charlie brown Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 Hi All, Been playing my Gretsch Duo Jet TSP, a lot, lately ...Along with my Gibson's, and other's. It had been awhile, since I'd had it out of the case. You might say I've "fallen in love" with it's somewhat "unique" tone, all over again. Been running it through my Vox AC-30C1, and it's just...well, "Awesome" sounding. Does that early "British Invasion" sound, very well...as one might expect. Very different, than any of my Gibson guitars, a bit more like my Fender Telecaster, but a bit different... "Rounder(?)" sounding, still. Just that "Great Gretsch Sound!" May not be for everyone, but I'm really enjoying it's unique tone! Anyone else, here, have some Gretsch, or specifically "Duo Jet" Love?! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigzag Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 I don't have one, but I'm truly GASsing for one. I've got a G6120 with Filtertrons, and that is my favorite pickup. Great mid-low end punch, and mid-high end sting... very distinctive and cool. But, because I don't care much for a Bigsby, I might prefer the G6134B Black Penguin or the G6128TVP Power Jet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 My Gretsch GAS barely survived the last thread. I may be doomed if this one takes off. THe Duo Jet is probably my favorite. D@mn you , CB! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 17, 2013 Author Share Posted June 17, 2013 I don't have one, but I'm truly GASsing for one. I've got a G6120 with Filtertrons, and that is my favorite pickup. Great mid-low end punch, and mid-high end sting... very distinctive and cool. But, because I don't care much for a Bigsby, I might prefer the G6134B Black Penguin or the G6128TVP Power Jet. Filtertrons are awesome! My Duo-Jet has TV Jones T-Armond=Dynasonic's, and they definitely have a sound all their own. Punchy, crunchy growl, but a clean "sparkle" and roundness, that Gretsch is known for, as well. Not as "Full" (or quiet) as the Filtertrons, as they are "single coil," so it has the 60 cycle hum, but it's not that bad...in fact, without an overdrive pedal, it's barely noticeable. Still, I really like what they do, regardless. Nice round "Twang" factor, too! I'm sure you'd be delighted with either the Power Jet, or the Black Penguin! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 17, 2013 Author Share Posted June 17, 2013 My Gretsch GAS barely survived the last thread. I may be doomed if this one takes off. THe Duo Jet is probably my favorite. D@mn you , CB! Sorry, about that, surfpup! I KNOW the feeling, believe me! My Duo-Jet will definitely get a LOT more playing time, from now on! I love how it's kind of "Telecaster" like, but even "rounder" sounding, and just as "Twangy," if not more so! Fun guitar!! As to "why" I've just started to play it, again..."Habit," I guess...I love my LP's and SG's, so I tend to stick with them, but recently had an opportunity to use the Duo-Jet "out," and was simply "blown away" by how it sounded, through my Twin Reverb, at that time. It's even more "Growl" prone, in the AC-30. But, either way, it's really Awesome sounding. (IF, you like that sort of tone, of course?) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 I love how it's kind of "Telecaster" like, but even "rounder" sounding, and just as "Twangy," if not more so! Fun guitar!! Oh, that helped tremendously. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 17, 2013 Author Share Posted June 17, 2013 Oh, that helped tremendously. Thanks. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis G Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 Sweet combo CB. My only Gretsch is a cheapo 5122, but my next one will be one of these: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gretsch-guitars-g6118-anniversary Just something about the looks of that thing. On a side note, and back on topic, I went to NAMM a couple of years ago where George's "Old Black Gretsch" was on display. I must have spent a good 30 minutes staring at every ding, scratch, etc. on that guitar thinking "Wow, if only that thing could talk..." which I guess in some sense, it has, musically at least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 My poor man's version, a my Double Jet that I modded, HS Filtertrons and a third knob. I love these pickups, nice mellow humbucker overdriven sound and nice fat cleans specially on the neck pickup, they work great with fuzz pedals because of the low impedance and output. Great guitar but mine is way too heavy and because of the double cutaway the balance suffers. It is a keeper though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 17, 2013 Author Share Posted June 17, 2013 Yeah, The Beatles First (British) album "Please, Plesase Me" was ALL George's Duo-jet, on his lead parts. And, when he wasn't using his J-160E. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Please_Please_Me A Great album, recorded in just over 9 hours! (Amazing!) But, then those boys, were pretty Amazing, all the way around! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 17, 2013 Author Share Posted June 17, 2013 My poor man's version, a my Double Jet that I modded, HS Filtertrons and a third knob. I love these pickups, nice mellow humbucker overdriven sound and nice fat cleans specially on the neck pickup, they work great with fuzz pedals because of the low impedance and output. Great guitar but mine is way too heavy and because of the double cutaway the balance suffers. It is a keeper though. Well, "poor man's version" or not...those are great guitars! Especially, for the money! A good friend of mine's son, has one just like that...and I've played around on it. Was really Nice!! Heavier, than my TSP, but still great feeling, playing, and sounding! So, nothing to scoff at, really. