Gretsch Pro vs Gretsch Electromatic Guitars

[@tommymaguire3605]

Dude! You are a joy to watch. No ego, no bullshit, just intelligent info. I wish I could buy you a beer.

[@MarshMallowMarauder]

You could - look into ChangeTip if you're serious! Great way to send people tips over the Internet :)

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

@@MarshMallowMarauder if everybody bought him a beer that wanted to he'd be an alcoholic!

[@wherebandshaman]

You're such an honest, intellectual, and unbiased reviewer. That's why I come to your channel for advice on gear.

[@jwgmarine4314]

He's awesome!!!

[@steveokon5431]

Great demos, best I've seen Thank you !

[@seamanjive]

Sounds like a bag of nails being rattled in a can

[@christopher.k.guitar]

I second that

[@ronaldmulukom7477]

Jep

[@w1zard0f0h]

You should do an update with the newer Electromatic.

[@brianmcpartland3983]

Phillip, I have to compliment you on your ability to speak so well extemporaneously. You are an excellent communicator.

[@comicsrcool5483]

Thank you once again for the great videos Phillip. I own an Electromatic(Hoping to have two soon. I LOVE the new blacktop Filtertrons) and a Pro Series. I love to take the Electromatic out to open stages and jams and such, but am hesitant to do that with the Pro. The best part is when people rave about how the Electro gets that great GRETSCH sound! Like you I can hear the difference, but all I know is when I am playing my Electromatic I am playing a Gretsch!

[@markbader4942]

You also might remember that the orginal Gretsch factory burned down after it closed. Randy Bachman (The Guess Who, BTO, etc) had amassed a huge collection of Gretsch guitars over the years, and he donated a bunch of prime examples of the company's guitars for measurements and specs that were used when the company re-opened. I also heard that Bachman donated the instruments permanently, and there's a Grestch museum somewhere where most of these donated guitars can be seen.

[@jordanpearce8079]

Mark Bader At the time Randy had 385 Gretsch guitars. All Randy asked was he got to keep one of each type of Gretsch(White Falcon, Penguin, Chet Atkins model, etc..) He gave all the rest to Gretsch just like you said.

[@sl5932]

Interesting. IMO rock stars tend to be very self absorbed and not too generous in spirit. Sure, they occasionally do big events with their friends for causes they deem worthy and want cost them friends and bask in the limelight. But what Randy did comes from a really good place.

[@logicnotfeelings3835]

In my opinion, the comparison between the two when it comes to tone (beginning at the 7:47 mark) clearly shows the superior sound of the Pro series vs. the Electromatic. Thank you.

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

I love, love, LOVE the way Chet Atkins's Gretsch sounded on his beautiful "Wildwood Flower". So warm, so gentle.

[@johndurban2204]

Hi Phil, great appraisal. Thanks for your honesty. Just to mention that Gretsch are known for mixing-up the recipe and there are all manner of variants from the past that are available. I have a 2007 5124 Electromatic which came with D'Armond 2000 pickups and Kluson-style tuners and I think it is truly awesome. I bought it second-hand as a sort-of financial stepping-stone towards a 6120 to see if it was my thing and it most definitely is! I love it and have no intention of replacing it now.

[@lighttouchchiropractic9605]

they have made some improvements on the 2016 Electromatics

[@WallyMose111]

Thanks Phil superb as usual 👍🏻 Just to add I did own an Electromatic & can definitely say the build quality & finish for the price are excellent so buy with confidence. I will be getting another Electromatic soon but the thinner double cutaway model. Plus pickups/nut etc. can be upgraded when funds allow, just chucking that in if the excellent Pro series is outside your budget. Keep rocking guys 😎

[@SolidRockBluesBand]

Nice, good review. I own the Electromatic, but I can see one reason for the price difference -- The Pro's are made in Japan and, as you said, more-or-less build by hand. That makes a big difference in production costs. The pro sound is killer though, but the lady won't let me spend that much on yet another guitar ;)

[@daveyponderosa9549]

Hahahaha Same story here Pal, the struggle is real.

