How to Optimize Your G5120 Electromatic Hollow Body | Tech Tips | Gretsch Guitars

Master Gretsch guitar technician Brian Thrasher takes you through optimizing your Gretsch G5120 Electromatic for tone and playability.
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About Tech Tips:
Optimizing your Gretsch for tone and playability with these Tech Tips videos. Hear from Gretsch experts as they cover an array of How-To topics to ensure you are getting the most out of your Gretsch gear.
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With its emphasis on hand-craftsmanship and commitment to quality over a storied 135 years and counting, Gretsch has pioneered new designs and manufacturing techniques, winning endorsements from some of the music industry’s most respected artists, including Chet Atkins, Eddie Cochran, Billy Duffy, Bono, Duane Eddy, George Harrison, Brian Setzer, Stephen Stills and Malcolm Young.
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How to Optimize Your G5120 Electromatic Hollow Body | Tech Tips | Gretsch Guitars
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[@richardpalma169]

Thank you for this video. It's nice that Gretsch put this up instead of making people guess on how its done. Good on ya!

[@EM-df6mo]

Good information. This young man knows his business very well. Thanks

[@boyonbass]

Brutha, Thanks sooo much for the G5120 tips...We just bought one and I thought the thing was never gonna be in tune. Your expertise has made me very happy and it was simple to do. We also have the Black Electromatic (Les Paul) too! I guess we're part of the Gretsch Family! Peace & Blessings to yoo & yours Bro!

[@ralfschwensfeger7853]

Thanks for this video - it was really helpfull.

[@Junker1995]

Helped me out, Thanks mate!

[@mikmadpro]

Recently got a G5420T (2017 Red Sparkle) as a B-Day gift to myself. This video is a HUGE help. Thank you, Gretsch!

[@32121132]

Thanks for your reply, You make looking the foam easy. Happy New Year

[@Blustercastr]

Thank you!that's been very useful to me!!

[@kylenichols6964]

Nice job dude helped me out for sure!

[@TooLooze]

Thanks Gretch and Brian!

[@sul1961]

this has helped a lot... always had probs before setting up Thanks!!!!

[@theirresponsibles]

ta guys, i ended up getting it set up in the shop, the truss rod WAS out a bit after the fligth but now it's prefect!

[@yochansings4091]

Thank you so much!!! I bought my G5120 used a few months back and have fallen deeper in love with it as days pass. But imagine my horror as I found the bridge move on me (cleaning cloth accident) resulting in buzzing!!! Now I know exactly what to do to adjust it!!!

[@emoryhorace982]

I just don’t understand why they don’t make these guitars so that Bridge, don’t move.

[@peder0204]

thanks dude!

[@PaperDogTube]

Great Video..I finally understand more about setting it up for proper intonation. Before tthis video, there was really nothing very helpful (or clear) about it. Thanks Guys!

[@floresroach]

Well, good thing I watched this since I’m in the market for an electromatic hollowbody.

[@Sound8VisionVibe]

I second the Vox. I use an AC15 Twin and it sounds delicious.

[@unorthydox]

My guitar teacher puts a strip of fine grit sandpaper under the bridge on his Gretsch guitars ... keeps them from moving pretty well.

[@johne1599]

Most Gretsch Guitars now come with posts to align and hold the bridge position. But the old floating bridge is still popular and in use today, especially with some Jazz players. It made sense when they came up with it 50+ years ago.

[@spuckz]

Would you mind explaining why it made sense back then?

[@CedricSatterfield]

@@spuckzthey could make more minute pitch adjustments on the fly. You can more easily change strung gauge, also.

[@Crazyposer]

una de las guitarras mas hermosas que e visto en mi vida.

[@MaPa60]

It is actually a great thing that the bridge isnt fixed, as it allows for intonating the guitar if you change string guage. Hollowbody instruments is a different animal, but they sound incredible! Nothing like a Gretsch.

[@moonymannnn]

Could you please demonstrate how to "Ballance" the strings? Do you lower/raise the bridge or lower/raise the pick-ups? I'm not sure how to lower/raise the pick-ups... Please advise.

