If you’re looking for a guitar that’s not the same old Stratocaster or Les Pal clone, a Gretsch hollowbody might be what you’re looking for. The G5122 is a high-quality Korean import that yields great twang at an inexpensive price. What’s under the hood, then?
The hollowbody G5122 sports a laminated maple top, body, and neck. A 22-fret rosewood fingerboard is standard, as are the medium jumbo frets. The scale is 24.56″ with a nut width of 1-11/16″ (43mm). The guitar is also outfitted with two chrome-covered Dual-Coil humbucking pickups.
The hardware definitely adds to the guitar’s style. The G5122 features G-Arrow Knobs, standard Gretsch strap knobs, chrome hardware, and vintage-style machine heads. A Bigsby B60 vibrato (hey, this is a Gretsch after all, right?) and an Adjusto-Matic bridge complete the picture.
We tested the G5122 through a Dr. Z MAZ-18 NR combo and a Fender Twin Reverb. Through both amplifiers, the Gretsch just oozed vintage twang. We couldn’t help but playing some of our favorite Beatles, Chet Atkins, and even Brian Setzer licks. The stock pickups did a fine job of translating the naturally large sound of the guitar.
The clean tones were big, clear, and powerful. When we cranked the amps a bit, it had just enough grit to cut through a mix. This is definitely no shredder axe, so don’t buy it if you’re in a Dragonforce tribute band. But if you’re into classic rock, blues, jazz, or country, you could definitely find a use for the G5122.
It’s hard to find much to complain about with this instrument. One of our few complaints regards the tuners. Although they held their tuning just fine, they didn’t feel very sturdy. These could probably stand to be upgraded.
We have no complaints with the G5122’s fit, finish, and action. The Walnut Stain urethane finish is beautiful and gives the guitar a classy vibe that few others can match in this price range. Chording and lead work alike flowed with ease once we adjusted the bridge to our liking (and adjusted the truss rod properly).
The neck felt comfortable with very good action. Couple the ease of play with the guitar’s lightweight design, and you’ve got an instrument that you could keep strapped on all night comfortably. With a street price of around $700, the Gretsch G5122 is a great deal on guitar with classic vintage-vibe.
Looking for the most competitive price on a used or new Gretsch G5122? Then you need to visit Ray’s Guitar Shop today! They offer the cheapest prices on all used and new guitars, both electric and acoustic. It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for a PRS McCarty, an Ibanez JS1200, or a Gibson Flying V, Ray’s Guitar Shop is the place to shop!
