Guitar A sounded clearer and brighter, but B sounded warmer and more expressive to me….can’t believe it was the Electromatic!

[@jray5363]

I just bought the electromatic, and it’s a very nice guitar, but I’ve been wondering what the differences were. Man, they are close. I didn’t hear a $2000 difference. I think Gretsch’s are nice all around, and I see more in my future. 😁

[@craigthomson3621]

I have the left-hand version of the made in Japan Gretsch G6228 Player Pro Jet so I was happy I chose Guitar A as my favourite.

[@paulantal8011]

Clean I preferred A, dirty I preferred B. I was expecting the extra Clarity of B to be from the player! Great job Gretsch

[@Desirsar]

I knew the Broadtrons as soon as I heard them, but I own a 5655 and know the sound. I don't think either is better, just different. If you want something to really drive distortion or overdrive, you want the Broadtrons for the output. Clarity? You could turn the Broadtrons down, but the "higher end" pickups are definitely still going to do it better. Just know what you're looking for and get that (or just get both.)

[@pedrolourenco2707]

The G2828 is my favourite guitar ever, the neck profile is perfect, the finish is perfect. I do prefer it to my Les Paul traditional and Standard. I considered buying an Electromatic for backup and rehearsals guitar, but it felt different to me (not in a bad way though) so I didn't. Electromatic is heavier, while the G6228 feels like almost like a hollow body guitar and has that distinct sound of chambered guitars.

[@stevemason7193]

I too like them both but I have to agree with the Player (A) Clean and the Electromatic (B) Dirty, I've got a G5422TG and it's a good guitar for the money.

[@canufathomit6728]

Funny, I had guitar "B" ahead in every category! Glad I didn't drop $3000+ on the higher-end guitar yet. Gotta listen a LOT more before I decide... Nice work in the comparison!

[@Magik1369]

First...a great demo of both guitars. They sound surprisingly similar. I actually thought the Chinese Jet sounded a little better. WIth that said, I will still buy the Japanese made model simply because the craftsmanship is world class and they do not need fret jobs. I own 2 Chinese made Jets an FT with a Bigsby knock off, and a BT with the stop tail piece set up. I like both of them and they compare very close to my American made Gibson Les Pauls in quality and tone. However, I had to level, crown, and dress the frets on my China Jets, which came through my door with fret buzz. Now that the fret jobs are done (12 hrs labor each) my China Jets are very close to my Gibsons in Quality. The best quality guiitar in my 22 guitar stable which includes American Gibsons, American Fenders, American vintage Kramers, EVH Wolfgang, Ibanez, Jackson, etc, is my Godin xtsa, which is so outstanding in build quality, playability, and tone, it blows by all the others with the exception of my EVH Wolfie and my Jackson Soloist. Love Gretsch!

[@LMacNeill]

I'm not surprised Guitar A was the G6228 -- the clean was just ever so slightly cleaner and more detailed. Not that the G5220 was bad -- it was really great, *especially* considering the price. It just wasn't *QUITE* as clean. Buy the G5220 and switch out the pickups at some point down the road -- you're still way ahead, money-wise. And you don't *need* to swap out pickups, it's just an option if you want it.

[@GPLP335]

Guitar A (6228) has more clarity to me overall, and a bit of chime to the clean notes. I guessed that to be the more expensive one. The 5220 is nice and would probably sound exactly the same if it had the same pickups.

[@robertwright1084]

To me the G6228 Pro sounded killer on the clean, it just had a super warm tone the other didn't have, don't get me wrong, the Electromatic sounded great, just not as warm. I would give the edge to the Electromatic on the gain tones though. I just bought the G5655TG Electromatic Center Block Jr. in Azure metallic and I am extremely happy with my purchase! Gretsch is really making some nice guitars lately in all price ranges!

[@adrianaugustus2815]

Very close... To me B sounded a little thinner in all three positions on clean (so I prefer A). Nothing you couldn't resolve with next guage up strings or tone tweaking. Thanks for the demo

[@stancoleshill8925]

It goes back and forth depending on pickup blend. They both sound great. A seemed to pick up some laddering. Lots of variables. Which ever one you want. I already have 2, but both hollow bodies, a 67 single pu and a 2010 ( or so) 5210T

[@dragan4658]

The 28 is cleaner under gain imo. Both very good quality guitars!

[@luizalbertokoehler4904]

In this video I liked more the Pro for the clean sound and the Eletromatic for the crunch sound. It is important to know that the Pro has single coil pickups and the Eletromagnetic has humbucker pickups, which for the same amp equalization, makes all the difference!

