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Sarah93003 · July 9th, 2009, 11:58 PM

Well, this was an interesting find on YouTube. Quite often people ask how these two compare. So here you go! This is a seven minute clip comparing the G5120 to the G6120. It only compares the sounds of the two guitars really and there is no discussion about playability etc. I think it's still very interesting to hear this side by side comparison.

YouTube - Gretsch 6120 vs. 5120 Side by Side...

roadjunkie · July 10th, 2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah93003

Well, this was an interesting find on YouTube. Quite often people ask how these two compare. So here you go! This is a seven minute clip comparing the G5120 to the G6120. It only compares the sounds of the two guitars really and there is no discussion about playability etc. I think it's still very interesting to hear this side by side comparison.

YouTube - Gretsch 6120 vs. 5120 Side by Side Comparison

Ugh! I been thru this vid so many times! That crappy recording setup gives neither guitar any sort of justice. I just can't bring myself to watch it again!

Sarah93003 · July 10th, 2009, 01:08 AM

Oh, sorry. I've never seen it before. I do think it's interesting how that tan patch on his head matches the color of the sign behind him. Hmmm.

Pappy · July 10th, 2009, 06:46 AM

It's a little like apples and oranges though. The pre-FMIC 6120 (the one he plays) is very similar to the 5120 with five ply tops and all that.

Honestly, if anyone were to ask me, I'd say let's go on a road trip and try them out. It's less night and day and more about the little things that make it a better guitar overall.

Rockabilly Pete · July 10th, 2009, 08:20 AM

Being one of the folks who is saving for his first Gretsch, I have watched that video many times. Through my stock crappy laptop computer speakers, I cannot tell the difference between the 5120 and the 6120 in that video....its definitely an interesting video, just not helpful for me as a research tool.

Sarah93003 · July 10th, 2009, 09:01 AM

I guess after thinking about it given the similarities it's not too surprising that they sound a bit alike. I could tell the difference in some of the setups though. Have both a 5120 and a pro-line, I can say with certainty that I would rather own one 5120 and the rest from the pro-line than the other way around. I am certain that my Annie plays better than my 5120 and I love the tones from each.

Cornelius Spunkwater · July 10th, 2009, 11:03 AM

I played a 5120 and a 6120 side by side at a guitar shop in Lansing. It wasn't hard for me to choose the 6120. It looks prettier, it sounds better right from the get-go, the equipment's better, etc. Not that the 5120's a bad guitar, but the 6120's already got it going on without any upgrades.

It doesn't help here that the amp sounds like crap. Awful tone. Just awful.

okieman · July 11th, 2009, 05:10 PM

I've had my 5120 for about a year now. The only mod I've done is a Compton brass bridge. I use it for country blues and rock. I have really fallen in love with this axe. I would like to try some TV Jones pups but I really can't say she needs a change. for the money, they are a hard act to beat, hands down. Good luck.
D.L.

patrickjcrum · July 11th, 2009, 05:30 PM

Having played a 6120 today, I'd say that it plays beautifully right out of the box. My 5120 plays and sounds just as well, IMO, but that's after almost a year of tweaking and modding. On the plus side, I enjoy tweaking and modding stuff. Also I am on the road a lot for work, and I feel much more comfortable flying with my $500 guitar than I would with a $2K one. Even if I don't fly united!

Cheers,
Pat

dafreeze · July 11th, 2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah93003

...I do think it's interesting how that tan patch on his head matches the color of the sign behind him. Hmmm.

funny, kinda fixiated on that myself

have one GreTsch that starts with a 5 and two that start with a 6 and they're all outstanding in their own rights. Love 'em, love 'em love' em.

thespacediner · January 16th, 2011, 07:12 PM

okay the 5120 sounds huskier and growly, and the 6120 sounds tight and midrangy. there are three people helping me type this right now. its the 5120 all the way. i think it suits the rockabilly sound better. its like the 6120 is more midrangy. my wife has tight eardrums like a bat, she knows what shes hearing. dont bother flaming me, i'm already crispy from another e-battle from earlier today. wife says: ignore the price and dont let mass marketing influence what you hear. there is no way in hell i'd drop another 2000 bucks for such a small difference in sound just for the pride of ownership. just buy the 5120 and take your wife to mexico (she made me type that) this whole debate is typical of the societal mental illness that mass marketing is creating in society. they know how to whip up the compulsive thinking in enthusiasts. its nuts.

LATS · January 16th, 2011, 07:35 PM

So, you get a new Gretsch, and a trip to Mexico?

Sounds like Win-Win!

Thunderball · January 16th, 2011, 08:22 PM

A year or so ago that video made me run out and buy a 5120.

pilgrim · January 16th, 2011, 08:38 PM

Well, it really depends on the person an their mood at the time. I own Gretsches from all eras and every one has a different personality, that goes for Gibby's, I wish it applied to Fenders, PRS's and (recent) Taylors