Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Amp user reviews ( 8/10) - 9 user reviews

• 04/27/11

  iamqman's review "Better than Reissue '57 champ"

  Characteristics

  Let me begin with my opinion on solid state amplifiers. I think they sounds bare, hollow, thin, and sterile. Nothing about a solid state amp can compare to a real tube amp. That being said some solid state amps are necessary for those wanting to be quiet or get a small amp sound or going for a bad radio reception tone for a recording or something.
  
  
  
  That being said there definitely is a use for an amp like this. It would compare the tone with a Fender '57 Champ which for a tube amp is just horrible. I am referring to the reissues not the originals.

  Utilization

  Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Features:
  
  
  
  * Wattage: 5 watts
  
  * Speaker: One 6", 4 ohm Special Design driver with ceramic magnet
  
  * Channels: Two (High and Low Sensitivity)
  
  * Controls: Single volume control
  
  * Extension Jack: External speaker output
  
  * Inputs: High-gain and low-gain inputs
  
  * Handle: Leather strap handle
  
  * Height: 11"
  
  * Width: 12"
  
  * Depth: 7.5"
  
  * Weight: 15 lbs

  Sounds

  I like the tone fore certain applications. It is not any everyday tone by any stretch but it can be useful in some recordings. I think of this amp more on the side of a practice amp that will never see a recoding booth. It is a fairly cheap amp that can get some good jangly tone.
  
  
  
  I like this amp with a Gretsch of some sort. The tone compliment each other very well, especially when you have that hollow body sound from your Gretsch guitar.

  Overall Opinion

  This tone is pretty cool small box amp tone. If you are in need or a good practice amp then this might be your ticket. If you want to chase after the Fender Champ tone for about $800 less then this is your ticket.
  
  
  
  At new these amps come in at around $ 200, which isn't too bad of a price. there are several other amps that could get a pretty identical tone with a tone of more options. So if you are a die hard Gretsch fan than this is your amp. If you need simply a practice amp then there are plenty other that are better suited.
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• 10/12/12

  oli2811666's review ( translated ) Improve this translation "Perfect!"

  Characteristics

  We are in the presence of a tube amp, a 12AX7 and 6V6 (hence the American type) to 5W of power. There are two entrances, No. 1 - "high" and 2 - "low". He has only one setting: the volume! And of course, no effect integrated (can possibly complain about the lack of reverb, but it seems to me ultimately not essential).
  
  
  
  Let us say at the outset: Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Compact on is identical to Fender Champion 600, and only look different brands. And yet, knowing that Gretsch is now designed by Fender ...
  
  
  
  In short, it is an amp very "roots", there is only the bare minimum ... And it is just great, it is impossible to have anything other than his guitar with this little guy! A criticism that could very possibly go, it's no master, but I will later.

  Utilization

  The configuration of the amplifier is obviously simpler.
  
  Input # 1 is an entry that is to be highly sensitive. I use to crunch the beast, which occurs from the middle of the race the volume potentiometer (at least with single coil pickups).
  
  Entry # 2 is an entry that wants insensitive. I use it when I want to keep a clear volumes "more important" (so to speak, it remains a 5W amp). Note that from two-thirds of stroke volume potentiometer, the clean crunch comes dangerously close ... And it's good!
  
  The sound that comes out is just beautiful.
  
  
  
  It goes without saying that this amp is not ideal for group play. I think with a drummer can play with finesse, there is a way to hear, but it is anyway not made for it.
  
  Rather it is the amp you buy, as is the case for me to play at home with a more than acceptable without em *** der his world. I issue one caveat: it crunch at low volume, yes, but everything is relative. I think it is a little too powerful to be able to do cruncher apartment (this of course depends on the thickness of the walls and the patience of the neighbors, but ...) or evening / night. That's why a master could be welcome in order to crunch the beast at a very low volume. However, this operation would sacrifice part of the side "roots" of the amp, which I think would be a shame.
  
  
  
  As for the manual, it is on one A4 page and just serves to explain the difference between input 1 and input 2. It also gives some tips to avoid unintentionally mistreat his first tube amp. Note that it does not need more! In short, it is enough.

