[LH575]

Yeah, this has been debated over and over and over.

I've had a 5120 for about 10 months. Great guitar.

I ordered a 6120 SSVLO a couple weeks back and got it today. Another great guitar.

The 5120 was $700. The 6120 was $2500. Difference: $1800

So, the question I have - is the 6120 worth the extra $1800?

Fit and finish - Very little difference. Both are pretty much 100% without issue.

Hardware - close. The tuners on the 6120 are much better, but other than that, not too much difference. The 5120 tuners are not bad, I've had no issues with them, but the Sperzels are excellent. I have to say that I'm a bit biased here - my Strat has similar tuners and I've always liked them.

Sound - 6120, with the TV's sound more vibrant. The 5120 is muffled when compared to it. That is not to say that the 5120 sounds bad, quite the opposite. It sounds good, but not at all as dynamic as the 6120.

Tone Configuration - 5120 is better. I keep all my volume and tone controls at 10, adjust with the amp, so this doesn't really matter to me, but.... The 5120 offers a tone knob, the 6120 has the mud-switch. If I were one to adjust the tone on the guitar, I'd rather the knob. The mud-switch changes the tone too drastically, knob is more gradual.

Bigsby - no difference.

Finish - Poly vs Nitro. I've always liked nitro better, but when going back and forth with these two guitars - not too much difference. Both feel good.

General feel - 6120. I like the neck and the radius of the 6120 better. The neck does feel a bit thin, but I am used to thick necks. Won't take long to get used to it.

After comparing both back and forth, for a few hours, the 6120 has a better feel and other than the tone controls, is better than the 5120 in every way.

But.......

When comparing the two, I was not as impressed with the 6120 as I thought I would be. This is not because the 6120 disappoints, not at all. The reason is because the 5120 is such a great quality guitar.

For $700, the 5120 cannot be beat. That is what I learned here.

[Lizardkinged]

Thats how i feel about my 5125. the amount spent in mods, is still a half of what the higher end versions could cost.
Said this in another post. Functionality over price, over looks, in my book. Basically that goes to say, its all about the user's hierarchy of playing needs.

[Sarah93003]

It's always an interesting debate. From my limited experience, I feel there is more difference between the pro-line guitars than the 51XX's. I like them both. But, I'd have one 51XX and several pro-line guitars. Having a 5120 in the house as well as a 6118, I can say the Annie gets 100 times more play time than the 5120. If I want to do some ACDC then the 5120 with the Gretschbuckers fits the bill. My next acquistions will be a Duo Jet, White Falcon JR, Country Club, in that order.

[bluenote23]

I have a G5129 and a Falcon.
The Falcon is quite simply fantastic. It is wonderfully set up. Member Thunderball said his Christmas Falcon was 'responsive' and I thought that was a very good description. You just brush the strings and they sing out. So your playing can be faster and more articulate with a lighter touch. Plugged into my 2 PODS it always sounds great. Distorted or clean, the tone is rich and smooth.
There is no comparison with the 5129. It plays very well but it doesn't zing. It often sounds good but also sometimes sounds a bit thin or shrill depending on the POD settings. It is a normal, well made inexpensive guitar.
In my case, my Pro-line, which cost almost 5 times more than the Electromatic, is a much better guitar and is the one I play a lot. But that's a big price difference. If I had a choice between 5 Electromatics or the Falcon, I'd take the Falcon but that's not really the question.
The G5129 is a great working guitar. Played loud through an amp, it's going to sound pretty good and you wouldn't be afraid to take it to some dingy, smokey dive (hypothetical in my case). The Electromatics are a very good entry level (that is entry into the Gretsch world of guitars) guitars, better playing than my (fabled) Dearmond Starfire Custom, and miles better than my Squier X-155.
Being as they are an entry into the Gretsch world though, they do tempt you to try the higher end models. And, at least in my case, when you do there's no looking back.
So if you only have $700 to spend, then an Electromatic is a pretty good choice. But if you have a higher budget, then I think the Pro-line is definitely worth looking at.
One thing, check out the setup on the 6120. My Falcon is set up with a really, really low action. This is possible because the guitar is so well made. I have a feeling you could probably get away with lowering the action (just the saddle height) on your guitar. Mine is set at 4/32 and 2.5/32. Give it a try.