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 Mmmm... was looking at those tonight. Gorgeous and reasonably priced. Perhaps I could scratch this itch without a second mortgage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 Yea, the newer ones are chambered and come stock with black filtertrons or something like that. It was an absolute pain to route and retrofit these pickups but the Gretsch mini-humbuckers absolutely sucked. My guitar is only weight relieved and it is painfully heavy for me, I play a few song standing up and I am good i switch guitars. I would advise you to play before buying, the neck joint on these is huge, looks like it has good access to upper frets but it is at par with a Les Paul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 I don't know what all this fuss is about "That great Gretsch sound" and stuff 'n stuff!!! I just can hardly STAND playing my Duo-Jet with those SC Dynasonics. And the Caddy Green is just AWFUL with that ratty orange full grained mahogany clear finished on the sides & back. And don't get me started on how I HATE the gold trim all around everywhere. They should be embarrassed to make such a guitar like these. If the fit & finish, neck, and jingle-jangle wasn't so perfect & would just turn it into a large pile of splinters! Why I only have ONE I JUST DON'T KNOW!!! I just LOVE my Gretsch guitars to pieces!! Aster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis G Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 [laugh] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 18, 2013 Author Share Posted June 18, 2013 Yeah, "Caddy Green" Duo's are awesome! But, Gretsch makes a LOT of "Awesome" guitars...IMHO. Then again, so does Gibson, Fender, Ric, PRS, Matin, Taylor, etc., etc., etc. So MANY guitars, so LITTLE TIME/MONEY...and storage space! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieman15061 Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 Alright if I have to.... A Duo Jet is definitely on the gas list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 My poor man's version, a my Double Jet that I modded, HS Filtertrons and a third knob. ... Excuse me! Is that beauty is being made? If so, is it USA-made? Any info would be appreciated. Beautiful! (Well, I am not buying any guitars in the near future, but, You never know how the cards turn :D) Thank You in advance... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 Yes indeed...Gretsch-love exists here by the ton... IMO it is easy to dismiss some of them as kitsch with their white/gold finishes and propensity for 'brands' and studded leather... :blink: Spend a little time twiddling the knobs though, and characterful tones are available Personal preference is for the Dynasonics...as influenced by Cliff Gallup, George Harrison et al I have the red Duo Jet known as the Jet Firebird... Made in Japan with superb build quality...the detailing on the Bigsby and roller bridge is quite charming... For anybody interested, the Deusenbergs have more than a whiff of Gretsch about them... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 Bence, I believe it's a ProJet Double Jet and they are made in Korea. I started my Gretsch love with a ProJet in the black version similar to a DuoJet. Most of the "Electromatic" line, that I've touched anyway, are made in Korea and are quite an excellent value and IMHO, very well made fit & finish. The latest releases come with blackface filterTrons for PUPs. Mine came with Minibuckers. Many people either love them or hate the mini buckers. I don't mind mine on the ProJet, but do want to change out the buckers on my 5122 (similar to the Country Gent) for real Filtertrons like Riffster has done). They have much better jangle than the minibuckers IMHO. He did a beautiful job with the conversion as well. The "Professional" collection is made in Japan and are all wonderful guitars for sure. Much bigger $$$ but worth if it you can plunk down the cash. Like both lines a bunch. I haven't tried one of the new releases with the upgrades & filters on them. I will say I kind of miss the "thumbnail" markers on the fret board that they have replaced with the camel hump block like on the Pro series now. From the boys on the Gretsch forums they do love them. My 5122DC is brand new as it was replaced by Gretsch for a finish issue that they covered under warranty, without any squabble I might add as well!! If I would just be giving it away now that the new Electro's are out, I would prolly just get me a new 5122DC with filters and not go to the trouble to upgrade the PUPS. The guitar is too nice to sell for $350-$400 however. I'll either just take it to the office to play and replace with a new one or upgrade it for $120 and time spent. Aster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 Hello Aster! Thank You for the information. I know almost nothing about these very attractive instruments. I did some research on the model in question. Found two variations: the "G5448T Double Jet Gold" which is chinese, but - honestly - looks well-made, and the "G6128T" which is even nicer: made in Japan with the matching price. Thanks, again... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 Yea, mine is made in China and it is an early one, made with mahogany and only weight relieved. The newer model is chambered and the body is basswod but come with blackface filtertrons like Aster said. They are nice guitars but they are definitely import quality guitars but in the end they do sound good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted June 18, 2013 Author Share Posted June 18, 2013 The "Chinese" versions are (I believe) the Gretsch "Electomatic" tagged versions. The Japanese, are the standard/premium Gretsch models. Thus, the quality, and price difference. The Electromatic versions ARE well made, finished, and play and sound great! Especially, for their price point...IMHO. Then, there are a few American made (Fender factory) "Custom Shop" models, as well. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 Both my 5122DC's & my ProJet have Korea tags on them so maybe they do like Epi and have a couple places making. I don't remember what some of the Gretsch guys said, but I thought the new 5122DC some said MIK vs MIC. Don't have any experience with a MIC Gretsch and would rather keep it that way. Also I don't want China to own Smithfield Meats here in the States but that's just me I guess. Aster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEVIL Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 I did hear that the regular Gretsch Electromatics are made in South Korea, and the 'Jet' Electromatics are all made in China, and like CB said about the premium made stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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