  Sounds

  I play really everything, mainly blues and rock (from the Rolling Stones to Airbourne through Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, The Subways, ...). And this little guy follows me almost everywhere, especially in blues. His sound is pure vintage, it is a joy.
  
  
  
  Sounds clear (input # 1 to # 2 11h/entrée until 2am) are beautiful, crystalline ... In a nutshell: "Fendérien." Difficult (impossible?) To do better in this category! I want to say that this is the '65 Deluxe Reverb pocket!
  
  Overdriven sounds (input # 1 from midi / input # 2 from 3h) are beautiful and have a bite, not to say a mordant certain. Obviously I do not mean typed metal sounds. We love it or hate it, I think it is both the pure sound of the 45 laps of the first hits of the Rolling Stones, the same tone and Duane Allman Eric Clapton on "Layla and other assorted songs", the SRV's ... All references to fingertips (and wallet)!
  
  It remains in the vintage, do not expect anything from modern to the beast. Better!
  
  
  
  My main guitar is a Fender Stratocaster Standard (with rosewood fingerboard), my back-up guitar is a Danelectro Dead On '67 (reissue the Hornet). Both sound really good with this amp, I keep a certain preference for Strat ': it seems that the amp was designed to play with!
  
  
  
  Something that may be important for certain: this amp is a real snap pedals. Great sound clear (I recommend to use the input # 2 to make it) makes an excellent base to magnify the sound of your favorite pedals. As for me, I am the happy owner of a Boss DS-1, an Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi and a Maxon OD808, and the amp makes them perfect justice: I've never heard ring as well! I said that I usually play without pedal, this amp does not need to me (like any good amp!). But it can be good to know.
  
  Everyone does what he wants, but I think personally that it would be wasteful to use a model that has so much personality to connect a processor or other toy models of this kind.
  
  Note that the Maxon OD808 brings to me an excellent solution to the lack of master in order to obtain saturated sounds at night or in environments that do not normally allow. It does not of course replace natural saturation lamps, but it makes already very good.
  
  
  
  There is no sound and I do not like any sound I like in particular: this amp fits perfectly with what I want to play. Blues clean sound just crunch, boisterous songs rocks, walking cleans well, ... Everything sounds great.

  Overall Opinion

  I use since July 2012, we are in October, I left to finish the honeymoon before writing this critique. And the fact is that ... I still have no complaints about this amp.
  
  
  
  As I said, the goal was to have a small amp to play in my room, my main amp has been moved to the rehearsal of my group.
  
  I tried a Fender Mustang, the models are simply excellent, probably one of the best on the market. I also thought the Bugera V5 (despite the many criticisms about the lack of reliability) and Fender Greta (a real curiosity) but the Gretsch G5222 Electromatic test Compact prevailed: I was se-duced. And I still am!
  
  
  
  As mentioned above, some râleront the lack of reverb '(at the beginning I plugged my Danelectro Spring King consistently, now I do not even give this sentence), others the lack of EQ (no problem in my case) or gain control (for what?) ... And it is their absolute right, but then I suggest they move to something else.
  
  If you are looking for a small tube amp minimalist vintage sounds and nothing but vintage, I would strongly advise. This is an amp that offers absolute minimum ... And it's good!
  
  
  
  The price / quality ratio is excellent (€ 180 new at my usual dealer), it really is a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb pocket. Cleans sounds beautiful, saturated sound of rare effectiveness, ... Everything was there and found there!
  
  
  
  I would do this choice, certainly. Never an amp gave me as much satisfaction as this one.
  
  For the use I make and my favorite styles, it is just perfect!
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• 07/19/12

  plus2guitare's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " The "ITS VINTAGE" on the sofa!"

  Characteristics

  Small tube amp 12AX7 and 6V6 for its typed "vintage Fender FIELD"
  
  Super cute blonde dressed in tweed: in the living room there is a side "collector" pleasing to the eye.
  
  Ultra simple to use: one branch and it sounds.
  
  The tone is with the knob of the guitar and that's enough
  
  Power is ample apartment

  Utilization

  ZEN approach, using highly purified
  
  2 guitar inputs high and low tones which gives 2.
  
  Not really need a manual ...
  
  One branch is allowed to warm up (no bypass switch), you turn up the volume and it sounds!
  
