Gretsch Special Jet

Scott · October 6th, 2008, 10:24 PM

I took delivery of a new(discontinued) 2007 Special Jet last Thursday. I found it on ebay; spent $345 including shipping and a nice gig bag for it.

Okay, here's the lowdown: Too bad Gretsch discontinued this guitar. I'm not saying it's as good as a Duo-Jet, but the Duo-Jet and Jet Firebird I own cost about 5 times what this guitar did...and this guitar is not 20% of those Jets(hope that makes sense). It's really a neat guitar, reminiscent of a Gibson Les Paul Special(without the butt-ugly pickguard). The mahogany body(no maple cap) and bad-ass tailpiece studded in to the guitar obviously make it sound different than a floating bridge-style Gretsch. Different, and good. A little more sustain...obviously no Bigsby(doesn't need one) so I have to work more with my hands than working an arm to do the bends for me.
Someone(I believe it was Jukebox) mentioned that these guitars have a chunky neck...this is definitely true. The neck on this guitar is large compared to my other Gretsches, and it also feels like the frets are larger(haven't compared to the others yet). Not a problem, just slightly larger.
One thing about the guitar...not really a concern, but something that is noticeable, is the weight. After working with Duo-Jets for years it's readily noticeable that this guitar is solid...I don't think there's any hollowed out sound chambers on this guitar. It's too heavy for that...obviously heavier than a Duo-Jet. Not nit-picking, just pointing this out.

Just wanted to post a quick review of this guitar before I crash for the evening. It's a fine guitar, especially for the money...can't go wrong with this one. If you're looking for an entry-level Dyna-equipped guitar, this is the best place to start. If you're like me and already have a bunch of Dynas in your stable, this is still a fun little guitar to mess around with. If you can find one by all means I recommend picking one up.

Jukebox, the pic's for you!

Jukebox · October 7th, 2008, 08:42 AM

Nice and thank you! Let us know what you think as time goes on.

tartanphantom · October 7th, 2008, 10:42 AM

Just to clarify, the pickups in the Special Jets are not Dynasonics. but rather are the DeArmond 2K's, the same pickups in the 512X models. They do have Dynasonic properties, but are not quite as spanky as regular Dynas--primarily due to lower output and different windings. However, they DO sound pretty darn good! I like them lots better than Gretschbuckers or the Gretsch mini-humbuckers that they put on other Junior models.

It's too bad they quit making this model, they're great little screamers.

Scott · October 7th, 2008, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the reminder on the pickups phantom. I forgot to mention that, probably because the difference in tone between the 2k and the Dyna is negligible IMO. One thing I've noticed early on about this guitar is that it seems that when I roll off the master volume I do not lose any high end, unlike all of my other Gretsches. Not sure why that is but I'll certainly live with it. There've been times I wanted to set up my other Gretsches like that, but I actually got used to, and like, having a little high-end roll off when I back off the master.

Anyway, I'm gigging with the Special Jet tomorrow night. It'll be strange not having a Bigsby to work with, but I have a Country Club that I've used on occasion that doesn't have a Bigsby, and I've had many guitars over the years without a vibrato, so it's not uncharted territory by any means. But it will certainly be interesting nonetheless. I'll report back Thursday on how it goes.

Pappy · October 7th, 2008, 09:33 PM

I always thought these guitars were cool. The p90 ones too.

Scott · October 10th, 2008, 11:01 PM

Okay ladies and gentlemen, here's a quick lowdown on the Special Jet's performance from Wednesday night's gig.

First off, I have to say that when it was strapped on it seemed very well balanced. It hung freely, very nice. The weight of the guitar(remember it's heavier than my Duo-Jet) didn't really seem to be an issue when playing standing up. It felt in many ways like a Tele hanging on me instead of a Gretsch(although a little heavier). In fact the controls are placed very similar in location to a Tele. I found myself working the volume knob occasionally like a Tele's, and I also found myself reaching for a master knob on the cutaway that wasn't there(oops).

