New Gretsch Electromatic 5420tg vs New 5427tg -- FT-5E Filter'Tron Humbuckers

[@richardblackwell4396]

I saw a 5427 hanging about in my local guitar shop about a week ago and went all ga-ga over it! But being a “do your research” kinda guy, I didn’t pull out the credit card, but rather went home and fired up the Interwebs. As you noted, nothing on the Gretsch website about this guitar nor did I find much info. offered by Mr. and Mrs. Google. Very Slim Pickin’s. So I was both suspicious and torn. Then I stumbled across your video and that was the deal-maker. After watching it a number of times with ever-increasing attention to detail, I went back to the store yesterday. My wife wouldn’t let me walk out without it as she knows me very well. So, thank-you for the valuable (not to mention life-altering) exposé. I am uber-thrilled with her and to be new member of the Gretsch family. Ding-ding.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Richard, I'm really happy the video was helpful. Buy your wife a nice dinner! :)

[@GeoffByrdMusic]

I think the new FT-5E Filter'Trons are much better actually! Clearer, brighter, more bite, better with gain, and a little higher output. The blue one takes it!

[@blackrichard1029]

Nice vid! The quickly-alternating video cuts between the two was very helpful! Wish more folks would do that. A difference I thought I was hearing completely disappeared with the quick cuts. Perception/memory is a funny thing.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Richard!

[@roughcutguitars]

You nailed it! In the first pass chord shuffle with the overdrive, I couldn't tell the difference at all - but that could be the od coloring and pushing the mids as typical. Then in the second pass w clean finger-picking, I notes the difference in fret inlays and swear the 27 sounded more high-end forward to the point of having a little thinner tone. So now I don't know if that was real or what! :-D

[@user-cg7dg7uv8f]

I didn't find that to be the case at all. The quick cuts made it even more obvious that the 5420 had more thump and attack to the notes, especially on the low strings, which translates to better definition on faster passages.

[@brianjohnston4124]

This is a great video. As stated within, I've found next to nothing about my 5427 TG online. This cleared up some questions for me. Always a Strat guy, I haven't been able to put this guitar down since I got it. I was surprised how well it took volume and grit. I half-expected it to bark like a dog, but it was refined and quite gentlemanly about it. These go on sale for $700 regularly and are an absolute steal at that price. If you are curious about whether a Gretsch is for you, this is a great way to find out. Great job on this video.

[@hoganshideout]

Hi Brian, thanks for the compliment and I am happy the video was helpful. I agree with you that the 5427 handles overdrive especially well.

[@kevinmcgovern5110]

Nice comparison! Frankly, I didn’t hear a significant difference between the two. Not like a Broad’tron vs Filter’tron which do sound pretty different.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment. The differences are probably more noticeable in person than what comes across in the video. I thought the last clip with overdrive showed the most difference. But both sound really good.

[@bingo90210]

Such an excellent video. I was so torn between which to get! Thank you so much for all the information!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Bingo!

[@garyreid6165]

I love the look and the sound of the 5427 in midnight blue with the tombstones. Blue is my favorite color and with the gold equipment on it, it is a very striking guitar. I want one.😎👍

[@hoganshideout]

It is a great looking guitar. Thanks for the comment Gary.

[@keithdolge]

Yep. I bought one of these last year. Love it. Had a White Falcon before that. Didn't like it as much as this one.

[@lauranceemory4448]

I wonder how long the gold plating would last... I live near beach in Thailand & climate just eats gold plating for breakfast... I know, life is rough ;)

[@markbrown7103]

I think you like the green one better. I like the blue one better I like the tombstone fret markers. I bought a 427GT garage in 2022. I love it it’s a great guitar. I’ve been playing guitar for almost 50 years. I love to play finger style on this one beautiful. Get those Chad I can sounds out of that, anyway, it’s a beautiful guitar. Thanks for the video 👍🏼😁❤️😎🎼🎶🎵🎸☮️

[@humbertomeassa8333]

The green one is sublime in highs

[@davidportnoy3237]

I like the sound of the blue one better.

[@user-dz4fu1dn3e]

5427 is a limited run edition and only had a fixed number made according to GC when I was there this week. Beautiful Guitar!! Video and pics do no justice to how it looks. Sounds awesome through an Orange Amp.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, 5427 is sweet. Besides the color and inlays, it appears to be identical to the newer MIC 5420 -- same fretboard, pickups, bracing, etc.