[@metocvideo]

Great comparison, thanks. I play an Electromatic, a 5420 which is the same that you demo’d. I have upgraded the pickups to TV Jones ones, which are a drop in replacement and reproduce the high end Filtertron sound perfectly, he also makes the Alnico pickups found on the player series. The cost of upgrading the pickups, tuners and bridge (I put in a genuine Gretch bar type bridge that works well with the Bigsby) and not I have a guitar that is pretty much top spec at a fraction of the cost. I love my Gretsch, and thank the company for selling this “mid-range” guitar ($750) that is so close to the $3000 models

[@buddyluuv4644]

I'm new to Gretsch guitars & I've tried a few & the Electromatic G5445T is the winner. Using a Mesa Boogie Dual Caliber DC-10 amp clean channel with a Boss Metal Zone pedal it sounds unique. Different from Gibson & Fender which is what I want on certain songs. I plan to get one next. What an amazing sonic piece of work Dr. Smith

[@kirkscobey3031]

Late to this conversation. I own a Electromatic 5220 with broad trim pickups. I must say I love it much more than my Epiphone and Fenders.. Has its own voice and can rock or not. Hits them all with a classy vibe. Now using walnut in the necks.

[@kirkscobey3031]

Sorry broadtron pickups ... Auto correct sucks

[@bjl4433]

Thanks so much for the review. I just got a used 2015 Korean made Electromatic. It is so much lighter than a Swingster Epi I had and when I saw the Gretsch (I love Gretsch) I traded it on the spot for the weight difference alone, with some trepidation,. But I'm so happy with it and I remembered seeing this review when I was trying to come up with the money for the Gretsch. Cannot begin to afford the pro, but I'm very happy with the Electromatic and very much appreciate all the good info you put out (always!) in your reviews. Again -- thanks very much, Phil. I always can count on you for the straight scoop.

[@tonehunter29]

Great video Phil! Thanks for doing it! Definitely can tell a difference in tone when the two are compared side by side. Who knew such small features would make such a difference. But for $3k you can get two American Fenders!

[@lone-wolf-1]

Thank you Phil! You're a master at explaining stuff and pointing out differencies and similarities! Greetz from Deutschland

[@barrychristiansen4579]

Like your loyality through out all your vids. i've been fortunate enough to have seen . open honest most usually to the point and personable. Love your stuff. Phillip! Cheers!

[@rivercity3908]

What an excellent explanation of the differences. Thank you! Truly helps in my Gretsch hunt.

[@dalepal]

Thanks for the explanation of the similarities and differences between the Gretsch Pro and Electromatic.

[@timmcdonald9877]

Thank you Phil for doing this video. You cut through the bs and get down to business in all your vids.

[@ThisisDustin]

I own two electronics and a pro and the pick ups make all difference. I actually use my Tim Armstrong more than the pro series.

[@doghammerbiscuit]

Very helpful and enjoyable review, Phil. Thanks.

[@DavidKestler]

awesome presentation. I started Fender so I felt like I was cheating on my girl when I got a SG. My grandpa left me his 59 Gretsch Chet Atkins series guitar and I am in love with that sound. Rock a billy, swing, jazz, punk, country it all works on it. Just hard to bring it out for I hate sweating over losing it so I hide her. But oh she is sweet. Thanks for giving the details on the difference of the two types. Dave

[@TheBeatle49]

Insure it.

[@profkeenan]

Here's what I do/did and it worked. I got a 5120 and did some work on it. New frets was the main expense. But pinning the bridge and tuners etc... really helped. Now, its amazing and plays incredible. I've owned it about 10 years and I have yet to play a gig that people didn't ask me about my guitar. The Korean build is brilliant-think Japanese Stratocaster from the 1980's . For 1K, you can have an incredible, incredible guitar. I've used it as a slide tuned and rigged with 13s in a rock band all the way to what I do now (jazz) with the bigsby replaced. Just my experience but I can say this is a guitar you can start cheap and build up.

[@profkeenan]

Oh yeah, great review! I should have said that first.

