How to Setup Your Gretsch Guitar Like a Pro - Full Tutorial

Gretsch has some really awesome guitars with a unique look and sound that sets them apart from the rest, great if you want to stand out in a sea of Fenders and Gibsons. In this video we’ll learn how to do a full setup on one of its more popular models to get the most of this awesome and great sounding guitar
Bigsby setup video: • How to Setup Your Bigs...
Useful products for your Gretsch:
Cheap roller bridge (same as used on the video): amzn.to/2VzU6wo
Higher quality roller bridge: amzn.to/3AlvQNg
Nut lubrication: amzn.to/3mxOVnY
Poor man nut files: amzn.to/3yvsMxD
Rich man nut files: amzn.to/3fBW3PS
"Somewhere in between" nut files: amzn.to/3yIxHLT
Lemon oil for ebony/rosewood fretboards: amzn.to/2KURljz
Cleaner for all your guitar: amzn.to/3n2uHTX
Feeler Gauges: amzn.to/38k83ki
Measuring caliper/vernier: amzn.to/2Wt4CT2
Set of allen keys: amzn.to/38aYaFG
Guitar capo: amzn.to/38DIeMk
Clip on tuner (great for quick tuning during the setup): amzn.to/3ptD1h4
Plug in tuner (for precise intonation adjustment): amzn.to/3pumXvg
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All backing tracks of the video - in order of appearance:
Guitar Backing Track - Powerfull Shuffle Blues in Am
• Guitar Backing Track -...
Quarantine special - Epic Emotional Modern Guitar Backing Track (F)
• Quarantine special - E...
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Greetings from Argentina!
Juan Pablo - Inspiring Tracks

[@bogerro]

Just bought my first Gretsch and this video was super helpful on setting up my guitar to play like a dream! Thank you, great work!

[@75vettemaon]

Just bought this guitar. I've looked at a bunch of videos on setting up a bigsby as I've never owned one. They were all helpful. But this one is the best by far. Thanks for the information.

[@jamiedavis9055]

The best tutorial I've ever seen! Great work 👌

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@mitchwoods659]

The factory specs from Gretsch are posted on their website. Values are a baseline guide, subject to preference. My G5230T came set up for 9s, I’m using flat wound 10s. .020 nut height on bass side measured at 1st fret. .018 nut height on treble side, measured at the first fret. Neck relief is .008 at the 8th fret.

[@darrenwild5548]

Great instructive video! The right amount of detail to give understanding to a first-time Gretsch owner. Appreciate the video.

[@gabestorm7150]

So glad to watch this, I have this guitar since early 2022 and I have never really enjoyed it due to intonation issues. Guitar Center charged me money to set it up and it lasted one week, thank you so much for this video!!!

[@carolgolc7221]

GREAT DEDICATION, EXCELLENT WORK

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks!!!

[@jorisArt]

Thank you for a super clear, concise setup video. Much appreciated!

[@InspiringTracks]

Glad you liked it!!

[@barrysmith8193]

I just bought this same guitar and really appreciate this fantastic tutorial. Watched it through in full one time now getting ready to do it slowly. With the magic of KZbin being able to slow it down I’m going to give it a shot. Many thanks.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Thanks for putting this together. So much to reference. I found setting bridge height is easier to use the Bigsby to relax the strings.

[@simonbetancurgomez7386]

First time I tried to set up my guitar and this was just perfect! Thanks a lot!

[@InspiringTracks]

Glad you found it useful!!!

[@EdVanMeyer]

step 1 dump the tunamatic for a roller saddle version, graphite powder the nut slots and you will have a Bigsby that stays better in tune. If you can get a Fender thin pick between the top three strings and the second fret crown as a slight push fit and the pick doesn't fall out, the action is right.

[@jeffshaw7035]

New Gretsch owner here, love this vid.

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@marcpreschia]

Waow the explaination I waited for years - Thanks !!!!!!!

[@InspiringTracks]

Glad you liked it!!!

[@renek243]

Gretsch factory specs for action on 12th fret is 4/64" or 1,58 mm.

[@robsonsantos8968]

Great! You help a lot to set-up my new Greatsch 5622. Thanks a lot!

[@InspiringTracks]

Glad you liked it!!!

[@RockYourTeeth]

Great guide for a newbie. Thanks

[@MattPerrin]

Just bought my first guitar (used Gretsch 2210) and this was just perfect! Thank you!

[@RocktCityTim]

Nice addition of the roller bridge. One other item that I use with all of my Bigsby units is the Vibramate Spoiler. Makes loading the new strings so much easier..