[Synchro]

For me it comes down to simple economics, I always end up buying the more expensive instrument sooner or later so now I just skip the intermediate step(s) and wait until I can get the Pro Series. It saves money in the long run.

[S Macp]

Originally Posted by Synchro

For me it comes down to simple economics, I always end up buying the more expensive instrument sooner or later so now I just skip the intermediate step(s) and wait until I can get the Pro Series. It saves money in the long run.

Excellent. I just stick the word "Honey" in front of that, and it's a winner.

[Synchro]

Originally Posted by S Macp

Excellent. I just stick the word "Honey" in front of that, and it's a winner.

I need to setup a PayPal button for my advice.

[johnnyguitar]

I tend to gravitate towards the 5xxx series as I can't leave anything well enough alone. Been that way since I was old enough to hold a screwdriver. The only thing left stock on any of my electrics is the shell!
I think it's a sickness but I don't know how I would handle owning a Falcon and not needing to take it apart!!

Maybe the other reason is my guitars tend to get used and abused, they all get nicks and scratches sooner or later and to spend the thousands on a work of art would kill me to see it end up with buckle rash.....

[bobkat]

Well I have both also, and I agree the 5120 is a great guitar! I modded my 5120 with TV Jones Classics and schaller tuners ect, ect. I bought my 6120 from Joel @ shanghia for 1300 bucks. IMHO the 6120 is a much better guitar! I have 900 bucks in my 5120 so for only a 400 dollar difference the 6120 is much better. I don't have TVs in the 6120 just good ole Filtertrons. The wood in the 6120 is much prettier and highly figured, I also love the bound f holes. My tuners are Grovers and my Bigsby is much better, the handle is thicker and more sturdy, also the spring is a 1 incher which I like better. All my hardware is gold and the stain is darker and richer. Now onto tone, the tone of the 6120 is totally different, much more lively and clean. The Tvs in my 5120 are sweet but the Filters are HOT! Much more responsive and sharp. I know everyone loves TVJs but I feel Filters are better for me. My 6120 also stays in tune better while using the Bigsby, probably because of the bone nut, instead of plastic. I love my 5120 but I totally adore my 6120! I forgot both my babies wear Compton bridges now and sound even better!

[Thunderball]

There's something that can be said about a cheap guitar --- it doesn't disappoint.

How can it? If it doesn't do something you want, well, it's a cheap guitar. If something doesn't work right, well, it's a cheap guitar. If it doesn't sound perfect, well, it's a cheap guitar.

There's also another reason why a cheap guitar can never disappoint...
I have a 5120 and a Falcon. Shoot me for saying this, but the $3,000 Falcon can disappoint. I played The Cult song "Horse Nation" on my Falcon the other day and it didn't sound exactly like Billy Duffy. Damn! On the other hand, anything I play on my 5120 sounds great...because no famous rock star plays a 5120!

[Bear]

Originally Posted by Lizardkinged

Thats how i feel about my 5125. the amount spent in mods, is still a half of what the higher end versions could cost.
Said this in another post. Functionality over price, over looks, in my book. Basically that goes to say, its all about the user's hierarchy of playing needs.

I have a 5125 and a 6120 double cut and I like both guitars equally... but differently. When I'm in the mood for a very lush tone with a lot of sweetness, I grab the 6120. When I feel the need to get a little raucous, I grab the 5125.

The 6120 has more flash and pizazz, but the 5125 has that NO NONSENSE look about it.

The 6120 cost me $1,625.00 more than my 5125. I got a superb deal on both guitars. Is the 6120 worth the difference? I think so.

[Synchro]

Originally Posted by Bear

I have a 5125 and a 6120 double cut and I like both guitars equally... but differently. When I'm in the mood for a very lush tone with a lot of sweetness, I grab the 6120. When I feel the need to get a little raucous, I grab the 5125.

The 6120 has more flash and pizazz, but the 5125 has that NO NONSENSE look about it.

The 6120 cost me $1,625.00 more than my 5125. I got a superb deal on both guitars. Is the 6120 worth the difference? I think so.

I never get tired of looking at the 6120 DC. That's one beautiful axe.

[bobkat]

I tell you what!!!! The real beautiful thing is how ole Bear gets them paws on that there 6120 and makes her sing like a Kentucky Bluebird!! You go Bear!!!

