Gretsch 5120 Backordered

Hellafax · February 8th, 2010, 08:24 PM

Hey Hey,
So - placed my order @ Long and McQuade here in Halifax for an Orange 5120 Saturday. All they had on hand was Black - which although pretty, wasn't what I'm looking for (Nova Scotia has like 5 stores - all anyone had was black). The sales rep was great, took my email and said that normally when unavailable in stock they took ~3 weeks to come in from Toronto.

Turns out, there are no Orange available at all within all of Canada's Long and McQuade. Bad news, sure -- turns out they're backordered throughout North America. I'm looking at a delivery in 3-4 weeks (first-second week of March). Crappy for me -- I've been itching for an orange gretsch for 10 years

Anyone else have a recent back-order experience lately? Any thoughts as to whether I'll receive a '10 or a late '09 5120? Anyone know of any notable differences?

Cheers!

Pappy · February 8th, 2010, 08:30 PM

When the 5120LTD came out I ordered one and it was back ordered. It actually took months and while I was set to buy it when I ordered it, car troubles arose and I took care of those and when I came home I had an email waiting for me that said the shop just got confirmation of my 5120 being shipped to the store and I had to cancel. It sucked.

A buddy of mine ordered a Jim Root Tele and it too was back ordered. He waited a couple of months before cancelling with the shop and going with Musician's Friend that had it in stock.

Sometimes I wonder about FMIC.

Hellafax · February 8th, 2010, 08:34 PM

So is Fenders' supply chain b0rked? Seems completely bizarre that the Electromatic would be backordered, even after Xmas. Its the most affordable Gretsch - had I not *really* wanted it, I would have immediately gone to an Epi Casino or Wildkat. What brand sells out of their entry level stuff, unless its ridiculously popular -- is the 5120 that popular, or just not a whole lot of stock in the chain?

Pappy · February 8th, 2010, 08:46 PM

I don't know. The one I ordered was when the 5120 first came out and was still in the "developmental" stages with a different bridge, different bigsby, larger f holes etc. so maybe it was taking longer to get to me because of construction.

Other than that, I have no idea why.

I would definitely stay with the 5120 over a Casino or Wildkat though.

I'm just saying you may need to be a bit patient is all.

Thunderball · February 8th, 2010, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pappy

I would definitely stay with the 5120 over a Casino though.

Oooh, I don't know about that. I know this is a Gretsch site, but let's be real here. That Epiphone Casino is a guitar that is hard to beat. A Casino is one of the best guitars in the world. You really think a 5120 is?

Pappy · February 8th, 2010, 09:02 PM

I'm not sold on a Casino at all. I haven't played one I liked, not that I've been too inclined to try many out (don't REALLY like the looks of double cuts for the most part though Crowbone's Rally is pretty smokin').

Thunderball · February 8th, 2010, 09:09 PM

Hey, we all like what we like. People go crazy over Les Pauls, but me I'd take a Casino over a '59 Les Paul anyday. Casino is about as good as it gets.

Hellafax · February 8th, 2010, 09:10 PM

I'm an Oasis and Matthew Sweet fan -- the Epi's are great guitars. I love the Gretsch for the obvious tone and play -- better IMHO. Listen to the solo in 'Your Sweet Voice' (Matthew Sweet - Girlfriend) and tell me that wouldn't sound *awesome* with some Gretsch bite

That said -- I'm eagerly awaiting my Electromatic

Pappy · February 8th, 2010, 09:13 PM

Too true, everyone likes what they like. Besides Crowbone's Rally, Tom Delonge's signature model looks pretty smoking. I could imagine putting another knob, a couple switches and two P-Rails into it.

But so far those are the only two double cut hollows I like.

Thunderball · February 8th, 2010, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pappy

But so far those are the only two double cut hollows I like.

What about a double cut Falcon? Not as stunning as the single cut, but still pretty fine in the looks department.

Pappy · February 8th, 2010, 09:25 PM

Not for me.

jdr1014 · February 8th, 2010, 09:30 PM

Bummer, Hellafax..........you said they may be backordered throughout North America.

