T H E GA S STATION 86 TOTAL GUITAR OCTOBER 2022 TGR363.gear_test.
THE TG TEST Words Jonathan Horsley Photography Phil Barker GRETSCH G5220 ELECTROMATIC JET BT G5260 ELECTROMATIC JET BARITONE The venerable Gretsch single-cut gets updated for the modern era as two classy Jets are served up two different ways T 87 oday were are going to take a look at two variations on an iconic single-cut electric guitar. No, not that one – the Gretsch Jet, a model that has been in production in one way or another since 1953 with the arrival of the Duo Jet.
T H E GA S STATION 88 GRETSCH G5220 ELECTROMATIC JET BT £529 Prepare for takeoff 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 finish has a smoky vibe that is immaculately finished with the binding and purfling, and complemented by the chrome hardware and Gretsch-branded arrow control knobs.
THE TG TEST GRETSCH G5260 ELECTROMATIC JET BARITONE £609 89 The low-end is nigh T hat historic context makes even more sense when you starting playing the G5260. There is something pleasingly rubbery about that the tubby sound of that low B string. With a little slapback echo and spring reverb, and picking near the bridge, you can coax a twang out of it that does the name on the headstock proud.
T H E GA S STATION FINAL VERDICT The question is: do you want your Jet at cruising altitude or turned down low? I n a sense, there is no like-for-like comparison to be made. The baritone, extended down a lower 4th to B (or A if you’re feeling brave), is a floor-shaker that muscles in on the bass player’s territory, while the G5220 is a contemporary update to septuagenarian platform, accessible, classy, a jack of most trades.