[@clearz3600]

I clicked on this video, expecting it to be about a hollow body Gretsch or something more exotic. I was hoping that some of the tricks may still apply to my Jet. I was then pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be the exact same guitar I have. It even has the same colour as mine. I can't wait to use this to make sure that everything is set up correctly.

[@InspiringTracks]

That's great, jope you find the video useful! Really love this guitar, best money I ever spent on an instrument

[@seansixfive]

TIP - Before setting the pickup heights set all individual pole piece screws closed down and open them one turn. By doing this you will have some upward and downward play should you need to fine tune individual strings. For Black Top Filtertons I found I had to raise the pickups higher than your starting point, this could be that I use pure nickel strings that have lower output. Cool vid, thanks for sharing.

[@jasonkesser]

Your videos are some of the best, thank you so much set up Yoda

[@zachscoggins4688]

Thank you! Your video is simply the best! This was my first time doing a set up, and I appreciate you home measuring substitutions. My guitar is set up pro like. Super RAD!!

[@owenhuckabay7349]

Good tutorial. Thanks. I wouldn't use a magnetic screwdriver on the pick ups. It could weaken the pups.

[@colej3360]

Brilliant vid. Gretsch g5220 arrived today. Setup check commencing tomorrow. Cheers!

[@nicennice]

Thanks for posting very helpful and well put together.👍

[@coltercresse2783]

Single most helpful vid on the net. THANK YOU

[@oberti100]

Hello from Norway , this video helps a lor

[@InspiringTracks]

That's awesome. Glad to help!!

[@aaci0r]

Motorcycles and guitars. How cool is that. Cheers. Thx.

[@InspiringTracks]

Glad you liked it. Cheers!!!

[@dennissmith3030]

You do a good job... But, you might want to get a set of feeler gauges. You can buy them at any auto parts store or even Amazon. It would save you a little hassle from measuring a razor blade.

[@TheArcGuitar]

I recommended applying upward pressure past the saddle so the string isn’t bound when retuning during intonation.

[@sabrinamaria1]

Best video on setups, thank you!

[@gregsutton3163]

Thanks for the great video!

[@InspiringTracks]

Glad you liked it!

[@ronniebaldridge7151]

i like it lower action right at the point of buzzing

[@greatkingrat]

The first instruction in the G5655 manual is, never remove all of the strings, change one at a time. Lol.

[@InspiringTracks]

That's why no one reads any manual lol

[@richardaldridge2971]

That is only useful for the floating bridge types. Keeps the intonation the same

[@jakeerbst4073]

Not sure if that guitar has a floating bridge, but if so that might be why

[@jorisArt]

That’s so completely non mechanical types don’t freak out when they cut the strings and flip the guitar upside down! Then parts will fall off. However, if you are smart enough to notice that parts are held down with the strings, you won’t have any problems. Manuals are for the totally non-initiated. Also, how are you going to do any work on your guitar without removing the strings?

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

Yes,they can be a little bit of a mission but that's the Gretsch!! there still cool😊

[@GRBAquatics]

So Very Cool thankyou. Have a couple of Gretsch, a G5215 Single Cut Single Pickup Rock machine and a G5248T Goldtop Double Cut Chambered Body with Bigsby. Have not had to change strings yet so this is going to be very Helpful, Thankyou. Such an Interesting, Informative and Entertaining Video, Awesome Thankyou.

[@dizzywilliams3557]

I've watched to of these vids and both timesthe person has threaded the string thru the post first and smoothly omitted the knot,,,why? I make two turns and THEN thread the string , I have for 40 years☺️ I would love to see how you do it cheers for the info!

[@kpettersen9316]

Great vid. some much needed starting positions for my set up thx. Just checked my g5655t straight out the factory and following your measurement guide mine was spot on down to the millimeter. With one exception, the action was about .25mm of. Thought it played nice out the box . Now I know why. By the way can't put it down. Been bashing an acoustic for 20 years and just gone electric. Fun ahead I feel. Cheers again

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks, glad you liked it!! I'm my experience gretsch did a pretty good job setting up their guitars at the factory, mine also played great straight from the box

[@ianbrowning2190]

i have a Gretsch Streamliner and i did not stop getting fret buzz on the low e string until there was at least three times the width of a zip tie between my 12th fret and string. I'm completely puzzled.

[@ceoliamusic]

Tank you for that helpful video!

[@InspiringTracks]

Glad you liked it!

[@ceoliamusic]

@@InspiringTracks It helped me to set up my new G5655T-QM Electromatic! Thanks a lot! :) :)

[@coltercresse2783]

Awesome vid, man! Curious what cleaner you use here? And any polish?

