Gretsch Electromatic 5420T Variations

[Bruxist]

Have been jonesing for one of these and there are some available near me, but seems like there are a number of variations of these.

I know the new ones are MIC vs MIK.

Seems like some have humpback blocks and some have the thumbnails.

Seems like most have black top filtertrons. I saw one locally with patent number filtertrons -- were they on some of these or are they likely replacements?

Do most years have the same neck profile?

Anyone know what era had what features?

Thanks in advance!

 

[superbadj]

I don’t know the answer to your questions. But I know this is pretty. And on sale. https://www.proaudiostar.com/gretsc....html?utm_source=Google_Shopping&gad_source=1

 

[marsh99]

I sold one recently and it was over 10 years old. That one had hump block inlays and blacktop filtertrons. I believe it was MIK. I think the thumbnails came in on later models. Don't know much more than that about variations, but I do know it was a fine guitar. I only sold mine because I got an Anniversary 6118 player's edition.

 

[badinfinities]

The hump blocks were replaced by the neo-classical "thumbnail" position markers in 2016.
There was some concensus about a quality drop off of MIC Electromatics during 2019-2021 - especially during the event that shall not be named - but the quality is back.
You'll always find people saying the MIKs were better, but I wouldn't get hung up about it. Your best bet is to play them and let your hands make the decision for you.
Blacktop Filtertrons are stock - and many players really like them. For those who want the authentic vintage tones, TV Jones is the standard.

 

[BorderRadio]

I love these guitars, they're pretty much a G6120 Chet after a pickup and bridge swap. I had a 2016 Fairlane Blue, and I still own a first gen, first run 2012 in Aspen Green. I'm jonesing for the new Anniversary-style two-tone green that's coming out this year. The colors change around generation to generation, of which I'm guessing there are at least 4 gens, depending on how you slice it. I can't keep track of the colors, but one constant is orange stain.

Mid 2012 to mid 2014ish: wide headstock, metal pickup rings with complex mounting, humblock inlay, non-secured floating bridge, U-to D neck, Blacktops, MIK.
Mid 2014 to early 2016: wide headstock, plastic rings w/ simplified mount, secured bridge, U-neck, humpblock inlays, Blacktops, MIK.
late 2016 to 2022: narrow headstock w/o "Electromatic" logo, plastic rings, treble bleed, U-neck, thumbnail inlay, MIK.
2022 to now: same as previous gen but added FT-5E Filtertrons (big step up), so-called trestle bracing, switch IL fretboards, classic C neck, and now MIC.

More or less. I haven't played a 5T-5E Filtertron yet, and I plan on taking one apart when I get my hands on one. Players have a positive response to them where previously they were lukewarm about the FMIC Blacktops. I've taken one apart, and there is a thread about that over at Gretsch-Talk. Basically FMIC Blacktops use smaller pole screws and a 1/8" tall alnico bar magnet, while HS Filtertrons/TV Jones use larger diameter poles screws and a 1/4" tall A5 bar magnet per the original. Coils on the BTs and originals are both measure around 4k. I think the newest Filtertrons, 5T-5E, might have had a magnet swap. Just a hunch.

The marketing says 'trestle bracing' but its more of a double sound post design. Trestle bracing on certain late 50s 6120s and Falcons had large pieces of wood making contact from the top to the back in 4 places: two at the bridge, and two near the neck. The latest G5420s simply have two small sound posts under the bridge. Effective, but I wouldn't call it true trestle bracing. Results are the same though: less top vibration (less acoustic volume), increased resistance to feedback.

 

[BorderRadio]

Seems like most have black top filtertrons. I saw one locally with patent number filtertrons -- were they on some of these or are they likely replacements?

Do most years have the same neck profile?

The patent number Filter'trons are mods made by the owner, likely HS Filtertrons. Excellent upgrade.

Gretsch calls it a U-profile but it's an average or thin U, and the fretboard and nut are on the wider side. Like 95 percent of modern Gretsch, don't expect a baseball bat and you're good. I haven't spent too much quality time with the new C-profile neck. Hope that changes soon

 

[badinfinities]

I'm jonesing for the new Anniversary-style two-tone green that's coming out this year.

View attachment 1205553

Wow - it's going to be hard for me to resist that!

 

[Bruxist]

I love these guitars, they're pretty much a G6120 Chet after a pickup and bridge swap. I had a 2016 Fairlane Blue, and I still own a first gen, first run 2012 in Aspen Green. I'm jonesing for the new Anniversary-style two-tone green that's coming out this year. The colors change around generation to generation, of which I'm guessing there are at least 4 gens, depending on how you slice it. I can't keep track of the colors, but one constant is orange stain.

