TheStones143 Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Hey - my wife just suggested that she will buy me a new guitar for my 40th... I am looking at the Electromatic 5122DC = basically an entry point for Country Gentleman style guitars... The other one I was considering was a Casino. But I really am gasing for that Gretsch...anyone compared the two? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayyj Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Both good guitars! As far as drawbacks are concerned they share much the same issues: high fret access is more limited than on a 335, they're both feedback prone at high volume, and the factory pickups on both are mediocre. My personal preference is for the Casino - and after all this is the Epiphone forum so a certain preference is inevitable - but the Gretsch is beautifully made for the money and very good value. Either can easily be upgraded with pro quality pickups and you have a near pro level instrument. Incidentally there is a 5422 model replacing the 5122 which has supposedly improved pickups (I've not tried them side by side) and a white/gold finish option: otherwise it's the same guitar. At the end of the day, either will be great - just try them both and go with your heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I don't know much about the newer Gretsch models as mine is a '66 Tennessean with the vintage Hi-Lo Tron pickups.Having said that though,the newer Gretsches have the same feel and action as the old ones and they were just about as comfortable as you could get.As far as I know the newer Gretsches have TV Jones versions of the vintage Gretsch Hi-Lo Trons and Super-Trons and are excellent pickups that sound very much like the originals. I have a very soft spot for Casinos as I have 2 so far,granted the MII and MIC Casinos don't have quite the build quality etc. as the John Lennon or '61 models but they are still way ahead of any competitors in their price range.Their pickups understandably aren't quite as good as the US made ones in the JLs but they are still able to get that beautiful P-90 sparkle and chime,they just take a bit more dialing in on your EQ to get it. BTW if you do decide on the Gretsch you should pick up a set of light guage flat wounds as they bring out really great tones on Gretsch guitars for some reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I would add a couple things: 1. I think the stock Casino pickups are probably a little better than the 5122 pickups (aka "Gretschbuckers"), or at least they sound more like the pickups on a vintage example of each guitar. The Gretschbuckers don't sound like any pickup that ever came on a vintage Gretsch. As Jayyj said, the 5422 pickups are supposed to be a big improvement, but I have not had a chance to play them either. 2. In case you are trying to cop Beatles tones, the Casino will probably get you closer. The 5122/5422 looks like a Country Gentleman, but unlike the real deal that George played it has F-holes (big!), a smaller body, no covered access hole in the back, no mud switch, a tone knob (with a dark capacitor value), tune-o-matic bridge, and may even be a little thicker in body depth (not sure on this). I upgraded my 5122 with TV Classic pickups, brigher tone cap, Tusq nut, and Compton bridge, and it now sounds great and like a Gretsch, but still not quite like a CG. On the other hand I think the Casino specs are probably closer to what the Beatles played, at least for the things that affect tone. Good luck! Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheStones143 Posted August 21, 2012 Author Share Posted August 21, 2012 I would add a couple things: 1. I think the stock Casino pickups are probably a little better than the 5122 pickups (aka "Gretschbuckers"), or at least they sound more like the pickups on a vintage example of each guitar. The Gretschbuckers don't sound like any pickup that ever came on a vintage Gretsch. As Jayyj said, the 5422 pickups are supposed to be a big improvement, but I have not had a chance to play them either. 2. In case you are trying to cop Beatles tones, the Casino will probably get you closer. The 5122/5422 looks like a Country Gentleman, but unlike the real deal that George played it has F-holes (big!), a smaller body, no covered access hole in the back, no mud switch, a tone knob (with a dark capacitor value), tune-o-matic bridge, and may even be a little thicker in body depth (not sure on this). I upgraded my 5122 with TV Classic pickups, brigher tone cap, Tusq nut, and Compton bridge, and it now sounds great and like a Gretsch, but still not quite like a CG. On the other hand I think the Casino specs are probably closer to what the Beatles played, at least for the things that affect tone. Good luck! Tom Thanks for the feedback...I just love the body style of the CG... Not really going for the beatles per say. I want that twangy country sound...sort of like the Stone Roses. I have a full hollowbody with Liverpool GFS which sounds so sweet...and of coarse my work in progress Dot Studio. Looking to round out my hollow/ semi hollow collection. I also have a G&L Tribute Legacy which is hands down the best deal going for high quality strat... As for acoustics...I always wanted a EJ200...but ended up with an unreal beat up martin...by far the best sounding acoustic I have ever played. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheStones143 Posted August 21, 2012 Author Share Posted August 21, 2012 I don't know much about the newer Gretsch models as mine is a '66 Tennessean with the vintage Hi-Lo Tron pickups.Having said that though,the newer Gretsches have the same feel and action as the old ones and they were just about as comfortable as you could get.As far as I know the newer Gretsches have TV Jones versions of the vintage Gretsch Hi-Lo Trons and Super-Trons and are excellent pickups that sound very much like the originals. I have a very soft spot for Casinos as I have 2 so far,granted the MII and MIC Casinos don't have quite the build quality etc. as the John Lennon or '61 models but they are still way ahead of any competitors in their price range.Their pickups understandably aren't quite as good as the US made ones in the JLs but they are still able to get that beautiful P-90 sparkle and chime,they just take a bit more dialing in on your EQ to get it. BTW if you do decide on the Gretsch you should pick up a set of light guage flat wounds as they bring out really great tones on Gretsch guitars for some reason. Hey thanks! Will def use those strings...not even sure what that means, but worth a try to buy and test. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheStones143 Posted August 21, 2012 Author Share Posted August 21, 2012 Both good guitars! As far as drawbacks are concerned they share much the same issues: high fret access is more limited than on a 335, they're both feedback prone at high volume, and the factory pickups on both are mediocre. My personal preference is for the Casino - and after all this is the Epiphone forum so a certain preference is inevitable - but the Gretsch is beautifully made for the money and very good value. Either can easily be upgraded with pro quality pickups and you have a near pro level instrument. Incidentally there is a 5422 model replacing the 5122 which has supposedly improved pickups (I've not tried them side by side) and a white/gold finish option: otherwise it's the same guitar. At the end of the day, either will be great - just try them both and go with your heart. That 5422 looks really sweet...and given the other guitars I have, it might provide the most unique sounds...vs the dot studio mod and the Douglas hollowbody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheStones143 Posted August 21, 2012 Author Share Posted August 21, 2012 SOUND CLIP click here That is the sound I am hoping to go for...but adding more of that Grestch twang. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabar Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 That sound clip you posted sounds like a Strat with chorus on it --- neither the Casino nor any Gretsch will get that sound. The pickups on the new 5422 model are called "Blacktop Filtertrons" --- they are essentially the same Filtertrons that Gretsch used on their pro-line guitars during the Baldwin era. They are low-output humbuckers with ceramic magnets; a slightly different recipe than either the 60's Filtertrons, modern Filtertrons, or TV Jones Filters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheStones143 Posted August 21, 2012 Author Share Posted August 21, 2012 That sound clip you posted sounds like a Strat with chorus on it --- neither the Casino nor any Gretsch will get that sound. The pickups on the new 5422 model are called "Blacktop Filtertrons" --- they are essentially the same Filtertrons that Gretsch used on their pro-line guitars during the Baldwin era. They are low-output humbuckers with ceramic magnets; a slightly different recipe than either the 60's Filtertrons, modern Filtertrons, or TV Jones Filters. LOL...well I believe that was played on my hollowbody...but maybe I am wrong...I recorded a few versions. The style of playing was what I was referring to...jangle pop sound... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis G Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I have an Elitist Casino, so can't really comment on the other Casino models. I also have a 5122DC. Both great guitars, but I'd opt for the Casino first, but it does have Gibby P90's not Epi's. That said, the 5422DC which replaces the 5122, has different p/u's etc. It also has a higher price tag, closer to the Elitist Casino. I really like both, but pick up the Casino more. Nothing against the Gretsch (and I think everybody should own at least one lol) and for the cost, it's a great guitar. Try to find a shop that has both and give them a test drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabar Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 LOL...well I believe that was played on my hollowbody...but maybe I am wrong...I recorded a few versions. The style of playing was what I was referring to...jangle pop sound... Jeff, what model hollow body are you referring to ---- the one with GFS Liverpools? The Liverpools have a distinctively brighter and "janglier" tone than either the P-90's on a Casino, the Gretsch Blacktop