G5232t or G5222? Can’t decide

[Pops]

@toastkid beat me to it! But seriously, I'd go for the 5232T. There's ways to "soften" the spring without buying a new one, and tuning issues with the Bigsby are typically related to the nut, the saddles, or a combination of the two. Don't fear the tremolo!

 

[KaHOnas]

You could always get the G5222, add a B60 and TV Jones classics!

But it sounds like you've already made the decision. Tough choice for sure. Both are good instruments.

If you do run into issues with the Bigsby, you could remove the tension bar or get a BiggsFix. I've got a Towner bar on mine and it works great.

You may run into a little neckdive with yours (mines pretty bad about it) so I got a 4" wide strap and problem solved. A suede backed strap would probably work just as well.

I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say congratulations. And we expect pictures when your NGD arrives.

 

[rockinstephen]

Don't be too worried about a Bigsby! 2 of my guitars have them; a 6196 Country Club and a Fender Modern Player Tele that I added the Bigsby to myself. A good professional set up with the right gauge strings should take care of any problems...

 

[LivingMyDream]

I'm all in on the Bigsby, and I agree with the observation that needing to clean up the nut slots is more likely to be the issue for the guitar going out of tune. I have yet to buy a new guitar that didn't give me a "ping" on one of the strings while tuning, indicating the string was binding. I have a Pro Jet, and it has the same Bigsby as the 5232 Double Jet. I know about the BricksBiggsFix, and figured I might do that, but I have found that it hasn't been needed. Maybe if I was a bit more forceful with my Bigsby, but really I've just been enjoying my Pro Jet.

 

[Back in Black]

Hey everyone,
I’m just about to order my first Gretsch. Very excited!
Unfortunately, I live in a small town which is also far from any decent sized music store. So I have to order without actually seeing these in person or playing these.
I’m on the fence and maybe you guys can give me some advice/opinions.

It’s basically the Bigsby I have some concerns about. Which is a bummer because it’s one of the things that I like about a Gretsch. Although I’ve never seen one in person or played one, I like that they have them and would like that option. But…. I’ve read so much about the Bigsbys causing tuning issues. I’m not looking to do divebombs on it, just add some subtle vibrato.
I suppose I could order one with the Bigsby and if it’s causing tuning issues I have 45 days to return it. Although I’d eat the shipping costs.

Can some of you tell me about your experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly? Please keep comments limited to people who have had the G5232 or one of the Electromatic Jets with the exact same Bigsby model. Did you modify anything?
I’ve read a lot of people upgrade to the B50. But that’s $200! And is the B50 something I could install? Or is it something I should have a luthier take care of? I guess down the line $200 isn’t terrible. But I’m scraping just to afford the hard case for it right now.
Any low cost mods to help it out?

Thanks!!!

IL,

Welcome!

I went with the G5222, and ''changed'' a few things....

It's the one on the left.

On the subject of a Bigsby, my opinion of course, single cross bar, used in combination with a roller bridge.

Best,

BIB

 

[G-cubed Studios]

I have not had any problems with Bigsby on my G2627TG. Just don't get to carried away with it.

 

[Johnny Dubs]

I prefer the Blacktop Filter'Trons in the 5232 over the Broad'Trons in the 5222.

Right on. They sound great (and I don’t have to bang on my bigsby if I don’t want to bang on my bigsby.)

But if the bigsby is a deal-breaker, there is always the 5237. I’ve seen it mentioned here before: filter’trons, no bigsby.

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[Berington]

Admittedly, the Bigsby B50 tailpiece is a different style than the longer B6. The different styles merely suit different body shapes, and solid vs. hollow arch-top; the mechanisms are basically the same. Perhaps a lighter spring is a good suggestion if you find yours to be too stiff, but I've never had that issue. I have 2 B6-equipped guitars, the '62 Tennessean reissue, the '62 Country Gentleman reissue, & a (real) '62 Gibson ES-330TD with a Gibson Vibrola tailpiece. They are ALL amazing guitars, and the tailpieces work very similarly, and beautifully, with no tuning issues. Good advice to lubricate the nut AND any other contact points such as the bridge, etc. The Bigsbys are nothing to worry about, in fact, they're a significant addition to your instrument, and possibly your playing! Enjoy your new guitar, have fun, and CONGRATS!! Cheers!

 

[Faye]

I have a G5232 hardtail with blacktop filtertrons... best of both worlds.

I replaced and moved the switch and the strap buttons, and wired it with a single CTS 250k volume pot.

This is the perfect configuration imo.

 

[Gui-S]

They are both very good guitars but a bit different, mostly because of the pickups.

The BT Filtertrons shine at clean and mildly overdriven tones, but they work well with more overdrive also.
The BT Broadtrons have more mids and sounds great with overdrive, distorsion and fuzz.
At least from what I´ve tried so far with my amps and pedals.

I´ve changed to a cheapish roller bridge on the G5232 and the tuning stability is ok now.
I also put some lighter tuners on it to try to reduce the neck heavyness (not neck Dive), but it did´nt help much, but with a good strap with high friction it´s not a problem.
My 5220 is as it came from the factory except for the tuners as I did´nt like the small buttons on the standard ones.

I really like them both and they compliment each other well, you can´t go wrong with either.