[@pastorerosario9553]

Hi I have a 5220 and I can't adjust the height of the pickups well, I don't use the gauge but the ruler, what standard sizes should I refer to? Thx

[@heidicroy2756]

Great video. I also just bought my first Gretsch Electromatic and I'm learning so much from your videos. Question - I also have a Les Paul and I noticed that some of the strings are touching the back edge of the bridge, while all of my Gretsch strings are above the back edge of the bridge. Is one situation better/worse than the other? Thanks! Dmc

[@trumpy850]

Hi the string should not touch tha back of the bridge . There are good videos on wraping the strings over the top of the tail peice to over come this issue

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

Very good video 👍🏻

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks!!!

[@jamesh8789]

Brilliant thank you. Only question i have is do i need to use the capo (dont have one) or is there an alternative?

[@cedcjz]

I'm interested in buying a G5222 but just read that Blacktop Broadtrons are not so good for clean tones. If I drop pickup heights will it fix and have better cleans or not?

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Good video, thanks.

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks, glad you liked it!!

[@testopatia106]

Thank you so much from NZ Aroha.

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks, glad you liked it!!

[@Skynova]

Hola Juan! Tengo una G5622T y creo que la cejilla habria que cambiarla o al menos laburarla un poco. Este video me sirvio un monton para ajustarla pero los primeros trastes (1 al 5) quedan bastante desafinados cuando las cuerdas al aire y en el traste 12 estan bien. Por lo que vi seguramente sea la cejilla. Tenes idea? Gracias!!

[@ivekex]

So i have set up action like you recomend, i like lower action as beginner player. I have buzz only on 17 frett on low E string .. Is this problem .. i mean im not pro...

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

There's a little plastic tool for stringing a Bigsby. Works great and no fuss.

[@BertfromBelgium]

i just ordered new graph tech locking keys, so i thought on this video might be some useful info, what strings you recommend for a Gretsch electromatic with a Bigsby?

[@garywhitt98]

Thanks. Just saw the "subscribe" on the truss rod cover. Lovely.

[@InspiringTracks]

Lol thanks!

[@BJJandBS]

The bridge on my high E side is much lower than on the low E side. Is that normal?

[@rubentrevino6288]

Excellent video

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@s.macmillan460]

Awesome job

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks!!

[@JosepManelVert]

Sí señor! Voy por una Gretsch 5420T y me ha encantado tu tutorial. Muchas gracias. Suscrito a tu canal.

[@LouisMenotti]

Amazing video. Can I ask, what is the string spacing measurement for your guitar? I also have a G5230T but I'm not sure I've measured correctly.

[@willw3900]

Love it. Thanks

[@InspiringTracks]

Glad you liked it!!

[@CARLOSGALVEZMUSIC]

Thanks! Great video!

[@AthelstanEngland]

Thanks. What about individual pots... the little screws that I guess effect how loud each string is. Any advice on that?

[@InspiringTracks]

I didn't covered that because the standard procedure is to set them following the radius of the strings and adjust the whole pickup as shown here. Pickups came from the factory like that so it isn't necessary. Only in case you hear that some string is louder or quieter than the others you can try to fin tune it with these screws

[@AthelstanEngland]

@@InspiringTracks OK thanks.

[@cadenchase3112]

thank you, i’m selling mine to buy another guitar and wanted to make sure it was correctly tuned

[@joelburgosrobles]

Excellent

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks, glad you liked it!!

[@Ponsdaniel]

Muy buen video, gracias!

[@InspiringTracks]

Muchas gracias!!

[@isaiasgomez3587]

What is the measurment when using the string action gauge tool? and do you measure to the top of string or bottom?

[@c.j.robert5350]

Bottom

[@drjay555]

Beautiful thank you

[@warpzelle2276]

love this video.

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks!

[@thethingsyasee...5112]

The string break angle on mine is too sharp and the string hits the back of the bridge...how can I fix this? I'm thinking of roller bridges...thoughts?

[@lostsailor2498]

Just lower the stop tail piece a bit. Loosen the strings and turn the screws to raise it.

[@thethingsyasee...5112]

@@lostsailor2498 it has a bigsby

[@joaovictor5800]

The oil has to be motul? Hahaha great video man, tks

[@juannavarretesalas598]

Good Job😊

[@zbrkljac]

Thanks

[@xxx-tj6cj]

what about the pickup screws

[@stringstheory8634]

Oil? I thought graphite was the choice to avoid slipping of the strings so it strays on tune,

[@InspiringTracks]

As stated in the video some people use graphite, nothing wrong with that but I like oil better. And the idea is to make the strings slip in the nut channels, not avoiding it.

[@stanleymendez5801]

Como se llama la música de fondo del minuto 10:00 ?

[@DMSProduktions]

Sweet!

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks!

[@DMSProduktions]

@@InspiringTracks I found a Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet BT on Gummy yesterday, made an offer & to go look at it and the seller changed his mind this evening! BUGGER!

