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NGD Gretsch 5129

Discussion in 'Other Guitars, other instruments' started by dannyh, Jan 23, 2021.

  1. Jan 23, 2021 #1
    dannyh

    dannyh Tele-Afflicted

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    ACA60812-1EEF-4F0E-BC59-D8410B73EE1B.jpeg I recently posted in a “guitar bucket list” thread that one of my bucket guitars was a really “Gretschy” sounding Gretsch. I think I can take that off the list now. Ran across this 5129 for a fair price last week and snagged it today. This one has the DeArmond “2K” pickups (from what I understand, still learning about newer Gretsches). Whatever these pickups are, I like them a lot, especially the neck pickup. The bridge pickup sounds good too, & the middle setting sounds as “Gretschy” to my ears as anything I’ve played. The Bigsby works great and the guitar holds tune really well.

    I dug a little on the net and from what I read this is a Samick plant guitar from Korea. I don’t really know the pecking order on that stuff, but the guitar seems really well built. Time will tell I guess, but I’m pretty happy with it...so far at least...:)
     
    uriah1, Piggy Stu, gimmeatele and 16 others like this.
  2. Jan 23, 2021 #2
    ping-ping-clicka

    ping-ping-clicka Friend of Leo's Ad Free Member

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    congratulaions, I was a huge fan of Duane Eddy's guitar playing and sound. I love that sound.
    Have love'o fun.
     
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  3. Jan 23, 2021 #3
    Cali Dude

    Cali Dude Tele-Afflicted

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    Cool new Gretsch! Hope you enjoy it for years to come.
     
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  4. Jan 23, 2021 #4
    Fretting out

    Fretting out Poster Extraordinaire

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    Cool!
    Dynasonics! I like those pickups
     
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  5. Jan 23, 2021 #5
    Dan R

    Dan R Poster Extraordinaire

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    That is a sweet score! Gretsch guitars are so cool, especially the ones with a Bigsby. I want to scratch that itch one day. I've always been hesitant about a Bigsby. I don't know if I'll like one, but I probably should give it a try.

    Gretsch guitars are a bit complicated, especially the pickups.
     
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  6. Jan 23, 2021 #6
    dannyh

    dannyh Tele-Afflicted

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    On this Bigsby, it’s pretty tight. I’ve tried some that seem to have a lot of slop going on before the pitch actually begins to waiver. I’m not a big fan of that. This is the first Bigsby guitar ive owned though, so I’m no expert on the ins and outs of them.

    yeah from what I’ve read about all the different pickups found on Gretsch guitars, it’s kind of a quagmire lol. Not gonna get too bogged down in all that. I like these fine.
     
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  7. Jan 23, 2021 #7
    posttoastie

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  8. Jan 23, 2021 #8
    BorderRadio

    BorderRadio Doctor of Teleocity Silver Supporter

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    Congrats! Love the G51xx stuff. I used to own a G5128, still regret selling it.

    I can go on and on about the pickups, but I dont want to kill the fun. Great pickups, and they aren't 2Ks, nor are they true to the original DeArmond Model 2000. Still great pickups IMHO.

    If you want a stiffer feel on the Bigsby, you can tighten the handle screen screw (within the bigger screen) to keep it from flexing.
     
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  9. Jan 23, 2021 #9
    dannyh

    dannyh Tele-Afflicted

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    thanks! I figured there was probably an adjustment method...appreciate the info.
     
  10. Jan 24, 2021 #10
    tah1962

    tah1962 Friend of Leo's

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    Very nice! Congratulations.
     
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  11. Jan 24, 2021 #11
    StevesBoogie

    StevesBoogie Tele-Holic Ad Free Member

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    Great looking Gretsch! Congrats! I am keeping an eye out for a used Gretsch and have come to the conclusion that I love the colors of the more recent Gretsch guitars. That color of yours is beautiful.
     
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  12. Jan 24, 2021 #12
    mimmo

    mimmo Friend of Leo's Silver Supporter

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    A real beauty, congratulations!
     
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  13. Jan 24, 2021 #13
    brookdalebill

    brookdalebill Tele Axpert Ad Free Member

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    Kewl!
     
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  14. Jan 24, 2021 #14
    stormsedge

    stormsedge Friend of Leo's

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    HNGD!
     
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  15. Jan 24, 2021 #15
    Chester P Squier

    Chester P Squier Tele-Meister

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    Enjoy your guitars! I have a Gretsch Electromatic 5120. It's orange and has humbuckers.

    If your Gretsch has a floating bridge, do not remove all the strings at one time (such as to clean the fretboard). The floating bridge will fall off and you won't know exactly where to put it back.

    The Gretsch is where the "Chester" in my handle comes from. Chester Atkins.
     
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