[@bikerut]

I just picked up a 2017 Electromatic. They have started putting the neo classic thumbnail inlays and using the NuBone nut. I love it! some day I will own a White Falcon or an Eddie Cochran, until then....I will be happy with the 5420t. Thanks for your unbiased reviews.

[@bluesman9344]

I collect guitars for the fun of it. Researching is the funnest part and I NEVER buy a guitar until I see if Phil has reviewed it. There are many great guitar channels on KZbin but Phil’s is one of the best. I’d type more but I have to go to the bank and then my local guitar shop - buy from the small shops when you can - if you don’t, we’ll be buying all our gear on www ... that would not be good!

[@BirdRockin]

about to pull the trigger and buy my first Gretsch. Thank you for this review Phil!

[@johnnyboy6480]

Love the way u take apart information man

[@evilcowboy]

Gretsch is usually a surprising guitar to anyone who picks one up. You just don't expect the range you get out of them. I got to admit the 3 volume knobs was new to me, I got a gutted one and it was pretty easy to figure out the wiring and I thought about putting the tone selector on it but decided against it. Honestly it is the only guitar that I had no real complaints about the cheap line they use to put out although getting a cheap guitar that is utterly junk is somewhat unheard of today since a lot of companies upped quality control so it seems gone are the days of trying to get by with one less screw and a sloppy neck pocket (yes I am talking to you Fender with your 3 bolt plate and sloppy neck pocket). The Gretsch I owned was the only guitar I regretted selling next to my Michael Kelly Custom Valor. The 50's style chord progression you did really lets you really hear the guitar and kind of throws it back to its hay day. Great guitars, no complaints from me on my extremely cheap one (it was free), it was caked in dirt, missing the bridge pickup, missing the master volume and the knob, the jack input, had stickers all over it. When it was given to me the person thought I was going to be using the parts but I couldn't resist fixing it. I ended up getting that, an LTD ESP Viper-50 and a Fernandes Dragonfly made in the late 90's (I was really impressed by the quality of that one too) all for free. I've never owned a Fernandes I was really surprised the guitar had a quilted maple top and the cut for the neck pocket is weird but I can see where they were going with it. So I got the guitars yesterday and I got the Gretsch working perfectly. The only things other than replace the missing parts was wash it off, remove stickers, level, crown and polish the frets, solder everything and set it up. To me the fact I got it done in less than a day I feel like I am doing pretty good. Next is the LTD (the easier one of all 3) and finally the Fernandes (will take a bit due to missing tuner knobs). Great video it showcases the Gretsch very well.

[@MoonDoggie999]

Really appreciated both this vid and the other one with the streamliner. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on these great Gretsches.

[@tomski9976]

Thanks so much for your videos....I always learn allot....i recently got the new MIM Hendrix Strat....Overall I love it...the playability on the neck and the neck's finish is awesome...and with the 3 vintage 65 pups which have been reversed to give u the same effect as Hendrix reversing his strings makes the tone of this axe very "Jimi-like"...and I didnt have to spend a fortune...I installed some Fender locking tuners and a Switchcraft jack...sounds great n stays in tune..... :-)

[@SqueekyFromm]

I bought a 5622T a month ago, and love it! On sale for $699 at Guitar Center. I can not imagine getting much more if I bought a Pro. I guess it is a personal thing. I did buy a Variaxe Standard, and having run thru all the different guitar types, I am amazed at how little sound difference there is between various types of guitars within their own genre - - - solid body, LP, Tele, Strat, etc. Maybe it is because amplifiers are more versatile than back in the 60s and 70s, and the differences can be massaged together to get whatever sound you want. I also love my Epi Sheraton II, and my Samick Royale, and if I only had any one of the three as my only semi-hollow, I could be happy. Squeeky Fromm Girl Reporter

[@fonzybrookestone727]

Love these comparison videos! It's always a big help. Thanks!!

