I'm a 44 yo kid. I've been playing most of 34 years. I've owned all kinds of 80's metal guitars - Charvels, Jacksons, Strats, Hamers, 88 Gibson Les Paul & a Washburn.

I just got tired of Floyd Rose trems & sold my Jackson last month. A big reason was because I stopped by our local music store, Bridge-Kaldro Music, to look around. My son saw the Gretsch guitars as I walked by. I said, "
"Nay, I don't like them. Not my thing." Then I played one. Crap. Thing sings. A 5120? What's that?

A couple weeks later, I ask them to put my Jackson on the wall. They had an Ibanez AS73 & thought I might go for it, price was right. Couple of weeks later, I stop by & they have sold the Ibanez. Oh well. I picked up a 5122 to try out. Crap, this thing just vibrates with tone. Why does it play so well? I feel confused. I don't understand.

Two weeks later, I stop by to sign my daughter up for piano lessons. Did I mention that this store is full of highly talented people & are nice. Not asses. Anyway while we're there, I plug a 5220 into a Marshall 5watt class A. Dang'it. Why am I sweating like a whore in church!?! Crap, this guitar just plays so easy. Frets are smooth and dressed nicely. Next to it is a CVT? Nah, it has a funky looking neck/joint. Where's my daughter!? Oh, she's playing with the store gerbal, I've got time to plug her in. What in the heck is going on? Is it the amp? I don't like Gretschs. I'm a George Lynch man dangit. (I do like everything from the Ventures to Motley Crue). Is it that mid-life crisis I've heard so much about from my wife?

I don't know which model is "The One". Anyone been in my shoes? I don't think I can swing $700 though. What do you guys & girls think?

Chris

Sounds like the Gretsch bug bit you hard. Chech the classifieds here or your local CL. You should be able to pick up a used 5120-5122 for around $550.

Hi robinsoncr, welcome to the forum! You have been exposed to the Gretsch virus, so denial is not an option. Many others have succumbed, so you are not Robinson Crusoe in this regard. :D

There is no hope for you. With your guitar background, I'd go with the CVT (formerly known as the Corvette.)

Then you'll add the 5120, move on to the Pro Lines and soon you'll be debating the finer points of TV Jones pickups.

Welcome to the forum Chris!

Oh YEAH,, happened to me about 7 years ago! I got my first Gretsch 5120, then I sold a boat and bought a 6122-62 for 1400 bucks, then a 6120, then another 6120am after I sold the 6122-62, then I sold the 5120 and bought a new tv! then I traded the first 6120 for a Billy Bo, then traded the Billy Bo for a Black Falcon!!! So now I have just the two, a 6120am abd the Black Falcon! My Les Paul never gets played!

I'm a 44 yo kid. I've been playing most of 34 years. I've owned all kinds of 80's metal guitars - Charvels, Jacksons, Strats, Hamers, 88 Gibson Les Paul & a Washburn.

I just got tired of Floyd Rose trems & sold my Jackson last month. A big reason was because I stopped by our local music store, Bridge-Kaldro Music, to look around. My son saw the Gretsch guitars as I walked by. I said, "
"Nay, I don't like them. Not my thing." Then I played one. Crap. Thing sings. A 5120? What's that?

A couple weeks later, I ask them to put my Jackson on the wall. They had an Ibanez AS73 & thought I might go for it, price was right. Couple of weeks later, I stop by & they have sold the Ibanez. Oh well. I picked up a 5122 to try out. Crap, this thing just vibrates with tone. Why does it play so well? I feel confused. I don't understand.

Two weeks later, I stop by to sign my daughter up for piano lessons. Did I mention that this store is full of highly talented people & are nice. Not asses. Anyway while we're there, I plug a 5220 into a Marshall 5watt class A. Dang'it. Why am I sweating like a whore in church!?! Crap, this guitar just plays so easy. Frets are smooth and dressed nicely. Next to it is a CVT? Nah, it has a funky looking neck/joint. Where's my daughter!? Oh, she's playing with the store gerbal, I've got time to plug her in. What in the heck is going on? Is it the amp? I don't like Gretschs. I'm a George Lynch man dangit. (I do like everything from the Ventures to Motley Crue). Is it that mid-life crisis I've heard so much about from my wife?

I don't know which model is "The One". Anyone been in my shoes? I don't think I can swing $700 though. What do you guys & girls think?

Chris


Not sure what your shoes look like. I wear a 12, so if yours are a different size, I most likely have not been in them.

In regards to waking up and smelling the coffee, I guess that happens to everyone. A lot of us have blinders, we see what we are comfortable with. Yours were knocked a little wider, more opened. Next chance you get, play a pro level gretsch, heck, play everything in the store. You never know. You now have the ability to color your art with many colors, not just black and white.

