Electric Guitar
Gretsch G5420T
Strumtrove Review
The Gretsch G5420T Electromatic is an excellent entry point into authentic hollow body tone, offering vintage style, smooth pickups, and reliable build quality that punches above its price point for rockabilly, jazz, and indie players.
Gretsch G5420T
- Reviewed against 53 other instruments & gear
- Site average rating: 4.5/5
- Price & availability confirmed at retailer
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- Laminated maple hollow body with arched top and back
- Bigsby-licensed B60 vibrato tailpiece
- Black Top Filter'Tron humbucking pickups
- 12-inch radius rosewood or walnut fingerboard
- 22 medium jumbo frets
- Gold-plated hardware and body binding
- Master volume, individual volume, and tone controls
Gretsch G5420T Specifications
Pros
- ✓ Authentic vintage Gretsch tone and aesthetics
- ✓ Smooth, warm Filter'Tron pickup voicing
- ✓ Comfortable neck profile for extended playing
- ✓ Bigsby vibrato adds expressive playability
- ✓ Attractive price point for a hollow body guitar
Cons
- ✕ Feedback prone at high stage volumes
- ✕ Heavier than solid body electric guitars
- ✕ Stock tuners may require upgrading for stability
- ✕ Limited tonal versatility for heavy distortion styles
The Gretsch G5420T Electromatic is a classic hollow body electric guitar that captures the vintage charm Gretsch is famous for, at a price point accessible to gigging musicians and enthusiasts alike. Built with a laminated maple body featuring the brand's signature arched top and back, this guitar delivers that unmistakable airy, resonant tone associated with rockabilly, jazz, and indie rock. The G5420T comes loaded with the Bigsby-licensed B60 vibrato tailpiece, allowing players to add smooth pitch bends and vintage shimmer to their playing. Under the hood, the G5420T features Black Top Filter'Tron humbucking pickups, which offer a warmer, smoother voice compared to the brighter Broad'Tron pickups found on higher-tier Gretsch models, making them ideal for players chasing that twangy yet full-bodied Gretsch sound. The 12-inch radius fingerboard, typically rosewood or walnut depending on production run, paired with 22 medium jumbo frets, provides comfortable playability whether you're chording through jazz standards or bending into rockabilly licks. The guitar's body binding and gold hardware give it a classy, retro aesthetic that stands out on any stage. Ideal for intermediate to advanced players who want authentic hollow body tone without stepping up to Gretsch's Professional or Vintage Select lines, the G5420T strikes a balance between vintage looks, comfortable playability, and modern reliability. It's equally suited to home studio recording, small club gigs, or simply enjoying the tactile, resonant feel that only a true hollow body can offer.
Customer reviews
This guitar nails that classic Gretsch twang right out of the box. The Bigsby feels smooth and the Filter'Trons sound warm without being muddy. Great value for a hollow body.
Gorgeous guitar with amazing resonance acoustically. Had to get a proper setup done at my local shop, but after that it played like a dream. Just watch out for feedback at high gain.
I use this mainly for jazz gigs and it delivers a full, round tone. It's a bit heavy to hold for long sets, but the tone makes up for it.
I was skeptical about a hollow body at this price, but the build quality and tone exceeded my expectations. Upgraded the tuners and it's rock solid now.