[@RD-fi3kv]

I have two 6120,s but these are amazing guitars for the money 😍

[@0SevenCarPileUp0]

@mailvilla both pickups have a volume knob. just roll down the neck a little and keep the bridge on full blast.

[@32121132]

I am interested in the electronic tuner in the back ground. Who made the turner? I just bought a GRETSCH G5420T ELECTROMATIC HOLLOW BODY. Killer Guitar. Removing the foam no big deal.

[@BrentAlanBeck]

Hi. Any instruction for lowering action via saddle "thumb screws?"

[@Twangabilly]

I did it by lifting one end up and sliding out half the foam, because there's a gap in the wood half way, then putting it back down and lifting the other half and doing the same, then it's left exactly where it was (if you're careful). And when changing strings, change them one at a time, then the bridge can't move :) Obviously check to see if the intonations is ok afterwards.

[@mjt11860]

how do u set the saddles if u have a used guitar? do u have a video 4 that? thanx 4 the info on this video!

[@mjt11860]

@TheTruthRocks thanx very much 4 the info! would the same method u describe apply to a mandolin also?

[@mowwow1998]

Hi, great informative video. Im looking at purchasing the G5420T from the US and having it shipped back to Australia. Wanted to know whether I will need to do the same with the G5420T i.e. remove the foam under the bridge and adjust intonation? does the G5420T have the same floating bridge as the 5120?. Also, how difficult is it to adjust the string action?, I prefer a low action and was wondering whether they are already setup with a fairly low action out of the box?. Many thanks.

[@israelbonnard]

I own a Gretsch black penguin and I bought the modern gretsch space control bridge to replace the synchro sonic bridge. The result was really bad. My G strings was never on tune when I use to press a chord and as you don't have any saddles to move its impossible to correct tune. Then I bought the adjusto matic bridge and the result was even worst. Now my guitar was giving all the notes by pressing the 12 frett but the guitar went out of tune just by putting some chords. So I just put the Synchro sonic bridge again and the problem was solve. The message here is that all GRETSCH Bridges are very special. I set my Gretsch guitars very carefully and I take a lot of time to do it so. I also own a Masterbuilt with same synchro sonic bridge and it tunes perfectly so be aware of replacing bridges

[@Vermillion2176]

I perceive this video to be more of a quick and dirty way to get the Guitar set up in an OK manner for OEM strings and not necessarily to fine tune the intonation for each string which most of us would certainly want to do. We learned that you take the foam strip out from under your bridge and put it back where it was. A couple of pieces of blue non-stick masting tape will mark the original location just fine. Big Ron

[@BrentAlanBeck]

I have an electromatic tri-five and the bridge is affixed to the body. Did someone who had the guitar before me, glue it to the body or is Gretsch making some bridges already firmly attached the the guitar? Thank you

[@jackblack-zu7ed]

whats the best string gauge for this type of guitar...?

[@johnwhite5656]

Its a very good guitar for the money. Mine has a low action & is very easy to play. If I were a pro, I would want a higher end model, but the 5120 is a decent guitar.

[@derin111]

I haver a similar issue with an archtop Ibanez Artcore with a floating bridge. The trouble I seem to have is that I can do all of this and then as soon as I rest on the bridge to palm mute the damn bridge slips a bit again and the whole thing is screwed up again! A what a complete pain! How do I stop this i.e. which screws on the bridge clamp it do on to the body securely?

[@fishgazoo5851]

When using the vibrato tailpiece, does this shift the bridge Out of position? Can the bridge be locked in place? Or will just a drop of glue hold the bridge in place? I love Gretsch guitars.... But always am weary about Floating bridges. Thanks!

[@GetchaPull100]

Soo damn true.

[@ryannatalemusic]

okay lol..whats your opinon/thoughts on the ibanez afs80t? ive heard really good things about it so im anxious to get it.

[@TheMichaelseymour]

wouldnt it be advantageous to make it fixed once intonation is correct - somehow affix it with glue and screws?

[@getitalljoey]

Biggest pain in the butt to tune this. This video helped ALOT...

[@ctcards2636]

Im looking for a replacement bridge for my 5120. What bridge would you recommend ? The saddles on mine are buzzing and they move when I bend strings.