PS

Gerbils are nasty and bite, keep your kids away!

WELCOME robinsncr...yep!!!! you've got the bug all right..Gretschysteriouslovedatoneabilis..extremely contagious...no known cure!!!!!!!!

Freddyfingers,

I have big 13s but know what you mean.

I've been down the strat road. I think I'm ready for Gretschland. I know that a pro level Gretsch is out. We'll just have to see how things go. I'm still learning what each model's character is like.

Chris

Welcome to the club Chis. Just dive in the deep end and get a 6120!

Hey Chris. Welcome. Do you have a MusicGoRound near you? Sometimes you can find an incredible deal there. They also buy your old stuff if you want to trade in anything. I have found some good deals there. Just a thought.

Anyone been in my shoes?

I can't claim to be a recovering Floyd Rose user, but... I had essentially no interest in Gretsch, at all, until the day I played one. Oh my. Oh, my.

Came home with it. And of course, that was just the beginning.

I've been bit hard by the Tennessee Rose bug, myself. Bought myself an Anniversary to hold it off. Not working. Yet. Bloody fine guitars those things are. And that's an understatement.
Had too much I have. :D Bye bye for now

The first step is admitting you have a problem.

The next step involves running the other way.

This page is for people who don't run very well and/or have bought a barcalounger.

Have a seat.

mj

Welcome! You came to the point of no return! :D

Freddyfingers,

I have big 13s but know what you mean.

I've been down the strat road. I think I'm ready for Gretschland. I know that a pro level Gretsch is out. We'll just have to see how things go. I'm still learning what each model's character is like.

Chris

Oh Chris... Chris... I'm a Strat guy too. Fond of Tele's in a big way as well. I find, for a lot of us Fender guys, Gibson's are too muddy but a Gretsch gives us the thickness and tone we seek, without the mud. For the Gibson guys, a Gretsch delivers high end clarity and brightness without resorting to a single coil's thinness. The best of all worlds, like a good P90 without the hum and noise. We'll save the discussion about Dynasonics for our next talk. :)

They need to put a header on the signup page for Gretsch Talk that says, "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here." Oh wait, that's been used.

Oh Chris... Chris... I'm a Strat guy too. Fond of Tele's in a big way as well. I find, for a lot of us Fender guys, Gibson's are too muddy but a Gretsch gives us the thickness and tone we seek, without the mud.

Fender got it right the first time :) but got to say a Gibson Es335 with '57 humbuckers, comes a Very close second.

i used to be a fan of metal guitars, emg pickups
and fell in love with a 5120 as well
but when you are used to high output pickups
the 5120 pickups do lack something

You deserve one - go for it!

There is no hope for you. With your guitar background, I'd go with the CVT (formerly known as the Corvette.)


I wholeheartedly agree. The CVT Corvette or the Patrick Stump CVT (not the CVT III) is the BEST place to start in the current Electromatic lineup, especially with the original poster's background. However, the NEW Pro Jets with blacktop Filtertrons are pretty awesome too.

Welcome.
It is all downhill from here. :)

I had essentially no interest in Gretsch, at all, until the day I played one. Oh my. Oh, my.
Came home with it. And of course, that was just the beginning.

Exactly my experience. My memory of Gretsches from when I was a kid in rock bands in the 1960s were that there were relics from the Country scene of the 50s, old man guitars, certainly not the least bit desirable to a kid with a Strat. A decade ago I just thought I was looking for something with a little more acoustic air in it, and a bit more jazz as well. None of the semi-hollow contenders provided what I vaguely had defined as the sound or feel I was after. Several guitars & a bunch of years later I distractedly picked up a Gretsch 3161 in the nearest Guitar Center on a day when I had no intention of buying a guitar. Needless to say that 3161 went home with me that day. There was no question about it at all. And that's still the guitar all others are compared to.
Resistance is futile.

Scott Fraser

You should be able to pick up a used 5120-5122 for around $550.

With a case.

Great you are getting your children to play music. Make sure it is play. Welcome.

As far as the one goes, I'd bet it will be the one you get!

Had a PRS SC245, then played a Gibson ES-339 and had to have it. I loved the semi-hollow vibe. Then I played a Gretsch for the first time and it began. I sold the Gibson ASAP and bought a G6120-1959LTV. Loved it, but then came a Falcon G7593 and I had to have it. Then I wanted a shorter scale length again and something not so "blingy" for when I played at church so came the G6119SP. With the extra money from the Falcon sale, I also bought a G5120 w/ TV Classics, but my buddy liked it so much I sold it to him shortly after. Then I played a Duo Jet...

I now own a G6131-T Firebird Jet and the G6119sp is at home with its new owner. I still have my eyes on watch for a Black Falcon though...

I've got a fever, and the only prescription is... more Gretsches.