[@marks.youtube]

Thanks. I’m looking both right now. Will go for a play tomorrow

[@hoganshideout]

Nice! Please post back after you make a decision.

[@RonnyGuittar]

Hey, what a great video. Thank you. I would not care about the fretboard inlays. But the blue one sounds a bit clearer. She might be better for stage use, because she seems to pass a bit easier over the upright bass and seems to be a bit more present in a band context. The tombstone inlets were used already in some Gretsch models in the early years, so I would never care about the inlet style ;)

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Ronny. I agree the newer filtertrons are brighter and more present -- I like them a lot.

[@someguy4505]

thanks for the post, enjoyed it.

[@markbrown7103]

I own a 5427 twilight blue with tombstone freight markers just like the one you have on your show right now I have the identical same guitar what a beautiful guitar I really love this guitar a lot it’s my first electric I’ve had in a long time I’m on acoustic player been playing acoustic guitar for many years just decided I would give this hollow body electric a fair shake and see if I like it and I do I love it what a beautiful guitar I wouldn’t take nothing for it I had an Ibanez encore at one time and it was cobalt blue but it did not hold a candle to a Gretsch these are great guitars thanks for the video it’s really cool to see the difference between the two have a great night 👍🏼🎶🎼😁

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Mark and thanks for watching. Enjoy your Gretsch!

[@stephendeiss7158]

Excellent analysis! Thanks so much. This really helps make up my mind.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Stephen, I'm really happy the video was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@mikelambert5592]

Awesome review! Lots of solid info!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks! Two very cool guitars!

[@cranstjs]

They sound very similar. Of course I think if you added a little compression to the 20 you could probably closer your eyes and not know the difference.

[@mmmmmmmmmmaaaaaatttt]

I picked up the flame maple 5427 yesterday. Great guitar!

[@hoganshideout]

Nice. I went with my brother when he bought his and he went back and forth over the midnight version and the flamed orange version. Both are great looking guitars and it was a tough choice. Enjoy your new Gretsch Matt!

[@mmmmmmmmmmaaaaaatttt]

@@hoganshideout I was looking for the video with the change from regular to flat wounds but couldn’t find it. Do you have a link?

[@hoganshideout]

@@mmmmmmmmmmaaaaaatttt I didn't do a specific video showing the difference from rounds to flats, but I did one Gretch setup video where I installed a set of TI flats and set the 5427 up and another video where I return it to my brother and he does some playing demos in that video with the flats. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnu4n3uohKurnbc

[@mmmmmmmmmmaaaaaatttt]

@@hoganshideout Thanks!

[@hoganshideout]

@@mmmmmmmmmmaaaaaatttt Thanks Matt, I appreciate you checking the videos out.

[@simon_patterson]

Thanks for this comparison. Very interesting.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for watching Simon!

[@2speedy4u22]

Great video. Glad I found your hideout!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the watching!

[@scottschmittmusic]

Thanks! Probly comes down to price.. subtle difference but not Enough to change one for the other

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for checking the video out Elisdad and good point. The biggest playing differences were the better tone control and softer trem on the 5427. I did prefer (visually) the real rosewood fretboard on the 5420.

[@scottschmittmusic]

@@hoganshideout I was looking for your video after you changed to flatwound but couldn't find it? Thanks

[@hoganshideout]

@@scottschmittmusic I didn't really do a separate video for that, but I did a setup video when I installed them and did a video when I returned the guitar back to my brother and he plays the flats quite a bit in that video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnu4n3uohKurnbc

[@mikekratochwill4195]

Thanks for the review! Both of these guitars are in a local shop and I'm trying to decide which one now.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks I really appreciate the feedback and support. Have you played the guitars at your local store? Did you notice the differences in the Bigsby setup that I mention in the video? Also, what are you hearing as far as tonal differences?

[@mikekratochwill4195]

@@hoganshideout I only had the chance to try out the 5420. Now this elusive 5427 model is in stock so now I want to compare the two. I'm intrigued by what you said about the trestle bracing and bigsby response of that model. But aesthetically, I like the green one better. Decisions, decisions!

[@hoganshideout]

@@mikekratochwill4195 Here is a bit more info about trestle bracing: blog.gretschguitars.com/2013/03/gretschtech-trestle-bracing/

[@mikekratochwill4195]

@@hoganshideout thanks for the link. I know it's only been about a week since you posted your video but out of the two guitars, is there one that stands out more to you? Did the flat wounds tame the brightness of the 5427?

