So I bought an EVH Wolfgang a while back (fantastic guitar BTW) and I keep telling people it plays like a Strat but sounds like a LP. I just bought a Gretsch 5220 BT about a week ago and I feel like it plays a lot like a LP, but with some fiddling with the bridge volume it sounds pretty Tele-like (along with some unmistakeably great Gretsch tones). I guess now I need to somehow aquire a Tele that sounds like a Strat and my trifecta of weirdly-unique-but-also-not guitars will be complete.
Chris, keep up the awesome playing and videos. You're literally one of the best people to demo guitars and amps on TH-cam. They're straightforward, you don't talk too much, you're a fantastic player. Your videos are excellent quality, keep it up!!!
I have had one for over a year. I love it. When it is dry in the winter, there are static pops if I rub my fingers across the pickguard. I just took off the pickguard and enjoy more of the color of the flawless paint.
From Leo: I may have solved the static pops from the Pick Guard. After trying and failing with the dryer softener sheet, I used 1200 grit sanding abrasive (from an auto paint store) and lightly wet sanded the gloss off the top of the pick guard. It only took 5 minutes, very little pressure. Keep changing direction to get it even. The back color and the logo still looks fine behind the now satin finish. After drying I rubbed the dryer sheet on the top for a couple minutes. The house is VERY dry, about 30% humidity, and the static has not been a problem for 3 different one hour practice sessions in 3 days. Maybe this will help someone.
I've been searching for videos on this guitar and you're the only one who plays it with real distortion and in a style that I usually play! I always wondered how would the guitar would sound played like that. Thank you very much, I'm so getting it!
Thanks for the video! Been wanting one for a while, and it’s nice to see someone run it through it’s paces. Nice playing! That guitar just moved higher up on my gotta have list.
I tried this exact guitar in this color at the store and took it home. It wasn't even on my radar I loved it. Im not used to this LP shape so I'm not used to it yet, but it's an amazing instrument
I got the slightly older model for Christmas a few years ago. Mine has the cloud inlays and the Bigsby, but otherwise identical. I adore the guitar. I got a black Double Jet version the year before and liked it so much that I had to get another one! The great sounds from the FilterTrons cut through perfectly. Very lively and dynamic. The necks are perfect and the fit and finish couldn't be better. I have MUCH more expensive guitars, but I find myself reaching for these Gretsch guitars most of the time these days. To explain why would sound like a retelling of the old "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" story.
I played two of these at my local shop. I love really low action and was absolutely shocked when I checked and they both were at 1.5mm high E and just under 2mm low E from the factory..ya, there was minimal fret buzz on the e a and d strings, but I can tell it would take a tiny bit of raising the strings to get rid of the fret buzz. And no fret buzz on the g b or e strings. Yes, I bring a 6" steel ruler with me, I swear! When I was playing the gold one...it looked just like a Gibson good top. So... I'm going to go back and grab the gold top one! I'll make a video and post asap.
While waiting for my fingers to heal in between practice sessions on the steel string acoustic that we had in the back of a closet I’ve spent a lot of time listening to demos of various guitars I think I’ve ended on this as my first electric. After realizing that the style of playing I most wanted to learn how to emulate never made use of a trem I just kind of found my way here. I was aiming for $300 and thought I’d end up with a Yamaha Pacifica 120H, but that guitar doesn’t have that “thing” that’s going to draw me to just pick it up and fiddle with it. This Gretsh in Midnight Sapphire is calling my name. From all the demos this sounds like it can cover a wide enough range of sounds to keep me happy for a long time.
I found that my G5222 in natural finish was the same way. The quality control on these guitars is amazing. I play it through a Marshall DSL40C and it just rocks. Clean to super dense crunch, this guitar does it all. The hardware is all finished super nice and feels like real quality. You cannot go wrong with these guitars and at this price point.
Hey Chris! Bought one because of this vid.. this thing is incredible... sound, build quality, all of it.. absolutely incredible! Just wanted to say thanks man!
You didn't "get lucky".... I ordered mine on a whim, never having even picked up a Gretsch, based on the youtube reviews of Gretsch guitars by Andertons music in the UK, who called them THE DEAL OF THE DECADE. Right out of the box, mine was shockingly FLAWLESS. I had my hopes up but was not expecting a guitar of this caliber. It instantly eclipsed my $1800.00 Les Paul. Way to go Fred Gretsch the third. What a sweet guitar.
I got a black one use for around 300 bucks Very nice super light touch no buzz I think med jumbo frets. Switch is scratchy intonation is perfect, and nut is cut correct. Very sweet for the bucks.
Bought a jade grey 5220 recently on impulse at my local Guitar Center. Great fit and finish right out of the box. Had one pickup go bad on me after about a month. GC exchanged the entire guitar and I haven’t had any problems since. The stock pickups can be a little ice picky at times. I’m currently experimenting with flat wounds to try and tame it just a bit. Contemplating swapping out the pickups with some TV Jones classics, but the stock Broad’Trons aren’t bad and I’m in no hurry. Great demo Chris! Thanks for sharing.
i got this guitar and the g5420, awesome guitar too....well, much people complains about Broad'trons pickups, but for me they work great...i play mostly clean and slightly overdriven tones....i love these pickups...what i notice is some lack of pressure when hi gain playin', so if you want to play metal, hard rock or punk you may think of changin' pickups, but you must make sure the new pickups will fit in the hollows
One problem I found is that the screw going through the pickgaurd is really long and will probably scratch the body if the pick gaurd gets pressed down a little. Im going to file that down and maybe pad it.
i have the 5230tg bigsby and black top filtertrons and it rocks for a china guitar. i have changed the crappy tuners with locking grovers and file the edges of the sharp fretts but thats normal. sounds great.