[@rlta04]

Hey.Gretsch guitars are awsome. One question: I have a G5246T Electromatic Double Jet Electric Guitar (Silver Sparkle)with the mini himbucking pickups.Would I be able to replace the stock pickups with filtertron pickups?Would the filtertron pickups fit in the pickup cavity in the guitar body?

[@georgiy5969]

Thanks for this video. Im very like Gretsch. But Before I saw this, I want to buy. Now I will think few times. Maybe better buy jet, or Centroblock.

[@strangebirdsir]

They make some with a secured wooden bridge so you don’t have to do this

[@honkmagic]

hey couple of quick questions, i have the g5129 and when your adjusting the intonation its easy to just move the bridge with your hands going into this will this effect tuning stability being its so easy to move the bridge? im having horrible tuning issues it just wont stay in tune im thinking cause its the bridge moving? would tapeing the bridge down hold it? or heavier strings like 11-52s? any tips ?

[@glenndelconte2648]

Brian, I purchased a used G2420T Streamliner with a fixed bridge. Strings are not over/under the Bigsby as I am sure you are aware. The guitar is in excellent condition but when I tune to pitch, low E to high E or opposite, all strings go up to sharp? I try again with the same continuous results. I also checked intonation. I installed new strings, one at a time with several winds but this will not stop? I presumed it might be the truss rod but it I cant imagine that causing an increased tension on the strings. I love this guitar but I am beginning to pull my hair out. I thought about going to a roller bridge as an option. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

[@RyderGuy007]

@sully676 Like Dean Dragontails? I saw one in a shop one time and i fooled around with it and i really liked it, it was awesome.

[@TheSchoolsux345]

how do you go about doing that? and what if the intonation comes out again? please help

[@jimmorrison123]

Is this problem also whit the Gretsch G5422TG version??

[@TempoDrift1480]

I don't know if it holds true with those but on bowed instruments the bridge sits at the points if the F holes. It seems like Gretsch would know that and practice it.

[@whitefalcon74]

how do you Determan the proper bridge high with out sacrificing a low action seems hard to make the action low enough with out buzzing even after adjusting the truss rod.

[@savanaviolenta]

and how about some info about adjusting the pickups height and the pole pieces?

[@diegobejarano261]

and the screws in the saddles are for...

[@e.s.p.a.n.a]

@@diegobejarano261 para que no los toques hasta saber el calibramiento óptimo para el sonido ,cuerdas ,y afinación que vas a usar,verdad? En mi caso después de trabajar con el técnico dejamos la pastilla por debajo del ras ,el primer polo a -1mm y el 6°polo a+5mm.cosa que no se parecerá a tu ajuste ni a nadie le parecerá lógico pero los calibradores te guían mejor que los prejuicios creeme

[@TheAndymiranda5695]

would this procedure work the same with the ibanez afs75t?

[@diegobejarano261]

the saddles screws are factory adjusted?

[@josecorisco1]

One thing has been pissing me off, and that is keeping my G5120 in tune using the Bigsby. I love the vibrato effect BUT how can I solve the tunning issue? Graphyte oil in the nut would be enough? Should I pin the floating bridge? Let's ear it, guys.

[@aaronbization]

what's that electronic white device you are using to tune the grestch? It look like I see a fender logo on it.

[@KitCotter]

Didn't mention adjustment/position of the adjustable bridge-saddles ? Needs a 'Part 2'...

[@jjstrumr692]

Absolutely. There is no way this can be intonated correctly with only adjusting the angle of the bridge based on the two E strings. That may have gotten the angle of the bridge correct but I doubt the saddle position of factory setting is correct. Just say'n

[@joshmell88]

Hey I got a question I'm a lil confused on something I've got an old like late 60s Chet Atkins gretsch that need some work to it but what I'm confused on is where the bridge would be at its got like a long screw piece sticking out like it looks like u would put something over it n screw on

[@man31x]

Hey what is the tuner you are using?

[@calvinberkenbile8414]

Can't believe that bridge isn't attached. Imagine not knowing and changing your strings the first time lol

[@auntjenifer7774]

These were notorious for that non pinned floating bridge and that's exactly why they made this video, gosh oddly or took then 60 years to figure it out and only 10 years to figure or out in these series guitar.