Just checked and saw that Musicians Friend has them in stock but not sure if they ship to Canada. Perhaps you could find one from some other Canadian dealer online.

Hellafax · February 8th, 2010, 09:32 PM

JDR -- thx for checking -- I've already put in a downpayment, so I'll deal with the delay. that said, I have no doubt there are Orange 5120's in stock *somewhere*. That said, I only have one Gretsch dealer available in my corner of Canada.

My post was more of a notice to those who may be looking for one where they have none in stock

DaveT · February 9th, 2010, 11:39 AM

Ordered mine (Orange) back in September from Steve's in Toronto. It took 2 weeks, not bad at all.

jdr1014 · February 9th, 2010, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellafax

JDR -- thx for checking -- I've already put in a downpayment, so I'll deal with the delay. that said, I have no doubt there are Orange 5120's in stock *somewhere*. That said, I only have one Gretsch dealer available in my corner of Canada.

My post was more of a notice to those who may be looking for one where they have none in stock

Well, if you don't mind the wait, then it's probably good to buy from a somewhat local store - especially if you should have any kind of issue. Just make sure that even after the wait it's 100% to your satisfaction - some folks that wait accept something they wouldn't otherwise and then wish they hadn't. Good news is that the QC on these seems very consistent. There seems to be plenty of them in the States, so hopefully your wait won't be that long.

keverbus · February 10th, 2010, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellafax

unless its ridiculously popular -- is the 5120 that popular, or just not a whole lot of stock in the chain?

Well Hellafax, somebody else on this forum mentioned that the G5120 is THE best selling Gretsch guitar of all times, so if that is true there may be some re-stocking problems in some parts of the world. I got an orange 5120 myself, wonderful, well worth the wait. I got the 2008 model with the 125 year anniversary plaque on the back of the headstock. The 5120 was, and I believe still is, readily available from stock here in Europe. There have been at least 2 10% price increases here though in the last 3 or so years.

Sarah93003 · February 10th, 2010, 10:27 AM

I hope you get a break and it comes sooner!

Hellafax · February 10th, 2010, 04:34 PM

hehe - I hope I get a break too! But, its been 10 years of me wanting one, so another couple weeks won't kill me.

I'm completely glad to buy locally, and deal with their service, rather than deal with Steve's in Montreal/Toronto. I get a free setup so I'm hoping all will be well.

sleepy · February 10th, 2010, 06:06 PM

What's up with 5120 pickups? The wording on the Gretsch site makes one wonder if they are modifying them:

"these are serious professional guitars with such features as newly designed Gretsch dual-coil pickups"

and also on Musicians Friend:

"This stylish, professional guitar features redesigned Gretsch Dual-Coil humbucking pickups, ..."

keverbus · February 11th, 2010, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepy

"these are serious professional guitars with such features as newly designed Gretsch dual-coil pickups"

and also on Musicians Friend:

"This stylish, professional guitar features redesigned Gretsch Dual-Coil humbucking pickups, ..."

Hi sleepy
How long has Gretsch been saying this, or are these new (2010 catalog) slogans?

sleepy · February 11th, 2010, 09:10 AM

good question - I don't know the answer, though.

dannyboy · February 15th, 2010, 04:17 AM

I have been waiting for my 5120 Orange for around 5 weeks - I'm not seeing many electromatics in the shops in central Sydney. I have heard that Fender have always had supply problems in this part of the world.

It's supposed to be in this Saturday... fingers crossed. I'm new to Gretsch. I went into the shop planning on buying a telecaster but a Chet and Brian Setzer you tube video from the store owner and I was buying the Gretsch.

-PMK- · February 15th, 2010, 04:35 AM

Nothing is more exciting than waiting for something you really want

Anni_Lover · February 15th, 2010, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyboy

I have been waiting for my 5120 Orange for around 5 weeks - I'm not seeing many electromatics in the shops in central Sydney. I have heard that Fender have always had supply problems in this part of the world.

It's supposed to be in this Saturday... fingers crossed. I'm new to Gretsch. I went into the shop planning on buying a telecaster but a Chet and Brian Setzer you tube video from the store owner and I was buying the Gretsch.

