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Average Price: $327

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Description

Experience the perfect blend of classic style and modern innovation with the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic with Bigsby. This solid body electric guitar is a true statement piece for musicians who dare to be different. With its chambered basswood body and arched maple top, the Pro Jet delivers a unique resonance that’s instantly recognizable as "That Great Gretsch Sound."

Equipped with Blacktop Filter'Tron pickups, this guitar offers a versatile tonal range that can go from chimey cleans to gritty overdrive with ease. The Bigsby B50 vibrato tailpiece lends an additional layer of sonic versatility, allowing you to infuse your playing with expressive pitch bends. Whether you're exploring new soundscapes or playing a classic hit, the Pro Jet stands out with its distinctive voice and vintage-inspired aesthetics.

Comfortable playability is ensured by the 12" radius rosewood fingerboard, which boasts 22 medium jumbo frets and eye-catching pearloid hump-block inlays. The anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge and synthetic bone nut provide stable tuning and precise intonation, making this guitar just as reliable as it is stylish.

Join a community of musicians who appreciate the blend of tradition and individuality. The Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet isn't just a guitar; it's a conversation starter, a piece of history, and a tool for creative expression.

Key Features:

  • Chambered basswood body with arched maple top
  • Blacktop Filter'Tron bridge and neck pickups
  • Bigsby Licensed B50 vibrato tailpiece
  • 12" radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
  • 24.6" scale length; 1.6875" nut width
  • Anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge and chrome hardware
  • Vintage-style aesthetics with "G" Arrow control knobs and Gretsch logo on pickguard

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model Electromatic Pro Jet with Bigsby
Finish 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 Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Gold, Silver
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 music genres is the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic with Bigsby suitable for?

The Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic with Bigsby is versatile and well-suited for rock, blues, and rockabilly, thanks to its "Black Top" Filter'Tron pickups that deliver a clear, punchy sound with plenty of twang and grit.

Does the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic come with a Bigsby vibrato?

Yes, the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic features a Bigsby Licensed B50 Vibrato Tailpiece, allowing for smooth tremolo effects and pitch bending while maintaining tuning stability.

What is the neck profile of the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic?

The Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic features a comfortable maple neck with a medium jumbo fret size and a 12" fingerboard radius, making it ideal for fast playing and smooth chord transitions.

Are the pickups on the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic good for high-gain tones?

The "Black Top" Filter'Tron pickups on the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic provide a bright, articulate sound with moderate output, making them better suited for clean and overdriven tones rather than high-gain metal sounds.

Is the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic a good choice for beginners?

With its user-friendly design, comfortable playability, and versatile sound, the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic is a great option for beginners seeking a quality instrument that can grow with their skills.

Guy Capuano

Guy Capuano

Demo Gretsch Pro Jet G5438T Electromatic

Video thumbnail for Demo Gretsch Pro Jet G5438T Electromatic by Guy Capuano

Demo Gretsch Pro Jet G5438T Electromatic

Guy Capuano

Guy Capuano

Reviews

PROS

  • Distinctive Blacktop Filtertron pickups offer a crisp twang and cut through the mix

  • Versatile sound suitable for genres like rockabilly, blues, and jazz

  • Gold sparkle finish and overall aesthetic appeal

  • Stays in tune well, surprising for a Bigsby-equipped guitar

  • Offers great value compared to higher-priced models like the Duo Jet

  • Handles both clean and dirty tones effectively

  • Comfortable neck that grows on players over time

  • Balances well with different amplifiers for sparkling clean tones

CONS

  • Initial setup required to achieve optimal playability and sound

  • Some components, like tuners and knobs, may feel or appear cheap

  • Occasional grounding issue causing hum

  • Potential quality control issues like crooked knobs and fret problems

  • Input jack and volume pot may have durability concerns

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic with Bigsby.

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjust pickups close to strings initially; adjust downwards for personal tone preferences, as high placement enhances clarity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Chambered body design provides significant acoustic resonance and a unique feel, described as vibrating through the chest.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider upgrading to Gotoh tuners for better tuning stability; users report smoother operation compared to stock tuners.

    Source

User experience

  • Guitars often stay in tune remarkably well, with minimal adjustment needed, especially with Elixir coated strings (10-46 gauge).

    Source

Comparisons

  • G5220 Electromatic is compared favorably to higher-end models like the Gibson Les Paul, with owners preferring its lighter weight and tonal clarity.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users experience minor hardware issues; volume knobs and pickup switches may need tightening or cleaning for optimal performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

G5438T Electromatic Pro Jet Review: I know I've managed to find a flaw to mention in... | Gretsch | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

With its electrifying sound and solid build, the Gretsch G5438T Pro Jet Electromatic with Bigsby shines for rock and blues enthusiasts. Players rave about its tonal versatility, from crisp clean notes to rich, overdriven growls, making it a joy to play across genres. However, the bridge design has drawn criticism, affecting sustain on higher frets and leading some to seek replacements. While the setup and features may not be the most extravagant, the overall playability and aesthetic appeal make it a compelling choice. For those seeking a quality left-handed guitar, the G5438T delivers a delightful experience despite its minor flaws.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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tonylemieux

Love this guitar!

I’m now a Gretsch lover after buying this guitar! That great Gretsch sound👍 As people say, the filtertrons are humbucker, but very snappy and kind of lower output, so you can get a sound kind of single coilish also. Very versatile, you can play rockabilly, or blues, or crank the gain and play rock. Only issue if I had one is I believe there’s a slight grounding issue, makes a little hum when I’m not touching the strings sometimes.

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george_b

george_b

Gear IQ 155

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