Filters on a 5422, or the "Gretschbuckers" on a 5122. They were intended to mimic the tone associated with Rickenbacker pickups. The spectrum of bright to dark tones would range something like this, with some overlap, and some variation among the various types of P-90's or humbuckers: Fender single coils Rickenbacker toasters or Gretsch HiLoTrons Gretsch Dynasonics or Rickenbacker Hi-Gains Gretsch FilterTrons Gibson/Epiphone P-90's Gretschbuckers Gibson/Epiphone Humbuckers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheStones143 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 Jeff, what model hollow body are you referring to ---- the one with GFS Liverpools? The Liverpools have a distinctively brighter and "janglier" tone than either the P-90's on a Casino, the Gretsch Blacktop Filters on a 5422, or the "Gretschbuckers" on a 5122. They were intended to mimic the tone associated with Rickenbacker pickups. The spectrum of bright to dark tones would range something like this, with some overlap, and some variation among the various types of P-90's or humbuckers: Fender single coils Rickenbacker toasters or Gretsch HiLoTrons Gretsch Dynasonics or Rickenbacker Hi-Gains Gretsch FilterTrons Gibson/Epiphone P-90's Gretschbuckers Gibson/Epiphone Humbuckers Hey that is really helpful...I really must admit I am not completely up to speed - even tho I have been playing for 25 years! My single coils are definitely the brightest on my G&L...and my hollow body with the GFS Liverpools are pretty bright...I did not know they were trying to sound Rick like. My Epiphone Humbuckers are dark as night...and I bought some liverpools for it... Sort of leaning towards to Gretsch...I am looking for that distinctive sound! Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roosto7 Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 Hey - my wife just suggested that she will buy me a new guitar for my 40th... I am looking at the Electromatic 5122DC = basically an entry point for Country Gentleman style guitars... The other one I was considering was a Casino. But I really am gasing for that Gretsch...anyone compared the two? With the $150 Off sale at MF, plus their 15% coupon, you can get a 5420 or 5422 for $649 (call them and bargain). The Casino is a fine guitar, but, really, it's not up to the level of a Gretsch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxman Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 I have both guitars you are debating: a Casino and a Gretsch 5120 (same as the 5122 except for cutaway). Put it bluntly: the Casino plays like a professional guitar, the 5120 plays like a guitar that is a company's low end model. That's not to say the entry level Gretsch isn't a fine guitar. It is. It's just not on the level of even a standard Casino. The 5120 feels flimsy (though it is not), while the Casino just feels solid. The Casino's hardware and electronics also feel better than the flimsy switches and knobs and tuners of the 5120. I see you mention The Stone Roses. I try to play them on my Gretsches...sounds OK. But believe it or not, the Casino nails John Squire's Country Gent tone perfectly. Far better than my Gretsches. Whenever I want to do some Stone Roses, I just take out my Casino and WOW! Stone Roses. "Waterfall" and "Shoot You Down" never sounded better. I'm not kidding about that. I love Squier's work and I was ecstatic when I discovered my Casino gets it perfect. I do love to play Stone Roses tunes and I am very finicky about the guitars I use to get that sound. I was going to buy a Country Gent because of Squier, but the Casino matched his sound so perfectly. No need now to spend my money on a Country Gent...so I went and got me a Gretsch White Falcon instead. I'm also a fan of The Cult's Billy Duffy. Gretsch 5122 or a Casino? Casino is the far better guitar. I bought two Casinos. Why two? Because they are that good. I did not buy two 5120s. When I wanted another Gretsch I went way up the ladder and bought a top line one (the Falcon). I moved far away from the low level 512x models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aster1 Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 I have/had both and love them both. If it were an Elitist Casino I'd vote hands down for that vs the 5122DC. If both standard, I sold the Casino standard I had and wanted to keep the Gretsch. The MIC Casino was too harsh a tone IMHO vs the Elitist and didn't allow me to smooth that out. Played great however. I love the sound & playability of my 5122DC a bunch and you can do some easy upgrades to it. That's a hard choice between the two I think. I really like single coil Pup's the best, but the Gretsch I've never put down. I wouldn't trade the 5122 for my Duo-Jet Caddy Green however. That just me. Do what I did, get them both when you have trouble deciding! Aster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 I think I can safely say, with agreement from all concerned... You need both !! :blink: Such is the character and versatility of both guitars...neither is better or worse... Just different... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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