The neck seemed very comfortable to work with. As noted earlier it has some chunk to it, but it still seemed easy to maneuver. The guitar still has the strings that came on it(I've been busy/lazy and haven't changed 'em yet) and they feel like 10s, but I'm thinking they could be 9s(gasp). I'll stick some new 10s on it soon.

I loved the feel of the badass bridge under my right hand! Surprisingly, again it reminded of a Tele feel-wise. And once again it seemed like the volume control didn't lose any treble when I backed off. It kept the high end, which also seemed to be a small concern for me...

...as much as I enjoyed playing the guitar, the major problem lies in the pickups. They sound okay, especially both together. The neck pickup has a nice bluesy honk. But the bridge pickup simply is lacking. It has plenty of treble...but that's about it. It lacks depth and body. If I decide to play this one a lot(I've got a 6128TSP so it ain't likely) I may have to upgrade to some proper Dynas.

Funny thing too: While messing around with it at home earlier this week I noticed something is loose inside the guitar. When I shake it I hear something rattling! No wires are loose that I could tell, didn't see any screws loose...no big deal really; I'll take it to my tech sometime down the road and let him dig around inside. Whatever it is it's not affecting the sound of the guitar...certainly no more than the bridge pickup, so I'll run it like it is for the time being.

Bottom line: If anyone is even slightly enticed by this guitar I'd recommend searching one out. It's a fine guitar, great bang for the buck. But you might want to consider(like I am) upgrading the pickups.

Cheers

Jukebox · October 10th, 2008, 11:07 PM

Thanks Scott for the great review! i might have to look for one down the road.

Synchro · October 10th, 2008, 11:18 PM

Nice review Scott. I feel like I know the guitar now.

Scott · October 11th, 2008, 01:01 PM

I just snapped this photo a few minutes ago. I'm gonna change the strings on the Special Jet before tonight's show. But I wanted to check out any differences in layout between this guitar and what I consider a more "standard" issue Jet, in this case a 2004 Jet Firebird 6131TDS.

Nothing really glaring to my eyes. Obviously they have different bridges, one has a Bigsby while the other is hard tail. No master volume on one(well, theoretically, they both actually have masters, just that one doesn't have it on the cutaway). Easy to see things like one has an arched maple top while the other is essentially a slab o' mahogany. But the one thing that really stood out to me(being the geek that I am about these things) was the position of the neck pickup. Notice on the Special Jet that the neck pickup is slightly further away from the neck than the one on the Jet Firebird, which has the neck pickup right up against the edge of the neck. Any tonal difference? Well, I haven't plugged in today and A/B'ed them, but I do remember from Wednesday night's show that the neck pickup on the Special Jet sounded very sweet by itself, which strangely enough I can't say about the Jet Firebird or my '05 6128TSP(which is my regular gigging axe). The "upscale" Jets have a better sound with both pickups used together, and especially when using the bridge pickup alone. But I do give a slight edge to the neck pickup on the Special Jet.

I still stand behind my earlier assertion that I will replace the 2ks on this guitar with Dynas however, sometime in the future.

Nothing terribly revealing about this post, I know. I just noticed the pickup placement differences and wanted to share. Cheers!

Pappy · October 11th, 2008, 03:34 PM

Are those 2Ks or 2000s?

Jukebox · October 11th, 2008, 05:09 PM

They look like the 2K's

Synchro · October 11th, 2008, 05:26 PM

Why 2Ks?

Jukebox · October 11th, 2008, 07:01 PM

They look the same as the ones on my G5128

Synchro · October 11th, 2008, 07:13 PM

I was making an old joke. Y2Ks?

superbadj · October 19th, 2008, 08:28 PM

I thought the 2000s were used in Gretsches, and the 2ks were only used in something else (and are supposedly not as good)?

Not sure though.

ronniegitar · July 3rd, 2009, 11:02 PM

Scott
I may be mistaken, but I think the neck pickup on your special jet is installed upside down.....take a look at some photos from other special jets and see what I mean.