Mid 2012 to mid 2014ish: wide headstock, metal pickup rings with complex mounting, humblock inlay, non-secured floating bridge, U-to D neck, Blacktops, MIK.
Mid 2014 to early 2016: wide headstock, plastic rings w/ simplified mount, secured bridge, U-neck, humpblock inlays, Blacktops, MIK.
late 2016 to 2022: narrow headstock w/o "Electromatic" logo, plastic rings, treble bleed, U-neck, thumbnail inlay, MIK.
2022 to now: same as previous gen but added FT-5E Filtertrons (big step up), so-called trestle bracing, switch IL fretboards, classic C neck, and now MIC.

More or less. I haven't played a 5T-5E Filtertron yet, and I plan on taking one apart when I get my hands on one. Players have a positive response to them where previously they were lukewarm about the FMIC Blacktops. I've taken one apart, and there is a thread about that over at Gretsch-Talk. Basically FMIC Blacktops use smaller pole screws and a 1/8" tall alnico bar magnet, while HS Filtertrons/TV Jones use larger diameter poles screws and a 1/4" tall A5 bar magnet per the original. Coils on the BTs and originals are both measure around 4k. I think the newest Filtertrons, 5T-5E, might have had a magnet swap. Just a hunch.

The marketing says 'trestle bracing' but its more of a double sound post design. Trestle bracing on certain late 50s 6120s and Falcons had large pieces of wood making contact from the top to the back in 4 places: two at the bridge, and two near the neck. The latest G5420s simply have two small sound posts under the bridge. Effective, but I wouldn't call it true trestle bracing. Results are the same though: less top vibration (less acoustic volume), increased resistance to feedback.

View attachment 1205553

Thank you! This was just the kind of info I was looking for!

Have played the new MIC ones at Guitar Center and they play and sound great. I like all of the colours but do not love any of them.

I still feel pretty lucky as far as choice, as there are four for sale used locally I have my eye on.

A black one with gold hardware (thumbnails) with case and vibramate installed for $700.
A silver one (humpbacks, Electromatic on the headstock) with case for $500.
A red (CAR?) one (thumbnails) for $500.
A red one (CAR?) one (thumbnails) with case and what looks to be HS Filtertron pickups. Also has a clear pickguard. $600 plus tax ($36)

Leaning toward that last one.

 

[BorderRadio]

I'm not wow'd by the last iteration of color options either, with the exception of essential orange and classy walnut. Of those four choices, I'd go with the CAR as well, and with a case and HS Filters? I think that's a good deal for 600, as long as the Filter'tron install was done well and the guitar is in excellent condition.

 

[Bruxist]

I'm not wow'd by the last iteration of color options either, with the exception of essential orange and classy walnut. Of those four choices, I'd go with the CAR as well, and with a case and HS Filters? I think that's a good deal for 600, as long as the Filter'tron install was done well and the guitar is in excellent condition.

That is what I was thinking. And since it is the only one in a shop, I can go lay hands on it without much issue. Hope to today.

I think both of the red ones are the same colour but in pictures look so much different. I like red but on the darkish side.

That walnut is good looking, ain't it? I am not usually a fan of plain wood colours or brown guitars, but that one looks good. Almost reddish.

 

[BorderRadio]

Oh yeah, the walnut is the entry level Tennessee Rose, the orange obviously a poor-mans Chet Atkins, and now they have the two Annie style Proline copies. The aged white/metallic gray version are also going to be considered soon:

Pre-Order! 2024 Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic Hollow Body Single-Cut w/ Bigsby in Two-Tone Vintage White / Londen Grey | Reverb

THIS LISTING IS A PRE-ORDER FOR THIS GUITAR. WE ORDER ALL NEW MODELS QUICKLY TO ENSURE YOU GET YOUR NEW GUITAR ASAP!Get classic ‘50s & ‘60s -inspired Gretsch sound and style with the Electromatic® Classic Hollow Body guitars. Crafted with essential Gretsch hollow-body sound, style and playabi...

reverb.com

 

[BorderRadio]

Mine:

 

[Bruxist]

Mine:

View attachment 1205896View attachment 1205897

Those are gorgeous. Especially the blue one. And I always loved those trem arms.

 

[Bruxist]

I checked out the one with the HS Filtertrons! Case was very nice but not a Gretsch case, just a big acoustic case.

So the guitar fits but not very well.