I just got one of those a couple weeks ago and the fretwork was beautiful on it up to the 18th fret. I don't play a whole lot above that. My tuners suck, too. One is really messed up.
Great value at pricepoint i have the jaded gray one and i didnt have to do anything it plays sweeeet right out of the box , the pickups are some of the best sounding for multi genre's excelllent instrument!!
Just purchased one. I noticed the "clicky" noise coming from the plastics. I took the pick guard off and it stopped it. But other than that I had the same experience. Fit and finish are perfect. When I bought the Gretsch I also tried a few Gibson's. Then scratched my head how a $500 guitar could play better than a $1800 guitar. I had every intention of walking out with a Gibson but brought this home instead
I have one and it's absolutely beautiful and I love it but, the cord doesn't click when you put the cable into the guitar and it is very easy to pull it back out, which I don't like. My strap lock fell out completely, bolt and all, 3 days after I got the guitar. I bought mine from Sam Ash and it didn't come with a box or a case or even one little paper, stating what model it is and how to use the knobs or whatever. I did get a good service plan for 2 years / warranty and I got $100 off of the retail price. Overall, in my opinion it's an amazing guitar from an amazing company
got one of these about 2 months ago, the only issue i have is the g string will not stay in tune, everything else is great on this guitar, pickups are awesome once you figure out where you like the tone control. I'm normally a fender guy but wanted a les paul like guitar. this one is perfect for me can make it a bit jangly like tele ish but it screams with some gain
You are right. They are great. Those pickups sound great, through my Vox ac 10. I have the same guitar with the Bigsby. Don't get the Bigsby. It's kind of antiquated, junky tuning hassle. Mine fell apart twice. The solid tail piece version is a great instrument.
The version with the Bigsby has different pickups as well. The Bigsby version has Filter'tron pickups that are a bit more jangly and twangy. The solid tail has their broad'tron pickups which are a bit chunkier like a LP, but maintain their highs like a tele instead of getting real muddy on the bridge pickup. I didn't know the pickups were different at first and almost went with the Bigsby model, but something told me the tuning issues just wouldn't be worth it so I went with the solid tail at the last minute, and I'm glad I did.
I have both a Gretsch like that (double cut with a Bigsby) and a Tele which had the static noise. Buy a roll of copper tape, take the pickguard off and cover the backside with copper tape. Works perfect, totally eliminates the static .
I was looking at one of these about 2 hours ago and thought I'd check what the experiences were on TH-cam. Awesome playing. I enjoyed how you boosted the distortion and even went drop D! 🤘
I had the static sounds with two of my guitars, after purchase. It disappeared from alone over the months. So, I always assumed it was due to humidity during delivery in the package.
Hi Chris. Thanks very much for your excellent honest review of your G5220. I stumbled across your review on Friday night (30th of April)by accident just by scrolling TH-cam for random guitar reviews .I was that impressed that I started watching other reviews and started to read up on this guitar. There is a guy called Jack Fosset on you tube that has done a great review too on TH-cam Up until this point I’d never really looked at Jet guitars as I’m a Strat man . Then on Saturday night my brother turned up with £270 for me . Unknown time he’d sold some jewellery that belonged to our mam who passed away two years ago . If I bought clothes with the money they would be gone in a few years or spent the money on shopping etc if would be gone and forgotten so I thought what a great tribute to my mam would be to buy a guitar with her jewellery money . So yesterday (2nd May )me and my brother went to Newcastle to a store called Guitar Guitar and I bought the exact same colour G5220 as yours for £399. It was reduced from £512 according to the label and another guitar shop in Newcastle was selling them for £499 so as well as getting a great guitar I saved a hundred quid too. The guitar is absolutely fantastic and just like you said in your review the build quality and sound are top notch . When I tried the guitar out the first tune I played on it was a Neil Diamond song for my mam as she was a massive fan so I wanted the first tune played on it to be for her . I’m going to get her name Ann engraved on the truss Rod cover as a tribute to her. She’d have loved the metallic dark cherry colour because she liked a bit of bling . Thanks Chris it’s May bank holiday weekend here in the UK and you’ve made my weekend . As I’m off work today I’m going to enjoy rocking out my new guitar . 👏 👏👏 Nige Bryan
Love mine. I bought it after perusing Guitar Center, stumbling across it and decided to play a while. They were the only area store that had one in the box, Jade Grey color. I thought about ordering a black one online and exchanging if I liked it more. But I'm sticking with it. It really is a beauty and plays so smoothly.. a real great feel. Hoping once I get my gigging amp the Gretsch will sound just as great playing loud music with a band.
