Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT

G
retsch released the
single-cut black top-
fi nished 6128 Duo Jet way
back in the middle of 1953 after
Fender’s Broadcaster (followed
by Tele) and Gibson’s Les Paul
model. The sparkly Silver Jet
followed in 1955. Both Jet
models were chambered but
they were distinct from Fender
and Gibson’s models in other
ways too; pickups were supplied
by DeArmond’s high-output
Alnico V models (later called
Dynasonic), while variations
would come with a Bigsby
tailpiece and those with a tone
switch (instead of a master tone
knob) would come with
Gretsch’s own Filter’Trons.
The Jet isn’t just a single-cut
machine: Malcolm Young
hammered AC/DC’s rhythms
home with a double-cut 1963 Jet
Firebird – the G6131 that took
off in 1956 but didn’t become a
double-cut design until ’62.
Jet Powered
Know your Gretsch Jets
sensitive. But get into traditional
AC/DC and even metal territory
and eyebrows start raising; it
sounds like something that can
really chase a Les Paul in the
fat-but-articulated stakes. This
thing has a meat and confi dence
with ringing chords and riff s that
puts a broad smile on our faces.
The low action and friendly
tension on our test model certainly
encourages that as well, but the
low-end rhythm remains tight on
the bridge. The USP here is that
this Jet’s bridge pickup can
confi dently chug in higher gain
with beefy bass where a Filter’Tron
may not, bringing edge and
character to open-string rock
rhythm, too. And that means
players who may not have wanted
a Gretsch before may consider
joining the Jet set.
Some may be unconvinced of the
master volume in addition to the
individual pickup volumes on spec,
but in practice this might just be
the solution to those thrown by
making on-the-fl y changes with
the traditional Gibson, four-knob
setup. Because not only is the
master positioned on the easy-to-
reach upper horn, the textured
arrow knobs are very tactile in use.
So it’s eff ective for making
changes on the fl y mid-song.
Gretsch has pulled a classic style
into the present here with wider
potential appeal, because the sheer
versatility and fi nish quality for the
money makes this the kind of deal
that you’ll always fi nd space for in
the house.
Rob Laing
PRS SE 245
A similar scale to the Gretsch
at 24.5", this 2018 iteration
features the more
recognisable two
volume and tone
control layout, a wide
fat neck and SE 245 ‘S’
Treble and Bass
humbuckers.
EPIPHONE LES
PAUL STANDARD
A classic single-cut
design with a longer
628mm (24.75") scale
than our Jet. It’s not
chambered, so
expect weight, but
the Alnico V pickups
pack a punch!
GRETSCH G2622
STREAMLINER
CENTER BLOCK
This semi-hollow
double-cut further
underlines Gretsch’s
commitment to
winning over players
by packing its guitars
with value.
ALSO TRY...
The Broad’Tron pickups are
the stars of an impressive
showing with the G5220
FEATURES
SOUND QUALITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
OVERALL RATING
SuMMarY
£775
£399
£420
92
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ToTal GuiTar july 2018
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TGR307.gear_lead.indd 92 23/05/2018 16:12