[LATS]

Originally Posted by johnnyguitar

... they all get nicks and scratches sooner or later and to spend the thousands on a work of art would kill me to see it end up with buckle rash.....

Wear your belt with the buckle moved over towards the hip on your fret hand side. No buckle rash.

And its a good conversation starter.

[Telefan]

I really saw a night and day difference between my 5120 and my 6119. I only paid about $1,100 for the 6119 so that may slightly scew my look on things. I had a lot of little problems with my 5120, strap button striped out, the bridge needed sanding, just annoying little problems. The 6119 was great right out of the box and once I had it set up the way I liked it that was it.

[JohnnyRingo]

This was my 5125 just before I sold it.It kept surprising me on several occasions,showing me just how good it sounded and what a good guitar it was,even the early models with the HUGE f-holes and the odd B-70 bigsby.The sad thing is around my area,I could barely give it away.Asking $300 was almost like I'd flew one too many times over the cuckoo's nest.Really strange......Just for kicks,I offered to sell it for $200 or maybe less,can't remember,but I knew the guy would'nt even consider it and he did'nt.I wound up taking a beating,but I sold it to someone who helps me out sometimes,so that made it easier.Like some others have said,I think if they made the 51XX series with many more upgrades,it may take some of the 6120 market.

[johnnyguitar]

Originally Posted by LATS

Wear your belt with the buckle moved over towards the hip on your fret hand side. No buckle rash.

And its a good conversation starter.

Cool idea, thanks for that....I'll try it next gig!

[workknot]

I have a used 6120AM that is a 2005 year model and it has been extremly well cared for. Paid $1750 for it.
I also have a 5122 which I put Filtertrons in plus changed the posts, put a treble bleed on the master volume, put a .022 tone cap on the tone pot, made a bone nut, installed a compton aluminum of course. I have about $895 in this guitar.
After having both for some time now, I can honestly say the 5122 is now very very close to the same guitar the 6120 is. Of course this is just my opinion.
The 51xx series Gretsch guitars are in my opinion a very good entry level guitar bar none.

Pop's

[johnnyguitar]

If it weren't for the two kids and a mortgage I would only have the 6xxx series......
But with life as it is, and I wouldn't change it for the world, I am going to be playing the 5xxx's for a few years to come.

But one day.....!!!

[Lizardkinged]

Originally Posted by JohnnyRingo

This was my 5125 just before I sold it.It kept surprising me on several occasions,showing me just how good it sounded and what a good guitar it was,even the early models with the HUGE f-holes and the odd B-70 bigsby.The sad thing is around my area,I could barely give it away.Asking $300 was almost like I'd flew one too many times over the cuckoo's nest.Really strange......Just for kicks,I offered to sell it for $200 or maybe less,can't remember,but I knew the guy would'nt even consider it and he did'nt.I wound up taking a beating,but I sold it to someone who helps me out sometimes,so that made it easier.Like some others have said,I think if they made the 51XX series with many more upgrades,it may take some of the 6120 market.

In my opinion, those many many mods to the 5124-9's would make it a rival to 61xx series. the only difference would be finish and Dearmonds instead of Dynas/filters/TV's.

If you think about it.
New pots/switch,
New tuners, (not neccesary)
new Nut,
Licensed Bigsby (also not necessary)
Compton Bridge,

You have a damn fine guitar. The only real issue between the two series LOGICALLY is Quality control, weight, and price.

I have an 06 with a B70 on it and see no problems with it. Prefer it to the B6's i've played.

Apples to Oranges, its still a gretsch. Will be better than half the market out there for the money.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by LATS

Wear your belt with the buckle moved over towards the hip on your fret hand side. No buckle rash.

Or just do like I've done the last coupla years...grow a belly! No buckle rash 'cause the gut runs interference!

[Bear]

Bobcat and Synchro, thanks for the compliments. I'm working on a new song I wrote and I will premiere it here when I feel I've got it right. I'm not happy with the bridge yet, but I'll get it.

[JohnnyRingo]

Originally Posted by Lizardkinged

In my opinion, those many many mods to the 5124-9's would make it a rival to 61xx series. the only difference would be finish and Dearmonds instead of Dynas/filters/TV's.

You have a damn fine guitar. The only real issue between the two series LOGICALLY is Quality control, weight, and price.

I have an 06 with a B70 on it and see no problems with it. Prefer it to the B6's i've played.