I ordered a G5222 Double Cut looks like Malcolm Gtr. I ordered a Fillertron bridge pup for it. Not sure is the FillerTron will fit right in the BroadTron Pups hole? I wish I could find the tail piece like Malcolm's Jet has where he has the wiggle bar removed it's crome diamond shaped tail piece part the strings go thru. If I that take out bridge pup & route out another hole like Mal did when he made The Beast into a 3 pickups Guitar at one time before he sanded it & added those chrome half dome pieces covering the hole I could a dead ringer for the $3500 Malcolm Young Signature model. So soon I'll a set of those BroadTron pups for sale if anyone wants them. Sounds great. Btw you can use that """Static Spray""" for Clothes on a rag & wipe down the plastic that cause that static noise .
I have a G5222 in Walnut stain it's more red then Brown I don't know why they call it Walnut stain it is gorgeous plays nice I would go with the Billy gibbons powertron TV Jones p/u The leads sound really good but I think the chords are a little muddy in my opinion, I'm seriously thinking about getting all nickel hardware , upgraded tuners, pots, and those TV Jones pickups, with black besels to match the black pickguard, I will have less than $1,000 in it and it'll play like a $3,000 guitar. And it will be one of a kind "mine" I really love the neck and the frets don't have to do anything with that I got it from Sweetwater picked it up as a demo for $400.00 Otherwise it looks and plays and sounds nice just the way it is, incredible value for what I got it for... I was thinking about the natural one myself but this one was $100 cheaper as a demo, it actually wasn't a demo, it just had a few small nicks in it that you can't even see. Enjoy yours Oh one other thing without the bigsby tailpiece they're a Little neck heavy so get a wide sticky strap
I've been saying for a long time that Gretsch is the best kept secret in guitars! I know Gretsch has the (unfair) reputation of being nothing more than a country/rockabilly guitar brand but man, those Broadtron pickups will absolutely roar with power and clarity if you crank them with some gain! And the build quality you get at that price range is unbelievable!
I used mine on a cover of Monkey Business by Skid Row and it surprisingly did rather well. Did the Dave Sabo Drive track with it, pinch harmonics and all.
I don't have this model....but I've got one of their hollow bodies (5420T), and it's really a fantastic guitar.....it's a Korean model, and it's really changed my mind regarding import guitars.
Thanks man, that was an excellent review. I'm currently looking at hollow/semi hollow bodies and you've got me really considering picking one of these up next week.
Wow, your guitar chops are really good. Yeah, these Gretsch guitars from China are fine guitars. My brother got one, and it really impressed me when I played it.
Ya buddy I've owned the gold one for 4 years and still haven't had to get a set up its hard to believe how good these instruments are I'll never sell mine
@@user-pp1ub8er9i Thanks, I sold it not long after, it's a good guitar I just didn't bond with it. I sold it along with an Fgn Les Paul and my G and L legacy strat in order to purchase my Sienna burst Fender Strat Professionnel. I did regret selling the g and l legacy for a little while, excellent guitar, however the strat pro is really great. I have a g and l Tele and I will not be selling that one.
@@marksystemed4678 Good to know! There's no better moment in history to have GAS syndrome though.... there're so many cheap options out there with exceptional quality, design and manufacturing.
I bought one of these. I have more expensive guitars. Frankly I was shocked how good this is.... btw I have owned mine a while so not writing this having just taken it out the box. Thanks Christopher for the tip on buying one of these.
I have one in Jade Gray, more closer to blue I've noticed but it might just be me. The only real problem I've had so far is finding a case for it. I had to break down and get an official Gretsch case.
As for the stetic electricty buildup on plastics on an electric guitar-supposedly you can get rid of it by wiping it down (or at least the plastics/pickguard) with a fragrance free clothes drying sheet-you know the. dryer sheets that are used to prevent static cling between your socks,.etc. But dont mistake these for the dryer sheets that have fabric softeners in them. Stick with fragrence free, no fabric softener, anti static cling sheets and just use them on the pickgaurd/plastics. If body finish is polyurethane it probably would be safe on the body itself, but I wouldnt risk it on a nitrocellulose finish body. Have never personally had to do this, but saw this trick on another youtube channel and it seemed to work well (think it was on Phillip McKnight’s channel-a truly great source of guitar repair info as well as awesome gear demos and weekly live chat forum with questions/answers -check it out if you haven’t seen it.) 🤘
I just ordered the same guitar in black. I've been looking for a new electric guitar for a while. I was in guitar center on Saturday playing the new 60s Les Paul Standard ($2,500) and afterwards I saw the Gretsch 5220 on the lower rack so I grabbed it, plugged it into the same amp. Played it and couldn't put it down. I'm not sure if it's the pickups or what but it was great. I wouldn't compare it to the new les paul standard but I would say it's better than any factory Epiphone les paul I've ever put my hands on. Personally, it feels and plays like an $800-$1,200 guitar. BTW I ordered it online from Guitar Center, it's coming from Kansas City, is set for delivery today. I also used a 20% off coupon, ha ha.
I really enjoyed listening to you talk about your guitar. I can tell by your tone that you're extremely proud of it, as you should be. It's been about a year since you posted this video and I hope you've played it so much that the frets need leveling and crowning.😃
I got one and it was perfect out of the box.. so weird, the strat I bought and returned, because fret issues and sound.. a 2k guitar.. bought a second one ... had the same damn issues, returned it... I buy this Gretsch and out of the box it plays wonderful and the nut is set right, the finish is amazing... Only thing I have done was adjust the height of the pickups for my taste..