 

[IrishLuck]

thanks for all this great info! And I LOVE seeing all your guitars and what you’ve done with them!
I was away for the weekend so I’m just now able to read all these great replies. I’ve definitely made my decision and I’m going with the 5232t
But like tomazb said, I’ll probably have both someday
The only decision I’m still undecided about is the color. At first the Broadway Jade caught my eye. Then the midnight sapphire was the one. But after seeing a post here about the firestick red, I’m really digging that burnt orange metallic color. Gretsch has the coolest colors!
I’ll probably order this weekend and definitely post pics when I get it.
Thanks again for all the wonderful replies. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of this great online community you guys have created.

 

[Faye]

thanks for all this great info! And I LOVE seeing all your guitars and what you’ve done with them!
I was away for the weekend so I’m just now able to read all these great replies. I’ve definitely made my decision and I’m going with the 5232t
But like tomazb said, I’ll probably have both someday
The only decision I’m still undecided about is the color. At first the Broadway Jade caught my eye. Then the midnight sapphire was the one. But after seeing a post here about the firestick red, I’m really digging that burnt orange metallic color. Gretsch has the coolest colors!
I’ll probably order this weekend and definitely post pics when I get it.
Thanks again for all the wonderful replies. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of this great online community you guys have created.

Good, er... luck!

 

[toastkid]

thanks for all this great info! And I LOVE seeing all your guitars and what you’ve done with them!
I was away for the weekend so I’m just now able to read all these great replies. I’ve definitely made my decision and I’m going with the 5232t
But like tomazb said, I’ll probably have both someday
The only decision I’m still undecided about is the color. At first the Broadway Jade caught my eye. Then the midnight sapphire was the one. But after seeing a post here about the firestick red, I’m really digging that burnt orange metallic color. Gretsch has the coolest colors!
I’ll probably order this weekend and definitely post pics when I get it.
Thanks again for all the wonderful replies. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of this great online community you guys have created.

My G5220 is Firestick Red and it's stunning in real life.

 

[WAM999317]

Hey everyone,
I’m just about to order my first Gretsch. Very excited!
Unfortunately, I live in a small town which is also far from any decent sized music store. So I have to order without actually seeing these in person or playing these.
I’m on the fence and maybe you guys can give me some advice/opinions.

It’s basically the Bigsby I have some concerns about. Which is a bummer because it’s one of the things that I like about a Gretsch. Although I’ve never seen one in person or played one, I like that they have them and would like that option. But…. I’ve read so much about the Bigsbys causing tuning issues. I’m not looking to do divebombs on it, just add some subtle vibrato.
I suppose I could order one with the Bigsby and if it’s causing tuning issues I have 45 days to return it. Although I’d eat the shipping costs.

Can some of you tell me about your experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly? Please keep comments limited to people who have had the G5232 or one of the Electromatic Jets with the exact same Bigsby model. Did you modify anything?
I’ve read a lot of people upgrade to the B50. But that’s $200! And is the B50 something I could install? Or is it something I should have a luthier take care of? I guess down the line $200 isn’t terrible. But I’m scraping just to afford the hard case for it right now.
Any low cost mods to help it out?

Thanks!!!

Advice from an old time Gretsch aficionado save for a model with 62 in the front not 52, you will be disappointed, and you will have to try and sell it without getting near what you paid. I visited Guitar Center locally recently and there were at least 8 guitars in the 52 series that were used (nearly new) and are sitting there on the wall for around $450-$600, I was there for over an hour no one even looked at them. I had to back 3 days later for another reason, and out of curiosity, checked the situation out again, and there were actually more used 52 models on the wall than new.

 

[Faye]

Advice from an old time Gretsch aficionado save for a model with 62 in the front not 52, you will be disappointed, and you will have to try and sell it without getting near what you paid. I visited Guitar Center locally recently and there were at least 8 guitars in the 52 series that were used (nearly new) and are sitting there on the wall for around $450-$600, I was there for over an hour no one even looked at them. I had to back 3 days later for another reason, and out of curiosity, checked the situation out again, and there were actually more used 52 models on the wall than new.

They've appreciated in value, then. I paid 350 for mine new a few months ago. Good investment, it seems.

I'm in no way disappointed with it, and I've owned and played plenty of high end guitars for comparison.

 

[GreTschocaster]

I bought this last year on Craigslist in Tucson for $500. Came with TV Jones Classics, locking tuners and strap locks. Love this guitar and it gets played as much or more than my pro lines. Liked it so much I bought a G5222.

 

[Gui-S]

I bought this last year on Craigslist in Tucson for $500. Came with TV Jones Classics, locking tuners and strap locks. Love this guitar and it gets played as much or more than my pro lines. Liked it so much I bought a G5222.

That´s a nice catch! I got my Firestick red beautiful 5220 on black friday for 400 euros.
My Fairlane Blue 5332 was 587 euros a few weeks later after the 5220 made me want another Gretsch!
Both colours are really beautiful, but now i want another guitar that I don´t need, a natural G5222 because of..... you know who.

 

[IrishLuck]

Here she is!
Love the color! It’s so Gretsch-ey.
I don’t like buying a guitar without checking it out in person and playing it, but I have no regrets here! Feels great, neck is awesome, fit and finish are just amazing. Sounds even better than it looks
It’s a keeper that’s for sure!

Thanks to everyone who participated in this thread and helped me make my final decision.

 

[KaHOnas]

Much Gretsch.
Very color.
So Bigsby.
Wow.

Seriously though, that is a fine looking instrument. Congratulations and thanks for the photos! I know we all enjoy them.