GRETSCH G5220 ELECTROMATIC

T
he G5220 is a typical
Electromatic, which means
a champagne instrument at
craft beer prices. Of course,
Gretsch’s superlative
entry-level Streamliner series is even
easier on the wallet, but it’s hard to
compete with this on value. The
Bristol Fog nish has a smoky vibe
that is immaculately nished with
the binding and puring, and
complemented by the chrome
hardware and Gretsch-branded
arrow control knobs.
If your rst move on any new
electric guitar is to play hit an open
A chord as hard as you can, you’ll be
well rewarded with a sound that
suggests that, just maybe, this is going
to be a classic Gretsch experience after
all, and by classic we mean a sound
inextricably linked to the heritage of
the brand. The Broad’Tron pickups
are hum-cancelling, with an output
similar to, say, a Gibson PAF, and they
balance this power with denition.
Gretsch calls it “full-spectrum
delity” and we’d endorse that
description. There’s a forensic note
denition that brings chords to life.
Should your amp be on the threshold
of overdrive when hitting the
aforementioned A chord, the recorded
works of Malcolm Young will spring
to mind.
What this Jet reminds us is that
heritage brands can be fun, fun, fun.
The compact scale – particularly after
playing the baritone – makes it a
willing accomplice for all kinds of rock
’n’ roll adventures. High-gain stu is
rough and unruly and exhilarating,
while the Jet excels at power-pop
mid-70s sounds, sprinkling magic
dust on big chords. There is a resonant
snap and bounce that does just
enough to assuage the rock ’n’ roll set.
Through the right amp, a tube combo
with spring reverb to taste, it’ll scratch
that itch for American Grati tones.
It’s not an all-rounder but what is?
Besides, it is pretty close.
TOTAL GUITAR OCTOBER 2022
88
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GRETSCH G5220
ELECTROMATIC JET BT £529
Prepare for takeoff
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