Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT in Casino Gold

Gretsch proves once again that they really know how to do gold right.

The above Gretsch model is a G5220 Electromatic Jet BT with the "V" shape stoptail. The finish is called Casino Gold, and it's frickin' gorgeous. The price is also gorgeous as it's under $500 at the time I write this.

Bound body, bound neck, bound headstock, gleaming chrome, and of course the gold completes the package here. This axe is just a nice blend of gold and chrome with the silver pick guard rounding everything out.

The "BT" in the name refers to the Broad'Tron pickups. The sound is somewhat atypical Gretsch as the tone leans more towards an SG. In other words, it's a rather powerful pickup that's made its way into the G5220.

Body is mahogany and chambered to keep the weight down, and that's good because otherwise it would be a bit too heavy.

The neck is described by Gretsch as a "thin U" shape with gloss finish.

Scale length is the Gretsch oddball 24.6". This is ever-so slightly shorter than the Les Paul 24.75" scale, so if you're used to Les Paul fret spacing, this is a good guitar to get. Fingerboard radius is also the same 12" as a Les Paul.

Overall, great axe. Classy look with pickups that sound very good when overdriven. Kind of like a tiger in a tuxedo of sorts.

Cool guitar overall. And that gold... oh yes, it's good.

Published 2018 Apr 11