Just bought one, like new condition but used, and unfortunately the used market is tough, l paid new price at $449.00 a certain guitar store, sorry l can only give the first letter of the store "GC" lol. But they were nice enough to throw in a decent hard shell case and l couldn't be happier!! Love this guitar, your review is spot on !!! Would have been happy if l paid $800. But glad not too, l put this guitar up against many other guitars at that price point and nothing touched it !!!
The only flaw mine has is a not very nicely finished strap lock, so i put that one on the bottom, not a biggy, but that is it really, i did put on locking tuners, not because the stock ones sre bad, i just prefer to speed up the string changing process.
Great playing! I had questions about high gain (answered), why the neck pup was low (answered), quality (answered) and were you given this guitar for a demo or being honest (answered). I wish all the big channels would step back a bit and remember that we play because we love music. Great job and I’m a new sub.
Thank you so much for this review and awesome demo. New to your channel and now a subscriber. The it’s built like a tank description really spoke to me 👍
Just one more question...Would you recommend this guitar for beginners in terms of ergonomics, neck weight and playability? Again, the best guitar reviews in the internet! Thanks for your work
Awesome guitar! Thanks for showing it, and for giving us some tones. I am going to grab one of these.... in Bristol Fog. I see where the prices have gone up on them, but Guitar-Center has a sale (in-store-only) right now for $449. I'm grabbing it this week.... I've got one on hold... killer finish! This one is really nice too. And the Casino Gold.
I agree, im so sick of shit review videos. this was just easy to watch and nice to hear. and also, yes the guitar is very impressive. im super picky but this tickels all the right places, i need to check gretch out more! xD
Love how the plastics around the pickups and pickguard blend in with the design. That thing looks and sounds amazing. How do you like the U shaped neck?
You're not kidding about the quality. I don't know which chinese factory they are using but it's astounding. I have a Jet Club I bought for $349.00 new and it's flawless! Now they offer a Junior Jet Club for $299 and I'm sure it's sweet too.
Holy shit, your words at the beginning and the end just convinced me to go and get it right this Saturday. At least I'll try it IRL at a local store. P.S. I'm totally a newbie-player and just want to learn
Best review on this guitar I've seen. Plus I trust Chris's reviews cause if he doesn't like something or it's just not worth the price tag, he'll definitely let us know. Was about to order a $1300 Reverend Contender RB (sorta like an Electromatic), now...... I'm not sure.🤔
So I spoke with someone who owns the Grestch 5230 his complaint was the electronics. According to him the pots were like on of switches, so I'm wondering if this is true if it would be a good idea to have them replaced straight away. Even if I put a couple hundred dollars into it, the Grestch would still be considerably less than the Reverend but still no bass contour.
This dude can play
So I bought an EVH Wolfgang a while back (fantastic guitar BTW) and I keep telling people it plays like a Strat but sounds like a LP. I just bought a Gretsch 5220 BT about a week ago and I feel like it plays a lot like a LP, but with some fiddling with the bridge volume it sounds pretty Tele-like (along with some unmistakeably great Gretsch tones). I guess now I need to somehow aquire a Tele that sounds like a Strat and my trifecta of weirdly-unique-but-also-not guitars will be complete.
Chris, keep up the awesome playing and videos. You're literally one of the best people to demo guitars and amps on TH-cam. They're straightforward, you don't talk too much, you're a fantastic player. Your videos are excellent quality, keep it up!!!
Thank you so much!! That truly means a lot to me.
I have had one for over a year. I love it. When it is dry in the winter, there are static pops if I rub my fingers across the pickguard. I just took off the pickguard and enjoy more of the color of the flawless paint.
From Leo: I may have solved the static pops from the Pick Guard. After trying and failing with the dryer softener sheet, I used 1200 grit sanding abrasive (from an auto paint store) and lightly wet sanded the gloss off the top of the pick guard. It only took 5 minutes, very little pressure. Keep changing direction to get it even. The back color and the logo still looks fine behind the now satin finish. After drying I rubbed the dryer sheet on the top for a couple minutes. The house is VERY dry, about 30% humidity, and the static has not been a problem for 3 different one hour practice sessions in 3 days. Maybe this will help someone.
I've been searching for videos on this guitar and you're the only one who plays it with real distortion and in a style that I usually play! I always wondered how would the guitar would sound played like that. Thank you very much, I'm so getting it!
Thanks for the video! Been wanting one for a while, and it’s nice to see someone run it through it’s paces. Nice playing! That guitar just moved higher up on my gotta have list.
I tried this exact guitar in this color at the store and took it home. It wasn't even on my radar I loved it. Im not used to this LP shape so I'm not used to it yet, but it's an amazing instrument
I got the slightly older model for Christmas a few years ago. Mine has the cloud inlays and the Bigsby, but otherwise identical. I adore the guitar. I got a black Double Jet version the year before and liked it so much that I had to get another one! The great sounds from the FilterTrons cut through perfectly. Very lively and dynamic. The necks are perfect and the fit and finish couldn't be better. I have MUCH more expensive guitars, but I find myself reaching for these Gretsch guitars most of the time these days. To explain why would sound like a retelling of the old "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" story.
I got the Double Jet with Bigsby and FT pups. Love it, high freq mids. Great sound from bluegrass to ferocious ACDC. Impeccable finishing.