  Remember to turn the volume down and wait 2 minutes to close the amp (and thus protect the lamps)

  Sounds

  I play Jazz, Blues, Soul, Rock's on a seventy WASHBURN HB35 and a 50 Vibe TELECASTER blonde. It's perfect for me.
  
  
  
  The tone knob on the guitar, the volume, the pick attack, the clearances of the fingers, all this gives a wide range of analog sounds ranging from clean to light crunch drooling hot (this is not the chemical universe preformatted modeling).
  
  An OD pedal is superbly "friendly" with this amp.
  
  Many also sustain, with a beautiful natural reverb of the lamp.
  
  HP malgrès the small 6.5-inch, there are quite low.
  
  I still changed the 12AX7 preamp tube - ECC83 Chinese by a NOS RCA 12AT7 types 1963 - ECC81 for a more clean with less background noise.
  
  The result is simply astounding in every respect:! Extent of the spectrum, definition, dynamics, heat ... Here's an investment of 35 euros really recommendable. I will soon change the lamp power per lamp JJ Tesla 6V6 S.
  
  See
  
  http://www.passion-audio-tube.com
  
  or other vendors on the web.
  
  The original HP is not bad for my taste, may be try a Jensen MOD6 later but it's very original ...
  
  
  
  I set before occasionally, an RGB Tech21 pedal for a little "scale and a Tech21" Blonde "for a good overdrive" Fenderish "
  
  Ultimately though its a "lamp", super good ear, "compatible" with neighboring "sensitive" but also excellent for audio recording (with microphone in front of the hp).

  Overall Opinion

  7 months of use
  
  I like the direct sound and music that makes you want to scratch ...
  
  You find yourself playing a note to let the taste ...
  
  I have 35 years of guitar, owned or tried many of enplis (VOX AC30, FENDER PRINCETON, Marshall JTM45, ROLAND JC50, ACOUTIC GT60 some other excellent ... pretty bad for my ears.
  
  I currently have another amp LANEY VC15 15W, also good but very different sound british voxien.
  
  The Gretsch is simpler and American vintage sounds at a reasonable volume, very "Champ" What!
  
  Only one problem: it has become hard in the evening to rest the guitar on its stand ...
  
  This is a pretty nice amp, recommended if you like the style "Vintage Amp".
  
  Excellent price / quality ratio s "it is your" sound trip "
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• 01/14/12

  baeryann's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " excellent"

  Characteristics

  5 amp lamp watts only adjustable volume

  Utilization

  manual there is no need branch is left on heating up the sound

  Sounds

  very nice clean sounds I do not go up much volume for the neighbors I use pedals for distortion or overdrive they go well

  Overall Opinion

  a month since I played with last I can have a real sound from a marshall too powerful in my apartment 'I was looking for an amp lamps I found it does not saturate (I dare not push down) is better to use the pedal is the same model as the Fender Champ 600 a little less expensive is a very good amp for study
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• 08/14/11

  chris061982's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  What kind of amplification (lamp, transistor ,...)?
  
  tube amplifier
  
  
  
  What is the power delivered?
  
  5 watt TRUE
  
  
  
  What connection?
  
  2 input jack (high / low), HP out jack and industry
  
  
  
  What are the settings, the effects?
  
  switch on / off and volume knob

  Utilization

  The configuration is it simple?
  
  Yes
  
  
  
  Do you get a good sound easy?
  
  on branches, they turn up the volume and sound
  
  
  
  The manual is clear and sufficient?
  
  really do not need

  Sounds

  Right for your style of music?
  
  Yes
  
  
  
  With what (s) guitar (s) / low (s) or effect (s) do you play?
  
  I'm a little luthier, so I play my guitars, but mostly I play on customized Telecaster with original and vintage Les Paul with customized SHPR1
  
  
  
  What kind of sound you get and with what settings ("crystalline", "bold ",....)?
  
  sound very smooth in its crunchy fat enough (because of the hp)
  
  
  
  What are the sounds you prefer, you hate?
  
  this amp, home is not made to be pushed more than half to get a clean sound, clean cloth.
  
