When you finally 'GET' Gretsch guitars... | Friday Fretworks

[@jasonh7085]

For me, the magic of the Gretsch sound lies in the middle pickup position - much like in a Jazzmaster or Jaguar, the middle position on a Gretsch becomes this incredibly sparkly tone, that is absolutely divine in a clean or slightly driven tone, and is perfect for rhythm work

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

I got a chance to play a friends White Falcon... and i dream about owning it and waking up and not finding that one girl who was the one laying by my side!

[@sagittated]

​@@StuartwasDrinkelljust break up with her, man.

[@Chuck-Bob]

ESPECIALLY if you start messing with pickup configs. My #1 has a Dynasonic in the bridge and an old skool Filtertron (no wax potting) in the neck, and its the richest, sparkliest cleans you ever heard. That thing sounds like magic.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

@@sagittated 😂

[@TruthSurge]

? you mean the invisible middle pickup?

[@Cxyygtr]

That rendition of Cortez the Killer on the country gent was rather beautiful!

[@wilkowilkins363]

Rather? It was sublime😮

[@kennethreid8632]

Spot on.

[@Chuck-Bob]

Neil Young's catalog sounds GREAT with Gretsches.

[@tylersweet5994]

AC/DC's late great Malcolm Young with his Gretsch Jet Firebird. What a player! What a Tone!

[@padraiglyons3709]

Exactly.

[@CraigGriffiths]

The rif master.

[@johngudgeon7454]

I was fortunate enough to score the recent Gretsch 63 Firebird Malcolm Young sig A La 'Long way to the top" guitar. I can see why he monstered "The Beast" on a regular basis. The switching, wiring and assortment of tones on it doesn't make much sense to me either. It's a confusing animal...I'm not up for attacking the thing though..

[@mrcoatsworth429]

I saw them live in 2009 and he played the White Falcon. Incredible.

[@briangregory6303]

I was born in '64 so I've seen Gretsches my whole life. It wasn't until I heard and saw Chris Cornell play one on Black Hole Sun that I sat up and took notice.

[@usagi2988]

No joke, I finally invested time/money into my first Gretsch (6128T DS Jet, single coils) after decades of not really "getting" them either... and I love it. I'm primarily a P90 or humbucker Les Paul player, but I love the chime that the Gretsch gives me.

[@ntm2704]

That intro jam deserves an album! Sick! You need to upload all those on streaming platforms.

[@chaz__]

I've been learning some approximation of that jam on and off for a few weeks (noodling mostly) but I'd definitely buy the tab and backing track if it was available. Lovely little tune.

[@JammerhakenTV]

It's one the songs of Cardinal Black...

[@chaz__]

@@JammerhakenTV oh alright, Must have glossed over it. I'll definitely have a look now you've reminded me. Ta!

[@JammerhakenTV]

@@chaz__ you're very welcome my friend, they are awesome

[@michaelpacinus242]

That intro jam can suck me

[@ryanfulldark2775]

I went through the same revelation recently when I picked up a 1967 Tennessean at my local shop and discovered it played and sounded amazing and brought something different out of me. Needless to say, it’s been at my house ever since!

[@bluzzjazz]

I had the usual "Gretsch's are old man guitars" mentality. That is until I played one. I now own three. White Falcon with TVs and two Sparkle Jets, Dynas/Filters. When they say nothing sounds like a Gretsch, it's true. While one may not be my "only" guitar for all things, they are must to have in the arsenal.

[@briangregory6303]

Chris Cornell made me take take notice, again.

[@jasondorsey7110]

Filtertrons/tv jones have a fine balance of chime and girth

[@BugGenerat0r]

It’s interesting, because the telecaster and les paul are older than most Gretsch models, and no one calls them an “old man guitar”.

[@bluzzjazz]

@@BugGenerat0r yeah I think it’s just because the original stars that played them were associated with country and other music, not rock ‘n’ roll.

[@demejiuk5660]

That's funny, i never heard that but it makes sense.

[@chrispercival9789]

I bought a 150th anniversary 5240T mail order and it arrived so well setup I barely even had to tune it. Tone action and clarity was so sweet it immediately added a whole new dimension to my playing.