I have the Casino Gold and it's amazing. Out of the box all I did was slightly adjust the action for my playing preference and that it.
I played two of these at my local shop. I love really low action and was absolutely shocked when I checked and they both were at 1.5mm high E and just under 2mm low E from the factory..ya, there was minimal fret buzz on the e a and d strings, but I can tell it would take a tiny bit of raising the strings to get rid of the fret buzz. And no fret buzz on the g b or e strings. Yes, I bring a 6" steel ruler with me, I swear! When I was playing the gold one...it looked just like a Gibson good top. So... I'm going to go back and grab the gold top one! I'll make a video and post asap.
While waiting for my fingers to heal in between practice sessions on the steel string acoustic that we had in the back of a closet I’ve spent a lot of time listening to demos of various guitars I think I’ve ended on this as my first electric. After realizing that the style of playing I most wanted to learn how to emulate never made use of a trem I just kind of found my way here.
I was aiming for $300 and thought I’d end up with a Yamaha Pacifica 120H, but that guitar doesn’t have that “thing” that’s going to draw me to just pick it up and fiddle with it. This Gretsh in Midnight Sapphire is calling my name.
From all the demos this sounds like it can cover a wide enough range of sounds to keep me happy for a long time.
I found that my G5222 in natural finish was the same way. The quality control on these guitars is amazing. I play it through a Marshall DSL40C and it just rocks. Clean to super dense crunch, this guitar does it all. The hardware is all finished super nice and feels like real quality. You cannot go wrong with these guitars and at this price point.
Hey Chris! Bought one because of this vid.. this thing is incredible... sound, build quality, all of it.. absolutely incredible! Just wanted to say thanks man!
Approximately 11:30 - 12:00 (or so) there are a few phrases that are reminiscent of Uli Roth.
Fabulous video. Great playing. You really demonstrated this guitars versatility. Thank you.
You didn't "get lucky".... I ordered mine on a whim, never having even picked up a Gretsch, based on the youtube reviews of Gretsch guitars by Andertons music in the UK, who called them THE DEAL OF THE DECADE. Right out of the box, mine was shockingly FLAWLESS. I had my hopes up but was not expecting a guitar of this caliber. It instantly eclipsed my $1800.00 Les Paul. Way to go Fred Gretsch the third. What a sweet guitar.
I got a black one use for around 300 bucks Very nice super light touch no buzz I think med jumbo frets. Switch is scratchy intonation is perfect, and nut is cut correct.
Very sweet for the bucks.
Thx for your review. I bought one a few weeks ago. Big bang for the buck on this guitar. Highly recommend.
Bought a jade grey 5220 recently on impulse at my local Guitar Center. Great fit and finish right out of the box. Had one pickup go bad on me after about a month. GC exchanged the entire guitar and I haven’t had any problems since. The stock pickups can be a little ice picky at times. I’m currently experimenting with flat wounds to try and tame it just a bit. Contemplating swapping out the pickups with some TV Jones classics, but the stock Broad’Trons aren’t bad and I’m in no hurry. Great demo Chris! Thanks for sharing.
i got this guitar and the g5420, awesome guitar too....well, much people complains about Broad'trons pickups, but for me they work great...i play mostly clean and slightly overdriven tones....i love these pickups...what i notice is some lack of pressure when hi gain playin', so if you want to play metal, hard rock or punk you may think of changin' pickups, but you must make sure the new pickups will fit in the hollows
Eyed this for a long time and finally got the new FireStick Red from Adorama for $259 - score!
I did too! Is yours more of a brown/burnt orange than the online pics?
One problem I found is that the screw going through the pickgaurd is really long and will probably scratch the body if the pick gaurd gets pressed down a little. Im going to file that down and maybe pad it.
Hi, I brought one of these. I would have had no idea about the static making the noise if it wasn't for you, so now will i can sort that. Thanks
i have the 5230tg bigsby and black top filtertrons and it rocks for a china guitar. i have changed the crappy tuners with locking grovers and file the edges of the sharp fretts but thats normal. sounds great.
I just got one of those a couple weeks ago and the fretwork was beautiful on it up to the 18th fret. I don't play a whole lot above that. My tuners suck, too. One is really messed up.
Great value at pricepoint i have the jaded gray one and i didnt have to do anything it plays sweeeet right out of the box , the pickups are some of the best sounding for multi genre's excelllent instrument!!
just ordered myself one and i'm so excited!
Just purchased one. I noticed the "clicky" noise coming from the plastics. I took the pick guard off and it stopped it. But other than that I had the same experience. Fit and finish are perfect. When I bought the Gretsch I also tried a few Gibson's. Then scratched my head how a $500 guitar could play better than a $1800 guitar. I had every intention of walking out with a Gibson but brought this home instead
I have one and it's absolutely beautiful and I love it but, the cord doesn't click when you put the cable into the guitar and it is very easy to pull it back out, which I don't like.