Crooner · July 3rd, 2009, 11:16 PM

Nice grab, Scott. Thanks for all the great info. I think this Special Jet is a blessing in disguise - in so far as it will allow you to get rid of your Jet Firebird, thus freeing yourself to fully bond with this new acquisition. As my only motivation is to help, I'll be happy to take the Firebird off your hands. I should be knocking on your door in a couple of hours.

araT · July 3rd, 2009, 11:31 PM

Congrats Scott!! looks like a real little gem you've got there! definitely somewhere between an LP Junior & a Tele, very cool!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crooner

Nice grab, Scott. Thanks for all the great info. I think this Special Jet is a blessing in disguise - in so far as it will allow you to get rid of your Jet Firebird, thus freeing yourself to fully bond with this new acquisition. As my only motivation is to help, I'll be happy to take the Firebird off your hands. I should be knocking on your door in a couple of hours.

Hehehehehehe.. mmm Dynasonic goodness..

roadjunkie · July 4th, 2009, 12:16 AM

First off they are 2000s not 2k's. The 2k's were run in the DeArmonds and some Guilds before Fender shut them down and are more P-90ish in flavor.

Ronnie maybe right about the neck pickup being upside down I just confirmed with a few pics in my folders and they show the slugs in the neck positioned the same as the bridge.

Maybe you ought to check into raising that bridge with a spacer then re-arrange the polepieces to spec. I'm sure paul Setzer could come up with some spacers.

This week a set of SD Dynas went for sale on the GDP for almost the same as your guitar.

DuoJetter · July 4th, 2009, 05:02 AM

The Special Jets were really nice guitars. It's a shame that Gretsch discontinued them.

Yeah, the neck pickup is indeed installed backwards. Flipping it around shouldn't be too much of a problem, though.

As far as installing Dynasonics goes, I'd double check first if you'll even have enough room to intall them. The slab body is nowhere near as deep as that of a Duo Jet, and Dynasonics need a lot of depth, due to the length of the pole pieces and their height adjustment mechanism. I'm not sure the body is thick enough to allow you to install Dynas...unless you don't mind routing completely through the entire body and letting the polepieces stick out through the back of the guitar.

Scott · July 4th, 2009, 10:00 AM

Boy, you guys dug up an old thread!

So I guess I should offer an update of sorts. Yes, I knew the neck pickup was installed backwards, but as noted in a previous post I like the sound of the neck pickup alone(it's a very clean 2000 sound) so I've never bothered to flip it around, and have no intentions of doing so.
I've also for the time being decided not to change the pickups. I'm using this guitar with a new band I've been working with. I started carrying this guitar to jams just because it was in a gig bag(easier to transport) and there's no Bigsby(I miss it but I can live without it in this band). The pickups sound good through my Boogie(pretty much everything sounds good through a Boogie!) so for now the 2000s will stay in the guitar. If I do anything to the guitar it'll be better quality tuners. Not messing with the bridge...it's fine as is, and I've always liked the compensated one-piece unit(I had an old LP Special that had one of these...really dug it).

And Darin, I'm not looking to unload the Jet Firebird(or anything in my stable right now), but for the right price it can be yours!

But as far as the Special Jet is concerned, I'll say again what I said in an earlier post in this thread: For 3 bills, this has been an excellent guitar, and I still recommend this guitar. If you can find one, snap it up. As a matter of fact, I think Gasee just sold his red Special Jet after he stuck a Bigsby on it...Gasee, you out there? Curious about your decision to sell...

ronniegitar · July 5th, 2009, 09:05 AM

Scott-
I just bought the special jet from Gasee....I pick it up today. I was reading and watching to see what you were going to do with your pickup swap.

Scott · July 5th, 2009, 02:26 PM

Ahhh, I see...congrats Ronnie, I think you'll really like this guitar.

As I said earlier I don't plan on flipping the neck pickup over, but please let us know what your impressions are once you get yours from Gasee.