Apples to Oranges, its still a gretsch. Will be better than half the market out there for the money.

You had the pinned bridge model with the b70 and big f-holes?I had a little aggravation getting the b70 to settle down,but after a while it got pretty stable.There were questions about why those first models were fitted with a tension bar bigsby when the guitar actually called for a b6.I guess they had not started making the licensed b6's yet,but the larger than large f-holes were really the only thing that I was annoyed with and that was just cosmetic.It sure did make mine sound good acoustically though,so I did'nt mind much since it was a great guitar(A real player).I've seen quite a few 5120's that have been pimped out to the point of the only difference that could be noticed was the headstock.I've noticed that EPI has come out with a Swingster to try and grab some of the 51XX's market.I doubt the 51XX models will be shaking in thier bigsby's anytime soon.

[Scott]

The earliest 512x models had a different break angle over the bridge and IIRC the neck angle was different altogether as well, requiring the use of a studded bridge and a B7-type vibrato. Several complaints came up though(I remember quite a few gripes on the GDP back then) and Gretsch, whether answering these complaints or not, changed this series to the current setup of a floating bridge and a B6-style vibrato.

[roadjunkie]

Under most circumstanes I detest these this vs. that threads. Everytime I see them I keep thinking God that jackweed is back asking his stupid ass questions to start up some trouble! Most here know who I mean.

I don't see it in this thread. Most times these things are brought up to justify an Electromatic purchase instead of a Proline. I never thought that justification was needed. The Electromatics stand on their own as a mighty fine guitar. No they don't compare to the Prolines. That doesn't mean they are not fine guitars. I have a shop owner here that likes to bust my balls calling Gretsch glorified Yamahas since they are made by the same factory. At the end of the conversation I laugh as I tell him statements like that just show how little shop owners really know. It's all good natured but in the end it is what he really believes true.

As an example I have an Epi LP that has a neck on it the Gibson could wish it made as well but that's about it for that guitar. The rest of the hardware is pretty sad and I'm in the process of redoing all of that. In comparison the step up between the electros and pros against epi and Gibbys is so vastly different. There's a reason the electros say Gretsch on the headstock! With the advent of new electros coming up that that difference is getting smaller.

[ChadsRHH]

Originally Posted by LH575

Tone Configuration - 5120 is better. I keep all my volume and tone controls at 10, adjust with the amp, so this doesn't really matter to me, but.... The 5120 offers a tone knob, the 6120 has the mud-switch. If I were one to adjust the tone on the guitar, I'd rather the knob. The mud-switch changes the tone too drastically, knob is more gradual.

Basically the mud switch equates to a db cut, which would equate to a volume reductions....which is why most people don't use it anyways.....
But the same can be said for the tone knob. Do people actually use them anymore? Amps tend to have all that control so why bother adjusting 2 tone knobs. I would assume thats why they got rid of them in the first place....redundant knobs. Plus if you really want to dial in your tone, you have two pickups to blend between.

[LATS]

Originally Posted by ChadsRHH

... Do people actually use them anymore? Amps tend to have all that control so why bother adjusting 2 tone knobs. I would assume thats why they got rid of them in the first place....redundant knobs. ...

I set up my amp and then walk away from it. I want to be able to make any changes at the guitar instead of having to get back to my amp and putz around.

[rockabilly-rebel]

Originally Posted by LATS

I set up my amp and then walk away from it. I want to be able to make any changes at the guitar instead of having to get back to my amp and putz around.

+1 to that - I set my amp and leave how i want it - thats what the controls on the guitar are for.
The tone knob has never been redundant - its pretty much always been on one gretsch or another over the years - the tone switch is just a different way of doing it.
I have both, and imo much prefer the tone knob - especially with something like dynas, or 2000's - the tone knob really comes into its own.

[ChadsRHH]

Originally Posted by LATS

I set up my amp and then walk away from it. I want to be able to make any changes at the guitar instead of having to get back to my amp and putz around.

I guess what I was getting at was that there are so many ways to adjust tone aside from the tone knobs on a guitar, I've never been one to bother trying to balance them all out. I find I tended to keep the dials at 10 back when I had a strat (plus there was 5 pu selections), and on my 6120 I will try to adjust using pickups and\or volume on the fly.....don't bother with the switch much either.
but whatever works

[Synchro]

Originally Posted by Bear

Bobcat and Synchro, thanks for the compliments. I'm working on a new song I wrote and I will premiere it here when I feel I've got it right. I'm not happy with the bridge yet, but I'll get it.