[@TassieLorenzo]

Those black-top filtertrons are so much better than the Gretschbuckers that used to come on the Electromatics, it's not even funny! :) I think the electromatics with the black-top filtertrons sound great... really has lifted the "budget" electromatic series up from where it was before about a decade ago. :) One thing Phillip glosses over a bit I think is how the Electromatics continue on and sort of combine the former Electromatic & Historic Korean-made budget lines from the pre-Fender Gretsch. :)

[@robertwest9643]

This is what I've been wondering about too. I have one with those completely sterile sounding humbuckers in it. I'm getting that it's worth the upgrade, maybe even just to the blacktops (~$60 Ive seen). Just haven't taken it apart to see if it's as easy as just dropping in and soldering the new ones in...

[@maxti6]

Robert Jon West You may find the pickup holes filled much with whatever the top was coated with. My 2006 CY built Electromatic had to be cleaned up a bit to get the P-90's in it

[@Blaydrnnnr]

Think about TV Jones pick ups. Gretsch started installing them a few years back on some models because they were so good. TV makes them as direct replacements, in any Gretsch style from the past, that you like. Classics, Powertrons, etc.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Agree!

[@buckwilliams2234]

Hey nice comparison! I also have both; 2013 6120(am) and orange Electromatic 5420. Back in the early 80's I had an original (1962) 6118 Double Anniversary which I sold to buy a... drum machine! Wanting to relive my youth, I was going to buy a new (-ish) 6118 but I was won over by the looks of the 6120am (known as the 'Prom Queen' in Gretsch circles!). As much as I love my 6120, the 5420 gives it a good run for the money. For me the 5420 falls down on the fretboard (ebony v rosewood), tuners and the electrics/ pickups. The pots are very on/off with the 5420 ie seems like all of the control is within the last 5% of the turn. Then again, look at the price! The 5420, Black-Top pickups are supposed to be a re-make of the old Baldwin pickups. They don't sound bad but I find them thin-sounding in comparison to the standard filtertrons on the 6120. If anything, I think they sound more glassy and TV Jones-esqe. Bottom line is, if I lost my 6120 (please don't let that happen!), I probably wouldn't replace it. Instead, I would just change out some stuff on the 5420 and keep that as my 'Gretsch' (and possibly get a second one with the insurance money!). Thanks for sharing.

[@gitrhack]

I believe the neck construction is different also, where the electromatics use a scarf neck joint and the pro series use traditional neck construction.

[@jonathanchavez1198]

Really enjoy the videos to compare guitars.

[@jamesmcgheeii7838]

I bought an Electromatic goldtop with stop tail piece, added a "Gretsch by Bigsby" and I am thrilled with the guitar.

[@rexhargrove5172]

Probably the best explanation of the difference in these two models. But, for my money, this is the best demonstration of what the true Gretsch tone is.

[@MrLespaul1963]

I do hear a difference but to my ear what I hear in either case still says Gretsch to my ears. Perhaps not the best analogy, but it's the difference between a contemporary Gibson Les Paul and a Gibson SG. Both definitely Gibson solid body, humbucker equipped guitars that while different are definitely Gibson solid body instruments. In a conceptually similar manner do these two Gretsch lines sound to me. Now as to feel, I haven't played them side by side, but when presented with the opportunity, I'll make that assessment. Thank you Phil for the review.

[@stevehornshaw4478]

Fantastic review by an excellent reviewer Thanks I learned so much Phillip

[@hellbent6344]

Thank you for teaching us about gretsch , I didn’t know half of the stuff you touched on.

[@dbouquet]

Superb clarity. Thank you

[@paulsimmons5726]

I may decide to get one of the $750 Gretch guitars in the classic orange stain but would love to have a Brian Setzer model one day. The new pickups are really cool sounding, they have the warmth of a humbucking design but the clarity of a single coil - much like Brian May's guitar but with a different direction. Gretch 6120's are also wrapped up in cool, especially running through a great Fender or Vox. Enjoyed the video as always!

[@ClaudioOlivaresMedina]

Great review and analysis. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing.

[@houdini1972]

That was an amazing video! You answered a lot of questions I had and some didn't. Unfortunately ninety nine percent of the tutorial videos, Are people trying to show how much they can Rock out on their guitar with no explanation.

[@davesurace1281]

Well done Phil.....I used to have an old Gretch and loved it. After you vid...I'm looking for a good deal!