[@DougClark-qb1qd]

Chris, your phrasing is as fine as anyone anywhere. What a rare talent.

[@glacks6486]

Been on a search for an electric this last year for a guitar that just felt natural in my hands and got close to the tones I hear in my head. Picked up a Tennessee Rose a few weeks ago, and found the axe I’ve been looking for. Still love all of my other guitars, but the Gretsch just has that something I was looking for

[@rogerbranton1752]

Chris - that awesome way you play is such a great fit for a Gretsch!

[@yetanotherbassdude]

Bought my first Gretsch last year - a hollowbody 5420T. Took me a long time to truly get them, but I see them now as this fantastic middle ground between the Fender and Gibson camps of guitar building. You get some of the chime and clarity of the Fender sound, but in a guitar that feels closer to a Gibson to play. I've got flatwounds on mine at the moment and I just love the sound it makes!

[@thebrysmith3]

Pete Townsend played a 59 Gretsch 6120 on Who's Next. Yeah, they can rock.

[@timothyanson1530]

Yes, they are truly unique and special. Congratulations on your discovery.

[@TheProducers]

Your rendition of Cortez went straight to my heart.

[@sfedroid]

The lush reverb helps, but the sheer mastery of grace notes, accidentals (although nothing Chris plays is ever accidental), passing notes, harmonics, it's all just jaw dropping.

[@tedkellison2598]

Never thought I'd hear Chris playing Cortez on a Chet Atkins guitar!! Fabulous!!!

[@darrenanquist4611]

I picked up a used Japanese built Duo Jet a few months ago and have also 'seen the light'. Classic looks, unique and beautiful voice. And throwing in some Cortez the killer..... take a bow!

[@castleanthrax1833]

I liked that, too. I bought Live Rust when I was about 16. ✌️🇦🇺

[@coffeekhan]

Welcome to the Gretsch world Mr. Buck! Awesome playing, as usual. You should have seen the huge smile on my face when you kicked in the string mutes! Thank you for that! I’ll be thinking of that all day.

[@leonardobruschi5891]

I can't stop listening to all parts of this video. The right word for you is 'Inspiring' ❤

[@johnmcevoy3598]

The combination of the big, hollow body and Filter'trons - sublime.

[@stumpthegeek]

Man that intro jam is just so smooth!

[@chrisshaw6451]

Beautiful playing as always Chris, and having that stunning guitar of your dad's must be amazing with all the memories that come with such a unique keepsake? 👍❤️

[@muinarc0]

After years of going through guitars like so many enthusiasts, my stable today is 3 Gretsch electrics, a tele, and a martin. Never thought this is where I'd end up, but with the Gretsches, I've found MY sound (and it's not Country!).

[@doubled5383]

I have a bunch of strats, teles, les Paul’s and a couple core PRSs. I always grab my Jet first to play. Probably tells me to sell some stuff.

[@ShaneOpeno]

Add a couple Martins to the mix and you could be me. Gretschs are THE guitar when it comes to electrics.

[@dubshockmedia1110]

Gretsch White Falcon is my number one gigging guitar. Just love it!.❤

[@maxcuthbert100]

For clean tones this beast can not be beaten ! I would be surprised to learn of you taking this to a gig,but please,don't let it be the last vid- featuring this guitar it's simply too good !

[@robertlucas9867]

Great video. Thanks for the short demonstration of the switches and knobs. That demonstrated more than anyone ever has told me.

[@johnmundt7834]

Dynasonic equipped duo jets are killer. Great choice for the outro, that’s immediately where my head goes when I think of George and his Gent

[@martinhowe1422]

Did you actually that - Cortez the Killer......

[@taylornutt]

I recently discovered Gretsch guitars after playing mostly Fender Offsets. I snagged a used Gretsch 5655TG in Cadillac Green with TV Jones pickups. The sound and the Bigsby really made rethink what kind of guitars I like to play. I recently picked up a Gretsch 5210T - p90 in Petrol and it's been a great addition to my collection. The Penguin is now on my list of dream guitars.

[@alainbrisebois8334]

Good choice for your musical intro. Tasty Gretsch tones...