My strap lock fell out completely, bolt and all, 3 days after I got the guitar. I bought mine from Sam Ash and it didn't come with a box or a case or even one little paper, stating what model it is and how to use the knobs or whatever. I did get a good service plan for 2 years / warranty and I got $100 off of the retail price. Overall, in my opinion it's an amazing guitar from an amazing company
got one of these about 2 months ago, the only issue i have is the g string will not stay in tune, everything else is great on this guitar, pickups are awesome once you figure out where you like the tone control. I'm normally a fender guy but wanted a les paul like guitar. this one is perfect for me can make it a bit jangly like tele ish but it screams with some gain
You are right. They are great. Those pickups sound great, through my Vox ac 10. I have the same guitar with the Bigsby. Don't get the Bigsby. It's kind of antiquated, junky tuning hassle. Mine fell apart twice. The solid tail piece version is a great instrument.
The version with the Bigsby has different pickups as well. The Bigsby version has Filter'tron pickups that are a bit more jangly and twangy. The solid tail has their broad'tron pickups which are a bit chunkier like a LP, but maintain their highs like a tele instead of getting real muddy on the bridge pickup. I didn't know the pickups were different at first and almost went with the Bigsby model, but something told me the tuning issues just wouldn't be worth it so I went with the solid tail at the last minute, and I'm glad I did.
Just bought the Casino Gold version. I also agree with you. I didn’t have to do a single thing to it. Intonation was perfect, setup felt great.
I got mine 7 months ago. Like yours it pretty much flawless. Amazing guitar
Wow your playing skills are awesome
Came for the review stayed for the guitar playing. 🤘
I have the gold version and have fitted a duesenberg les trem,wow what a beast it is now
How is the tuning stability with the trem on it? Cheers
Great demo, was on the fence about this or the PRS SE Starla but you convinced me to go Gretsch!!!
Thanks! Just bought this guitar and couldn’t be happier!
I have both a Gretsch like that (double cut with a Bigsby) and a Tele which had the static noise.
Buy a roll of copper tape, take the pickguard off and cover the backside with copper tape.
Works perfect, totally eliminates the static .
I love it … looking in to getting one is why I turned to You Tube to check out the sound and functionality
I was looking at one of these about 2 hours ago and thought I'd check what the experiences were on TH-cam. Awesome playing. I enjoyed how you boosted the distortion and even went drop D! 🤘
I had the static sounds with two of my guitars, after purchase. It disappeared from alone over the months. So, I always assumed it was due to humidity during delivery in the package.
excellent sales demonstration of a neww product.
The tone is MEGA. What a guitar!
I REALLY appreciate that you play a sampling of various styles. Been trying to decide on a versatile guitar for heavy and clean stuff. New sub!
Hi Chris. Thanks very much for your excellent honest review of your G5220. I stumbled across your review on Friday night (30th of April)by accident just by scrolling TH-cam for random guitar reviews .I was that impressed that I started watching other reviews and started to read up on this guitar. There is a guy called Jack Fosset on you tube that has done a great review too on TH-cam Up until this point I’d never really looked at Jet guitars as I’m a Strat man . Then on Saturday night my brother turned up with £270 for me . Unknown time he’d sold some jewellery that belonged to our mam who passed away two years ago . If I bought clothes with the money they would be gone in a few years or spent the money on shopping etc if would be gone and forgotten so I thought what a great tribute to my mam would be to buy a guitar with her jewellery money . So yesterday (2nd May )me and my brother went to Newcastle to a store called Guitar Guitar and I bought the exact same colour G5220 as yours for £399. It was reduced from £512 according to the label and another guitar shop in Newcastle was selling them for £499 so as well as getting a great guitar I saved a hundred quid too. The guitar is absolutely fantastic and just like you said in your review the build quality and sound are top notch . When I tried the guitar out the first tune I played on it was a Neil Diamond song for my mam as she was a massive fan so I wanted the first tune played on it to be for her . I’m going to get her name Ann engraved on the truss Rod cover as a tribute to her. She’d have loved the metallic dark cherry colour because she liked a bit of bling . Thanks Chris it’s May bank holiday weekend here in the UK and you’ve made my weekend . As I’m off work today I’m going to enjoy rocking out my new guitar . 👏 👏👏
Nige Bryan
Great review, I’ve got a 5220 also and can’t fault it, I don’t know how they can make that quality of guitar for the price.
Love mine. I bought it after perusing Guitar Center, stumbling across it and decided to play a while. They were the only area store that had one in the box, Jade Grey color. I thought about ordering a black one online and exchanging if I liked it more. But I'm sticking with it. It really is a beauty and plays so smoothly.. a real great feel. Hoping once I get my gigging amp the Gretsch will sound just as great playing loud music with a band.
After these months, how is the experience, any issues with guitar?
I ordered a G5222 Double Cut looks like Malcolm Gtr. I ordered a Fillertron bridge pup for it. Not sure is the FillerTron will fit right in the BroadTron Pups hole?
I wish I could find the tail piece like Malcolm's Jet has where he has the wiggle bar removed it's crome diamond shaped tail piece part the strings go thru.
If I that take out bridge pup & route out another hole like Mal did when he made The Beast into a 3 pickups Guitar at one time before he sanded it & added those chrome half dome pieces covering the hole I could a dead ringer for the $3500 Malcolm Young Signature model. So soon I'll a set of those BroadTron pups for sale if anyone wants them. Sounds great.
Btw you can use that """Static Spray""" for Clothes on a rag & wipe down the plastic that cause that static noise .