Was NOT Candy Apple Red -- was red sparkle! Top only, with reddish woodstain back and sides. Looked amazing.

Also had Sperzel locking tuners!

Looks like it was made in 2017.

Awfully tempted...

 

[BigPapa-53]

Those Gretsch cases are HEAVY. A buddy "gave" me a '07 5420 in a Gretsch case. The first thing I did was get a semi-hard gig bag that it fit well in. It was a TRIC for a dreadnaught.

 

[BorderRadio]

I checked out the one with the HS Filtertrons! Case was very nice but not a Gretsch case, just a big acoustic case.

So the guitar fits but not very well.

Was NOT Candy Apple Red -- was red sparkle! Top only, with reddish woodstain back and sides. Looked amazing.

Also had Sperzel locking tuners!

Looks like it was made in 2017.

Awfully tempted...

Yeah I really wanted a red sparkle with the stained wood back and sides. I couldn’t justify another G5420T since I just got my 6120. I don’t know about you but sparkle Gretsch always FTW.

Sprezels are even more of a plus. Case not perfect but still…it’s a case. Great price for this at 600!

Those are gorgeous. Especially the blue one. And I always loved those trem arms.

Thanks, too bad I sold the Fairlane Blue model. I installed TVJs with a Brian Setzer in the bridge, built a new harness, upgraded the switches and pots, and repainted the plastics in a cream. Was a fun project but probably won’t be doing that again!

 

[Bruxist]

Yeah I really wanted a red sparkle with the stained wood back and sides. I couldn’t justify another G5420T since I just got my 6120. I don’t know about you but sparkle Gretsch always FTW.

Sprezels are even more of a plus. Case not perfect but still…it’s a case. Great price for this at 600!


Thanks, too bad I sold the Fairlane Blue model. I installed TVJs with a Brian Setzer in the bridge, built a new harness, upgraded the switches and pots, and repainted the plastics in a cream. Was a fun project but probably won’t be doing that again!

Here are some pics I took in the store:






Looks like it has a replacement bridge as well, like the one on your silver Gretsch. Do you know anything about those style bridges?

 

[SixStringSlinger]

Here are some pics I took in the store:

View attachment 1206103

View attachment 1206104
View attachment 1206105

Looks like it has a replacement bridge as well, like the one on your silver Gretsch. Do you know anything about those style bridges?

Is that a solid bar bridge? I don’t have a Gretsch but I have a similar bridge (a Tru-Arc) on my Reverend Tricky Gomez. It replaced a tune-o-matic style with roller saddles that worked well, but I felt that so many different parts were contributing to a certain “softening” of the sound (attack?). I don’t know if that’s the reason why, but the Tru-Arc seems to have brought back some “snap”. Intonation is great and it’s comfortable to palm mute on.

 

[BorderRadio]

Here are some pics I took in the store:

View attachment 1206103

View attachment 1206104
View attachment 1206105

Looks like it has a replacement bridge as well, like the one on your silver Gretsch. Do you know anything about those style bridges?

Oh wow, I'd own this by now! Looks like everything has been modified, hopefully competently. Knobs are Falcon style, clear guard as you noted (not my pref), a MIA Bigsby B6, HS Filtertrons, tuners, and a Gretsch rocking bar bridge. Very nice! Hopefully they upgraded the harness, switch and pots while they were at it.

I use Tru-Arc bars on all my floating bridge guitars with vibratos. I prefer steel and aluminum, but I used a brass Serpentune on my G6120, and bought a copper Serpentune for my G5420T. They impart a little more attack, a little more sustain in general, and the different materials contribute something to the tone as well. Bottom line: it's a good upgrade. IMHO, the bridge must be able to float to set intonation, and the Serpentune Tru-Arcs compensate for plain G strings. The Gretsch bridge is chromed brass, btw. If not already done on this guitar, I'd convert it to full floating, but maybe it works.

Not sure if they took the gold off the Gretsch Falcon knobs or are maybe they are some kind of chrome knock-off. Also, the Filtertrons are mounted on Electromatic rings (a plus for me), but the bridge pickup looks way too low--they moved the poles screws up instead of raising the whole pickup. The bridge is best with screws down and the pickup close as possible to the strings, more or less. Maybe it's just the previous player's preference, but I'd make sure you can adjust the pickups higher.

 

[ERik77]

Here are some pics I took in the store:

View attachment 1206103

View attachment 1206104
View attachment 1206105

Looks like it has a replacement bridge as well, like the one on your silver Gretsch. Do you know anything about those style bridges?

Dude. Buy it.