[@fredchatham6680]

First guitar i bought with my own money was a 1964 Gretsch Corvette , single Hilo-tron pickup and no Bigsby, but trapeze tailpiece. Bought in 1971. That pickup didn't fit with what I was trying to play so I put a DiMarzio PAF and Leo Quann BadA$$ bridge. It rocked. Headstock broke, found a 1974 reissue Corvette and played it as is for many years. It was stolen. I mourned losing my first Gretsch to broken headstock, AND how I butchered it, AND I believe I threw that Hilo-Tron away. Then the reissue. I bought a new Jet 8 years ago. Happy again. I love most brands, Strats, Teles, Les Pauls, each bring something a little different to the table and each forces me to adapt and play differently. Each does what it does better than others. Love your content, Mr. Buck.

[@Dreyno]

Gretsch Corvette was a weapon of choice of Rory Gallagher when he deviated from his Strat.

[@daviddalziel884]

Nice one Chris ! Switches on a Gretsch can be a puzzle so much so that the other day my neighbour brought his Gretsch down the other day and after a bit of messing about I realised the bridge pickup wasn’t wired up !! Neighbour said “ Thought there was something wrong with it “ Nice George nod at the end 😀

[@ShinyShinyBlack]

Welcome to the family, Chris! 😂 Luke Doucet (Sarah McLachlan) sent me clearly on the path of the Gretsch the first time his band Whitehorse played in my town. For me, the Filtertrons create all the snark and sparkle of the Fender single coils with the growl of the PAFs, and I am here for it! I love the hollowbodies too, as stage volumes have come down, it’s much easier to regain control of the feedback in a very pleasing way. I also need to mention that there are quite a few U2 songs that have also benefited from The Edge wielding a Gretsch.

[@stvitalkid7981]

Luke Doucet’s album Blood’s Too Rich is fantastic!

[@mattprince9204]

Loved the video - thanks Chris! That string mute switch is super groovy 🎸👌

[@TheFlowNetwork]

I have a 5120 Electromatic with TV Jones P90's (T90's?) strung with flatwounds. Even though it's Korean made, this guitar is incredibly high quality. The action, the feel and the amazing tone of those pickups make it my main guitar. It's the first guitar with a Bigsby that I've ever owned and now I can't imagine playing a guitar without one.

[@MrDblStop]

T90's are amazing pickups. I have one in the bridge position of my Epiphone Sheraton. I already have a Bare Knuckle Mississippi Queen in the neck which is perfect, or I would have had another T90. Best kept secret in pickupdom, it seems.

[@TheFlowNetwork]

@@MrDblStop Agreed! But shhh...you don't want to give away our secret weapon. 😄It's funny, I bought my Gretsch on eBay auction for about $500 and it already had the T90s installed. When it finally arrived my amp was in the shop so I played the guitar for about 3 weeks without ever hearing it through an amp. The acoustic tone alone was beautiful but when I finally plugged it in I was blown away! I live on that neck pickup. So rich and creamy! The only other guitar I own with as much notable tone is a 73 Gibson L6S with Bill Lawrence Superhumbuckers that has a 6 position switch with combinations of parallel/series, in phase/out of phase....endless tonal possibilities. An overlooked and underappreciated gem, much like the T90s.

[@alangreenway6695]

I own a Lefty Japanese Jet; a Country Gent 2, a Bo Diddley, and a Korean G5420. They really are the mid point between Gibsons and Fenders- sparkly on top so the notes are clear, but just enough bass and mid to fill out the sound. The Filtertron and Broadtron really work well with Fuzz sounds as well.

[@martindunvegan270]

Most of Who’s Next was played on a Gretsch. To my knowledge, it was exclusively used on Quadrophenia.

[@marp8566]

I think the Gretsch is right up your street Chris, it really suits your style of playing 👌

[@jameseverall]

Loving the Cortez jam!

[@dennisrichards7845]

I’m a Gretsch believer. Presently, I own Country Gentleman, a Penguin and my Baritone is a Gretsch. As was already stated, nothing sounds like a Gretsch and it’s true!

[@MrScrofulous]

Penguin (the pretty paisley one) baritone and Setzer 6120 HotRod for me.

