Guitars for Serious Performers - Gretsch Comes Of Age

In the late autumn of 2002, Fender and Gretsch came to an agreement that saw marketing, production and distribution of Gretsch guitars fall under Fender's umbrella. (Gretsch still owns Gretsch Guitars)

One of Fender's initial decisions was to improve production and components so that they were both more inline with the classic era practices. A great move. The headstocks and bodies were now to be made as they were in the vintage era, as were the hollow body designs - 3 ply instead of 5. TV Jones, the pickup guy, was asked to redesign the Filtertron pickups to make them sound more vintage. The duo jets were to be rechambered to a high degree, again more vintage, and the Brian Setzer models were to include the trestle bracing of the late fifties/early sixties period.

Since then Fender & Gretsch have produced a huge range of vintage Gretsch models which have been applauded by guitar players and collectors alike. Although a debatable point, many feel that this era of Gretsch guitars offers the best quality and production values ever seen from Gretsch guitars. I'm inclined to agree. And they have the price tag to match.

The mid range Gretsches which only 5 years ago had cheapo bolted on necks and questionable humbucking pickups have significantly improved in recent years. In particular, the hollowbodies of the Electromatic range have been well improved. The Gretsch 5120, a Gretsch 6120 inspired single cutaway model has surprisingly become the best selling Gretsch guitar ever with it's much improved electrics and craftmanship.

Unlike 10 years ago, these days a Gretsch 5120 is a quality guitar worth it's price tag and I'd gladly be the owner of one.

Indeed, if I didn't already have a nice green Gretsch (two-tone smoke green!) from 1962 I would almost certainly have a close look at the Gretsch 5120. TWANGTASTIC! guitars. I tried one out for an extended period of time the other day (thanks Dave ;)) and it truly was a great feeling.

The fretboard was silky smooth due to the thumbnail markers and the dual pickups were twangy and deep.

This is a fully professional grade guitar so don't be put off by the quite (by Gretsch standards) low price.

Tags: gretsch 5120