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I almost bought one a few years ago. They really are nice guitars. I think one of the main reasons the G400 didn't have more success, is due to the fact that archtop acoustics are a niche market. Throw in the fact that many players don't want to add a pickup to an archtop acoustic, and that it seems most players nowadays who buy archtop acoustics, don't want to spend a lot of money for one (they seem to gravitate towards the Godins, or the Gretsch New Yorkers), and you up with even less of a market for the G400. It's too bad. They look seriously cool, with their cats eye sound holes, and as you mentioned, are fantastic playing guitars. The only reason I backed out of the deal on the G400 I put on layaway, is due to the fact I had a chance to pick up an electric, that I wanted even more.
Originally Posted by entresz
Last edited by EllenGtrGrl; 06-09-2016 at 08:04 AM.
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06-09-2016 08:00 AM
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I have a Grestch Streamliner G2420T with some flat wounds. The neck is amazing. Nice low action. Stays in tune great, with the Bigsby.
The guitar is obviously more rockabilly than jazz.
But I'm finding the honeymoon is over even considering that fact...
Issue 1 - The Bridge creates horrid metallic overtones. It seems to be coming from the intonation screws having no springs to hold them in place (you can turn them by rubbing your hand across them). I've seen this complaint in several videos. I can put a cloth across the bridge and the strings between the brdige and tremelo to get rid of 'MOST' of this noise. It doesn't seem to be picked up through the pickups, but I can hear it at low volume and definitely when playing unplugged. I was considering a new bridge but I could be opening a pandoras box. I've heard replacing a pinned bridge with floating also presents potential issues.
Issue 2 - Somewhere near the bridge or tremelo is a buzzing when hitting strings 4-6. This buzzing is picked up through the pickups and sounds like I'm using a fuzz pedal when laying in on the strings. This sound seems to be coming from inside the guitar; I can't tell after a lot of testing. It happens unplugged too, so it's not an electrical issue. I've put a hook on the wires and pulled them away from the back wall and it still happens. Could be anything I suppose.
Issue 3 - Now that I've been listening to more Jazz, the Broadtrons (altho more mellow than most Gretsch pickups) - really don't seem to give me that thick sweet Jazz tone I'm looking for. They aren't bad, but considering the other issues I'm open for change.
Issue 4 - the Pots and wiring don't seem that great. Once you role off the volume to what I assume would be 8/10, anything less than this goes dead silent. This goes for the master volume, and the volume for reach of the two humbuckers. So I can't really use the volume to adjust the tone. The tone knob does make a little difference between min/max but not that much...nothing like what my Strat does. I'd assume if I knew how to solder that $30 in parts would fix this...(again, if I knew the specs and how to do it).
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So - this is where I'm hung up. I could put some money into a new bridge, pots, pickups, and pay someone who actually knows what they're doing and have some high-end stuff in what I consider a 'good' guitar that probably won't hold any resell value in the upgrades.
OR - start the jazzbox shopping.
I've looked locally and there is a ...
-Used Washburn J-9 (I can't find much info on these other than they're really old and apparently were nice).
-Used Washburn J7S - again, not a lot of info. Probably not as old as the J-9. Washburns site doesn't go into detail on old models from what I've found.
-There are lots of different Ibanez Artcores ranging from 300 - 600. They appear to all have good reviews tho I'll have to run around testing them to see the differences...some are thick like my Gretsch (half way between an acoustic and a normal hollowbody) - while others are thin and longer with more frets, like a 335. I'm assuming the pickups on these thinner models aren't geared "quite" as much toward Jazz?
-Also considering an Epiphone DOT. They look like a great value, probably have decent pickups as long as you don't expect a true Gibson sound.
Many of these models don't appear to be jazz specific.
I figure I should get something specific to Jazz since I already have some other guitars for various genres.
I already have a Strat for rock/blues. Otherwise I'd consider getting a Telecaster.
I have various acoustics for rock / fingerstyle setups.
I have a classical that I've been using for Jazz, as the Gretsch bridge is driving me crazy right now.
Figured I'd see if anyone has experience with the above models to compare, or if anyone's actually upgraded a Gretsch.
I realize that any of the above would probably give me more of a 'Jazz' sound - I just don't want to end up with some or more of the same issues (cheap pots, etc) altho it may be inevitable at the $3-700 range...hence being open to upgrading what I have.