[@brandonfindlay2249]

Loved that you played Cortez .... I still remember being in my late teens and Gov't Mule put out their double live album, with Marc Ford guesting on that song. Brings back some past beauty. Lovely job.

[@11calman]

I Have to say, that what ever Chris Buck Plays, he Sounds Like Chris Buck. He has his own distinct style (Which is great)

[@michaelpacinus242]

wtf is up with this spacing

[@southsideronnie]

Thank you Chris for sharing your insights. Gretsch was never on my radar, maybe it should have been!

[@robertlewis8024]

Just recently started investigating the Gretsch sound myself...and I'm an old-timer! Definitely one of the classic sounds.

[@Illuminatus5]

Omg your playing is so smooth and melodic!😢 Thank you!

[@judih.8754]

Wow, great feel in that Cortez the Killer piece!!

[@rossljensen]

sick playing as usual bro. amazing.

[@BobPerrone]

Better late than never Chris. My Country Gentleman is an incredible, versatile instrument. Build quality (Japan) is impeccable, and it really is a tone machine.

[@Westie_NZ]

Man, that opening jam is purely wonderful 🙂 And I love the wine/gold vibe, beautiful 🌻

[@Zlofengir]

For years I loved Setzer’s 6120 tone, but for whatever reason, I never wanted a Gretsch. They looked cool, and some of the baddest cats played them; Bo Diddley, Chet Atkins, George Harrison, but, still wasn’t motivated to try one. Fast forward a few decades and Kurt Cobain’s guitar teacher was selling his G6120RHH. I played it and fell in love! It’s not vintage, but it definitely has mojo. Unlike the Brian Setzer 6120; it has a 12” radius ebony fingerboard that makes bending effortless, much like a Les Paul.. TV Jones came out with the Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity pickups shortly after I got it, and I had to try out a set; they have that vintage tone that Gretsch are known for.

[@VeniceKing1]

Aesthetically, a Gretsch Black Falcon would suit you and Cardinal Black!

[@timzuch4212]

That guitars voice is SO unique! …and it sings in you hands! MAGIC!

[@DrMattWalton]

Yes, 6120s. BTW, nice tribute to George there at the end.

[@steveoneal5257]

i own a 1973 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman and its a great guitar

[@a.j.garrett9639]

Chris! You're phrasing ing on that intro solo, Oh my God! You are a master 💓

[@crabejoss]

Finally you get it. Yes with age we're all getting wiser ...

[@andersestes]

Love my 6120 Brian Setzer 2009

[@malcolmbenn1051]

That was great and a very nice outro for that guitar .... George's lead line from "Till There Was You" and the reason I have a 6119 Tennessee Rose.

[@Wagga.b]

YESSS I've been waiting for this day

[@billbrayley6836]

I have a 2012 62 Reissue Tennessean. Once you “Get” that Hilotron sound, it’s amazing what you can get out of that guitar! Not just cleans but overdriven and it’s magical how it takes to fuzz!

[@Dreyno]

I didn’t know you’d lost your father Chris. Condolences. That is a beautiful sounding guitar. Only played one Gretsch and I found it extremely comfortable. As a Gibson person primarily, they seem to fit. Can see myself getting one of the less expensive ones like an Electromatic or something in the future.

[@nazarenkodenys]

Lovely that you sound yourself on every guitar ❤

[@craigsanderson3722]

You have a remarkable touch and ear. The intro piece was beautiful. I like Gretsch guitars. Sweet.

[@spbjr]

I was hoping you’d play Till There Was You. Niiiice.👍🏻

[@paulcormack9238]

Brilliant as ever Chris. I love my Gretsch, mines an Electromatic, brilliant sound and tone. Gretsch hero guitarists for me Johnny Marr of course, Billy Duffy and Brian Setzer, all masters of their craft!

[@Chuck-Bob]

I got Gretsch guitars the first time I played my '71 Superchet, 40 years ago.They're the Cadillacs of the guitar world, I love em more than any others.

[@Smiffy55ukx]

A lovely jam around those Cortez The Killer chords, really bringing out the Gretsch tone.

[@James-ec4eb]

Awesome video loved the country licks everything you play is 👍 keep it going man.

