I love the Duo Jets too. I ended up with four of them! I like the ones made after Fender began distributing Gretsch until the introduction of the Players Edition, which I don't care for at all. They changed the neck/body join angle and had to use a different Bigsby. I have a black 6128 like yours with TV Jones T-Armonds, and a 6121 which is like a Duo Jet version of the big 6120 Orange Chet Atkins, with a horseshoe headstock inlay and gold hardware on the orange body, with TV Jones Filtertrons. I’ve also got a gold sparkle 6129 Duo Jet with TV’s Magnatrons and finally I scored a limited run of the 6128 Duo Jet in Candy Apple Red, gold hardware, and TV’s T-Armonds. Like you I put on Tune-o-matics on all four, and I agree with everything you said about them. They are killer!
Oooh you’ve got a lovely collection there! How do you like the t-armonds? I had them on my first black duo jet and loved them, my current one has the stocks and they’ve sounded much better since I shimmed them and lifted them
@@AdrianWhyte I love the TV Jones T-Armonds and found them nicer than the stock pickups. I think TV Jones helped design the reissue stock pickups, but they’re made overseas. Originally the difference was clearly noticeable, but lately the stock ones do seem to sound better than they used to. And you are correct; they all are very dependent on the perfect pickup height to get the best sound. All of my Gretsches have TV Jones pickups; quite a costly investment! I noticed my 6120 and 6119-62 sounded a bit weak and I was able to get Tom at TV Jones to call me back and guide me with measurements to get all my Gretsches at optimum pickup height. I’ve 4 of the Duo Jets as mentioned above, plus a 6120-59 Chet, a 6119-62 Tennessean, a 6118 125th anniversary Anniversary that I had T-Armonds installed in, a custom White Falcon Jr from Wildwood that is a 6120 size, so not really a junior, with Supertrons, and a Fuller exclusive Lake Placid Blue Billy Bo (one of sixteen). Quite a few Gretsch guitars! When I was younger I thought the Filtertrons just killed it, and I still do, but the D’Armond/T’Armonds are my new favorite. Fantastic in my modest home studio.
You have amazing skills, beautiful guitar playing. I have a custom hand made guitar with a Dearmond pickup in the bridge and its by far my favorite sounding guitar. Probably the best pickup ever made.
I've have a Gretsch 6121 Roundup made in Japan in 89 at the Terada factory since 2009 . It's a brilliant guitar able to play anything from Country , Ragtime,Blues, and it can rock out like Malcolm Young if needed. Best of all it doesn't weigh as much as a Les Paul.
The Duo Jet (or more specifically the Baldwin era Roc Jet) was a monster of rock back in the day. The argument that certain guitars are good for this or that is crud. It is the person holding the instrument that determines it all.
Sounds great as always! I recently installed TV Jones T-Armonds in my rosewood tenny. I love the tone of them and have an SSLVO with filtertrons as a backup.
You absolutely rock! I have one I play post punk, post rock, ambient, hard rock and goth with it and excels at all of those sounds. But mine is set with broadtrons which are still jangly but more powerful, think Billy Duffy. Cheers mate!
Nice thing is that YOU play the hell out of it and make this guitar even better. Saw my first one in a music store window when I was 12-13 yrs old. It was likely $650?? But so far out of my price range…or I should say my parents. …. Another signature video
Thanks Al, funny cos this video is from September maybe October last year, and I was watching it today when editing thinking - man I was on fire that day, I can’t say I’m often quite satisfied with my playing but I just seemed to find the feel and style for each sound on this occasion. $650 - still sounds like a bit back then, they’ve never been cheap!!!
I started out with a couple of Jay Turner copies, modded them. Recently I bought a Nick 13 Tiger Jet and a 5420T (mind you in blue, not Orange) I think its what mood Im in that determines what I play . Way more fun then purses and shoes as far as Im concerned.
I love those es295s, I’ve posted both the Gibson and Epiphone ones and they are both great.. I take a moment to adjust to P90s but they bring out a raunchy side to my playing usually, love them!!