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Definitely sell, or trade. Honeymoon phases end with lots of guitars...when the thrill of playing ends it's time to move on. There's lots of guitars out there, as is, that will meet your desires. But there's nothing wrong with playing jazz on a classical either!
Best of luck!
In my experience a Washburn J6S has more of a historical jazz following. I owned one in the late 80's. But for my money $700 or less a used Epiphone Premium '175 is tough to beat for pure jazz guitar tone. Lots here own them, and I've owned it too.
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You‘re expecting too much from a budget Gretsch- electronics are far east crap and so is that bridge. The buzz sounds like a Bridge problem.
Why do you‘ve bought the guitar? The basics aren’t bad and it’s a cool looker with a nice neck. I guess her finish quality is also good. What‘s her sound unplugged? That’s your guitars voice. Try to get a pair of TVjones classic/classic+ 2nd hand. Swap the cheap harness for a plug n play TVjones wiring harness. Get a Truarc or dBridge. All in all 400€/400$...But:
Gretsches are cool for Jazz and the TVs are fantastic pickups, very versatile. A bar bridge solves the buzzing probs and increases your tone. They‘re a piece of art.
Those mods aren‘t cheap but you‘ll get a cool sounding, professional and unique instrument.
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So I have been going to various stores the past few days and came to realize the Gretsch wasn't so bad after all - part of my complaints must have been inexperience on my end. It seems that everything I tried with adjustable intonation and/or Bigsby/Dovetail type bridges throw out metallic overtones. However I did get a good offer on the Gretsch so I went ahead and sold it, intending to put the money toward an Epiphone ES-175 Premium.
That turned into a nightmare in itself. Found one that still had the plastic on it. Drove to get it, cash in hand at MusicGoRound, and the 14th fret was lifting out. It was pretty noticeable. Didn't cause issues (yet) but I'd imagine if I lowered the action where I wanted it would. Obviously when MIRC "refurbishes" these things and slaps a new Serial Number in the body, they don't actually fix things. I was starting to regret selling my Gretsch but then...
I found the Eastman AR372CE-SB in the forums here. It looks like exactly what I want in terms of nut / string spacing so I snagged a best offer on Reverb for $670 + tax. It's coming from a reputable music store in Chicago so I'm excited.
I'm planning to throw some D'addario Chromes (either Jazz lights, or lights) on it. A little worried that 12's would be a bit thick but I think I can lower them more to even it out.
Maybe down the road I'll look into a P90 pup for the neck.
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12's won't be a problem. I use 14's.
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BG Pickups Pure 90 was a massive upgrade for stock neck pickup in my AR-371. Originally Posted by hoosier1981
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Hi,
I Love my Gretsch Streamliner but the tuning pegs not so much, the G peg broke off anyway and I replaced it with a cheap crappy one to get through the gig but now I want to replace all of them, what do you suggest?
Grover?
Also, I want to change the nut to a bone one, any thoughts and advice greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance,
Real Rob
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Real Streamliner from the '50s or newer Streamliner?
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Yep, because there's a big difference between the ones made in the 50s & 60s, and the current ones. The ones made in the 50s and 60s, used Waverly tuners. Originally Posted by Hammertone
Ellen
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first post...i'd assume he has new streamliner...grovers 102-18
IMHO, the stock tuners suck bad, so in searching for info about replacements I found the thread regarding the 2622 where it was alluded that Grovers may fit, but no one there had confirmed for sure. Based on that, I bought a set of 102-18's to try and I can confirm they are an exact drop-in replacement for the stock tuners.
for more info and pics check-
G2420 replacement tuners | Gretsch-Talk Forum
cheers
ps- bone nuts are good...just make sure to have installed by competent repairman as the slots need to be filed just right!
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Oh sorry I should have mentioned that, it’s a new one made in Korea:
Gretsch Guitars G2420T Streamliner Single Cutaway Hollowbody with Bigsby Walnut Stain | Guitar Center
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Hey thanks for the info, I will order the Grovers, are these the ones?
Grover 102-18C Rotomatic 18:1 3 per Side Tuners, Chrome https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007ORM0K..._gsK9DbHHZFQY8
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Yes.
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Not to necro-post, but I’ve found a couple gems that I thought should be posted here.
There are a couple clips in the thread concerning Cal Collins – whom I did not know about… what a discovery!