I have a G5222 in Walnut stain it's more red then Brown I don't know why they call it Walnut stain it is gorgeous plays nice
I would go with the Billy gibbons powertron TV Jones p/u
The leads sound really good but I think the chords are a little muddy in my opinion, I'm seriously thinking about getting all nickel hardware , upgraded tuners, pots, and those TV Jones pickups, with black besels to match the black pickguard, I will have less than $1,000 in it and it'll play like a $3,000 guitar. And it will be one of a kind "mine"
I really love the neck and the frets don't have to do anything with that
I got it from Sweetwater picked it up as a demo for $400.00
Otherwise it looks and plays and sounds nice just the way it is, incredible value for what I got it for...
I was thinking about the natural one myself but this one was $100 cheaper as a demo, it actually wasn't a demo, it just had a few small nicks in it that you can't even see.
Enjoy yours
Oh one other thing without the bigsby tailpiece they're a Little neck heavy so get a wide sticky strap
I have two indespensible guitars. One is my Gibson Les Paul Tribute and one is my Gretsch g5220. Is the Gretsch as good as the Gibson? Yes it is.
Better IMHO.
I've been saying for a long time that Gretsch is the best kept secret in guitars! I know Gretsch has the (unfair) reputation of being nothing more than a country/rockabilly guitar brand but man, those Broadtron pickups will absolutely roar with power and clarity if you crank them with some gain! And the build quality you get at that price range is unbelievable!
Awesome...just bought the Casino Gold one about 4 hours ago....loving it.....great demo....thanks bro!!!
I used mine on a cover of Monkey Business by Skid Row and it surprisingly did rather well. Did the Dave Sabo Drive track with it, pinch harmonics and all.
Awesome! Such a great tune!
I don't have this model....but I've got one of their hollow bodies (5420T), and it's really a fantastic guitar.....it's a Korean model, and it's really changed my mind regarding import guitars.
Thanks man, that was an excellent review. I'm currently looking at hollow/semi hollow bodies and you've got me really considering picking one of these up next week.
Same here. Terrific review
Thanks for the great demo - and I love your playing!
Beautiful guitar. Just can´t decide between this or the double cutaway style. Any major difference besides aesthetics?
I’m buying this guitar next week and this video had just reaffirmed my decision. Great demo!
How's the guitar mate??
I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these!!
Thanks Chris, great video! Just got my new Gretsch last night because of this video ..
Nice Chris, This is an awesome looking instrument .I'm looking to purchase this model in the left hand version.
Wow, your guitar chops are really good. Yeah, these Gretsch guitars from China are fine guitars. My brother got one, and it really impressed me when I played it.
You are a ridiculously talented man
I need one of these! Like that color also. They have a Jade Gray really cool also. This or Revstar be my next one.
I've been watching demo videos of this and of the G5420 hollowbody...
I couldn't decide so...
...I BOUGHT BOTH. 😎
(Should be delivered in two days.)
i got both and whatever you decide will be great....funny but it's true...i tried the g2622 and it's amazing too.....
all right, you bought both....
Well played!
Ya buddy I've owned the gold one for 4 years and still haven't had to get a set up its hard to believe how good these instruments are I'll never sell mine
Thanks for this review, makes it lot easier for me to buy one
I’ve got one with the Bigsby plays like a dream
Somehow it has that spanky Telecaster vibe I would say. How cool is that!
Awesome guitar! Awesome VFM! Awesome playing!
Thanks, dude!
Got mine today 1.1.2022, great way to begin a new year. Second hand, immaculate condition for 325 €uros. Exactly the same colour as yours. I love it!
That's a bargain, congrats!
@@user-pp1ub8er9i Thanks, I sold it not long after, it's a good guitar I just didn't bond with it. I sold it along with an Fgn Les Paul and my G and L legacy strat in order to purchase my Sienna burst Fender Strat Professionnel. I did regret selling the g and l legacy for a little while, excellent guitar, however the strat pro is really great. I have a g and l Tele and I will not be selling that one.
@@marksystemed4678 The GAS is strong in you, my friend 🤣
@@user-pp1ub8er9i Haha! I think the GAS is gone now. I have all I need.
@@marksystemed4678 Good to know! There's no better moment in history to have GAS syndrome though.... there're so many cheap options out there with exceptional quality, design and manufacturing.
I bought one of these. I have more expensive guitars. Frankly I was shocked how good this is.... btw I have owned mine a while so not writing this having just taken it out the box. Thanks Christopher for the tip on buying one of these.
I have one in Jade Gray, more closer to blue I've noticed but it might just be me. The only real problem I've had so far is finding a case for it. I had to break down and get an official Gretsch case.
