Gretsch G5435T Pro Jet w/Bigsby

Made in China
Body Shape: Jet™
Body Style: Chambered Single-Cutaway
Body: Basswood, Gloss Urethane Finish, Arched Maple Top
Pickguard: White Pearloid w/ Gretsch® Logo
Body Binding: 1-Ply White
Neck: Maple, Gloss Urethane Finish
Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
Position Inlays: Pearloid Hump-Block Inlays
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Finger Board Radius: 12" Radius (305 mm)
Nut: Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 1.6875" (43 mm)
Scale Length: 24.6" (62.5 cm)
Pickups: "Black Top" Filter'Tron™ Bridge Pickup
"Black Top" Filter'Tron™ Neck Pickup
Pickup Switching: 3-Position Toggle: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge
and Neck Pickups, Position 3. Neck Pickup
Controls: Volume 1. (Neck Pickup), Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup), Master
Volume, Master Tone
Bridge: Anchored Adjusto-Matic™ Bridge
Hardware: Chrome
Tuning Keys: Enclosed Vintage Style
Knobs: "G" Arrow Knobs
Strings: D'Addario® XL110 Regular Light, NPS (.010-.046 Gauges)
Unique Features: Two-Tone Body Color Scheme, “Black Top” Filter’Tron™
pickups, Bigsby® Licensed B50 Vibrato Tailpiece

UTILIZATION

What can I say, it's a Gretsch! Gretsch has long been one of my favorite guitar manufacturers, and this guitar is no exception to that rule. When I found out that most Gretsch guitars are made in China nowadays, I was a bit apprehensive. But I've seen nothing but good quality, affordable instruments from the China-made Gretsches, so I had no initial reservations about this one. When I picked it up, I could tell it had very solid craftsmanship. The inlays and bindings look well done, as does the sunburst finish. Playability is very good, and I have to say these knobs are by far the coolest in the guitar industry!

SOUNDS

Here's where the guitar really shines. This Gretsch has Filtertron pickups, which act like a humbucker for noise cancellation purposes, but have a very snappy, almost single-coil-like sound. The clarity is off the charts - no matter what crazy jazz chord I thought of, this guitar presented each note in high-definition sound. It is a great sounding axe for rockabilly, blues, jazz, country, and classic rock.

OVERALL OPINION

This guitar is an outstanding choice for a person on a limited budget - it absolutely rocks! Nothing is lacking in any way - the finish is excellent, all the detail work is spot-on, the pickups sound great, and the Bigsby vibrato is a big plus, of course. This is a highly versatile instrument that will provide years of enjoyment, and make the player look stylish while doing it! Gretsch is a class-act and is really onto something here. Highly recommended to all.

Chinese production has evolved not only the price is very attractive, but now the quality is by appointment, as was already noted for Guild, Blueridge and others. The Gretsch has an excellent finish, I had to tighten some buttons, but otherwise everything is perfect: factory setting nickel, polish and perfect threads, frets well polished ... the feel of a guitar 5 times more expensive. The pickups are Filtertron 'Blacktop' (= HiLoTron with cover), so the reissues from those of 70 years who had an output level higher than the previous ones, and the knobs are OK, not very linear, but quite effective.

UTILIZATION

Accustomed to the sleeves of my other '50s Gibson guitars, I'm not out of place by that of the Gretsch, a little late, but taking it in hand. The action is ultra low, access to acute easy (especially compared to hollowbodies brand) and the chambered body is light enough (more than my LP or my 335, just under my SG). The knobs are well laid out, including the overall volume, very accessible. The guitar was not plugged into a good sound and good resonance, you can feel it vibrate.

SOUNDS

The Filtertron are duplicates in parallel, so a sound closer to a simple double series of Gibson (but less than slamming DeArmond). This personality is revealed especially on the clean channel of my amp (Rivera), a very defined and crystalline, the 'jangle' perfect for country or rockabilly, but well suited to rock / blues too, even jazzy on the neck pickup . On the overdrive channel, the difference with the '57 Classic or P90 is still present but less clear is lighter, less greasy but it's still on the micro incisive chevalet.Bon sustain in all configurations.

OVERALL OPINION

For decades I try guitars, I have rarely seen such a good price / quality ratio. I have as much fun to play with my fat neck seven times more expensive! I did not have long but I think the finish will be durable and strong, and I certainly would do the purchase. J "have the black version without Bigsby (I do not use it), and mechanical are much agreement. Little more: belt clip screw. Petit least: no carrying case comes with.
Buying for Gretsch sound without breaking the bank! English See also:
(The guy is that his 5445 sounds better than its PowerJet equipped with TV Jones!)