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FDP Forum / The Gretsch Forum / Gibson vs. Gretsch
(This message was last edited by rvwinkle at 11:43 PM, Oct 7th, 2011)
(This message was last edited by Peegoo at 07:23 PM, Oct 14th, 2011)
FDP Forum / The Gretsch Forum / Gibson vs. Gretsch
Larry B.
USAOct 7th, 2011 08:03 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Hello
I am a Gibson 335 guy, but I have recently been attracted to some of Gretsch guitars. Can someone give me just a general sound, (clean and overdriven), and response difference between the 335 and whatever the closest Gretsch guitar?
Thanks ahead of time
Larry
rvwinkle
Contributing Member
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Twin Cities, USA
Land of Sky Blue WatersOct 7th, 2011 11:42 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Well, there's not a clear cut answer to that one.
I'd say as general answer that Gretsch's use pretty clear pickups (Filtertron and Dynasonics) vs the more the more bendable pickups (Humbuckers and P90's) on the Gibson.
Gibson tends to go with a more solid body approach on the wood construction. For example the 335 has a solid center block and the similar size 6120 is basically a hollow body with a sound post. FMIC has resurrected the trestle bracing used for a short period of time used about 1960 for them that gets it closer to the to the solid center block.
I think if you audition the 6120-1960 model (Filtertrons) or the new Duane Eddy signature 6120DE (Dynasonics) you should be able to figure it out for yourself.
rvw
Larry B.
USAOct 8th, 2011 08:14 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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There's a number of country players that use Gretsch guitars that I have seen in over the years. Does that have something to do with the "clear pups" thing.
I guess I don't understand what is meant by clear pickups as opposed to bendable pickups. Does that something to do with bending strings or what.
Sorry to be so naive about this. I can't remember ever playing a Gretsch guitar of any sort. I either played Gibson, or occasionally I had Fenders and that was it. Those two guitar brands covered just about everything for me.
rvwinkle
Contributing Member
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Twin Cities, USA
Land of Sky Blue WatersOct 8th, 2011 04:40 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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By "clear", I mean Hi-Fi.
By "bendable", I mean that it can be pushed into harmonic distortion. A little "warmer" tone results with some of this.
A little bit of harmonic distortion is considered a good thing by most folks, including me.
I think another way to say it that the Gretsch pickups sound a lot closer to Telecaster the Gibson pickups.
Anyway, talking about tone is a little like dancing to explain astrophysics.
Brian Setzer, 6120 with Filtertrons:
telegib
CanadaOct 11th, 2011 09:34 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Gibson's have a more midrangy, warm tone with a fatter, harder high end treble response. Gretsch Filtertrons will produce a more acoustic transparent high and low end end response. The Filtertrons sort of fall between a Fender pup and a Gibson pup im their tonal character.
You really have to play a Gretsch to hear for yourself whether or not you will like them. They are really beautiful guitars in their construction. I own a 1973 Gretsch Country Gentleman and a 2010 reissue G6120. Both are nice in their tonal aspects. My G6120 is beutifully constructed.
I hope you can play and compre them.
Good luck.
Axis40
Springfield, Va USA
John F.Oct 12th, 2011 04:33 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I owned a vintage ES-340 for a looong time. It's basically a 335 with some funky wiring. And, I currently own a modern Les Paul and a Vintage SG. I also own a modern ('04) Gretsch Electromatic (with single coil Dearmond pickups).
The differences between the Gibsons are there and noticeable. The difference between the Gibsons and the Gretsch is remarkable.
The Gibsons can get into Jazzy smooth tones easily. You can find that creamy, overdriven lead tone easily. As stated, there is more midrange in their sound. I love both of my Gibsons. They play nicely and are well made instruments.
The Gretsch is much more like a Tel in it's response. It is a more scooped sound overall. The bridge pickup gets a certain growl and tightness that's downright fun. It twangs. The Neck pickup never really gets smooth and creamy like the Gibsons do. But it has a bit more lower mids added to the mix. The two pickups together are one of my favorite sounds. But I do like the cutting bite of the bridge pickup a lot! The Gretsch pickups have a similar response to P-90's with more of a scoop. You could do Jazz on one if you had an amp with a lot of mids and you picked very lightly. My wife and kids think my Gretsch is the best sounding guitar I own... but they bought it for me, so I think they're biased! LOL It is not as finely made as the Les Paul (but it was also one fourth the price). But it is certainly not poorly made! It doesn't have the same upper fret access as a 335 does, and it will feedback faster due to it's construction. But I don't experience much issue with feedback at all. Maybe because I played a semi-hollow for so many years?
I couldn't tell you what the closest Gretsch is, as I don't have much experience with the higher end models. I will say that my lower line Gretsch is an awesome animal and every time I play it i get nothing but compliments on it.
Deacon Blues
Contributing Member
RIP: Edward Abbey
January 29, 1927 - March 14, 1989Oct 14th, 2011 05:41 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Axis40, when I brought my 6119 home and played it without first showing it to my wife, she commented(without coercion) that it was the best sounding guitar that she had heard. That was unplugged and down stairs from her.
Compared to a Gibson? Plugged in the filtertrons are very clear and articulate, but can scream when hit hard with some volume. I like the sound.
Peegoo
Contributing Member
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That chicken
is WRONG, baby.Oct 14th, 2011 07:22 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I love Filtertrons, and have them in Gretsches (and in some project guitars too). The real beauty of them, to my ear, is how they clean up but still retain punch and character when you roll off the volume on the guitar.
They are supremely versatile pickups.
Anyone that says they don't "rock" has never heard Malcolm Young's gritty, driving rhythm work in the band AC/DC.
SoK66
Contributing Member
****
USA
We had the hit but Van got the moneyNov 10th, 2011 05:08 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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" FMIC has resurrected the trestle bracing used for a short period of time used about 1960 for them that gets it closer to the to the solid center block. "
Correct, a feature that's key to the '60 vintage Gretsch tone. Gibsons & Gretschs are unique in and of themselves. Chet's contributions to the mid-50s on Gretsch designs can't be underestimated. To me they reached a pinnacle around '61 and started to fall off with the double cutaways, mutes, etc. Fender is to be commended for getting the brand focused and keeping it going. Last year I scored a 6120 '60 reissue and am amazed at just how good the guitar is.
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