Gretsch Electromatic G5122DC

Specifications:

Color: Walnut
Body: Laminated maple
Finish: Gloss urethane
Neck: Laminated maple
Fretboard: Rosewood, bound
Frets: 22
Scale Length: 24.56"
Nut Width: 1.6875"
Hardware: Chrome-plated
Machine Heads: Chrome-plated vintage-style tuners
Bridge: Rosewood-based Adjusto-Matic Bridge
Bigsby licensed B60 vibrato tailpiece
Neck pickup: Chrome-covered Dual Coil humbucking pickup
Bridge pickup: Chrome-covered Dual Coil humbucking pickups
Pickup selector: 3-Position toggle
Controls: Volume 1 (neck pickup), Volume 2 (bridge pickup), Master Volume
Neck inlays: Neo-classic "Thumbnail" position markers
Pickguard: Silver Plexi pickguard
Headstock overlay
Pearloid Gretsch Headstock Logo, Bound
Knurled strap retainer knobs

My G.A.S for hollow bodied guitars continue to linger. My initial G.A.S was short listed to a Tokai, Edwards, Artcore or a Gibson ES335 type model. After various try outs, I stumbled upon a Gretsch Electromatic G5122 double cutaway. The build is very similar to the ES335 models but this one had more of a catch factor. It caught my attention and my G.A.S so I contacted BGW guitars to have one shipped in for me.

I simply love the cosmetics of the G5122. The intricate details into the make of the guitar is visually stunning. From the knobs, strap nuts and pickups. They are beautifully made with a walnut stain finish.

There are some differences in the earlier made G5122's as compared to the current production line. The earlier model had a transparent pick guard and the current models come with a silver Gretsch pick guard which in my opinion brings out more character in the guitar. The earlier model also spots a 50th anniversary sticker on the back of the headstock. Give and take, I'll prefer the silver pickguard to a sticker on the back of the headstock anyday.

The tone this guitar produces is amazing. Very warm on the neck pickup. Great for jazz, blues and rockabilly. The bridge pickup produces that Gretsch growl that's so commonly associated with Gretsch guitars. It's hard to explain in words about the tonal capabilities of this guitar. It won't do the guitar any justice. I have met many reviews before committing on this purchase and many review have said that the stock pups are sterile and useless. I personally think the stock pups are great. They look good and sound good. But if someone is going to compare these Gretsch Buckers to a set of TV Jones, Then you are better off paying high dollar for a straight up high end Gretsch. Once again, you pay for what you get and what you get and these great sounding pickups that in my opinion needs no swap out.

The Electromatic series are made in Korea. Hence the lower price tag but the build is simply amazing. If you're looking for a semi hollow bodied guitar and would not like to fork out an arm and a leg for a Gibson ES335 price tag. Look no further, I highly recommend this piece.

Pros:

Beautiful Craftsmanship

Intricate Details and Attenttion to Detail

Bigsby Trem Bar

Walnut Stained Finish

Affordable

That Great Gretsch Sound

Tuning Stability

Comfortable

Thin Neck

Versatile

Cons:

Hard Shell Case Not Included

No roller saddles on the bridge

Rating: 9.9/10

More detailed pictures can be found at "Guitar Porn Gallery"