Maybe Workknot could collaborate with you, he's good with bridges. I look forward to hearing it either way, with or without a Compton bridge.

Originally Posted by roadjunkie

Under most circumstanes I detest these this vs. that threads. Everytime I see them I keep thinking God that jackweed is back asking his stupid ass questions to start up some trouble! Most here know who I mean.

It'd better not happen while I'm on duty.

Originally Posted by roadjunkie

I don't see it in this thread. Most times these things are brought up to justify an Electromatic purchase instead of a Proline. I never thought that justification was needed. The Electromatics stand on their own as a mighty fine guitar. No they don't compare to the Prolines. That doesn't mean they are not fine guitars. I have a shop owner here that likes to bust my balls calling Gretsch glorified Yamahas since they are made by the same factory. At the end of the conversation I laugh as I tell him statements like that just show how little shop owners really know. It's all good natured but in the end it is what he really believes true.

As an example I have an Epi LP that has a neck on it the Gibson could wish it made as well but that's about it for that guitar. The rest of the hardware is pretty sad and I'm in the process of redoing all of that. In comparison the step up between the electros and pros against epi and Gibbys is so vastly different. There's a reason the electros say Gretsch on the headstock! With the advent of new electros coming up that that difference is getting smaller.

There are so many great entry level gutiars these days that it's staggering. I played a Classic Vibe '60s Strat while in Minneapolis that absolutely amazed me. In the early '70s I wanted a decent archtop like an ES-175 and the going price for a used one was about $400 in 1972 dollars. Even though the dollar has significantly deflated since then one can still buy an archtop worth owning for about $600 in 2010 dollars. The 5120s I've played are as good playing and good sounding as most ES-175s.

Originally Posted by ChadsRHH

Basically the mud switch equates to a db cut, which would equate to a volume reductions....which is why most people don't use it anyways.....
But the same can be said for the tone knob. Do people actually use them anymore? Amps tend to have all that control so why bother adjusting 2 tone knobs. I would assume thats why they got rid of them in the first place....redundant knobs. Plus if you really want to dial in your tone, you have two pickups to blend between.

All passive controls are only capable of cutting signal.

Originally Posted by LATS

I set up my amp and then walk away from it. I want to be able to make any changes at the guitar instead of having to get back to my amp and putz around.

I agree, that's what the knobs are for.

Originally Posted by rockabilly-rebel

+1 to that - I set my amp and leave how i want it - thats what the controls on the guitar are for.
The tone knob has never been redundant - its pretty much always been on one gretsch or another over the years - the tone switch is just a different way of doing it.
I have both, and imo much prefer the tone knob - especially with something like dynas, or 2000's - the tone knob really comes into its own.

IMHO the mud switch is a great idea but not so well executed. With a little rewiring they could be made a lot better, more like the sound of a tone knob.

Originally Posted by ChadsRHH

I guess what I was getting at was that there are so many ways to adjust tone aside from the tone knobs on a guitar, I've never been one to bother trying to balance them all out. I find I tended to keep the dials at 10 back when I had a strat (plus there was 5 pu selections), and on my 6120 I will try to adjust using pickups and\or volume on the fly.....don't bother with the switch much either.
but whatever works

I rarely use the tone knobs on most of my guitars but they can be useful. I use it on my Strat for a Clapton sound. Both my Mustang bass and my Bass VI seem to really favor the tone rolled back significantly as well. The Jaguar also seems to like the tone rolled back for some things so it's a trifecta of my offsets.

[Fizz09]

Being left handed I really don't get the option to purchase a 5120 so it's really cool you guys get to have choices. On the other hand, it simplifies some of the decisions that we have to make so at least we got that going for us. I think it's only pro-lines for lefties with the exception of that new black electromatic signature coming out? Anyways, 5120's are cool too.

[funnyorangeguitar]

I think it is a little bit like comparing 2 different species. Who's to say that a tiger is better than a lion?

I like hollow bodys, but the 5120 definitely has something to say.

I thought this was a great demonstration of a 5120 '55...