I don't have the guitar background you do, but I did get the Gretsch bug a little over a year ago. The 5120 I picked up while looking at other stuff just sounded so rich and sweet. I couldn't get it out of my mind. I finally broke down and purchased my 5120 Jimmy C for $600. It's a 2010 model but was still new new in store. I am thrilled. I can hardly wait to play this beautiful guitar every day.

At your price point, I'd suggest either the 5120 or the 5122. And you may be able to pick one up new, especially if you hit a nice sale. Guitar Center's next big sale is probably the Fourth of July. I'm thinking they will be about $600 then.

I'd suggest you buy a case online. Gearnuts has nice prices, especially on ebay.

Anyway, like everyone else has said, once the bug has bitten, the only thing you can do is scratch that itch. Go for it.

Good luck,
Mike

I've been a gibson-fender man all my life. Worked ina music store in the 70's (Baldwin years) and I thought Gretches were the worst guitars ever made! Got the bug last year after a friend of mine bought one and never looked back. Spent more than I wanted, but I don't regret it. You will really enjoy the ease of play, and the tone these beasts will produce. Welcome aboard!

Welcome to the forum. You're discovering what the rest of us already know. Once bitten by the the Gretsch bug, you are incurable. Sure you'll treasure your guitars of the past as found memories, but OMG the tone and feel of a Gretsch in your hands is so far beyond all of those past-played memories. Rest assured you want regret it!

I always pick the one that makes me feel the most strange closest to in my pants... Wait, not w/ guitars... just cars, and bikes.

I would say A vette would suit your playing style more and also make a more cautious transition into The G-Kingdom.

Also A Tim Armstrong model if you wanted a nice big hollow (it would be a tailpiece model, no bigsby tho, but they're nice players) But these can Rawk... and I think they're sharp aside from gold (but thats just my opinion)

A 5120 would also be similar to the dark humbuckers your used to and more in your price-range if a Tremolo/bigsbys is a must...

Pro-Jets w/ blacktop filtertrons are cool... (not the ones w/ the mini-hums sunk in cavities) Very LP-ish, but Gretschy and much better appointed in my opinion. They also have Sick double cut models if you like.

If you were interested in a Bari, the dropped the price another 100 bucks on their Electromatic bari, but it has those dumpy mini hums in it... But they're like 5 hundred and something dollars and changing the electronics would still be within the price-range. Tons of options.

In the end its all up to you.

Thanks everyone. You're all a poor lot with your Gretschs! I have to take the kids (son decided to take guitar lessons) to the music store tomorrow. So, that's a half hour of test driving...

I'll keep everyone posted. I found a new 5245T for $499. What's the deal with these?

Chris

I spent a half hour going back and forth between the 5235t, 5120 & 5135.

I love the vibe & acoustic sound of the 5120. The neck is a little thick & it feels a little hard to reach the upper frets, not that I have enough talent to use them.

The 5135 felt light and had a nice feel but I kept wanting to go back to the 5235. The neck felt nice, action was smooth and it just resonated. Why is the 5235 $589 & the 5135 $625?

There's a shop online with a 5245 for $499 + s&h and another place has a special order gold 5135 + gold hardware + megatrons + adjustomatic bridge + deluxe hardshell case for $770.

Any thoughts?

Chris

You seem to have caught a real bad case of 'that great gretsch toneitis'.Only a purchase will cure the illness. Welcome to the forum .

Resistance is futile, Chris !
That "Gretsch need" is only the signal of a well grown man ! Do it !
…and you'll keep playing your old songs with it, with a better tone !!!

Its ok... Whiskey has protein. Have more of that and make a choice.

sad but true... these gretsch's little things are very addictives.

..The 5135 felt light and had a nice feel but I kept wanting to go back to the 5235. The neck felt nice, action was smooth and it just resonated...HooYass! Gretsch has been patiently waiting for you. Come on home, son! :)

Why is the 5235 $589 & the 5135 $625?...It's the hand of Fate doncha know.

I spent a half hour going back and forth between the 5235t, 5120 & 5135.

I love the vibe & acoustic sound of the 5120. The neck is a little thick & it feels a little hard to reach the upper frets, not that I have enough talent to use them.

The 5135 felt light and had a nice feel but I kept wanting to go back to the 5235. The neck felt nice, action was smooth and it just resonated. Why is the 5235 $589 & the 5135 $625?

There's a shop online with a 5245 for $499 + s&h and another place has a special order gold 5135 + gold hardware + megatrons + adjustomatic bridge + deluxe hardshell case for $770.

Any thoughts?

Chris

FWIW, I have no problem with the neck on the 5120, but I was coming from most recently playing an EPI LP Studio. It may be a touch thicker than the LP, but it's never been an issue that I noticed. I absolutely love the air moving through the hollow bodies.

