Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet

$365.00 Price Tier: Budget

5.0 (4)

1 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 26, 2026

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5.0 (7)

$365.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $365

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Discover the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet, a solid-body electric guitar crafted for those who dare to be different. With its chambered basswood body and a sleek maple top, this guitar combines classic style with modern playability. The Pro Jet is equipped with two "Blacktop" Filter'Tron pickups, delivering a unique blend of glassy chime and robust grind that sets it apart from the crowd.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the G5438 Pro Jet offers a sonic signature that is unmistakably Gretsch. Its comfortable rosewood fingerboard and medium jumbo frets make it a joy to play, allowing you to express your creativity with ease. The Pro Jet isn’t just an instrument; it’s a statement of individuality and a nod to the rich legacy of Gretsch in American music history.

This guitar is perfect for the musician looking to step outside the norms and showcase their unique sound and style. With its vintage aesthetics and modern sonic capabilities, the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet invites you to explore new musical territories and leave a lasting impression wherever you play.

Key Features:

Chambered basswood body with an arched 3-ply maple top
Maple neck with a 12" radius rosewood fingerboard
22 medium jumbo frets with pearloid hump-block inlays
24.6" scale length; 1.6875" nut width
"Blacktop" Filter'Tron Bridge and Neck Pickups
3-Position Toggle Pickup Switching; "G" Arrow control knobs
Chrome hardware with an anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge and enclosed die-cast tuning machines

Product specs

Brand	Gretsch
Model	G5434 Electromatic Pro Jet with Black Top Filter'Tron Pickups, G5435 Electromatic Pro Jet with Black Top Filter'Tron Pickups, G5438 Electromatic Pro Jet with Black Top Filter'Tron Pickups, G5439 Electromatic Pro Jet with Black Top Filter'Tron Pickups
Finish	2-Tone Sunburst, Black, Gold, Silver Sparkle
Year	2011 - 2017
Made In	Korea, Republic of
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Brown, Gold, Silver
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gretsch Jet
Model Sub-Family	Gretsch Pro Jet
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
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 pickups does the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet use?: The Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet is equipped with Black Top Filter'Tron pickups, which are known for their clear, punchy tone and excellent articulation, making them suitable for a variety of musical styles, from rock to jazz.
Is the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet suitable for beginner guitarists?: Yes, the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable playability and versatile sound, which allows new players to explore different genres while benefiting from the guitar's high-quality construction and design.
What is the body material of the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet?: The body of the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet is made from mahogany, which provides a warm tone with good sustain, complemented by a maple top that adds brightness and clarity to the sound.
Does the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet have a bolt-on neck?: Yes, the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet features a bolt-on neck construction, which offers easy neck adjustments and repairs, contributing to the guitar's overall durability and ease of maintenance.
How many frets does the Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet have?: The Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet comes with 22 frets, providing a wide range of notes for versatile playing across various musical styles.

Videos

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ProGuitarShopDemos

Gretsch G5438 Electromatic Pro Jet

ProGuitarShopDemos

Gretsch G5435 & G5438 Electromatic Pro Jet Electric Guitar Gold Product Review and Demo

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Gretsch Electromatic Projet G5438 Gold @persianfender فرزاد رضایی(guitariran)

Guitariran

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional value for its price range
Ebony fretboard adds a touch of luxury
Flawless bound body and neck
Light chambered body enhances playability
Sounds great with TV Jones Power Trons pickups
Professional-grade fit and finish despite being China-made
Impeccable finish quality
Accurate intonation straight out of the box
Versatile tone suitable for jazz and worship music

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet.

Mods and upgrades

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Graph Tech saddles are favored for improving tuning stability over roller bridges, which can have issues like string rattle and tone loss.
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A Bigsby modification raising its pivot helps prevent strings from hitting the rear of the bridge, addressing tuning stability.
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User experience

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One owner noted that without fancy nuts or roller bridges, their Bigsby-equipped guitar mostly stayed in tune, except the G string occasionally went sharp.
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Owners of the G5622T, a similar model with a Bigsby, report exceptional stability and continuous playability, highlighting its quality and reliability.
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One owner has both a Pro Jet with Black Top Filter'Trons and a Special Jet with DeArmond 2000 pickups, expressing satisfaction with both models for their unique sounds.
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Setup and maintenance

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Raising the low E string slightly was necessary for a player with a heavy touch to avoid buzzing or rattling.
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Players with a heavy touch should consider raising the low E string slightly to prevent buzzing or rattling on the Pro Jet.
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Features and functionality

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The Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet is chambered, providing a 'bloom' in pickup output and sweeter resonance compared to a solid Les Paul.
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The Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet uses Black Top Filter'Tron pickups, designed to emulate classic Filter'Tron tones, distinct from Black Top Broad'Tron humbuckers.
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Comparisons

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Jets are slightly larger than Les Pauls, offering a lighter alternative with high gain performance, beneficial for those concerned about shoulder strain.
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Some users prefer the sound of Black Top Filter'Trons over original Filter'Trons, citing a preference after direct comparison.
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Use cases and applications

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The Pro Jet is versatile, delivering warmth with brightness for various shows, and excels when gain is increased, turning it into a powerful instrument.
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