YouTube- 1955 Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins 00832

[Lizardkinged]

Originally Posted by JohnnyRingo

You had the pinned bridge model with the b70 and big f-holes?I had a little aggravation getting the b70 to settle down,but after a while it got pretty stable.There were questions about why those first models were fitted with a tension bar bigsby when the guitar actually called for a b6.I guess they had not started making the licensed b6's yet,but the larger than large f-holes were really the only thing that I was annoyed with and that was just cosmetic.It sure did make mine sound good acoustically though,so I did'nt mind much since it was a great guitar(A real player).I've seen quite a few 5120's that have been pimped out to the point of the only difference that could be noticed was the headstock.I've noticed that EPI has come out with a Swingster to try and grab some of the 51XX's market.I doubt the 51XX models will be shaking in thier bigsby's anytime soon.

Mine is an 06. does have a B70, but everything else is as its supposed to be.

scott is one of these people, but some other forum members came to the conclusion that it was when they were changing the body up, and they had some b70s left over. BUT the bridge is a floating, My guitar body is also 2.5 inches instead of 2.75. (nothing special) just a little different is all. I've played with and without the bar, and PERSONALLY I like the tension bar.

Not to say they messed these up or QC is bad, I think its just kind of one of those things that it took a while for them to decide on a finished product. . . so they just discontinued it and stuck with the 5120's.

[gringo]

For the difference in price for a 6xxx you get improved electronics, higher grade materials and more attention to the setup details. Most probably nothing that would separate it from a brand new 5xxx where everything just happened to fall right. Which makes the 5xxx one of the best deals going if you work with one of the Gretsch dealers that make sure you get one of those good ones.
The 'value' of the ProLine improvements may show 20 years from now but we'll just have to wait and see.

[Sarah93003]

Originally Posted by funnyorangeguitar

I think it is a little bit like comparing 2 different species. Who's to say that a tiger is better than a lion?

I like hollow bodys, but the 5120 definitely has something to say.

I thought this was a great demonstration of a 5120 '55...

YouTube- 1955 Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins 00832

Um, that's not a 5120 and I'm pretty sure they did not make 5120's that long ago. This demonstration is for a 1955 Gretsch 6121. One of our members has one just like it.

[sleepy]

Originally Posted by Fizz09

Being left handed I really don't get the option to purchase a 5120 so it's really cool you guys get to have choices. On the other hand, it simplifies some of the decisions that we have to make so at least we got that going for us. I think it's only pro-lines for lefties with the exception of that new black electromatic signature coming out? Anyways, 5120's are cool too.

Hey Fizz,

this one appears to be for you:

http://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/i...&cat2=&q=&st=1

and it's a looker!

[Fizz09]

yeah thats the one! that thing is gnarly! just bought a 6120-60 though..until i get a new bridge piece from dave's guitar i might be tempted to trade for that one and save some cash, lol!

[funnyorangeguitar]

Originally Posted by Sarah93003

Um, that's not a 5120 and I'm pretty sure they did not make 5120's that long ago. This demonstration is for a 1955 Gretsch 6121. One of our members has one just like it.

Brain fart on my part I dunno how but my brain processed thread as solid versus hollow body. Reading it again I give my self a big 'durrrr'. I was looking at the clip a week or so ago and it must have left an impression on me.

However getting the positive from the negative I really really want a DeArmond 6121 now. That is the coolest solidbody imanginable (by me).

Thanks for pointing my stupidity that everyone else saw but did not point out.

F.O.G.

[Sarah93003]

Originally Posted by funnyorangeguitar

Brain fart on my part I dunno how but my brain processed thread as solid versus hollow body. Reading it again I give my self a big 'durrrr'. I was looking at the clip a week or so ago and it must have left an impression on me.

However getting the positive from the negative I really really want a DeArmond 6121 now. That is the coolest solidbody imanginable (by me).

Thanks for pointing my stupidity that everyone else saw but did not point out.

F.O.G.

I know! I can be such a grit sometime! Just trying to help.

[LH575]

Well.....

After a couple months with the guitar, I'm liking it more every day. The 5120 is on Ebay.

The 6120 is just so much more comfortable to play. I really like that 9.5 neck radius. When going back and forth, the two guitars feel much more different now.

Still not going to put down the 5120 though. It's still a great guitar.

My initial opinion that the two were not all that much different has changed after playing both for a month. The differences are small, but added all up, make the two guitars very different.

Now I'm looking at a Hot Rod. Does the guitar buying ever stop!!