[@TheMotorman116]

A good trick once you get intonation set is putting two small dabs of wood glue under it. I’m hard on my guitars and the bridge never moves. Makes restringing much easier too.

[@yogi-777]

Had my bridge pinned

[@chrisgilsonmusicchannel7144]

I've been playing 28 years.. was given a gretsch in a will.... Changed strings and the bridge and bigsby just fell apart..... Yeeeesh

[@x_over_it]

Didn't have to call me out like that

[@winterlandboy]

Brian here is a master Gretsch technician.This isn't somethning I would prefer to do myself in my spare time,or in between watching Eastenders and The Daily Show( for example) I presume that s why people like him are around ,so that people like me can take my guitars to them for this sort of thing. I can play,but I can't fix much. I can however wire a plug.

[@frenchmetalhead1196]

Best name ever. Give it to me

[@rogerfranklin83]

What happens now with the new Gretschs when the bridge is pinned? And the intonation is still out? Do we make adjustments to the small saddles? Even tho it should be pre factory set like Brian has just mentioned?

[@CedricSatterfield]

You adjust the saddles like any other guitar. They are never perfect out of the box. Your environment is different.

[@junkattackjunk]

hey im wondering, is the whammy bar removeable on this guitar?

[@skismith39]

So....is the bridge position just situated arbitrarily?? I thought models were built to a predetermined scale length, thus requiring a more precise placement of the bridge.

[@ryannatalemusic]

im gonna buy an ibanez afs80t soon and i just found out it has this moving bridge on it. and its kind of taken away my excitement for getting the guitar lol

[@luda9201]

its also a fender XD maybe they have some kind of a colaboration but still kinda fun:)

[@gualtieroaccornero7442]

Please, there is someone who can give me some instructions about the factory setup of my Gretsch G5120 pickups (distance of the polar pieces from the strings, etc.). THANK YOU!

[@adamnichols2762]

replace them with true filtertrons. best advice i could give ya.

[@twotones1220]

well, you can either pin down the bridge (involves drilling, non reversible) or you can do as Brian Setzer did and use some electrical tape to tape it down (doesn't look too hot but it's more of a rock and roll solution).

[@papahjoshscene4234]

how high is the string to the fret on your Gretsch guitar?

[@israelbonnard]

On some Gretsch Guitars that tail piece comes glued to the body, I think you guys should do that on every guitars.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

+Israel Bonnard DUDE ! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH GLUE COSTS THESE DAYS ?

[@israelbonnard]

Bro, most of Gretsch guitars are made in China and Japan only the custom shop is in the US , Glue cost cents in those countries.

[@savanaviolenta]

Israel Bonnard on the new models the bridges are pinned,better pickups equal to HS Filtertrons and just a better quality,these 5120 are the new Streamliners,and the new G5420 are the real deal with the BlackTop FilterTrons.

[@WyattScott]

Thank God I've got a Brian Setzer Gretsch model and don't have to dick around with an unpinned bridge. Is there any positives for the consumer with an unpinned bridge or is it simply an outdated and archaic design that Gretsch should do away with?

[@IncrediblylameIdea]

Brian is a guitar genius... THIS is well know. He sets up the best rigs for the most important artists... AND occasionally for SLUBS like us! Keep up the great work Brian!

[@Duesy_Sam]

4:30 there it goes and was still flat 😂

[@christianboddum8783]

My advice to this would be; after intonating put small pieces of tape arond the edge of the bridge, remove the bridge and put 2 small pieces of doublesided tape at the ends and put the bridge back on. I'm not talking thick doublesided tape, but the kind you can get in hobbystores, or alternatively the kind that is used for photos. This will hold bridge enough in place not to ever slide. then remove the outside tape again and you'll have pefectly seated bridge without pinning it :-)

[@PeterDad60]

I heard using rosin also works to prevent the bridge from sliding around. I have not needed either technique so far.

[@danielgunning4123]

I just got a duo jet and had to slide the bridge forward Can you explain what is involved in pinning your bridge. Will I have to have the body drilled out. Which I really don't want to do. I like the idea of the double sided tape. Thanks Daniel

[@askeen8796]

better yet, get a guitar that doesn't use this shitty sliding bridge

[@JuanLopezmusica]

Where I can find those gretch strings?