@@AdrianWhyte thanks for replying,I gave it to my brother who played with me in a band. He ended up using it exclusively during the recording of our album. It really was a beast paired with a deluxe reverb and that nocturne mystery brain. Cheers brother
Hi, nice guitar, I have one too, I wanted to know what strings you put together because I also have flatwounds but I can't do much bending, especially with the G
Hey mate, yes it’s definitely harder - not sure if it’s the thickness or material etc I could try thinner flatwounds and I would definitely make sure the g isn’t wound
The first one I bought for myself was Epiphone Les Paul and that slim d profile just didn't work for me at all. I then found gretsch and I took a chance on something expensive and found my soulmate in my 6118t vse I love how playable it is and the tones and the response under my fingers. Then I took a chance on the supro delta king 12 amp. Next as my skill improves I will upgrade my pedals. I definitely love the gretsch guitar
I love my 6118 too, they are such an underrated guitar, I think they are as good tonally as anything in the range, and the slightly shorter scale than a falcon can be preferable at times! If you bought the supro after me, I should get you to tell supro that lol!! I have a loose endorsement with them which is cool. Keep working man, it’s where the gold is in terms of satisfaction and improvement!
@@michaelstomiany3396 the live models are the player's editions if I'm correct. They should have the string through Bixby and a tone knob instead of the mud switch and reinforcement on the jack plate to help prevent it breaking there. Instead of trustle bracing it will have a little different shape more like posts. And not sure what pickups but they will sound great regardless. Hope this helps
Are the penguins a longer scale? I can’t quite recall, it’s been a l long time since I played anything like that, but from memory not all that different but the ebony board definitely gives it a slightly different tone
Hey Alan, absolutely! Probably the most important part of the video is where I talk about how important it is for you to decide which guitar is right for you and what you play- they are great guitars!
Interesting! I'm really hesitating about buying one (I have a good deal on a second hand) to play jazz. What would you say? Especially I'm thinking that the dual coil (TV jones I think) would be more appropriate...
I always advise people to go and try the guitars they are looking at, because you can be pleasantly surprised by what they can do - but in the mean time check this clip out th-cam.com/video/tXKotVlPri8/w-d-xo.html
On a Gretsch do you prefer the tone knob or the tone/mud switch? Also just curious have you tryed the newer electromatic jets with the mahogany body? I bought one but it has blacktop Broadtrons and I just don't vibe with it. I wanted it so bad got it and never at it.
I do think the Broadtrons might be a little high output at times, but try winding back the volume knob a touch - unless they have the treble bleed thing, which I would see about ditching, I like the character change of a slightly turned down volume. I would say I’ll take the tone knob over the tone switch, my mud switch on the anni is broken!
They are quite different- to be honest I’m posting my telecaster more again lately - but part of my point is it doesn’t matter, they are all great :) you are great Dennis!!!
I actually have noticed that slightly brighter amps do pair well, like a vox or a fender Princeton. Mine sounds a bit dark in my deluxe and in the supro 64 but in the delta king it cooks a little nicer, although truth be told I’ve finally worked out you just need to turn the treble up on the deluxe and it’s great.
I love mine too! It plays beautifully and is one of my top three favorite guitars that I own (all Gretsch 😂) ... But, ummmmm it doesn't sound as good as yours. I wonder why? hahahaha I'm sure if I owned an F1, I couldn't drive it like a pro either - But I love it!!! Dig your videos man. One of these days, I'd love to sit down and have a coffee together, while you show me a thing or three 👍😂
I have a Gretsch Duo Jet and after 55 years of playing this has got me excited again.
Great guitars, glad you dig it!!
I love the Duo Jets too. I ended up with four of them! I like the ones made after Fender began distributing Gretsch until the introduction of the Players Edition, which I don't care for at all. They changed the neck/body join angle and had to use a different Bigsby. I have a black 6128 like yours with TV Jones T-Armonds, and a 6121 which is like a Duo Jet version of the big 6120 Orange Chet Atkins, with a horseshoe headstock inlay and gold hardware on the orange body, with TV Jones Filtertrons. I’ve also got a gold sparkle 6129 Duo Jet with TV’s Magnatrons and finally I scored a limited run of the 6128 Duo Jet in Candy Apple Red, gold hardware, and TV’s T-Armonds. Like you I put on Tune-o-matics on all four, and I agree with everything you said about them. They are killer!
