[thierryjagger]

Hi guys,
I am looking to buy an Electromatic 5120.
I have seen some models with a Bigsby B30 + tune-o-matic-style bridge and some others with a B70 and a solid-metalic bridge.
Can someone tell me if one is better than the other? Is it just a question of production year? Are they other differences?
Thanks in advance for help

[54Memphis]

What you have seen is either a later 5120 model (younger than 2006) with a B60 (no tension bar) and floating bridge or an older 5120 model (pre 2006) with B70 and fixed bridge. There is no model with a B30, this Bigsby is for flatter bodies such as solids or Jets.

The first run (2004-2005) had fixed bridge and oversized f-holes. In 2006 came a limited run with small f-holes, B60 and floating bridge. I have one from 2006 sold as LTD. But this model became standard within the 2007 run until today.
I can´t say if one model is superior to the other. A fixed bridge has certainly the advantage of easy string changes and might provide slightly more sustain. But a floating bridge looks waaaay cooler.
B60s have more overtone capability due to the missing tension bar. They sound freshier and lightly.

These models have Gretsch Dual Coil Pickups (vulgo: Gretschbuckers)

The other model is the 5125-29 Model with De Armond 2000 Singlecoils, a good copy of the famous Dynasonic Pickup. These Guitars provide a B70 and a Bigsby Compensated Bridge made of aluminium.

If you are looking for a used 512x, go for the 2006 and later models, which provide a huge better quality in sound and finish.

[thierryjagger]

Hi 54Memphis,
Thank you very much for your info.
This is exactly the explanation I was expecting.
I will follow your advice to search for a 2006+ model.
This was my first post on this forum, and I really appreciate such a clear and rapid response.
All the best

[thierryjagger]

Hi 54Memphis again,

In fact I now realize that I saw 3 types of bridges:
- fixed with a tune-o-matic style
- floating with a tune-o-matic style
- floating with an aluminium bridge (no adjustment possible per string)

From your point of view, what is the difference between the last 2 ones? (the aluminium one was said to be an upgrade)

Thanks in advance

[Lizardkinged]

the alluminum one is made by bigsby, its compensated so that you move the bridge base to intonate. it also rocks back and fourth on the bridge base for the bigsby. I think that and the AVERAGE TOM style is crap. upgraded toms are ok.

[54Memphis]

On my TVJ equipped 5120 I have the stock floating TOM since I bought the guitar 4 years ago. No rattles, no hassles, although it has a retaining spring which might make some buzzing trouble. But it doesn't buzz at all. It works fine to me!
My other 5120 (a 125yr anni model from 2008) had no retaining spring - better for the bridge but it makes no difference. For sound matters the 2008 has now a Bigsby Comp. Bridge that really rocks.

[thierryjagger]

So much thanks for your answers guys,

Would you have pictures of the "stock floating TOM" and of the "Bigsby Comp. Bridge", also of the "retaining spring"? this will help me to understand a little bit better.

Concerning the pickups, what are the differences between the Dual Coil and the De Armond 2000, that I understand are stock equpiment Vs the Dynasonic and the TVJ (which model?) that you have installed?

[54Memphis]

the 2008 with the no-rattle-missing-retainer-spring


the 2006 with the included-rattle-but-not-rattling-retainer-spring (notice the small wire underneath the screws of the bridge)


Both bridges are stock. Yet I have no picture of my sunburst 2008 with the comp. bridge, I'm sorry...

As for the pups: the Gretschbucker is a standard Humbucker in LP-size with printed Gretsch Logo. Looks good, sound depends on your taste. The DeArmond is a single coil pickup.
On my orange 51 I have TVJ Classic (Classic Plus on the bridge), on my sunburst 51 there are Gretsch High Sensitive Filtertrons. Both are Rockabilly animals.

[thierryjagger]

Thanks for the pictures, it is more clear now.

As you keep them on your guitars, I understand that these 2 stock bridges are fine ?

Do you know where I could listen some sound sample of the pups you indicate?

I guess that the TVJ fit well with the Stray Cats style music ?

[54Memphis]

Again, for the stock bridges are fine. Some others here would recommend to change it for a compton compensated bridge. I have yet no experience about this certain bridge so I cannot tell you about the advantages of it. Some others here will.

The TVJ Classic pickups are THE pickups for Stray Cats style.

For the sound differences check youtube. Search for Gretsch Electromatic. You will find tons of good videos.

Me and my band with "homestudio recording" for fun. That´s TVJ sound.

YouTube - Burma Shave Rockabilly "My...

[thierryjagger]

Hi 54Memphis,

Again thank you for the tips, I will not search further, I trust in your expertise.

Great idea to show me your video, I downloaded it on my PC. I did not know this song, but sure I am going to learn it. Is it your song or a cover?
Would you have the music sheet and more info on it to provide me please?

Yes, this is definitively the sound I am searching for, as well as the guitar, i.e. orange with silver pickguard.

Cheers

[54Memphis]

Thats a Song our bassplayer wrote. Drop me your mail adress per pm and I´ll send you the lyrics with chords.