Gasee · July 13th, 2009, 10:10 PM

Hey Ronnie-- You still diggin the Special Jet? Very cool guitar.
Ken

ishtar · July 13th, 2009, 10:29 PM

Cool lookin' guitar, Scott. Wonder what's rattling inside there?

Scott · July 13th, 2009, 11:19 PM

Ya know ishtar, I had forgotten about whatever was rattling last fall! I still haven't had my tech go over the guitar yet. I'm using it on limited gigs...one band I'm working with I'm using this guitar instead of my Duo-Jet, but I had not remembered the rattle. I'll have to double check sometime here at home where it's less noisy than on a gig.

Thanks for the reminder.

Telefan · July 14th, 2009, 12:17 AM

Congrats!

Scott · July 14th, 2009, 10:11 AM

Ishtar,
I guess I'd forgotten about the rattle because it's not there anymore! I checked it last night after I went offline...took the guitar out, shook the bejeezus out of it several times, and heard nothing rattling! And I don't remember finding and solving any rattling issues over the last few months...but I am definitely not as young as I used to be so that is possible and I could've just forgot! Anyway, no more rattling!

I'm forgetting too much nowadays...

Dude, where's my car??

araT · July 14th, 2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott

Dude, where's my car??

Where's your car dude?

Is there a TOM style bridge on it? those have been known to rattle sporadically

ronniegitar · July 14th, 2009, 10:44 AM

Gasee-

Yes I am....the Special Jet has been a really nice surprise. I am really pleased with the way it handles and more please with its tone. As Scott mentioned early on in this thread, the Special Jet is quite a great guitar for the price. As a matter of fact, (and I know someone here will probably disagree), it plays just as well as some of the Pro line guitars that cost 4 to 5 times as much.

Scott · July 14th, 2009, 12:04 PM

They are indeed as good as guitars costing a lot more Ronnie! I actually prefer the Special Jet to a Jet Firebird that I own and it cost almost six times what I paid for the SJ!
They have little things about 'em that need adjusting...whether it's a $300 Special Jet or an $1800 Jet Firebird. Every guitar I've ever bought new has needed some degree of adjustment, and these are no exception. But the SJ is an excellent guitar right outa the box.
Here's a somewhat(make that very) blurry photo of a recent show I played using the SJ through a Mesa Boogie Mark I...great sound!

Gasee · July 16th, 2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronniegitar

Gasee-

Yes I am....the Special Jet has been a really nice surprise. I am really pleased with the way it handles and more please with its tone. As Scott mentioned early on in this thread, the Special Jet is quite a great guitar for the price. As a matter of fact, (and I know someone here will probably disagree), it plays just as well as some of the Pro line guitars that cost 4 to 5 times as much.

Ron- I am so glad you are digging it. It is really is "Special"! And I have to agree with your a/b comparison. Ken

RepentOrPerish · July 16th, 2009, 09:09 PM

dont replace the 2k's.....they have a magic all their own.....plus, way less string pull....

Scott · July 17th, 2009, 10:49 AM

I agree...I see no reason to swap pickups in this guitar. They're slightly different than your average Dyna, but they have their own unique sound. Variety is good, and these pickups with a studded tailpiece(no Bigsby) is certainly a different sound and feel from a standard Duo-Jet.

Zuhzuhzombie!! · October 5th, 2009, 05:19 PM

What was the MSRP? I just bought a Special Jet for 270$, shipped. Just curious.

Scott · October 5th, 2009, 09:51 PM

I'm thinking they actually retailed for $700, and Musician's Friend/Guitar Center sold 'em for around $475-500.

I got mine new a little over a year ago for $375 on ebay, which I think was a great deal. You made off like a bandit. They're fine guitars; congratulations!

Sarah93003 · October 6th, 2009, 12:21 PM

Zuhzuhzombie, welcome to the forum!

Zuhzuhzombie!! · October 6th, 2009, 01:25 PM

Thank you sir. I will soon be the owner of my very own Gretsch.