[@davidstensaas1471]

Both sounded good, didn't sound much different through my HP beats audio speakers, and the Electromatics are close enough for rock and roll for sure! I did a gig with a ProJet that rocked the house.

[@69kpm]

Gretsch was my dream guitar. I bought a Chinese Electromatic solid body with Mega Tron pups. It was $700.00 and it fell apart. I traded it in for a Jay Turser that cost $250. It was a 335 copy that was great, I was happy to see my dream guitar put behind me.

[@flightofthefatman]

I was going to buy the Electro as it's on sale but after this video and hearing the classic Gretsch sound against it I would be bitterly disappointed. Thanks..your my go to guy and I can see why others make the same comment.

[@greatkingrat]

This is a great video. Thank you for posting this.

[@tricko2286]

Great video ... Very professional and informative...Didn't hear that much difference. Tone switch is very useful.

[@comickebs748]

Don't forget that Rory Gallagher rocked a Gretsch Corvette! Sure he installed a P90 at the bridge, but it had that Gibby SG vibe with that Gretsch chime. It's Electromatic reissue & current CVT production is probably one of the most underrated, solidbody Gretsches out there.

[@blasty290]

Thanks for all of the highly informative reviews, Phil. Because of your other Gretsch video, I ordered a Streamliner from Musician's Friend last night. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

[@frankpfau9054]

fantastic and very professional review… thank you!

[@nofriendtojesus]

I own a 5420 and a Brian setzer 6120. I can say that there is very little difference between the two. The pro has better tuners, pickups, and electronics but other than that I can not tell much of a difference. If money is a issue for you, you would be better off buying a electromatic and buying new electronics and pups. On one hand it's great that you get such a great value for the 5420. But very disappointing when you spend 3 grand on a pro and it's not much better.

[@dowaliby1]

@Michael Jenkins - I can understand your frustration. I own an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro (black with gold hardware), which I picked up new for under $700, and (with no mods at all), I prefer it to my new Gibson Les Paul Studio costing me twice as much. I have been wanting to get a Gretch semi-hollow body probably the G5622T (love the orange one!). I see that the wonderful TV Jones replacement pickups would cost about $275 for a pair. It seems the way to go would be to buy an Electromatic and put those pickups in. Then, for well under half the cost, I would have a guitar as good or almost as good as its big brother. What do you think? Also, I was wondering, do you encounter problems staying in tune with either of your Gretch guitars?

[@ronnydee2]

Just obtained a used Electromatic, I absolutely love it.

[@edlopez.troubadouramps]

had no idea theres Bigsby and Bigsby licensed..i just got me a electromatic G5435...with the licensed tremolo...i love it! and also becuase of the price.. after watching this, i figure upgrading to a Bigsby original, and other pick ups will kind of be cool.. thank you so much for this vid!!

[@TheJesseMusic]

Great stuff! I use the master volume on my Duo Jet just as ''the only volume''. So when I'm turned down and switch pickups, I'm still at the low volume. It even gets complicated when I play a Gibson.. haha!

[@nathansongne9790]

Good God Phil, you're making me wanna bring in my Gretsch to get fixed....

[@GarryFullerSr]

I have a Gretsch 5120 and Love it. Just something about it

[@omarrodriguez4237]

Garry Fuller Sr Is it any good for metal and rock??

[@didamnesia3575]

Played a Gretsch white Falcon today. It is amazing, and worth the money

[@danielslaats5817]

im gonna buy the 5420t electromatic in about 7 weeks..cant wait.

[@Blaydrnnnr]

I have two 6118 Anniversaries, ( One is a 125th Anni, the other a 120th Anni ) and a ProJet, and a DuoJet. All are fantastic. BUT, I did swap the "licensed" Bigsby for a B12 on the ProJet. ( Also used the B11 version on a Casino that is amazing ) The Licensed version has a metal TUBE instead of a solid bar on the tension bar. There was a definite sustain difference for me.

[@Ranametalera]

NO need to shred nothing at all and this is a superb review, thanks.

[@patrickpruitt8737]

Thank you for making such great videos.

