Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (10)
$889.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (13)
$899.99
Amazon
4.8 (8)
$889.99
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$674.10 New
$549.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (4)
$899.99
zZounds
5.0 (10)
$899.99
Thomann
4.7 (21)
$769.00 $759.00 $10.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£699.00

Average Price: $808

Budget/Beginner

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic is a captivating blend of vintage flair and modern functionality, designed for musicians who crave both style and substance. This hollowbody electric guitar embodies the iconic Gretsch legacy with its FT-5E Filter'Tron pickups, delivering the unmistakable chime and punch that has defined Gretsch since the 1950s. Its Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece adds a layer of expressive, shimmering vibrato, allowing for nuanced pitch modulation that enriches your performance with a touch of vintage charm.

Crafted with a laminated maple body and a comfortable C-profile maple neck, the G5420T offers both resonance and rigidity, striking a perfect balance for diverse musical styles. The laurel fingerboard provides smooth playability, while the Adjusto-matic bridge ensures stable tuning and precise intonation. Whether you're strumming soulful blues or driving rockabilly riffs, the G5420T's trestle-block bracing enhances sustain and reduces feedback, offering a clean, articulate sound.

This guitar's classic design is complemented by modern refinements like a treble-bleed circuit for maintaining high-end clarity at lower volumes, and vintage-style open-back tuners for reliable performance. The duo of volume controls, a master tone control, and a 3-way switch allow for seamless tonal adjustments, granting you full command over your sound.

Key Features:

  • Hollowbody electric guitar with a single-cutaway design
  • Laminated maple top, back, and sides
  • Maple neck with C profile; laurel fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
  • Dual FT-5E Filter'Tron humbuckers for classic Gretsch tone
  • Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece for expressive vibrato effects
  • Trestle-block bracing for enhanced sustain and feedback reduction
  • Master volume with treble-bleed circuit, master tone control, individual pickup volume controls, and a 3-way pickup switch
  • Adjusto-matic bridge with a secured laurel base
  • Vintage-style open-back tuners and nickel hardware

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Hollowbody
Body Shape Electromatic Classic
Body Material Laminated Maple
Top Material Arched Laminated Maple
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Classic C
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Laurel
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Neo-Classic Thumbnails
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 24.6"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut Material Graph Tech NuBone
Bridge/Tailpiece Adjusto-Matic Bridge with Secured Laurel Base, Bigsby B60 Vibrato Tailpiece
Tuners Vintage-style Open Gear
Neck Pickup FT-5E Filter'Tron Humbucker
Bridge Pickup FT-5E Filter'Tron Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x master volume (Treble bleed), 1 x master tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Nickel Plated Steel, .011-.049
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is the Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic best suited for?

The Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic is ideal for rockabilly, jazz, and blues due to its warm, resonant hollowbody tone and the clarity provided by the FT-5E Filter'Tron humbuckers.

How does the Bigsby B60 Vibrato Tailpiece affect the Gretsch G5420T's playability?

The Bigsby B60 Vibrato Tailpiece allows for smooth, subtle pitch bends and vibrato effects, enhancing expressive playing while maintaining tuning stability.

What is the neck profile like on the Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic?

The Gretsch G5420T features a Classic C-shaped maple neck, offering a comfortable grip for most playing styles and ensuring smooth playability across its 22 frets.

Are the pickups in the Gretsch G5420T suitable for high-gain music styles?

The FT-5E Filter'Tron humbuckers in the Gretsch G5420T are designed for clarity and articulation, making them less ideal for high-gain styles but perfect for clean and moderately overdriven tones.

Is the Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic suitable for beginners?

While the Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic offers excellent playability and tone, its features like the Bigsby vibrato and hollowbody design may be better suited for players with some experience.

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: 2022 Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: 2022 Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic Guitar Demo by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: 2022 Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic Guitar Demo

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for NEW Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic 2022 - Quick Test by Effect On Line

NEW Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic 2022 - Quick Test

Effect On Line

Effect On Line

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic Hollow Body Single Cut with Bigsby by Robby's Reviewsday

Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic Hollow Body Single Cut with Bigsby

Robby's Reviewsday

Robby's Reviewsday

Reviews

PROS

  • Distinctive Gretsch sound with Blacktop Filtertron pickups

  • Excellent action and playability right out of the box

  • High-quality finish with striking color options like Orange Stain and Azure Blue

  • Holds tune well with Bigsby tailpiece, unlike typical tremolo systems

  • Affordable price for a quality hollow body guitar

  • Comfortable to play standing or sitting due to well-balanced design

  • Suitable for various music styles including rock, country, and blues

  • Impressive craftsmanship and build quality comparable to high-end models

  • Versatile tone, allowing for diverse soundscapes

  • Easy to modify for personal tonal preferences

CONS

  • Vintage Yellow binding may not appeal to everyone

  • TOM bridge may not suit all players; some prefer alternative designs

  • Larger size might not be comfortable for smaller players

  • Stock pickups may not fully capture classic Gretsch sound for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic.

Mods and upgrades

  • Heavy strings, such as 12s or 13s, are recommended due to the shallow break angle at the bridge, enhancing tone and sustain.

    Source
  • Blacktop Filtertron pickups perform best with pole pieces cranked close to the strings, enhancing their tonal clarity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Recent sales have been reported on last year's models of the G5420T, suggesting potential savings for buyers seeking deals.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the 5420 as maintaining a distinct tonal character unique to its model, unlike more versatile guitars such as a Telecaster or SG.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the distinctive 'Great Gretsch Sound,' making it a standout addition to collections.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • High volume performances can lead to feedback issues with the 5420, but this is less concerning at lower, home practice levels.

    Source
  • Owners note the 5420 struggles with high neck solos due to a large joint, impacting playability in high register performances.

    Source
  • The Gretsch G5420T is capable of handling indie/lo-fi/bedroom pop genres effectively with proper EQ and effects, despite its rockabilly and country associations.

    Source

Build quality

  • Hairline cracks near the input/output jack have been reported, though not universally experienced by all owners.

    Source
  • Some guitars may have visible sanding marks under the clear coat, though such imperfections are minor given the price point.

    Source
  • Some users report dry necks requiring lemon oil treatment for optimal playability.

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  • Some owners report loose bridge saddles developing over time, suggesting a need for regular checks to maintain playability.

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Comparisons

  • The G5420T is likened to vintage '55 models in terms of weight, although reissues tend to be heavier.

    Source
  • A user compared the G5420T's build quality favorably to a Gibson Les Paul, noting superior aspects.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The original nut is often criticized as low quality, prompting many to replace it immediately with a bone nut for improved tone and stability.

    Source
  • Initial setup may be needed; one owner adjusted high action and polished frets for smoother play.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Bigsby tremolo system is praised for maintaining tuning stability with gentle use.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Hollow Body review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic delivers on style and sound, offering a great Gretsch experience at a mid-tier price. With its vibrant Fairlane Blue finish and classic design elements, it’s a visual standout. The sound is quintessential Gretsch, with an airy resonance and textural tone that makes it perfect for rockabilly and roots music. However, be ready to tweak the pickup heights for optimal performance and note that the bridge pickup spacing can be a bit off-center. Despite its quirks, this guitar is an excellent choice for those seeking a distinctive and versatile instrument.

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