As for the stetic electricty buildup on plastics on an electric guitar-supposedly you can get rid of it by wiping it down (or at least the plastics/pickguard) with a fragrance free clothes drying sheet-you know the. dryer sheets that are used to prevent static cling between your socks,.etc. But dont mistake these for the dryer sheets that have fabric softeners in them. Stick with fragrence free, no fabric softener, anti static cling sheets and just use them on the pickgaurd/plastics. If body finish is polyurethane it probably would be safe on the body itself, but I wouldnt risk it on a nitrocellulose finish body. Have never personally had to do this, but saw this trick on another youtube channel and it seemed to work well (think it was on Phillip McKnight’s channel-a truly great source of guitar repair info as well as awesome gear demos and weekly live chat forum with questions/answers -check it out if you haven’t seen it.) 🤘
I just ordered the same guitar in black. I've been looking for a new electric guitar for a while. I was in guitar center on Saturday playing the new 60s Les Paul Standard ($2,500) and afterwards I saw the Gretsch 5220 on the lower rack so I grabbed it, plugged it into the same amp. Played it and couldn't put it down. I'm not sure if it's the pickups or what but it was great. I wouldn't compare it to the new les paul standard but I would say it's better than any factory Epiphone les paul I've ever put my hands on. Personally, it feels and plays like an $800-$1,200 guitar. BTW I ordered it online from Guitar Center, it's coming from Kansas City, is set for delivery today. I also used a 20% off coupon, ha ha.
how has the guitar held up, any issues? I'm considering it.
I really enjoyed listening to you talk about your guitar. I can tell by your tone that you're extremely proud of it, as you should be. It's been about a year since you posted this video and I hope you've played it so much that the frets need leveling and crowning.😃
I got one and it was perfect out of the box.. so weird, the strat I bought and returned, because fret issues and sound.. a 2k guitar.. bought a second one ... had the same damn issues, returned it... I buy this Gretsch and out of the box it plays wonderful and the nut is set right, the finish is amazing... Only thing I have done was adjust the height of the pickups for my taste..
That's a whole lot of guitar tone for 500. Crazy playing too!
Just bought one, like new condition but used, and unfortunately the used market is tough, l paid new price at $449.00 a certain guitar store, sorry l can only give the first letter of the store "GC" lol. But they were nice enough to throw in a decent hard shell case and l couldn't be happier!! Love this guitar, your review is spot on !!! Would have been happy if l paid $800.
But glad not too, l put this guitar up against many other guitars at that price point and nothing touched it !!!
I got one too, but black. And i simply love it
not static: pickups are microphonic due to probably not being wax-potted
I ordered the black one, she looks classy and expensive. Really good guitar .
The only flaw mine has is a not very nicely finished strap lock, so i put that one on the bottom, not a biggy, but that is it really, i did put on locking tuners, not because the stock ones sre bad, i just prefer to speed up the string changing process.
Best "AFFORABABLE" category electric guitar. You can't go wrong with this one or the G5222. You will be impressed.
Great playing! I had questions about high gain (answered), why the neck pup was low (answered), quality (answered) and were you given this guitar for a demo or being honest (answered). I wish all the big channels would step back a bit and remember that we play because we love music. Great job and I’m a new sub.
Thank you so much for this review and awesome demo. New to your channel and now a subscriber. The it’s built like a tank description really spoke to me 👍
Great guitars!
Very nice playing!
VERY helpful...thanks for posting this!
Love your videos dude wish you did guitar tutorials too show us how to play some sweet licks
Maybe... :)
Hi again. Thanks for your quick response!
Just one more question...Would you recommend this guitar for beginners in terms of ergonomics, neck weight and playability?
Again, the best guitar reviews in the internet!
Thanks for your work
Yes, absolutely!
Awesome guitar! Thanks for showing it, and for giving us some tones. I am going to grab one of these.... in Bristol Fog. I see where the prices have gone up on them, but Guitar-Center has a sale (in-store-only) right now for $449. I'm grabbing it this week.... I've got one on hold... killer finish! This one is really nice too. And the Casino Gold.
Love these bro, still going strong in 2024
Great demo. Nice playing. Well done.
I agree, im so sick of shit review videos. this was just easy to watch and nice to hear. and also, yes the guitar is very impressive. im super picky but this tickels all the right places, i need to check gretch out more! xD
Love how the plastics around the pickups and pickguard blend in with the design. That thing looks and sounds amazing. How do you like the U shaped neck?
Very comfortable neck!
You're not kidding about the quality.
I don't know which chinese factory they are using but it's astounding.
I have a Jet Club I bought for $349.00 new and it's flawless!
Now they offer a Junior Jet Club for $299 and I'm sure it's sweet too.
Best guitar I've ever had, hands down!
When I get mine I am going to show string it.....never thought of that.
Great review... yeah I’m gonna have to pick one of these up.
Holy shit, your words at the beginning and the end just convinced me to go and get it right this Saturday. At least I'll try it IRL at a local store. P.S. I'm totally a newbie-player and just want to learn
Did you get it? I think I've settled on this as a beginner aswell.
@@Oliver0200 i tried it and bought the epiphone les paul. It just felt closer to my soul. But i'm a total newbie
I'm stuck between this, or an sg special from the new epiphone line, aaaah, so hard, but good to have these first world problems.
Dude the double cut double jets with bt pups. That's what I'm eyeing off. It will basically be this guitar but double cut.
@@dominicmcmahon4798 Yes, those are nice aswell.
Best review on this guitar I've seen.
Plus I trust Chris's reviews cause if he doesn't like something or it's just not worth the price tag, he'll definitely let us know.
Was about to order a $1300 Reverend Contender RB (sorta like an Electromatic), now...... I'm not sure.🤔
So I spoke with someone who owns the Grestch 5230 his complaint was the electronics. According to him the pots were like on of switches, so I'm wondering if this is true if it would be a good idea to have them replaced straight away. Even if I put a couple hundred dollars into it, the Grestch would still be considerably less than the Reverend but still no bass contour.