But it sounds like you may be leaning more toward the jets. The deals you found sound good. Buy the one you like the most and don't worry about the rest.

Exactly my experience. My memory of Gretsches from when I was a kid in rock bands in the 1960s were that there were relics from the Country scene of the 50s, old man guitars, certainly not the least bit desirable to a kid with a Strat. A decade ago I just thought I was looking for something with a little more acoustic air in it, and a bit more jazz as well. None of the semi-hollow contenders provided what I vaguely had defined as the sound or feel I was after. Several guitars & a bunch of years later I distractedly picked up a Gretsch 3161 in the nearest Guitar Center on a day when I had no intention of buying a guitar. Needless to say that 3161 went home with me that day. There was no question about it at all. And that's still the guitar all others are compared to.
Resistance is futile.

Scott Fraser

Agree with Scott:
The much maligned 3161 is an outstanding guitar and you can find them in the $400 to $600 range sans case.

Despair all those who enter here!

Welcome to the forum. Know this in advance: it will not stop at one. And "the one" will be the guitar you are purchasing....until the next "one" comes along.

Seriously, though, it's quite dangerous.

First time poster but this thread seems an appropriate place to start. :)

I've only been playing heavily for about a year, but before that (many years ago) I did take guitar in high school, so I had a solid basics background to start from when I picked it up again last year.

So I've been playing my acoustic/electric Ibanez for the past 8 months or whatever, having a grand old time, but I came across the Gretsch 5120/5122 Electromatics and fell in love.

I've played them a few times in the store and really wanted one but had a hard, hard time spending that sort of cash on a guitar. So it's good to see such a veteran as the OP have the same sort of conundrum as to buy or not buy a Gretsch. It makes me feel better to see someone else with the so much more guitar experience fall in love with them. I feel like I've made a good choice in picking a guitar.

It seems kind of dumb, but I do feel like playing on a 5120/5122 does or will make me a better guitar player. I just love the sound and the action .

Needless to say, I ordered a 5122 in maple yesterday and I'm looking forward to picking it up next week. :)

Switch the stock strings for 49-11's as they are a little heavy on the bass side when new. Rosin the bridge, lube the nut, and put a stainless Compton on the Xmas list; do the pole adjustment, and dig out some Sweet Gene Vincent tracks.

All ya gotta do then is play, play, play!

What do you lube the nut with?

Also, what gauge are the stock strings?

What do you lube the nut with?

Also, what gauge are the stock strings?

Big Bends Nut Sauce (really)

I like .010-.046

First time poster but this thread seems an appropriate place to start. :)


Needless to say, I ordered a 5122 in maple yesterday and I'm looking forward to picking it up next week. :)

Greetings audioscience...welcome to the forum....congrats on your purchase too!!! a maple 5122 ay!! great choice ..some pics would be great once you get it...cheers mate!!!

p.s: some good advice with some mods as well^^^^^^

Also check your local GC and Sam Ash used sections. I picked up my mint 2008 5120 for $420 in my GC's used section.


http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/telechamp/5120_pool_DSCN2757PB.jpg

Hi audioscience, welcome to the forum!

Hi Audioscience! Welcome!
There are a great group of people here. I purchased a Corvette Stump-O-Matic and love it. The quality, fit and finish is on par or better than guitars 2x the cost. I liked the 5120/5122's too.....next purchase will be a 5122....

Anyway, welcome!

Chris

Welcome audiosci!
What exactly do you do with the sound?

Hi Audioscience! Welcome!
There are a great group of people here. I purchased a Corvette Stump-O-Matic and love it. The quality, fit and finish is on par or better than guitars 2x the cost. I liked the 5120/5122's too.....next purchase will be a 5122....

Anyway, welcome!

Chris

Congrats on the Vette Chris!!

Post a pic of it!

I've gotta take a pic and update my avatar too. I might wait until I get the VHT in...

Chris

Hey Chris, you may have heard this before but the Electromatic series guitars are simply designed to set the hook deep in you. I started with a 5120 on the recommendation of my son who has less money and more willpower than his father. After my 5120 came along a Junior Jet II, a 5122, a Pro-Jet, a CVT, a 5129, a Power Jet, a 6120, a double green Anni, a Double Jet and my latest, a Caddy green Jet. I'm hopelessly addicted.

Just letting you know what fate awaits you...

Thanks all for the awesome welcome! I'm looking forward to being a bit of a regular around the forum. :)

Believe me I've been checking Craigslist for used Gretsches but haven't seen any 5122's. Plenty of 5120s however but for some reason I'm stuck on the '22.

Anyhow, to answer someone's question, I'm an audio engineer for television. I'm trying to get more experience on the music side with my little hobby here. :)