Sweetwater’s Spin on Golden-age Gretsch Elegance
Available only at Sweetwater, the Gretsch G5420TG-59 Electromatic delivers a rich hollowbody tone and golden-age Gretsch vibe in spades. Comprised of a fully hollow laminated maple body, the G5420TG-59 sports Gretsch’s revered 1959 trestle bracing — a form of bracing that dramatically cuts down on feedback without compromising on lush hollowbody resonance. Next, the G5420TG-59’s sturdy maple neck comes carved into a pleasing Classic “C” profile for effortless navigation of the 12-inch-radius laurel fingerboard. Whether you’re after classic rock crunch or rockabilly bite, the G5420TG-59’s dual FT-5E Filter’Tron pickups are more than happy to oblige with a clear, full, and eminently hi-fi sonic signature. An anchored Adjusto-matic bridge and shimmering Bigsby B60 vibrato unit top it all with a plethora of expressive pitch-bending possibilities.
Bright and spanky FT-5E Filter'Tron pickups
When you want that classic ’50s-era archtop guitar tone, you need real Gretsch humbuckers. That's why Gretsch outfitted the G5420TG-59 Electromatic with a pair of FT-5E Filter'Tron pickups. Unlike most humbuckers, these traditional Gretsch pickups yield a characteristically bright and open sound that's jangly on your highs with added single-coil-esque bite. With their robust character and trademark cut, the Gretsch FT-5E Filter'Tron humbuckers keep you ready for everything from rockabilly and country to blues and classic rock.
Redesigned trestle-block bracing
Traditionally, trestle-braced guitars feature two U-shaped braces that run parallel from the neck joint to the bridge, simultaneously bracing the top and the back. This pattern enhances sustain and resonance but falls victim to feedback. Now, Gretsch unveils a new trestle block bracing design that enhances the performance of the fan-favorite trestle bracing pattern. Trestle-block bracing facilitates more contact between the top and back while adding extra stiffness to the traditional design. Trestle-block bracing flaunts a quick, snappy attack, more sustain, and greater resonance — all without the dreaded hollowbody feedback.
Smooth vibrato action
Nothing beats the character and vintage vibe that the Bigsby-style tailpiece adds to the G5420TG-59 Electromatic. Based on the original design created by Paul A. Bigsby, the B60 vibrato requires next to no effort to use, making it particularly easy to pull off slow, subtle, and extended bends. You'll be able to bend into notes, give full chords vintage-sounding modulation, and imbue single notes with a character that isn't attainable through other setups. Sweetwater guitarists agree: a vibrato like this is critical when channeling that coveted Gretsch sound.
Gretsch G5420TG-59 Electromatic Hollowbody Electric Guitar Features:
- Sweetwater-exclusive tribute to the elegant golden-age Gretsch guitars of the late 1950s
- Single-cut laminated maple hollowbody construction, complete with feedback-fighting 1959 trestle bracing
- Stout maple neck carved into a pleasing Classic “C” profile
- 12-inch-radius laurel fingerboard studded with charming Pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays
- Dual Gretsch FT-5E Filter'Tron capture the hi-fi sparkle and humbucker warmth of Gretsch’s iconic dual-coil pickups
- Supremely stable anchored Adjusto-matic bridge and an expressive Bigsby B60 vibrato unit
- Old-school Gretsch appointments include vintage-style open-back tuning machines, “G” arrow knobs, and a gold plexi pickguard