[@TheSkarocker56]

I would buy the Electromatic and put in a pair of Dynasonics and fit a Bigsby B3. Sorted!!

[@thorman944]

funny thing, i thought A was the electro and B was the player edition. i own a 5220 (B) in the jade gray finish - it is my go-to guitar for almost every genre/situation. my strat, les paul, and ovation gather dust.

[@jefflitchfield4950]

Thanks, I think I might have accidentally just bought one while shopping for a natural one. If I win the auction, it's getting a b3 and a Towner bar.

[@user-zk1zv5yy2z]

I've always thought that my hearing was not quite on point. The hiding the guitars really helped. Both sound great. Guitar A is brighter and sparkly, B has a richer tone but maybe like you are listening with some extra ear wax. Inother words i could tell straight away. If you are a professional recording artist, you nead A. If you rock out on your local pub circuit, B will be just fine. Both are great instruments with price points well below their competitors. I just need to justify getting one.

[@chilly6470]

Great vid, just subscribed. I would've been disappointed if the players edition wasn't A. It sounds a lot better to me.

[@mikefleming1047]

I did the mod to my 5220 and it sounds great!!!

[@sixfix79]

It would be really interesting if you could have the same pickups in both guitars and see what happens then. I think that would be at least a fair fight

[@brucenlittlepictures]

I picked guitar A across the board. It definitely sounds cleaner, clearer and more like “classic Gretsch.” However, guitar B is unbelievably awesome, especially for 500 bucks or less!

[@feloniousmonk321]

You can get Electromatic in the FT - Filtertron version. I would have been interesting to have compared that with the more expensive one.

[@hilmarholland3986]

I' ve changed the stock pu's of my g5220 with the Gretsch HS Filtertrons. Also I replaced the bridge. . I think, now I'm really close to the players edition.

[@hilmarholland3986]

@@fredriksvard2603 yes absolutely. I took the Harley Benton Locking Tuner. They are really great. For a soundexample please go to Angry Nils & The Replacements - Ma did her best on KZbin. I played the Lead guitar (Gretsch 5220 with Filtertrons) :-)

[@hilmarholland3986]

@@fredriksvard2603 also I replaced the bridge with a Schaller Rollerbridge. Stays better in Tune than my Gibson Les Paul

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I picked B automatically. I've played one too and they are really good.

[@compucorder64]

I did guess correctly that A was the Pro. But, that's not to say I massively preferred. It was more articulate, and just had more in the high-end, but idk, Gretsch are bright anyway, so the Electromatic just ended up sounding a bit like an old record. The presence control, or Normal / Treble balance on an amp like a Marshall JTM or Plexi could probably get you to similar tones. On the drive tones, definitely sometimes found myself preferring the Electromatic, which could sound smoother. On the whole, it's not bad if the cheaper guitar sounds mellower / smoother, rather than thinner like you might find comparing a Squier to a higher-end Fender, or even entry-level Gibson's compared to higher-end, which usually sound smoother the more expensive they are.

[@andrewmcdonald5704]

Guitar A was the better, it had the extra clarity but blimey there's a massive price difference. Plus I prefer the headstock logo of the electromatics and for the money are really good. Maybe by the electromatic and upgrade the pickups. Good straight forward comparison demo.

[@mikec6733]

Guitar A sounded top shelf right off the bat for me.

[@bobaldo2339]

I like the sound of the big standard Gretsch guitars, and always really liked the feel of Gretsch necks. But I did not care for the sound of either of the guitars in the video.

[@flyleaf2424]

The electromatic jet is such a nice guitar for the money. I could barely hear a difference between the two, and that’s probably due to the slightly different pickups.

[@michaelagood9358]

Both les Paul types sound great .

[@santisizable]

6228 is a hell of a guitar.

[@iagobroxado]

I liked A better in every instance, but B is extremely close. I was very impressed.

[@michaelmessitt2405]

If you consider the 4X price difference, the Electromatic has value. In addition, it sounds to me chunkier on the midlle and bridge pickups than the Jet.

[@justiceforall6412]

I have an Electromatic Jet and a Sparkle Jet player's edition. The Electromatic is quite good. If you're on a budget, the Electromatic will give you what you want.