[@NaturalMattressFinder]

Great video, now I know the difference between the two. I think I'll go with the Electromatic until I can afford the pro series.

[@johnathanjordan6468]

Great video phill very informative great info,think just from price point would go for the electromatic

[@bonezbraker1860]

I really love Gretsch. I own 3 all Electromatic. A Bo Diddly . A hollow body 2010(Befor pined bridge was standerd.). A Pro Jet ltd white. I really wish they made a Electromatic Billy-Bo. I really love that guitar but 3 and a half grand is a little steep for me.

[@jacksibrizzi1236]

Thank you very much for digging deep.

[@soundboy3]

love my Tim Armstrong Electromatic... plays beautifully and has a killer tone through my Egnater Tourmaster. Not many lefty guitars with that sound for $1200.

[@westbayk2156]

Not many lefties......PERIOD! Then you usually have to settle for whatever the company wants to offer....because nothing under $2k comes with a Bigsby!

[@jwgmarine4314]

Awesome just found this channel. You're super amazing!! Thank you!!!

[@cluxseltoot]

Many thanks - a useful and informative video.

[@Wildman9]

Can't justify 2grand more sounding so similar!TV Jones pups would up the ante on the cheaper model.Good video,keep on rockin.!

[@AthelstanEngland]

Great reviews.. very knowledgeable, funny and well presented! Thanks

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Your Welcome thank you for watching and posting

[@somebodyelseuk]

I own a 5420, but I'm not what I'd call a 'Gretsch player'. The build quality is excellent. I think if you're a real Gretsch-head, the details matter enough to pay up. The sound...? An EQ pedal or pickup change will sort that, but let's face it, there are some real pro quality, budget end Strat-a-likes available these days, but for some reason we still perform better with a 'name' on the head.

[@ericandreeatingachickenwin2140]

So just change the pickups on the electromatic and it'll get you in the ballpark if tone is what you're after. Im not dropping $2500 on a duo jet when i can throw good pickups in a $400 pro jet and it'll get me close to the duo jet's sound.

[@aaron.s.robinson]

That's basically how guitar companies work. Lol same with fender and Epiphone. Put new electronics in and you pretty much get the top of the line stuff. Just - the bragging rights. And that's all too important for people.

[@TooLooze]

To me, the Electro felt flimsier than the pro, moreso than a MIM Strat compared to a USA. But you are correct about the PUPs and definitely a better nut. Sometimes Gretsch PUPs are odd sizes. Some Epis are very close to Gibson; sometimes they aren't nearly as good. Nothing better than playing both and then deciding. My two cents, anyway.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Yup

[@kckennedy55]

Contrary to popular belief, changing pickups will not get you there. I guess you missed the info about ebony as opposed to rosewood. Also the Pro has a thinner top. But of course, none of that matters. Just change the pickups and your crap ass Electromatic will sound like a REAL handmade Gretsch!

[@bryannash1668]

kckennedy55 u mad bro

[@JInfinity7]

Just bought an e-matic. Cant wait for it to arrive. Thanks for the great overview. Let me know if I can send it to you to sharpen! *cough* Graphtech nut and bridge and locking tuners *cough*.

[@LCMSM]

Really enjoy these shorter videos.

[@paulcarey9245]

I have a electromatic. And I love the tone.

[@SveinOlavGlesaaenNyberg]

Thank you for the comparison. Both sounded great, though I must admit I liked the Pro sound best. What's the name of the model you have there? And have you compared the different Gretch hollowbodies?

[@ronandlanadisorda2001]

Thanks for the video, it was informative, however I think you overlook the fact that for most musicians three times the price is a deal breaker. Yes, there are palpable differences between the two series, but not to the point where it could be said that one is great and the other sucks. In fact, I think when I compare the two in a store, I'm quite impressed by the quality of the build in the Electromatic series and that real Gretsch tone is available for such an affordable price. By the way, I just got a 5422 12 string that I totally love. I chose it over a Rickenbacker 360 12 string that I didn't think played as well as the Gretsch and cost three times as much. Thanks for your time and consideration.

