[bobkat]

Originally Posted by ampe

i don't think the 5120 is a popular first guitar, is it?
it is not all that cheap and there are loads of alternatives
but i think the electromatic is a good first gretsch
so it are gretsch training shoes instead of guitar training shoes

I had been playing for 30 odd years, and let me again say ODD YEARS, before I bought my 5120! It introduced me to the world of Gretsch guitars and put me into the position to buy three very sweet proline Gretschs. I had always wanted a big holler bodied Gretsch but thought they were out of business!!! Who was I surprised 6 years ago to learn they were back but also that I could buy a big old orange Gretsch for 5 bills!!! I can tell your that buying that first 5120 was a watershed in my life!! It started me playing rockabilly, introduced me to the Gretsch Pages, then this sight,[thanks Jukebox], then introduced me to Jukebox in person, and DanP, Repent or Perish, Synchro, Worknot, Papatwang,Sarah, Ishtar, Salty Dog, Joe Carducci, Fred Gretsch, Paul Pigat and last but certainly not least Darrel Higham! I was also blessed to win my wonderful Playboy amp from Joe and my boys won 2 guitars!! All this from buying that first 5120! What a great time I am having!