| Build Quality: |  |
| Hardware: | |
| Electronics: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
| Average: | |
Pros:
- Great High Tones
- Great Tuning Stability
- Lovely White Design
Cons:
- No pickup switch
- Maple Overkill
Hollow body guitars are hard to manufacture right since the manufacturer has to capture all of the little details just right for a guitar to work right. This is why you often see that a hollow body guitar that was not made too well seems to be lacking something in its sound. Though, on the other hand, you also often get to see a hollow body guitar that sounds exceptional. Let us take a look at the Gretsch G5422TDCG Electromatic and see whether this guitar is one of the better ones.
Body Quality
The guitar takes its design from some of the more vintage models, while also combining something new with what has been had for a long time. The double-cutaway design of the body works well for most hollow body guitars, and this one is not an exception either. The wings of the guitar look rather handsome, with the overall shape of the guitar being that of a classic, vintage hollow body straight from the 60s. The elegant f holes do a great job of looking good and releasing great sound, while the solid coloring of the guitar is classy. White and gold is probably my favorite.
The body of the guitar is made out of 5 ply maple, top, back and the sides all included. This gives the guitar an interesting twist on sound. Maple is known to be rather bright in its tonality, which allows the guitar beautiful high tones, with expressive mid tones. The low tones are thankfully cared for by the other parts of the guitar. The body of the guitar is sturdy and lightweight, meaning a long, comfortable life for both you and the guitar.
The neck of the guitar is made out of a full piece of maple. This traditional choice of neck is always wise, since it provides the benefit of the guitar being resistant to warping, damage or breaking any time soon. The lifespan of the guitar is thus long and lovely. The neck is set through the body of the guitar. The fretboard of the guitar is made out of rosewood, which does a great job of emphasizing the rest of the guitar’s color.
Hardware
The guitar comes with a rosewood-made Adjusto-Matic bridge. This allows the transfer of vibrations from the strings to the guitar’s top to be more detailed. It also provides some great action and lovely string stability.
The nut of the guitar is made out of high-quality synthetic material. This allows the guitar some nice harmony, as well as a buzz and hum-free sound.
The tuning machine of the guitar is designed after the famous vintage styles. The tuning stability of the instrument is exceptional, with no tuning issues to speak of.
Electronics
The guitar comes with two pickups located at the neck and the bridge of the instrument. The two “Black Top” Filter bridge and neck pickups do a rather great job of producing a lovely, clear sound. The output of the pickups is rather nice, with the powerful sound enhancing the feeling of the guitar. Lovely low tones are picked up by these, balancing the 5 ply maple bright sound. The best part though is the clear, clean sound that these pickups produce.
The guitar comes with 3 volume knobs, one for the bridge pickup, one for the neck pickup, and one master volume knob. The guitar also has a master tone knob and a three-way pickup switch.
Gretsch G5422TDCG Sound
The sound of the guitar is rather lovely. It is clear and clean with a very balanced overall tone. The bright high and expressive mids are heart-wrenchingly good, while the low tones produced by the pickups are thick and warm. The guitar has a very detailed control scheme allowing for a highly customized sound. Overall, a lovely sound.
Conclusion
A great guitar with high-quality sound and design, which suffers only slightly from the maple back and sides not producing a deeper, warmer sound. Thankfully, fully made up for by the pickups. Highly recommended.
Click here to view more from Best Hollow Body Electric Guitar.
What exactly is that 3 way switch on the upper bout if not a 3 way pickup switch?
That was a mistake. Thanks for noticing.