Well, here are the complete sets of the Benny Goodman Octet in 1976, Praha and Warsaw (Jazz Jamboree). I’d say that they establish beyond any doubt that you can swing with the best with a Filter’tron 6120 Double Cut if you have the guitaristic and musical wherewithal. (Unfortunately the side effect is that I am GAS-ing hard for an orange G5422T…and a bowtie)
Another video that I found with better quality and in complete form is a wonderful 1961 set with Jan Johanson and Rune Gustafsson playing a lovely single-coil (Dynasonic) Sal Salvador Gretsch.
Hope you enjoy! I did, a LOT, and discovered two guitarists that I’ll listen to quite a bit in coming days…
Funny that I should start my investigations from him…
… and end up with him ;D
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Funny this thread would come back around today. I just restrung and set up a new (to me) Gretsch. A MIK Electromatic , the G5422t.
I'm set for archtops, larger hollowbodies. That's what I mostly use for messing with jazz. But the thinner hollowbodies have long intrigued me. The ES-330 being a great example. Can do jazz, can do lots of things. For some reason, never found one that quite worked for me. But the curiosity remains. Also, I'd always wonder with the 330 type would do with humbuckers.
Had a few Gretsches. A single cutaway 5120 with beautiful HS filtertrons. Should have kept that one. A 2004 country club with the same filtertrons. Couldn't get on with the scale. So I keep my eyes on Gretsch. This G5422t keeps coming up. A cheap seats take on their classic White Falcon. All maple laminate. Deeper than 330 depth, but still thinline. Double cut. B6 Bigsby 24.6" scale. The pickups are filtertrons, but called "blacktops." Allegedly like the pre-Fender, pre HS filters used in the 90s. I'm in no position to judge on that, but have been real curious about the p/us.
And they are sweet. The guitar is a good one. A lot of volume unplugged for a not too lightly built, not deep instrument. Plugged in, it's sort of two instruments. With the guitar MV rolled off at quieter volumes, you get classic Gretsch roots type tones - anywhere from rockabilly (which I don't play) to blues (which I do) and jazz on the neck p/u spot (still trying to play jazz ...) Dime the master and turn up the amp, for fat, wailing edge of breakup tones which clean up well by rolling off guitar MV a bit. The blacktops are somewhere between the detailed twang of HS filters and the rich fatness of my favorite P90.
Here's a guy trying some jazz:
Another guy playing some clean tones, starting at 2:00
Really nice guitar!Last edited by mad dog; 05-01-2020 at 09:00 AM.
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You’re stoking the GAS!! And in return, I will stoke yours and say that a Casino – even the standard Made in China – is a lovely little archtop and your best way to try some 330 goodyness. P-90s are part of the charm, so don’t put humbuckers on one ;D Originally Posted by mad dog
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Radio: "Music is my mistress" and "GAS is life", strictly in that order. I know how good casinos are. Owned 3 of them, two MIK, one MIJ. And a vintage ES-330. And would never deface one that way. Reading about Emily Remler's gear intrigued, made me think maybe a HB equipped thin or medium thin hollow body would be a good, versatile choice for jazz and other genres. Originally Posted by radiofm74
Another, pricier route would be a custom order H525 from Heritage, with humbuckers. I had the P90 H525. Excellent for jazz, but become expendable when I got a '60 Guild X50. I've learned that you can expect things to be a certain way with specific guitar choices, and may have good reasons to think one guitar or other would be perfect for your defined musical need. But the ultimate test is to play it. Surprises are inevitable, so I'm sticking with import, modestly priced choices for satisfying tonal curiosity.
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I just so happens that I have a Falcon with a Bigsby that I love to (try to) play jazz on. I think it sounds fantastic. You just gotta eq your amp.
It also pairs with my Eagle.
I have Jazz birds are of prey, basically.
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PS: the guy is “trying some jazz” and he spectacularly succeeds! Love the tone and the playing. I am afraid that I am sold on one… orange, please… Originally Posted by mad dog
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Mine is orange!! What a happy accident ... Originally Posted by radiofm74
MD
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Well, let’s see a pic! Originally Posted by mad dog
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Radio:
I'm waiting on the sun. We get sun this spring in the NE by appointment only, it seems.
MD
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OK, I hope you’ll get some sun soon ;D Originally Posted by mad dog
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Julian Lage on a Duo Jet (which his new Collings signature guitar is modelled on):
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mclaughlin sound here
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