[@ShawtyCMolldogga]

Does it matter what strings you use on it?

[@sheagribbon7630]

can anyone tell me is it possible to put a bigsby on the left handed version

[@ryannatalemusic]

do you have to do the same thing for every single string?!

[@Fukit50s]

im thinking of getting a 'G6120DSV Nashville' off the internet. i think they're discontinued. do you think its worth it or should i get a brian setzer model instead?the guitar has 2 DynaSonic single-coil pickups-Bigsby B6BCDE vibrato tailpiece with 1956 handle. i know th BS MDL DynaSonic single-coil pickups Bigsby B6BCDE tailpiece with 1956 handledels have TV Jones pick ups. but does it really make that much of a difference? can i still get a rockin' rockabilly sound off those pick ups?

[@MrAlexhollins]

Each to their own and horses for courses but it's 2014 and this kind of guitar tech was improved on way back in the 1950's or even earlier. At least these guitars are so expensive so as to stop a beginner from buying one.

[@YouTubeIsAssHo]

You're kidding? These are entry level Gretsches, hardly expensive.

[@dumadave10]

@thehyperchondriac You could put a piece of double sided tape under it, thats what i did and it stays in place fine for string changes.

[@phonebox13]

The floating bridge is because it is an hollowbody. Just like violins, cellos, etc. who have floating bridges, too, hence the sweet f-holes.

[@moriscengic]

If you had aligned the bridge to the F holes correctly from the begining you didn't have to move the bridge, just adjust the saddles with the screwdriver.

[@vainparasite]

I set intonation on these then mark with masking tape and use a little double sided tape to fix the bridge. It never moves for me and stays intonated. Use the very thin tape tho :0)

[@checkoss]

Yeah dude after watch this video i want to leave my job and work in guitar shop like him

[@oliverelmes79]

I can get the harmonics spot on but if I fret the 12th fret, a couple of the strings are slightly sharp, is that a finer adjustment with the screws on the bridge? Thanks for the video btw!

[@kyleolin3566]

Your action is too high, or you are slightly bending the string when you hit the note

[@mattsnyder4754]

The harmonic will always be dead on. It's not possible for it to be off. You need to do exactly what he's doing here

[@hopetownsound]

The whole idea is to compare the harmonic to the fretted note.

[@jg0r]

I am getting a lot of buzzing coming from the saddle/bridge area. Anyone have a tip for me?

[@e.s.p.a.n.a]

Natural

[@stevenedwards4470]

Why isn't the bridge pinned and intonation set at the factory...before I open the box?

[@misterknightowlandco]

This video came out in 09. Nowadays they are fixed.

[@peder0204]

is a gretsch better than epi's and gibsons on hollowbodys? why? and on e other thing, shouldi buy an epi les paul or gretsch 5120( 5122 not sure)

[@pblnlpalu]

Why isnt the bridge glued?

[@tomg3915]

In my Gretsch G5120, I can not move both pickups very much - up or down. What can I do to adjust them to string?

[@keithclark486]

With a hammer lightly tap down. With a small crowbar Gently pull up. Hope this helps.

[@69marius]

@eatthemoon13 I replaced the stock 5120 pups with tv jones classics. Do it. You wont regret it.. Damn hard to pick the difference. (in tone) between 5120 and a 6120 with tvj's. I cant, and I have both.

[@juhajalosuo6250]

Why not to mark the bridge position once it¨s adjusted? And changing the strings one by one ...

[@itreanor]

Can you tell me where is this g5120 model made ? US , China or Korea ?

[@douglake39]

i have a schnromatic gretsch les paul style solid body.no numbers...are these a cheaper gretsch?it doesnt play well,needs apro setup i think...

[@APERR1995]

what is the name of that tuner he is using

[@HoneybadgerCesar]

what type of tuner does that guy have cause it tell's you what the note ur hitting on the string

[@RackwitzG]

"Now you should be ready to rock." Not if you moved the bridge end for the lighter strings again you ain't. lol I don't get why they are built this way. I've read that Brian Setzer tapes his in place with carpet tape. That sound like a good option. I'm in love with the Electromatic and probably will fall some day. Have to beat my Tele till then.