Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
4.7 (732)
$5.99
Reverb
5.0 (32)
$570.98 New
$349.00 Used
zZounds
5.0 (10)
$699.99

Average Price: $406

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Introducing the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby, a reinvention of a classic that encapsulates the signature Jet power and fidelity in an affordable package. With a rich history of 65 years, the Gretsch Jet has been the go-to choice for many iconic players and this latest model continues the legacy.

The Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby is built around a chambered mahogany body with a maple top, producing full lows and mids with an exceptionally smooth high end. The result is a robust and balanced acoustic foundation that resonates with power and clarity.

The Gretsch G5230T takes its tone to the next level with the Black Top Filter'Tron pickups. These pickups amplify and accentuate the guitar's chambered body to produce a wide, balanced, and transparent tone. Loud and punchy, the G5230T delivers remarkable definition at any gain level, with full, responsive lows and mids and a high end that sparkles without spikes.

Beyond its powerful tone, the Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby offers complete tonal control. With individual pickup volume controls, master tone and master volume with treble bleed circuit, this guitar puts intuitive global control over your pickup and tone settings at your fingertips.

Key Features:

  • Chambered mahogany body with maple top for robust, balanced tone
  • Black Top Filter'Tron pickups for wide, balanced, and transparent tone
  • Individual pickup volume controls, master tone, and master volume with treble bleed circuit
  • Single-Cut with Bigsby
  • Complete tonal control for customized sound
  • Affordable price point for such a high-quality instrument.

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model G5230T Electromatic Jet FT with Bigsby
Finish Airline Silver, Aleutian Blue, Black, Broadway Jade Metallic, Cadillac Green, Firebird Red, Gold Sparkle, Silver Sparkle
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Red, Silver
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Laurel, Walnut
Fretboard Radius 12"
Frets Medium Jumbo
Model Family Gretsch Jet
Model Sub-Family Gretsch Sparkle Jet
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.6"
Series Gretsch Electromatic
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby have?

The Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby is equipped with dual Black Top Filter'Tron humbucking pickups, known for delivering a powerful and articulate tone suitable for a wide range of music genres.

How does the Bigsby tremolo on the Gretsch G5230T affect playability?

The Bigsby B50 vibrato tailpiece on the Gretsch G5230T allows for smooth pitch bending and subtle vibrato effects, enhancing expressiveness without compromising tuning stability.

Is the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and medium jumbo frets, making it easy to play while offering professional-grade sound quality.

What is the body material of the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet?

The body of the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet is made from mahogany, providing a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain.

Does the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet come in different finishes?

Yes, the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet is available in several finishes, including Airline Silver, Aleutian Blue, Black, Broadway Jade Metallic, Cadillac Green, Firebird Red, Gold Sparkle, and Silver Sparkle.

What is the scale length of the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet?

The Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet features a scale length of 24.6 inches, contributing to its playability and ease of bending notes.

Strings Shop

Strings Shop

Strings Quick Demo : Gretsch G5230T Electromatic® Jet™

Video thumbnail for Strings Quick Demo : Gretsch G5230T Electromatic® Jet™ by Strings Shop

Strings Quick Demo : Gretsch G5230T Electromatic® Jet™

Strings Shop

Strings Shop

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet Bigsby - Electric Guitar Review by The Guitaristas

Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet Bigsby - Electric Guitar Review

The Guitaristas

The Guitaristas

Video thumbnail for GRETSCH G5230T Electromatic Jet FT Electric Guitar Review I Pure Jet Power At An Affordable Price! by Tarpley Music

GRETSCH G5230T Electromatic Jet FT Electric Guitar Review I Pure Jet Power At An Affordable Price!

Tarpley Music

Tarpley Music

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet Review by Music Villa

Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet Review

Music Villa

Music Villa

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Electromatic Jet with Bigsby, G5230T Guitar Review!! by Tinkerbell

Gretsch Electromatic Jet with Bigsby, G5230T Guitar Review!!

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell

Video thumbnail for It's Great But... || Gretsch G5230t Electromatic Jet by Trail Of Sound

It's Great But... || Gretsch G5230t Electromatic Jet

Trail Of Sound

Trail Of Sound

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby.

User experience

  • Owners have reported that the guitar feels lighter than a typical Les Paul, making it more comfortable for extended playing sessions.

    Source
  • Some users find the volume pot drop-off less noticeable at high amp volumes, suggesting that setup may vary depending on playing style.

    Source
  • Some users experience bridge rattles and a steep Bigsby break angle affecting tuning stability.

    Source

Other

  • It's suggested that issues like nut and bridge problems are fixable, but ideally shouldn't be present in a new guitar, prompting some owners to consider returns or replacements.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the stock nut with a Tusq XL nut and adding locking tuners can enhance tuning stability, especially when using the Bigsby.

    Source
  • Adding a BiggsFix to reduce the break angle over the saddles can improve tuning stability and make string bends smoother.

