GRETSCH G5220 ELECTROMATIC

TOTAL GUITAR OCTOBER 2022
90
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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  oor-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.
And yet they both demonstrate how classic
design can be augmented over time, and
how Gretsch’s brand identity translates to
di erent platforms. Though the output jacks
on both our instruments were a little loose,
the quality of the  t and  nish is otherwise
tip-top, with tuning stable throughout, and
factory setups that present both as
addictively playable guitars. Even the
baritone, with its tow-rope sixth string, is
player-friendly. We often talk about Gretsch
being typecast but this takes us through the
looking glass with a guitar that challenges
our assumptions of what a baritone is for.
The G5220’s versatility makes it a compelling
option in a market comprising some superb
mid-priced electrics from the likes of
Epiphone and Fender’s Player Plus series.
Broad’Trons make for a more hench Gretsch
sound but it is not overpowering. If anything,
with these dynamic humbuckers, the Jet is
more practical than ever.
FINAL VERDICT
The question is: do you want your Jet at cruising altitude or turned down low?
GRETSCH G5220 ELECTROMATIC
FEATURES
SOUND QUALITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
OVERALL RATING
SUMMARY
£529
BODY:Chambered
mahogany with maple top
NECK:Maple, bolt-on
SCALE: 24.6”
FINGERBOARD:Indian
laurel with Big Block
pearloid inlay
FRETS: 22, medium jumbo
ELECTRONICS: 2x Gretsch
Broad’Tron humbucking
pickups
CONT ROLS:Master volume
with treble bleed, 2x
individual pickup volume,
tone, three-way toggle
HARDWARE: Sealed tuners,
V-Stoptail, chrome
LEFT-HANDED:Yes
FINISH: Bristol Fog [as
reviewed], Midnight
Sapphire, Black, Firestick
Red, Dark Cherry Metallic,
Jade Grey Metallic
AT A GLANCE
GRETSCH G5260 ELECTROMATIC
FEATURES
SOUND QUALITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
OVERALL RATING
SUMMARY
£609
BODY:Chambered
mahogany
NECK:Maple, bolt-on
SCALE:29.75”
FINGERBOARD:Indian
laurel with Big Block
pearloid inlay
FRETS:22, medium jumbo
ELECTRONICS:2x Gretsch
mini-humbuckers
CONT ROLS: Volume, tone,
three-way toggle
HARDWARE: Sealed tuners,
V-Stoptail, chrome
LEFT-HANDED: No
FINISH: Imperial Stain [as
reviewed], London Grey
Metallic, Bristol Fog,
Jade Grey Metallic
AT A GLANCE
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