[@hoganshideout]

@@mikekratochwill4195 I haven't installed the flats yet; I want to do a video of the install and haven't had time yet. Hopefully early next week. Build quality is very good on both and I really like both colors. The new filtertrons in the 5427 are brighter and it is more noticeable when you play them than comes across in the video. I definitely like the tone control better on the 5427. I think you have to decide which one looks better to you and whether the difference in pickups makes a difference to you. Please post back after you have a chance to play them.

[@TropicalFuzz]

Hello! How do you compare the 5427 to the 5420 blacktops sounds? Also, the neck in 5420 is wider then 5427, not just fatter? Thanks!

[@hoganshideout]

Hi Tropical. The pickups in the 5427, which are the same pickups in the newer MIC 5420s are brighter than the older blacktops on the older MIK blacktops. I think they sound really good.

[@SjaakShirly6559]

Awesome guitars! Thanks for the review. I noticed you were wearing a strap. How does that work? Maybe you can show it later on. Subscribed.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. I can do a short video showing the strap setup, thanks for the suggestion.

[@8944bdp]

GREAT video. I was looking at the 5420 but the part about the tone control has me hesitating. I'm not one for changing out parts.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment. The tone control is definitely the weakest part of the outgoing version of the 5420 like the green one in this video. The tone control on the 5427 works as it should, though, and the new version of the 5420 appears to be identical to the 5427. I made some comparisons in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZjXdIqqd72piKs

[@howardmaryon]

Thank you for this, subscribed. I play a 2014 Samick made 5420 in orange stain with tombstones and replacement Gretsch rocker bar bridge. I also changed out the Bigsby spring for a Reverend one, which is softer and lower. If you have a fix for the mostly useless tone control pot I would certainly like to know. Great playing, by the way, just what I like to play too.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. I can definitely see how the Reverend spring would be a nice change from the factory spring in the 5420. The spring in the 5427 gives a much better trem action and I imagine the reverend spring gives a similar result. As far as the tone control, I have two other Gretsches here -- the 5427 and a 6228 -- both with the same wiring as the 5420, and the tone controls work fine on both of those. I have thought about just swapping out the entire wiring harness on the 5420 with a TV Jones unit, but the volume pots and pickup switch work fine. I may replace just the tone pot and capacitor and if I do I will post a video.

[@deadtelecaster1427]

It would be great if they made a plain black version in the new models. I know they have in the past.

[@hoganshideout]

The black versions look great. I'm sure at some point the black version will make its way back into the rotation.

[@cubalakazard]

Hey Hogan. Really nice review and playing. Where did you get the 5427tg ? i am trying my best, but cannot find any info on it besides this video.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment! The 5427s are available from Guitar Center and Musicians Friend -- I think they are/were exclusive models for those dealers. www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gretsch-guitars-g5427tg-electromatic-hollowbody-single-cut-with-bigsby-limited-edition-electric-guitar/l84983000001000?cntry=US&cur=USD&L84983000001000--Gretsch+Guitars+G5427TG+Electromatic+Hollowbody+Single-Cut+with+Bigsby+Limited+Edition+Electric+Guitar+Midnight+Sapphire&source=3WWRWXGS&gclid=CjwKCAiArOqOBhBmEiwAsgeLmRqmJvHEIeB_FUjGivmzZZ7D742Y24zbmy_iLR1_2EUz2em_WXsuuxoC-sQQAvD_BwE

[@user-jx1wt3uz4x]

How thick are the strings on these guitars? I recently bought a 5420 and immediately lowered the nut to the maximum to reduce the distance from the strings to the fretboard, but I didn’t achieve such ease of playing as in the video, I think maybe the problem is in the thickness of the strings? Feels like hardness on an acoustic guitar...

[@hoganshideout]

Both guitars had the stock strings installed which are .011, .014, .018, .028, .038, .049.

[@MarcMercier1971]

I put D'Addario flatwounds on my 5622T. I like the tone. Being my first video I've seen by you, I'll search out that video comparison you mentioned... I'm curious if it's just psychological on my part. ;)

[@hoganshideout]

I've put Chromes on bass and guitar and they are good strings. I have a set of Thomastiks to install on the 5427.

[@TropicalFuzz]

Thank you for the review, but why didn't you took of the plastic covers on pickups?