[@dannybeausejour7205]

jesus!! I have a left handed version of the electromatic with the broadtrons... other than changing tuning keys and nut for graptech stuff, the springs holding the pickups tend to rattle a bit so I muted them with some foam... pots arent the best either would change em for audio taper ones... the broad tron pickups on my my marshall jcm dsl100 sound like a metric shit ton of bricks... very throaty and dynamic wouldn't change em for nothing its a unique sound! Aquired taste mabe for some, but if you rock'n roll, slam an A chord with the bloody thing dimed and you're hooked its almost life changing😂😂😎🤘🤘

[@qddk9545]

I was not in doubt from the beginning, but maybe it is just the pickups.

[@delllee8365]

Guitar A had a sparkle on the highs - The Filtertron pickups on Guitar B were a little harsh on the highs ( I think A had alnico Magnets and B has ceramic Magnets)

[@cmurduh1]

They aren’t filtertrons.

[@yurakolesnikov9725]

Nice comparison! On clear sound B guitar sounded more mellow and soft to me, but with gain they sound just the same to me. What do you think, is buying Electromatic and changing pickups to TV Jones is a good option?

[@NGC0Music]

I'm in doubt between the G6659TG PE Broadkaster Jr. and the G5655TG Electromatic CB Jr. The former being 3x more expensive, i wonder if it sounds 3 times better as well. I would say: If the difference in the sound makes analogy to the comparison you just did on this video, i would go all the way for the G6659TG.

[@josegallegosdds]

They both sound great. Electromatic just a tad less defined. For the $$$$. Electromatic all the way!!!!! I just bought a black one😬

[@allendean9807]

4 times the price- not too sure. The clarity, and higher end of the more expensive pickups was noticeable in bridge and middle, but i thought both neck pickups sounded good. I’ve really been looking into these guitars. Perhaps a pickup change would make a difference. I doubt the pickups are 1500.00

[@Tull1996]

With the clean tones, I was pretty sure I knew (and I did)...with the dirty tones.....on a couple I preferred "A".....the others....it was almost a draw. I'd still be more likely to get the Player's edition (assuming I had the extra money)

[@greatkingrat]

A is far more rich a sound hands down. I haven’t listened to the end yet but my money is on the Electromatic being B.

[@stuartcleary8621]

I’ll be honest, I can’t tell which is which but the price difference is crazy so I’ll be going with the elctromatic , I would like to know what the weight difference is like between them though???

[@gfunkmusic6836]

Both guitars sound great but for me the Players Edition sounded better. The Electromatic sounded less clear, the attack at just sounded softer and less defined. I’m biased though as I’ve a 6228T which I love. I’d be happy with the Electromatic but would probably want to upgrade the wiring/pickups

[@voiceofexperience]

Two really great-sounding guitars: "A" for jazz; "B" for rock.

[@peterluck3154]

Anybody who try both guitars and has the money to buy the pro one will go with this choice... electromatics are good, but once you played a player edition, you dont look back. It feels like the guitar understand you, it give me details on my playing that i had never heard before, it actually tell you where you need to practice and get better The sound you hear out of an amp is one thing (very important) but every single small details about the quality makes it next level

[@ricmid]

So, initially, I got them "wrong" (but was listening on laptop speakers), but here's a thought; what would the Electromatic sound like with TV Jones pickups? Additionally I have both of these guitars and on closer listening (still a blind test and coudn't remember the previous result), I picked them correctly, perhaps because after playing both of mine for some time I was able to pick up some subtleties that I missed the first time around (only had the Electromatic at that time). In the end though YT sound even through good speakers does not do either of these guitars justice.

[@martin_schwarz]

Tested both last week. The Player had a better setup. The Electromatic sounded the same when acoustically played. I can get 3 Electromatics plus 3 pairs of different replacement pickups for the price of the Player. Any questions?

[@djsangre]

What lucky man I am! I surprisingly prefer the cheapest! :D

[@olliedylan1381]

Is there much point getting both or is it a one-or-the-other type situation?

[@58precision]

Just bought the Electromatic. Really like it, but the Pro sounds better. More solid tone.

[@javsmith86]

I liked A, I am thinking the pickups are the difference.

[@nacevedo21]

What type of magnets are used in the pick ups for these guitars, ceramic or alnico? I can't find any specs. Thank you.

[@rabbittoothstudio8371]

I think both guitars sound very much the same but guitar A had an intonation or tuning problem that made guitar B a little more pleasing

[@petersuddath6477]

I believe the Electromatic dominated The comparison. Not even a contest, I’d buy four Electromatic before I would purchase a Player Series instrument!!!

[@tommelville4968]

I have a 5220. What would be a good pickup upgrade? Not necessarily after the Gretsch sound, just good humbuckers.