[@danielburke9881]

great review. very helpful 👍

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

With my headphones on I can hear the difference between the two. The PRO is warmer tone for sure. Still not enough to want to spend $3K though. When I think of Gretsch, Brian Setzer comes to mind always (I'm an 80's kid).

[@wozzawarren]

i simply love your videos. enough said

[@BV_Beve]

Really great vid great objective as well as good subjective information.

[@lakemaniac]

love your input!!!!!

[@linclink]

I think more budget line guitars are a great thing. Electromatic & Squire both make some terrific guitars to be sure!! One thing I will say is this... I would never, ever, consider spending the money on a new lower line model when there are great deals to be had on used, more top line, instruments. For many reasons (part was choosing the relative freedom of a more Bohemian lifestyle, part the horror show of the modern era U.S. oligarchical economy) I was working class poor most of my adult life. Saving money for great gear was a major priority & huge struggle. Now I'm able to do a bit better & I scour ebay & craigslist to find great deals & recently got the Gretsch of my dreams (a Dec. 2003 Orange 6120DC powered by TV Jones Classic pickups... my fave Gretsch pickups ever!!) & I have to say that while the Electromatic's are nice, what I got is just at another level altogether. And it didn't cost ...Just two years ago, I found a used 6120 once for $850! I just didn't bond with it & then flipped it for a tidy profit, while still giving a good deal by selling it, priced to move, at the bottom end of the market price. The one I just got came to $1600 total, but sounds & feels priceless. You can find used Gretsch pro series for under $1500, even closer to $1000, depending on what you are looking for.

[@Zwidawurzn]

I am going to buy an Electromatic because i saw it at a local store and i like the feel. So that Gretsch comes from the same factory as my korean ESP-LTD i play for 11 years now? Mind blown. also: subbed

[@dherdy9205]

The pro with the ebony board gives it that classic spank and the tone switch ,

[@bretthuhn8666]

Great Video! Very Informative

[@user-ej8uh3lb9o]

Extremely informative

[@AhnSeoulo]

Definitely something about that pro series tone. But for my needs and use, don’t know if it’s 3x worth the dough haha. Thanks for the review.

[@TheZooropaBaby]

So standard/high-end model for the Gretsch is made in Japan? well good to know as a Japanese guy.

[@Beringtunes]

The Pro Gretsches and reissues are made at the Fender factory in Terada, Japan, to the original Gretsch specs, as far as reissues go, even using the original body shaping molds, etc. As Phil points out, the Electromatics are made in either Korea or China, with slightly different parts and specs. The Custom Shop Gretsches: signature, custom design and other highest-end guitars, are made in the US at the Fender Factory in Corona, Calif. There's a great "tour" of the factory at www.themusiczoo.com/blogs/news/factory-tour-stephen-stern-the-gretsch-custom-shop. The one glaring mistake in this article is that they say Fender bought and OWNS Gretsch, in partnership with the Gretsch family. Fender does NOT own Gretsch - Fred W. Gretsch, nephew of Fred Gretsch Jr. and his family still retain full ownership. They do have an agreement with Fender Musical Instrument Co. (FMIC) for the manufacture and distribution of their instruments, but fully under the auspices of the Gretsch family.

[@DelScully]

some of the best guitars come out of Japan! Even with the regular Fenders, I'd prefer to buy a nice Japanese one even over an overpriced US one!

[@andyc5392]

@@DelScully crafted in Japan..👍

[@fullcircle3357]

I’ve got a Gretsch electromotic first time Ive used one it’s on our new single coming out soon it does all I need great sound

[@jaysar]

Hello Phil! Love your channel! I went out and Got a G5230t! thank you!! In the event you see this (or if anyone reading it knows) I got two of them (one after another) because there was a weird rattling I can't locate. wondering if you had any idea. sounds like its the bridge or the pick guard Thanks again Phillip!!

[@darylynn621]

I got a Gretsch that is old. No pick ups flying F holes like a Viola. Acoustic only. One time had a stylus from a elect record player fitted to the neck strap stud.

[@TheBeatle49]

Used to visit a store that lots of both. Many of the Electromatics were very comparable to the Pros.