  I hate to push him more as the Original HP do not really want the road more than half, the bass begins to saturate in addition to its super crunch develops lamps.
  
  
  
  I put a 6 hp because of

  Overall Opinion

  How long have you use it?
  
  2 months
  
  
  
  What is so special that you like most and least?
  
  I like the fact that it does not take place, it sounds good with just 5 watts.
  
  I do not like HP who actually castrate the amplifier and the small lightweight breath (it must be said)
  
  
  
  Have you tried many other models before buying it?
  
  yes (Tiny Terror, AC15, AC30, Nightrain 15, etc ...)
  
  but too much can in 5 watt. I want an orange tiny terror from home, but 15 watts is enough volume to do it properly cruncher in a room of 15m2
  
  
  
  How would you rate the quality / price?
  
  € 180, super correct, when did see all the small amps 10w to 30w and simulation today in this category, I have not found anything better (by far) the same price.
  
  
  
  With experience, you do again this choice?
  
  Yes!
  
  on the other hand I used a 4x12 cabinet with celestion and it sounds great curiously and without forcing hp.
  
  for registration, it is HUGE! I can push the lamp (volume 3 / 4 view 4 / 5), have a great rock crunch with my telecatser and not play at a volume of mentally deficient. the catch of his shots are very good at, something that is possible with a hard-AC30 jtm45 or unless you want to suffer, to suffer the microphones and speaker.
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• 11/20/10

  solo84's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " When we can not afford a Fender"

  Characteristics

  I pass, everything has been said by better than me! Same

  Utilization

  Sounds

  I like a lot ... I never played the heavy, but I know that I love the sound Fender Twin in clear, I love this round, this heat ... But I know only from the sound of certain songs or the amp simulations that match without giving a clear idea of the type of stamp ...
  
  
  
  And relative to this preference I chose this amp because it is in this stye there is not exactly the tone of the Fender twin but we are in the same school. on the other hand I changed the bulbs (I can not remember the brand new: o =)
  
  
  
  I take it back with a 414 (very accurate), a SM58 (very effective, a well known!) Or RM700 tbone ribbon (Yeah, bof ...)
  
  
  
  If you want to hear how it makes you go listen to "The Powder" on my page compositions. The exact config is: Ibanez AF105, Chandler Tube Driver set very low, G5222 taken by SM58, UA LA-610 preamp, Fireface 800
  
  
  
  I note 10 for the ratio Q / price, because obviously I'm sure a 1200 euro amp has a sound much more chiseled, but for the price ...

  Overall Opinion

  For the price it's worth 10!
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• 08/28/10

  Captain Savon's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " A nice little Fender amp ... oops! Gretsch, sorry ..."

  Characteristics

  All tube, ~ 5W, 6V6 and 12AX7. An on / off button, a volume knob, two inputs (1 and 2, corresponding grosso modo to-hi-level and low-level). A single channel.
  
  
  
  A power supply cable (not removable), operates on AC power, a light switched on, an HP 6 ".
  
  
  
  Wooden fence, tweed finish, a loose tissue on the HP.
  
  
  
  Simple.

  Utilization

  Config minimum: just the volume. The sound is well settled, it was something very respectful of the guitar you put it. By making it back a little saturated, but not much. The volume is good, I even managed to play with a drummer (who types rather strong, but a battery that projects slightly) and you could hear the guitar well both. Volume was at 9 / 10 on the other hand, it a bit saturated.
  
  
  
  No bypass. It's a shame but not a problem when using this type of amp. Cable not detachable, but it leaves from under the backboard, then within the enclosure, which means that we can wrap the entire cable inside for transport. Practice. A small plastic clip is present inside to ride the cable, and more. The opening at the back is small enough, the rear panel is very present. Difficult to do something in return for transport (such an extension). It is shallow on the inside. Very compact. There are 4 small rubber feet, it stays in place. A leather handle, obviously solid. A little heavy, but reasonably. Controls ... Finally, control is on the back, slightly tilted. No ultra-convenient, but not unattractive.
  
  
  
  There is no guard on the HP. This is potentially troublesome for the survival of HP, when traveling in hostile conditions. No special protection for the lamps, too, except the back panel. Same point, especially if you put stuff in the chamber.
  