[@Lazurini1]

I’ve used a Gretsch Duo Jet as one of my main gigging guitars for a few years now and I love it! Covers a lot of ground for me particularly as I play (and write) a lot of 50s-60s influenced music. Does fabulous cleans but also rocks! I use it mainly in the middle position with the neck pickup rolled back just a tad. It gives me the cut of the treble pick up as the dominant voice but smoothed out with a bit of neck balance.

[@calebbhawkins]

The Gretsch sound is iconic and a lot of us don’t know it. Duane Eddy gives me the most “Gretsch” tone in my head. Rabble Rouser just growls in a way I love. Still kinda chasing that sound a little bit.

[@alexainsworthmusic]

I bought my first Gretsch a couple months ago from Astrings, played a couple chords and was sold on it pretty much immediately. Little did I know it was what I'd been looking for!

[@erikadegroot1774]

What a gorgeous guitar and tone. Rediscovering the Gretsch is extra meaningful, especially through your dad's. I've learned about the switches and buttons, thanks for explaining 😁👍🏻 Bon voyage for your U.S. trip!

[@JpeterZoom-gt3pn]

It is the vintage sound of the Gretsch that got buying one as my second electric guitar...as my first guitar was a yamaha se211? A s type guitar that was stolen 19 years ago...then 2017 I bought the Gretsch G5420T...which I love...it is not a vintage guitar or expensive but holds the gretsch sound and has warm soulful sound perfect for rhythm and blues. I have played it at gigs and recorded with it many times...after your playing has reminded me to put down the les paul, silver sky se

[@JamesMurphyProducer]

I recently developed a love for Gretsch guitars... the nice ones anyway

[@Severinate]

Chris Cornell. Gretsch are definately sleeper guitars for 'Grunge, Stoner' rock tones.

[@MrScrofulous]

335 with Filtertrons, but yeah.

[@baj5025]

It fit well with the Kim's dirty Polara.

[@MrScrofulous]

@@baj5025 Absolutely. I get amazing CC tone form my chambered Penguin and I have an ltd Viper (SG style) that I have just ordered a set of SD Black Winter pups for. It's my Superunknown guitar, takes all those funky tunings. They are the very definition of dirty :)

[@CorbCorbin]

I can play anything else, I normally use a Strat, or more LP type guitar, with humbuckers, with a Gretsch. It just takes some adjustments, and certain pedals can help, but the cool thing, is how it just changes how I approach the instrument, just playing around, and eventually I come up with things, I just so wouldn’t have on the others. I like a Bigsby for vibrato, than a Strat’s thinner piece. Almost bought a Tele with a Bigsby, not too long ago, but I’ve been looking at these Gretsch guitars and their more affordable versions, that folks have already upgraded, for tuning and a better setup of the Bigsby. Chris played differently, from his normal intros. There are still one’s signature way of playing, but between the tone and his feel, it felt a bit different than others.

[@aisle_of_view]

Chris can make a rubber band strung between his thumb and index finger sound amazing

[@mortonwilson795]

The solo piece towards the end sounds absolutely lovely - it catches the character of the guitar really well! I have a beautiful Japanese made solid body and as mentioned elsewhere here the middle position with Gretsch played clean(ish) has 'that' jingle jangle that brings our George to mind - it's actually very similar to his first Gretsch before he moved on to the Country Gent.

[@rustymacneil3227]

Randy Bachman seems to enjoy playing and colleting them. Loved the opening intro...smooth!!

[@alexmbrenner]

I own two and they are fabulous. I’ve even used mine for punk rock gigs.

[@schlippery1]

Excellent video Chris, now I'm all inspired to dig into my Gretsch again... it's somewhere in my house and I can't even remember what model she is.... but I also want to add that you are a VERY cool guitarist, your choice of notes, phrasing and unpredictable Bigsby work makes it such a pleasure to hear you play...:)

[@PGU13BHEI]

Yeah, I set both switches in the middle, then mix the two pickups to your taste, but I am usually getting all of the bridge with a little neck pickup to soften it a bit. I have a Gretsch Fujigen built 6122LTV single cut, and the thinner, larger bout ‘61 6120 Country Club. No Bigsby on the 61. You might have to play one for a decade to figure out how they really work. It took that long for the 6122 to start to stay in tune. Worth the wait.

