Model
Gretsch G5434 Electromatic Pro Jet Limited Edition – White / Gold
gretsch electromatic
Music genre / Additional gear
A couple of days ago, I received a visit at my studio, from a close friend of mine, who wanted to try out his newly acquired guitar, a Gretsch G5434. I was so impressed by the looks of this model, that I couldn’t wait to put my hands on it. It was the first time I played a guitar with an Adjusto-Matic bridge and it didn’t feel very comfortable. My main music styles are classic rock, blues, some jazz and this Gretsch model suits them all really nice. I first tried it dirty and the sound was punchy, full and fat. Then I tried the clean and it really amazed me. It was a clean, deep rich tone. I’ve played it with a Laney LC 30 Tube Amp and a Red Witch Analog Empress Chorus, which made me get the most out of this guitar.
Build quality
Everytime I purchase a new guitar I am mostly interested in these following features:
Body: The guitar has a Jet body shape, made from Chambered Basswood with Arch Laminated Maple Top.
Neck: It has a Maple Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard.
Tuning system: Vintage-style Tuning Machines, Bigsby Licensed Anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge.
Pick-ups: Black Top Filter Tron humbuckers.
Control knobs: G-Arrow knobs, 2 Volumes (Neck and Bridge pickups), 1 Master Volume, 1 Master Tone.
Pick-up selector: 3-Position Toggle Pickup, LP Style placed. It also has a Gold Plexi Pickguard.
Output jack: The jack is placed on the body side of the guitar and it is gold plated.
Handling
My friend told me that the action and the intonation were set perfect when he bought it, so they didn’t require any further adjustments. There was no fret buzz although the action was pretty low. Its chambered body makes it a relatively light guitar despite the Basswood body, so there was no shoulder pressure. The Bigsby Bridge made me feel a little funny handling this guitar, but that’s because I’m not used to it, and I felt that the access to the upper frets was a little beamy. All in all I think this Gretsch model handles great, and it is a guitar made for Blues and Jazz players.
Looks
This Gretsch G5434 comes in a superb white gloss finish, with gold hardware and pearloid “hump-block” inlays. It caught my eye immediately when my friend brought it to my studio. I was so impressed by the qualities of this model, that I’m thinking of buying one for myself, so I definitely recommend this model to all of you.
Feel free to rate this guitar or leave a comment below. Check the current price on my website. Cheers!
