The New Gretsch Era - Guitar For Serious Performers

It was round about the end of 2002 when Gretsch and Fender agreed to a marketing and production deal that saw Fender take most of the control of the operation. (Gretsch still owns Gretsch Guitars)

Fender's first move was to upgrade the production practices to move them into a more classic era style practice and to upgrade the electrical components involved. A great move. The headstocks and bodies were now to be made as they were in the vintage era, as were the hollow body designs - 3 ply instead of 5. The pick-up master, TV Jones, re-implemented the Filtertrons so that now they have a much more vintage-classic sound than before. The duo jets were to be rechambered to a high degree, again more vintage, and the Brian Setzer models were to include the trestle bracing of the late fifties/early sixties period.

Since then Fender & Gretsch have produced a huge range of vintage Gretsch models which have been applauded by guitar players and collectors alike. Despite being a contentious point, a lot of people are saying that the latest Gretsch models are the best the company has ever produced. I'm inclined to agree. And the have a corresponding price range.

Gretsch's mid-range guitars have been dramatically improved since the early 2000s when they have bolted necks and generic humbucker pickups which tended to put a lot of people off. In particular, the hollowbodies of the Electromatic range have been well improved. The Gretsch 5120, a Gretsch 6120 inspired single cutaway model has surprisingly become the best selling Gretsch guitar ever with it's much improved electrics and craftmanship.

Unlike 10 years ago, these days a Gretsch 5120 is a quality guitar worth it's price tag and I'd gladly be the owner of one.

Indeed, if I didn't already have a nice green Gretsch (two-tone smoke green!) from 1962 I would almost certainly have a close look at the Gretsch 5120. TWANGTASTIC! guitars. I was lucky enough to have a long play on one of these not so long ago and I can honestly say it played really well.

The fretboard was silky smooth due to the thumbnail markers and the dual pickups were twangy and deep.

Don't be fooled by the relatively (for Gretsch) cheap price - this is a professional instrument.

Tags: gretsch 5120