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Average Price: $594

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$500

$1201+

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Description

Step into the world of classic rock 'n' roll with the Gretsch 5122 Electromatic, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that perfectly marries vintage style with modern performance. This instrument is a tribute to Gretsch's legacy of superior craftsmanship, designed for musicians who crave that iconic, rich tonal palette. With its distinctively resonant body and smooth playability, the Gretsch 5122 is ideal for a wide range of genres, from rockabilly to jazz and everything in between.

Equipped with dual Gretsch Dual-Coil Humbucking pickups, this guitar delivers a warm, clear sound with just the right amount of bite and twang. The double cutaway design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also provides easy access to higher frets, making it a versatile companion for both rhythm and lead guitarists. The Adjusto-Matic bridge and Bigsby B60 tailpiece work in harmony to ensure stable tuning and expressive vibrato effects, while the bound rosewood fingerboard offers a comfortable, responsive playing experience.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring guitarist, the Gretsch 5122 Electromatic is built to inspire. Its combination of classic looks and modern enhancements makes it a standout piece in any musician's collection. Join the ranks of legendary players who have trusted Gretsch to deliver their unique sound to the world.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody construction for rich, resonant tones
  • Dual Gretsch Dual-Coil Humbucking pickups
  • Double cutaway design for easy access to upper frets
  • Adjusto-Matic bridge with Bigsby B60 tailpiece
  • Bound rosewood fingerboard for enhanced playability

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model Electromatic Hollow Body Double Cutaway
Finish Black, Walnut Stain
Year 2008 - 2013
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gretsch Hollow Body Double Cutaway
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gretsch Electromatic
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of music is the Gretsch 5122 Electromatic best suited for?

The Gretsch 5122 Electromatic is ideal for rockabilly, jazz, and blues, thanks to its semi-hollow body design and dual-coil humbuckers, which deliver warm, resonant tones with plenty of sustain.

What is the neck profile of the Gretsch 5122 Electromatic?

The Gretsch 5122 Electromatic features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, slim "U" shape profile, making it easy to play for extended periods.

Does the Gretsch 5122 Electromatic come with a Bigsby vibrato?

Yes, the Gretsch 5122 Electromatic is equipped with a Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects.

What materials are used for the body and neck of the Gretsch 5122 Electromatic?

The Gretsch 5122 Electromatic features a laminated maple top and body with a mahogany neck, providing a balanced combination of warmth and brightness in its tone.

Are the pickups on the Gretsch 5122 Electromatic suitable for high-gain music styles?

The Gretsch 5122 Electromatic is equipped with chrome-covered Dual-Coil humbuckers, which are better suited for clean to moderate overdrive tones rather than high-gain music styles.

How many frets does the Gretsch 5122 Electromatic have?

The Gretsch 5122 Electromatic has 22 medium jumbo frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead playing.

Blazing Guitars

Blazing Guitars

Blazing Guitars Gretsch 5122 Demo

Video thumbnail for Blazing Guitars Gretsch 5122 Demo by Blazing Guitars

Blazing Guitars Gretsch 5122 Demo

Blazing Guitars

Blazing Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G5122 Electromatic Trans. Red at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gretsch G5122 Electromatic Trans. Red at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Electromatic G5122 testing by Goran Pantic

Gretsch Electromatic G5122 testing

Goran Pantic

Goran Pantic

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Electromatic 5122 by Captain Cherry

Gretsch Electromatic 5122

Captain Cherry

Captain Cherry

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Electromatic G5122 by Captain Cherry

Gretsch Electromatic G5122

Captain Cherry

Captain Cherry

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G5122 Electromatic sample by ButchA61

Gretsch G5122 Electromatic sample

ButchA61

ButchA61

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Electromatic G5122 | What's in the Case? - Episode 2 by Spike Hart

Gretsch Electromatic G5122 | What's in the Case? - Episode 2

Spike Hart

Spike Hart

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent playability comparable to higher-end models

  • Hotter pickups enhance sound quality

  • Bigsby bridge remains in tune well

  • Low action with no buzzing issues

  • Attractive price for quality, especially with a hard case

  • Retains a mint condition over time

CONS

  • Floating bridge may require professional intonation

  • Frequent tuning adjustments needed, especially for floating saddle

  • Concerns about long-term durability of wood used

  • Pickups may sound muddy to some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch 5122 Electromatic.

Build quality

  • The G5122's laminated maple body is often criticized, but high-end models like the ES-345 also use laminates, suggesting criticism may be unjustified.

    Source
  • The double cutaway design is highly praised for both its aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, enhancing playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to TV Jones Filtertrons significantly enhances tone, particularly improving harmonics.

    Source
  • Retrofitting TV Jones pickups requires additional work, but if you can find a deal, it offers a setup rivaling a G5422 for similar cost.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to an Epiphone Sheraton II, the G5122 feels less well-constructed and is prone to feedback, even considering full hollowbody standards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for jazz and rockabilly, though it can adapt to other styles with the right gear adjustments.

    Source
  • While primarily used for blues, owners find the G5122's versatility allows it to suit various music styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A G5122 in like-new condition with a hardcase for $435 is considered a strong value compared to newer models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the double cutout design of the G5122, noting its aesthetic and functional appeal.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Rewiring issues have been reported, but once resolved, the guitar functions well according to previous owners.

    Source
  • Removing the protective material under the bridge is crucial to avoid sound dampening; it's suggested to do this gently during restringing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Desire for additional color options, such as white, indicates potential for aesthetic customization to increase appeal.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gear Review: G5122DC Electromatic® Double Cutaway Hollow Body | Guitar Gear

guitargear.org

The Gretsch 5122 Electromatic delivers classic hollow body charm with remarkable affordability. Its standout feature is its rich, versatile tone, which is both twangy and acoustically pleasing, making it suitable for various genres beyond just rockabilly and blues. The guitar’s playability is exceptional, with a smooth neck and perfect action. While it lacks the complex controls of higher-end models, its simplicity is a virtue, allowing players to focus on its lush sound. The Korean craftsmanship does not detract from its quality, boasting an impressive finish and vintage aesthetics. Despite some mixed opinions on the sound depending on the amp used, the overall sentiment is that the G5122DC is a fantastic value for money, earning high praise and a must-have status for enthusiasts of hollow body guitars.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Shaun Couture uses Gretsch 5122 Electromatic

Shaun Couture

Singer, Guitarist

The Nude Party

...
Verified via Chicago Music Exchange

Shaun plays a Gretsch Electromatic 5122 through a ‘71 Twin Reverb. His pedal board is fuller—the same tremolo but also a tube screamer, holy grail reverb, clean boost, and a delay pedal set to a quick slap back.

See how Jason Whitehorn uses Gretsch 5122 Electromatic

Jason Whitehorn

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

Jason Whitehorn uses a Gretsch 5122 Electromatic, featuring stock pickups, a Bigsby tremolo, and a heavily relic-ed finish, with his custom signature logo on the side. His Twitter post indicates this guitar is being prepared for customization.

See how Martin Omar Basualdo uses Gretsch 5122 Electromatic

Martin Omar Basualdo

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Martin Omar Basualdo is shown playing a Gretsch 5122 Electromatic without a pickguard in a user-uploaded photo from Fbcdn.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gretsch 5122 Electromatic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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mkn_upa

mkn_upa

Gear IQ 1171

mkn_upa

mkn_upa

Gear IQ 1171

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