Hey Dannyboy! Muso's Corner up in Newcastle have got 5120's on special!! Check this out:

http://www.musoscorner.com.au/site/i...ory_code=15282

They've even got some G512x instock too!! Cheaper here in NZ though! You can contact them here:

(02) 4929 2829
Musos Corner - 1 National Park Street, Newcastle West, NSW, 2302

You can just jump on the train for a ride up to Newcastle, get off at Civic and it's a short walk to Musos Corner. I bought my G5128, G5022C, Gretsch case, Squier X-155 and Fender Frontman 212 from them when I was living on Lake Mac.

anothersixstringer · February 15th, 2010, 11:30 AM

if Long Mcquade says so, then you will probably receive the orange G5120 that is sitting here at the Brampton, Ontario store near me. (grey/silver pickguard)
It is in excellent condition and if in fact you get this one, you won't be dissapointed.
Btw, they still have the G5129 (firebird red) that I traded in for my 6122!
It is hanging there with a ridiculously low price (lower than stock G5120)

dannyboy · February 15th, 2010, 04:04 PM

Thanks Anni - checking that out now. Great price (for Australia) too..

Longridge · February 18th, 2010, 09:39 PM

As for North American orders/backorders.... No problem here. I am on the east coast US and had the local Guitar Center store order and ship my orange 5120 directly to me - it arrived today. It took 4 days. It was manufactured Feb 2009 and it shipped from GC's warehouse. Soooo.... I'm not sure what that all means since it was the 3087th of this model made in 2009 and that was just by Feb ! Must have been a lot of them made last year.
In any case, I hope your guitar arrives more quickly than suggested.

dannyboy · March 1st, 2010, 02:44 PM

It's taken 2 months but I got my 5120 yesterday. The guitar shop (Guitar Lounge - which is an awesome store by the way - the owner is very knowledgeable) had plenty of different guitars in - all the colours.

Anyway, this guitar was worth the wait. Can hardly stand to go to work today. I did restring it to heavy 12s and that suits me much better - the guitar seems to like that better than the 11s that came on it.

Anyone in Sydney reading this - go get one!

Thousanium · March 1st, 2010, 06:41 PM

Dannyboy: how are the Guitar Lounges prices? Did you get the guitar setup professionally?

I got my orange 5120 in Sydney two months ago from Allans Music when they had their New Year Sale. There seemed to be a few stores around town that had them eg: turramusic and Logan's Piano. No one had them in white though.

dannyboy · March 1st, 2010, 08:13 PM

The Guitar Lounge price matched Allans - I showed them the Allans price and they matched it no questions asked. Sadly, I think the orange 5120 in Allans was one of the last in town. Billy Hyde did have one too at that time.

I particularly wanted to get the guitar from Robert at the guitar lounge as his store is 100 times better than allans or billy hyde - he does set the guitars up, takes time to let you play many guitars and amps, and really helps you make the right decision.

I don't think I'd ever pay serious money for a guitar from allans because I just don't rate the place - only good for strings etc. Of course - I didn't expect to wait 2 months though! Always a trade off..

Thousanium · March 1st, 2010, 10:27 PM

Yeah, I really didn't want to buy from Allans, the customer service isn't great, but the price at the time was the best. I had to wait ages to try the 5120 and it wasn't even intonated.

The Guitar Lounge is a little intimidating because I'm a crappy player and the store seems to be setup for aficionados.

dannyboy · March 2nd, 2010, 12:06 AM

Hey - nothing could be further from the truth - I hadn't touched an electric guitar for a number of years when I went in - only played acoustic - and he was great. And a lot of other people I have seen in there have been beginners.

Having said that, I know that there are some guitar shops where they make you feel like you're this big when you go in - especially in London where I'm from. I've got no time for that at all.

I'm disturbed by Allans when I see the guitars 'ready to go' and they haven't taken the foam off under the bridge, tuned it, checked intonation etc.

Give guitar lounge a go - the shop is new, only sells Fender/Gretsch/Guild (ie Fender) - and I am really in favour of supporting these small guys and not chain stores that make zero effort.

BTW - I really don't work there/have no affiliation or anything - I just like to see a good guitar shop as they are few and far between.