    Source
  • Owners mention the option to upgrade to Gretsch Filter 'Tron or TV Jones pickups for improved sound quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The master volume pot may cut off sharply at the end of its range, possibly due to using a linear pot instead of a logarithmic one.

    Source
  • The Bigsby vibrato handle can be swung down to avoid interference during play, offering flexibility in usage.

    Source
  • The G5230T's chambered body enhances resonance and reduces weight compared to solid body designs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The G5230T's Tune-O-Matic bridge may rock back and forth, causing tuning instability; consider locking it in place with grub screws or replacing it with a roller bridge.

    Source
  • Pre-bending the wrapped end of the string before attaching it to the Bigsby bar simplifies string changes.

    Source
  • The Bigsby requires regular lubrication and properly cut nut slots to maintain tuning stability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners suggest checking platforms like Reverb for used models, which can be significantly cheaper than new ones.

    Source
  • Despite hardware concerns, the guitar is deemed worth its price, especially at closeout deals under $500.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Plays tonally between a Les Paul and a Strat, offering versatility for different musical styles.

    Source
  • This model's mahogany body and clear-coated back distinguish it from the basswood, solid-painted G5435T.

    Source

Critic Reviews

G5230T Electromatic Jet Review: It's a superb guitar that is fun and versatile enough to... | Gretsch | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby is a standout in the affordable guitar market, offering classic Gretsch tones with impressive tonal versatility and a vintage aesthetic. Its Black Top Filter'Tron pickups deliver abundant twang and chime, while the Bigsby B50 vibrato maintains tuning stability even under heavy use. The guitar's fit and finish, particularly in its Cadillac Green hue, defy its price point, competing with higher-end models. Although the price increase might deter some, the G5230T’s combination of sound quality, reliability, and glamor make it a superb choice for players seeking a versatile, stage-ready instrument.

positive

Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet Review & Demo – Guitars For Idiots

guitarsforidiots.com

An affordable gem, the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby impresses with its vintage tone and versatile style, scoring 8.3/10. Its blacktop Filter’tron pickups deliver classic Gretsch chime, suitable for diverse genres from rockabilly to shoegaze. While not as crisp as pricier TV Jones pickups, they offer great value and a simple upgrade path. The slim “U” neck and solid finish enhance playability and aesthetics, feeling premium beyond its $699 price tag. Though it takes some time to settle, it proves a reliable, well-built choice for both beginners and seasoned players.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sindre

Incredible value

Good things can be had for little money these days, at least when it comes to guitars. This guitar arrived extremely well set up, with low action (almost too low for my taste), no buzz, no sharp fret ends, great neck, excellent playability. And the sound? Glorious! At first, I thought it was too trebly, but it was strung with extremely loud and bright roundwounds. I put on a set of my favourite strings, Thomastik-Infeld 12–50 nickel flatwounds, and they really brought out the best of this guitar.

I was surprised how good this is for clean, jazzy single-note stuff. Beatifully smooth on all pickup settings. The tone control is actually usable all the way down, and it's good to knock off a little treble when playing clean solos.

Any negatives? The master volume goes from zero to eight in the first couple of millimetres, and the treble bleed is, unusually, way too subtle. I found out why: the potentiometer was wired in reverse. Easily fixed, but QC must have been asleep. The Bigsby has the normal Bigsby issues; stringing is a pain, and it isn't really possible to hold the bar while you pick. But I have Jazzmasters and Stratocasters for that. Tuning stability isn't great, but subtle wobbles are fine. When I put on the new strings, I didn't put the four wound strings under the bar thing, eliminating one friction point. This helped, and of course, with medium gauge flatwounds, everything stays a lot better in tune. The tuning machines are adequate, but doesn't feel very high quality. But they won't cause any problems, so they'll stay. At this price point, these things are almost irrelevant.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ricardo Mollo uses Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby

Ricardo Mollo

Guitarist

Sumo

...
Verified via Photo

Ricardo Mollo is seen performing live with a Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet in orange, as shown in a photo hosted on Squarespace.

See how Ten Tonnes (Ethan Barnett) uses Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby

Ten Tonnes (Ethan Barnett)

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Ten Tonnes (Ethan Barnett) is seen using a Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet with Bigsby in a live performance, as captured in a user-uploaded photo on Coupdemainmagazine.

See how Leo Davidson uses Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby

Leo Davidson

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Googleusercontent

In a photo, Leo Davidson is seen playing a Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet with Bigsby in Firebird Red.

See how TJ Cowgill uses Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby

TJ Cowgill

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

TJ Cowgill showcases his Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby in an Instagram post by kingdudemusic, where he expresses a deep personal connection to the guitar, affectionately named "Blondie."

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 G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet w/ Bigsby, curated by the Equipboard community.

Gretsch Duo Jet Electric Guitar

$1,882.24 - $2,999.99

similar sound high-end alternative

Both guitars are manufactured by Gretsch, and the Electromatic Jet is designed to be a more accessible version of the more expensive Duo Jet

More Gretsch Solid Body Electric Guitars

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