Oooh you’ve got a lovely collection there! How do you like the t-armonds? I had them on my first black duo jet and loved them, my current one has the stocks and they’ve sounded much better since I shimmed them and lifted them
@@AdrianWhyte I love the TV Jones T-Armonds and found them nicer than the stock pickups. I think TV Jones helped design the reissue stock pickups, but they’re made overseas. Originally the difference was clearly noticeable, but lately the stock ones do seem to sound better than they used to. And you are correct; they all are very dependent on the perfect pickup height to get the best sound. All of my Gretsches have TV Jones pickups; quite a costly investment! I noticed my 6120 and 6119-62 sounded a bit weak and I was able to get Tom at TV Jones to call me back and guide me with measurements to get all my Gretsches at optimum pickup height. I’ve 4 of the Duo Jets as mentioned above, plus a 6120-59 Chet, a 6119-62 Tennessean, a 6118 125th anniversary Anniversary that I had T-Armonds installed in, a custom White Falcon Jr from Wildwood that is a 6120 size, so not really a junior, with Supertrons, and a Fuller exclusive Lake Placid Blue Billy Bo (one of sixteen). Quite a few Gretsch guitars! When I was younger I thought the Filtertrons just killed it, and I still do, but the D’Armond/T’Armonds are my new favorite. Fantastic in my modest home studio.
Totally agree, great showcase of a classic electric!
You have amazing skills, beautiful guitar playing. I have a custom hand made guitar with a Dearmond pickup in the bridge and its by far my favorite sounding guitar. Probably the best pickup ever made.
I've have a Gretsch 6121 Roundup made in Japan in 89 at the Terada factory since 2009 . It's a brilliant guitar able to play anything from Country , Ragtime,Blues, and it can rock out like Malcolm Young if needed. Best of all it doesn't weigh as much as a Les Paul.
The Duo Jet (or more specifically the Baldwin era Roc Jet) was a monster of rock back in the day. The argument that certain guitars are good for this or that is crud. It is the person holding the instrument that determines it all.
I feel you man, totally agree!!
Sounds great as always! I recently installed TV Jones T-Armonds in my rosewood tenny. I love the tone of them and have an SSLVO with filtertrons as a backup.
Ooh they would sound unbelievable on a teneee!!
You absolutely rock! I have one I play post punk, post rock, ambient, hard rock and goth with it and excels at all of those sounds. But mine is set with broadtrons which are still jangly but more powerful, think Billy Duffy. Cheers mate!
Thanks Andy! I do believe Gretsch were aiming at a more powerful sound with those pickups, so that makes sense! Thank you!
Nice thing is that YOU play the hell out of it and make this guitar even better. Saw my first one in a music store window when I was 12-13 yrs old. It was likely $650?? But so far out of my price range…or I should say my parents. …. Another signature video
Thanks Al, funny cos this video is from September maybe October last year, and I was watching it today when editing thinking - man I was on fire that day, I can’t say I’m often quite satisfied with my playing but I just seemed to find the feel and style for each sound on this occasion.
$650 - still sounds like a bit back then, they’ve never been cheap!!!
I started out with a couple of Jay Turner copies, modded them. Recently I bought a Nick 13 Tiger Jet and a 5420T (mind you in blue, not Orange) I think its what mood Im in that determines what I play
. Way more fun then purses and shoes as far as Im concerned.
Tori? Nice to see you on here!!
@@AdrianWhyte Yep- it’s Me.
Love my Duo Jet 🤠
I have an exact copy of that guitar 6128 TDS....fantastic
Miss my 53 VS, what a beautiful guitar it is...hopefully I'll have it back in my hands soon
I really like that model, I would love one with t-armonds!
@@AdrianWhyte the t almonds in mine are fantastic! Bases off dearmonds in Setzer's 57 sparkle Jet
Dude you could make any guitar sound it’s best!
But it does sound wicked
You just made a friend! Haha thanks man, that’s really cool of you!!
Would love to hear you on a es 295 with p90’s.
I built up an epiphone with lindy fralin pickups. Wicked sounding.
I love those es295s, I’ve posted both the Gibson and Epiphone ones and they are both great.. I take a moment to adjust to P90s but they bring out a raunchy side to my playing usually, love them!!
@@AdrianWhyte thanks for replying,I gave it to my brother who played with me in a band. He ended up using it exclusively during the recording of our album. It really was a beast paired with a deluxe reverb and that nocturne mystery brain.