  
  
  Both inputs have the same gain. One is slightly offset from each other. Oh, not much, probably 2 or 3 dB. This is far from obvious. No external speaker output or preamp output. Too bad, but it must be able to easily hack.

  Sounds

  It is very "neutral". A little light staining, but no major change in my tone of the guitar. Not a lot of treble, after all, a bit round, I think. But it's light.
  
  
  
  At bottom, the crunch is very light. So we will not make hard with this amp. It is not intended to be. With effects, it makes good color effects.
  
  
  
  The bass go well, the attacks are free. Little background (if a bit anyway). Little compression, the dynamic is very good.

  Overall Opinion

  I've had two years. I use it occasionally to play at home, make recordings, or play with friends.
  
  
  
  I tried the Blackheart (I can not remember what that was given, but I preferred the Gretsch) and, of course, the Fender Champion 600, which is identical, except perhaps in the details cutting of the enclosure. At the time, the Fender seemed to be more compressed and the HP seemed to vibrate more high volume. So I preferred the Gretsch. In retrospect and after having tried again later, I realized it was more subjective than anything else.
  
  
  
  Its advantage is that it is very neutral, but is anyway a tube amp, so with the dynamics and rendering attack is going well. It is very simple, so easy to implement. on the other hand it is weak and created a bit of breath. Yet powerful enough to make cattle, even with a beater acoustic. Is not it too buggers, you know.
  
  
  
  I paid a little more than the price usually found, but I do not regret it. I certainly would buy. Even at that price given the sound quality and convenience.
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• 07/27/08

  mrc's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  See the previous opinion.

  Utilization

  The uncomplicated amp.
  
  
  
  One volume knob to the setting. The more you put on the right, the more it crunch.
  
  No need to dive into a manual: one branch, turning the knob and roll youth!
  
  
  
  Adjusting the sound volume is using the volume knob on the guitar. The amp is indeed very sensitive to the settings of the guitar, both in volume for the tone.
  
  
  
  It's really a natural extension of the guitar.

  Sounds

  I play with a Viking Hagstrom and Hagstrom duo / Viking for me is a perfect example of love marriage.
  
  
  
  For the Blues and Rockabilly beginner that I practice is impeccable, with an output level tolerable for my family and without spoiling my fun.
  
  
  
  It's crunch as it should, it's good and it's hot. In his clear, well that slap.
  
  
  
  The sound is nice, regardless of the volume at which we play.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 2 weeks (like the Viking) and so far it's two weeks of happiness.
  
  
  
  It also made me discover my Squier in a different light, much more friendly with the Fender Bullet Amp Pack's home.
  
  
  
  It perfectly matches my needs and always gives me more desire to play and grow.
  
  
  
  At the stage where I am in my practice, I did not see fault, not even the price.
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• 04/01/08

  patacha's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  - 5 watt Class A Amp
  
  - A 12AX7 (prampli)
  
  - A lamp 6V6 (power)
  
  - 1 6-inch speaker
  
  two inputs, one knob, an on / off button

  Utilization

  The simplicity of the mode of those small fender type amp epiphone valve junior champion or
  
  
  
  I only try it for 10 minutes compared with the valve junior
  
  
  
  The sound is easily scalable by combining the only potentiomtre the amp and guitar volume, making it possible to quickly switch from clean to crunch.
  
  
  
  BMOL: the control panel on the rear.

  Sounds

  The sound is more than prcis piphone and prettier in her clear, it is also less far into the saturation (with an essay Tlcaster highway), there remains much to crdible blues, we believe it.
  
  As much as I could see it confined to the blues but the fact trs well. Caution does not test long enough To verify what he could do well in other styles.
  
  I tried a few more jazz arrangements: not bad, but not so well.

  Overall Opinion

  I am looking for an amp lamps for the home. When I bought the Telecaster trials have passs on a Fender Deluxe which is far too powerful for home use.
  
  Since I tried the Blues Junior, Valve Junior, Hughes and Kettner Dual.
  
  Up Submitted is the Gretsch that comes closest to what I want: amp lamps, used in a small pice, sounds pretty clear and crunch.
  
  For about 200 on the net or in some stores is a good report quality price
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