[@acooper8910]

I came late to the Gretsch party too. It's one of those things where, once through the door, you wonder why the hell you were so stubbornly blind. I now have a rack of them. Though the Falcon & Penguin are in many ways the superior players, a 6120 has so much unchained rottweiler about it that it tends to be my goto.

[@derrickholmes2586]

Beautifully played. The Gretch sounds lovely.

[@geoffgurney88]

Amazing player

[@kenster865]

Nothing 2nd rate about the Country Gentleman. It's always been a fine instrument. As usual, you made it sound wonderful, Chris. A dear friend of mine, Bob M., was a guitarist and truly fine drummer that purchased a Gretsch White Falcon some 12-14 or more years ago. Bob had a fabulous voice, one of the best you'd ever hear. Bob was in an awesome Crosby, Stills & Nash tribute band that was beyond good. Bob played that White Falcon there. He passed on years ago from pancreatic cancer... very sad loss. Bottom line here is that Gretsch guitars have a special place if you're hip to what they do.🙂🙂

[@guitarrise4523]

Dude that intro solo was so tasty 🥵 damn, amazing. Chris your soulful playing is just ridiculous.👏

[@amusicvideoblair]

Totally Amazing! A close buddy of mine who is known for playing his Strats and Telles has let it be known that certain Gretch models are close to his heart. No matter what guitar is in his hands, it's magic. Thank you for this expose' on Gretch. Will there be maybe a deep dive somewhere in the future? (Hello from Louisville, Kentucky, USA! Enjoy your tour this month!). (Arlin Blair)

[@mattdoyle1554]

I sold two guitars that were quite nice and bought a Gretsch Black Falcon. I too had that feeling of the guitar making me play differently which inspired me. Get a falcon!

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

Only recently came into possession of a Les Paul Jr fitted with a Gretsch Filtertron pickup. What a beast of a guitar!

[@johnfurlough674]

The p90 Gretsch guitars are probably right up Chris’s alley. I love mine

[@wilkowilkins363]

Oh my goodness. The second jam was out if this world. Damn Chris😮

[@grene1955]

I have three Gretsch guitars...a hollow body, an duojet and an acoustic Rancher with a filtertron and bigsby. I'm drawn to the quirkiness of Gretsch. I love how they are just different and eminently playable!

[@nickguitarmonkeyphillips1817]

Lovely playing as always,in my 44 years of playing ive never played one ,hmm time to Rectify that

[@Mason-cd3wr]

I own a 6119 I totally love it

[@michaelshields6585]

6120-59 and a 6120RHH. Both have found their way into my hands recently, and yes transformational in that a Gretsch does something entirely unique.

[@JheridanSoe]

I recently got a Falcom Players Edition.. the tone is class. Filtertrons are excellent pickups

[@RocktCityTim]

I "got it" back in 2020 on a trip to Nashville. I now own 3, including the G6120 CMHOF 54 Prototype. For me, it's more the T V Jones Dynasonic pickups on that guitar that warmed my heart. My other two are Electromatic Jets - one with the Filtertrons and one with the P90s. Each of them has their own personality and tonal sweet spot. I still play my LPs and my Strats, but I reach for my G5230T FT more often than any of the others.

[@baj5025]

Welcome to Gretsch guitar fandom! They have such a dynamic range (strumming hand), they've made me a better guitar player. My favorite is a double-cut duojet.

[@donellison5678]

Have a 2003 Gretsch Tennessean with Hilotrons, Harrison's main guitar 64-65. "Cheaper" model but see why he used it. Great jangly sound and crisp cleans. It has an attack and decay like an acoustic, so good for strumming too. David Crosby used one too with Byrds.

[@mickylicky5265]

I have a 5422 with Blacktop Filtertrons, a 6659 with Fulltrons and a 6128 DS.....they are all wonderful instruments...couldn't pick a favorite but I'm currently enamored with the Dynasonics....they take well to distortion and, yes, I think you'd really enjoy them Chris!....