Cheers brother
Hi, nice guitar, I have one too, I wanted to know what strings you put together because I also have flatwounds but I can't do much bending, especially with the G
Hey mate, yes it’s definitely harder - not sure if it’s the thickness or material etc I could try thinner flatwounds and I would definitely make sure the g isn’t wound
The first one I bought for myself was Epiphone Les Paul and that slim d profile just didn't work for me at all. I then found gretsch and I took a chance on something expensive and found my soulmate in my 6118t vse I love how playable it is and the tones and the response under my fingers. Then I took a chance on the supro delta king 12 amp. Next as my skill improves I will upgrade my pedals. I definitely love the gretsch guitar
I love my 6118 too, they are such an underrated guitar, I think they are as good tonally as anything in the range, and the slightly shorter scale than a falcon can be preferable at times! If you bought the supro after me, I should get you to tell supro that lol!! I have a loose endorsement with them which is cool. Keep working man, it’s where the gold is in terms of satisfaction and improvement!
@@michaelstomiany3396 the live models are the player's editions if I'm correct. They should have the string through Bixby and a tone knob instead of the mud switch and reinforcement on the jack plate to help prevent it breaking there. Instead of trustle bracing it will have a little different shape more like posts. And not sure what pickups but they will sound great regardless. Hope this helps
Sounds great! Out of curiosity, what year and reissue is that exactly? Curious about the details. Apologies if I missed that in the video.
I may or may not have mentioned it lol ..I can’t recall! It’s a 2005 I’m pretty sure, 57 reissue!
How do you feel it compares to the Penguins?
Are the penguins a longer scale? I can’t quite recall, it’s been a l long time since I played anything like that, but from memory not all that different but the ebony board definitely gives it a slightly different tone
Did you try to wind the strings under the bigsby so it has higher angle of attack on the bridge?
Hmm, wouldn’t that mean when I use the bigsby though, it will tighten the strings instead of back them off?
Is the Electromatic Jet BT a decent alternative?
Hey Alan, absolutely! Probably the most important part of the video is where I talk about how important it is for you to decide which guitar is right for you and what you play- they are great guitars!
Interesting! I'm really hesitating about buying one (I have a good deal on a second hand) to play jazz. What would you say? Especially I'm thinking that the dual coil (TV jones I think) would be more appropriate...
I always advise people to go and try the guitars they are looking at, because you can be pleasantly surprised by what they can do - but in the mean time check this clip out th-cam.com/video/tXKotVlPri8/w-d-xo.html
On a Gretsch do you prefer the tone knob or the tone/mud switch? Also just curious have you tryed the newer electromatic jets with the mahogany body? I bought one but it has blacktop Broadtrons and I just don't vibe with it. I wanted it so bad got it and never at it.
I do think the Broadtrons might be a little high output at times, but try winding back the volume knob a touch - unless they have the treble bleed thing, which I would see about ditching, I like the character change of a slightly turned down volume. I would say I’ll take the tone knob over the tone switch, my mud switch on the anni is broken!
I would like to play it. Can you compare it to a telecaster or will it remain a Gretsch? 😎 TCB 😎 Rockabilly Rules 😎
They are quite different- to be honest I’m posting my telecaster more again lately - but part of my point is it doesn’t matter, they are all great :) you are great Dennis!!!
May I know the model of this guitar? thanks
Absolutely, it’s a 6128-57 from 2005
thanks what is the equivalent or similar model these days?@@AdrianWhyte
@@persiaguitar G6128T-53 VINTAGE SELECT '53 DUO JET or G6128T-57 VINTAGE SELECT '57 DUO JET
What are some of the best amps to go with a Duo Jet?
I actually have noticed that slightly brighter amps do pair well, like a vox or a fender Princeton. Mine sounds a bit dark in my deluxe and in the supro 64 but in the delta king it cooks a little nicer, although truth be told I’ve finally worked out you just need to turn the treble up on the deluxe and it’s great.
I love mine too! It plays beautifully and is one of my top three favorite guitars that I own (all Gretsch 😂) ... But, ummmmm it doesn't sound as good as yours. I wonder why? hahahaha I'm sure if I owned an F1, I couldn't drive it like a pro either - But I love it!!! Dig your videos man. One of these days, I'd love to sit down and have a coffee together, while you show me a thing or three 👍😂
BTW, mine is the Blue Buddha... Do you name your guitars?
Hey mate, thank you so much! The analogy to an f1 pro is actually very complimenting! Are you based in Melbourne?
@@AdrianWhyte California!😂 But, if you ever feel like visiting a different beach... you are always welcome, man!!
My dream guitar...too bad they are pricey:(
Keep an eye out second hand, you might pick one up for a good price!