Hello, Gretsch fan! You must be here to learn more about the brand’s wonderful Electromatic series of guitars, right? I’m glad to have you here: sit back and we’ll go through just what this range is, how they might be good for, and so on. If you want to know more about the great value Streamliner instruments, I have a blog dedicated to that subject for you too: just click through to the Gretsch Streamliner blog for the full lowdown!
Contents
What is the Gretsch Electromatic Series?
What Makes the Electromatic Range Different?
Who is the Gretsch Electromatic Range For?
What is the Gretsch Electromatic Series?
The Gretsch Electromatic Range is an overwhelmingly popular collection of gorgeous looking Gretsch guitars. Price wise, they sit in between affordable and ‘mid-priced’, which seems to have been key in their success: top end Gretsches can be eye-wateringly expensive, and so more affordable takes on those classic guitars are excellent value, particularly when they are from the same brand.
Gretsch make Electromatics in a wide range of models and finishes, but most adhere to three main styles: hollow body, centre block and solid. Let me explain:
- Hollowbody: These are perhaps the most iconic Gretsch guitars. They have large, deep, hollow bodies and arguably offer the most traditional ‘Gretsch’ sound and experience. The most popular model like this is the Gretsch G5420T, which is available in a veritable rainbow of cool finishes.
- Centre Block: The centre block guitars look superficially similar to hollow body models, apart from having a shallower body depth. Inside though, they have a solid block of maple running down the middle of the body, to which the pickups are mounted. It’s the same idea as the Gibson ES335, and the idea is that you get a stronger, thicker sound with less feedback. Have a look at the G5655TG for a good example of this style.
- Solid Body: Solid body guitars have always been an important part of the Gretsch range, and there are many solid Electromatics out there. You’ll find classic Jet styles available in gorgeous colours, with and without Bigsby tremolos. The G5232T is one such guitar!
What Makes the Electromatic Range Different?
Electromatic guitars are more affordable than Professional Series Gretsches. This is due to them being built in Korea (hollow and centre-block models) and China (solid body models). Labour costs are cheaper out there, so good quality guitars can be had for less cash, as we all know.
The fact is, Pro Series Grestch guitars are still factory made in Japan with layered wood, so the relative differences in build etc aren’t as enormous as you’d maybe think. Electromatic guitars are very well put together and really sell the ‘Gretsch vibe’ that everybody loves. They use proper Filter’Tron and Broad’Tron pickups for authentic Gretsch tones.
Who is the Gretsch Electromatic Range For?
Electromatics are aimed at players who want a well-made, well-appointed guitar at a price range that is affordable. These are a step up from the Streamliner range in terms of build quality, but they also have a more traditionally ‘Gretsch’ sound.
Gretsch guitars appeal to a wide range of players, from country artists to rockabilly, punk and rock. They are popular with Indie guitarists and singer-songwriters, so the brand is popular across the board. It’s only the heavier genres - like metal and hardcore - where you might not find quite as many Gretsch guitars being used, since there are more appropriate instruments available from other manufacturers.
Everybody who plays these styles is a potential Electromatic user. This is because the range offers high performance and great sound for a price that is attainable for most committed guitarists. They also look exceptional and are available in styles & colours that closely adhere to historical models, so this increases their popularity. Indeed, some collectors buy these guitars to put on their walls!
Electromatic: Bang for Buck
In many ways, the Gretsch Electromatic range is the ideal mix of quality, looks, sound, performance and value. You have to spend a good deal more to get a significant improvement in build and sound, and so this range is the one you’ll mostly see out there in the world. They look the part, play well, and give the player (and audience) enough of an authentic Gretsch experience to hit the jackpot.
Nothing beats a Professional Series Gretsch of course (apart from Custom Shop Gretsches!), but they are significantly more expensive. For most amateur, semi-pro and even pro players, Electromatic is easily good enough. Check them out for yourself today at your nearest guitarguitar store!
Click to View our Full Selection of Gretsch Electromatic Guitars