[@saddestchord7622]

10:57 pickup height (for my future reference)

[@cliffrhodenizerjr.1333]

I actually found where Gretsch recommends 6/64ths on the bass side, and 4/64ths on the treble side of both bridge and neck pickups. The specs shown here I've never seen before.

[@saddestchord7622]

@@cliffrhodenizerjr.1333 I've tried all kinds of pickup heights and can't get this thing sounding right. More and more, I'm convinced it needs a better wiring harness and new pots.

[@edrabbia2689]

nice 👍

[@dan82dare]

I like the music fyi

[@InspiringTracks]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@mechanicalguitarist451]

What pickups are those

[@InspiringTracks]

The standard blacktops from the factory. I don't know the exact model name/number

[@rogerdavies4702]

@@InspiringTracks Broad'Trons, I think.

[@fistovuzi]

i don't like Bigsbys, i think it's safe to say i hate them. but without one even the Jet neckdives like a MFer and i wanted the centreblock junior, it's even worse. i put up with the bigsby because i don't want to start lifting weights with my left arm. other than that the Jet and the centreblock junior are fantastic guitars and i was pressed to choose between them. the junior JUST won on it's clean tones.

[@dougmaccoll7564]

Motor oil as a nut lubricant?!? Never in my 55 years of playing guitar! Pencil lead maybe….back in the day.

[@InspiringTracks]

Works great!

[@Craig52-zq1bt]

I thought I wanted a Gretsch. Then I picked up a Telecaster and never looked back.

[@InspiringTracks]

Both are awesome

[@alexwilson1241]

Just bought a new Gretsch cats eye and I’m disappointed,all the frets are way too high,intonation is out and the pickups are not even close,,,,come on guys lift your game

[@varanzmaj]

Hang on clockwise to relieve neck tension? That sounds wrong. Completely wrong. You sure about that?

[@InspiringTracks]

The video is correct and never sais that. You got that part wrong. Watch it again and pay attention taking the picture on the right corner as reference

[@varanzmaj]

@@InspiringTracks Quite literally it says: "If your neck has too much relief (concave bow) turn the key clockwise to decrease it." That's confusing. Decrease what? It sounds like it might refer to the neck tension. It should state, turn the key clockwise to increase tension, and straighten the neck. If you mix and match terms like that you will confuse people, even people like myself who have experience with these things.

[@InspiringTracks]

I have several setup videos which together add up to a couple million views and you are the first person who complained about that, look at the comments if you dont believe me. The information of the video is correct and perfectly understandable, specially for people new to setup guitars, which is the main audience for these videos. Cheers!

[@varanzmaj]

@@InspiringTracks just trying to be helpful. You do what you think is best. Cheers.

[@InspiringTracks]

No worries! Sorry if my answer maybe sounded a little bit harsh, I've spent a lot of time thinking every word to make the information as precise and easy to understand as humanly possible, specially for those new to guitar maintenance, maybe that's the cause it can be confusing for some more experienced people. Cheers!

[@donaldray2763]

guitar set ups are like wipping your butt...everyone should do their own... and at least once a month....

[@pohldriver]

OIL on the nut!? Are you insane!? Use graphite.

[@InspiringTracks]

Lol oil is better, trust me

[@pohldriver]

@Inspiring tracks but what about it getting on the fretboard? I'm hoping to pass my guitars onto my daughter or grandkids when I die in 30 or 40 years, and I'd like them to stay as nice as possible. I don't have steady hands and will absolutely slop it.

[@aitken1965]

Setting your string action to an arbitrary measurement doesn’t make sense to me. String action is an individual preference. Joe Bonamasa likes his pretty high, other players like it very low. If you have a high fret then you need to address that issue first, and not every player feels confident dressing frets.

[@InspiringTracks]

If you watch the whole video you'll see that I use that "arbitrary" number just as a starting point then proceed to fine tune the action to the players taste. Same as with pickup height

[@MikiCouch]

Lose the music.

[@The170460]

10/46 it's a gauge for childrens

[@InspiringTracks]

Lol ok

[@aitken1965]

It’s also the most common gauge of strings for most Gretsch guitars.

[@dirkulbricht9985]

nice story: Bill Gibbons had his guitar checked by BB King. The string gauge was pretty big. BB:“put on lighter strings! why work so hard?“ otherwise said: when you‘re into country, rockabilly or jazz, which use bends sparsely, you‘re fine with bigger gauge. else you‘re SRV in reincarnation.😮

[@jimoverly5386]

Excellent video

[@פזאדוטלוין]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Doowopsid]

Great video, thanks

[@InspiringTracks]

Glad you liked it!