[@hoganshideout]

Lol, it's actually my brothers guitar and he left them on so I didn't take them off. I actually got tired of looking at them and removed them before I did the setup video. Thanks for checking the video out.

[@TropicalFuzz]

@@hoganshideout hahaha cool! I have the 5420, do you think it worths the upgrade?

[@hoganshideout]

@@TropicalFuzz To the 5427 or new 5420? Those are cool guitars, but I don't think they are better -- just slightly different.

[@TropicalFuzz]

@@hoganshideout I have the current updated 5420 just like yours but all black! The trestle bracing changes the sustain a lot? Less Feedback

[@hoganshideout]

@@TropicalFuzz I don't know. Those guitars sound a little different, but it's a new design Filter'Tron and they have laurel fretboards. So the bracing is just one of the components. The black 5420s look amazing! That's probably my favorite color for the 5420.

[@weasel6535]

The 5420 did sound brighter, the 5427 more muted. I was playing a white 5427 today, thinking of trading my Epi-ES335 in for it but not sure. Have you ever played the Epi-335? Once I raised the 335's pickups and evened them for volume I can really get a 'twang' on the bridge pickup, I would love to adjust the 5427 but I think the guitar store might frown on that!

[@hoganshideout]

I haven't played the Epi 335 and it's been quite a while since I've played a Gibson 335. They are pretty different to the 5420 and 5427 though. I really like the new pickups in the 5427. On another note I've been looing at Epiphone Les Pauls...

[@weasel6535]

Purchased the G5420-140th anniversary in platinum white yesterday, what a brilliant guitar. First guitar I have ever owned perfectly set up from the box. Traded my 335 for it plus $$, don't miss it at all.

[@v1ceCSGO]

how do you clean up the gold coating on these gretsch?

[@hoganshideout]

You have to be really careful with gold plated hardware because a lot of cleaners/chemicals can damage the plating. It's going to naturally age and wear away so it's probably best to just wipe it down with a soft cloth.

[@keithclark486]

Are the headstocks the same size?

[@hoganshideout]

Hi Keith. As far as I know they are the same size, but I didn't measure them. I returned the 5427 to my brother so I don't have it here with me at the moment to compare.

[@mikem4905]

Can anyone tell me: Are the new FT-5E Filter'Tron pickups ceramic or alnico?

[@hoganshideout]

Hi Mike, I called Fender/Gretsch tech support to ask about this and they did not have the information on hand. The guy I spoke to is going to try to find out and email me the info. I'll update after I hear back from them.

[@hoganshideout]

I got a response from Fender this morning that the FT-5E is Alnico. Neck Pickup is Alnico 4 at 4.3k and Bridge pickup is Alnico 5 at 4.5k.

[@chancenovak1751]

Not a gnat's ass amount of sonic difference

[@JL-bu8bz]

5420 sound better to me

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for checking the video out.

[@konjunto2477]

Nice video! what is the body depth of the g5427T Thank you.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks. The body depth is the same as the 5420, 2.75 inches.

[@konjunto2477]

@@hoganshideout Thank you.

[@hoganshideout]

@@konjunto2477 Thanks for watching.

[@konjunto2477]

Hogan's hideout, Hi I think I already know the answer to this but anyway here goes. Is the fretboard raduis 12"

[@hoganshideout]

Yes, both models have a 12 inch radius. Thanks for checking the video out.

[@konjunto2477]

@@hoganshideout Thank you. I ordered the G5427TG in the flame Maple Top from MF. (on sale $180.00 off) The description says and the picture shows it with Thumb nail inlays not the Tombstone ones and it also says it has a Treble Circuit Bleed Control. Just like you stated in your video it appears to be a Special Run/Limited Edition. because it has those few things you would see on a much more expenisive model! It should shipp tomorrow morning.

[@hoganshideout]

@@konjunto2477 The orange stain and flame maple top look great! I went with my brother when he bought his 5427 and we spent a lot of time trying to decide between the midnight sapphire and the orange stain. He decided on the midnight sapphire because he had a 6120 years ago and wanted to go with something different.

[@lostcats931]

same sound :)

[@biffmalibu5384]

the purple Gretsch has more "SPANK" to it..

[@hoganshideout]

I agree. The new FT-5E pickups are brighter and do have more spank.

[@aaronw.markel9319]

Only difference is the thumbnail I guess

[@someguy4505]

Practice with a metrenome more. It will help a bunch.