Introducing the Gretsch Electromatic Premier Jet
For over thirty years, Gretsch has been synonymous with extraordinary craftsmanship in Japan. In the 21st century, the brand has expanded its offerings to include various quality tiers, and the Electromatic Premier Jet stands out as a remarkable addition to the sub-$1,000 category. This model pays tribute to classic designs while also reimagining them for modern players, making it an enticing option for both Gretsch enthusiasts and budget-minded guitarists alike.
A Modern Take on a Classic Design
If the original Duo Jet was frequently enough dubbed “Gretsch’s answer to the les Paul,” the electromatic Premier Jet takes that comparison even further. While it may appear to be a solidbody guitar, it features a chambered mahogany body reminiscent of the company’s iconic ’50s single-cut models, albeit with a denser and heavier build.
When you tap the carved solid maple top, the internal airspace is less apparent, and the added weight enhances the perception of sturdiness. Additionally,thoughtful design elements like ribcage and thigh contours on the back of the body contribute to its modern appeal.
Neck and Playability
The neck is crafted from solid mahogany and features a bound ebony fingerboard, adhering to a slightly modified version of the classic Gretsch scale length of 24.88 inches, with a nut width of 1.6875 inches (1-11/16 inches) at the GraphTech NuBone nut. The 22 medium-jumbo frets are expertly crowned and polished, paired with a medium-C neck profile that ensures effortless playability.
visually, the guitar boasts neoclassical thumbnail inlays, a Falcon-inspired split-V headstock, and elegant three-ply body binding, all contributing to its sophisticated aesthetic. The glow-in-the-dark Luminlay side-dot inlays enhance visibility on dimly lit stages. The Onyx Storm finish on our review model, a glossy black with a fine metalflake, is arguably the most striking of the four available finishes, embodying the quintessential Gretsch look with a contemporary flair.
Innovative Controls and Versatile Sound
The triangular control layout is a nod to Gretsch’s classic design ethos. Featuring a single selector switch on the upper bout, it also incorporates a modern wiring setup.The controls include a master volume with a push-pull Lumen Filter and two no-load tone controls, allowing for a wide range of tonal options.
The Lumen Filter enhances the tonal palette, producing a brighter, more single-coil-like sound by routing both pickups through a capacitor, similar to the “strangle switch” found on a Fender Jaguar. This setup does not split the humbucker coils but rather provides a unique tonal character. The no-load pots disengage the tone control and cap from the circuit when turned fully clockwise, providing a clear signal that indicates you’ve reached the optimal setting.
At the heart of this guitar are Gretsch’s new Sphera Twin Six humbuckers, designed with 12 individually adjustable pole pieces and Alnico VI magnets. The neck pickup utilizes polysol-coated wire, while the bridge pickup features plain-enamel wire, optimizing thier performance for each position.
Ergonomics and Playability
Whether played seated or standing, the Electromatic Premier Jet offers a diffrent ergonomic experience compared to traditional Gretsch models. Its design is reminiscent of Gibson guitars, with an adjustable wraparound bridge that positions the strings closer to the body top, allowing for a more intimate playing experience. This design encourages players to dig in with confidence.
Sound Performance
During testing with a 1964 Fender Bassman head and a 2×12 cabinet, as well as a Matchless Spitfire 1×12 combo, the Electromatic Premier Jet showcased its versatility and solid performance, exceeding expectations for its price range. It delivers a punchier sound then typical Filter’Tron-equipped guitars, with a metallic bite and shimmering clarity that resonates through both clean and overdriven settings.
Players who find modern Gibson-style humbuckers too dark will likely appreciate the Sphera Twin Six pickups, which provide a robust yet articulate sound, maintaining a signature brightness without becoming overly harsh.
This guitar excels in genres like country, Americana, roots-rock, and rockabilly, where the original duo Jet has historically thrived. However, it also brings a fierce tone suitable for heavier rock styles, enhanced by the sustain provided by the solidly anchored wraparound bridge, which offers more resonance than traditional floating-bridge designs.
engaging the Lumen filter adds even more brightness and jangle, producing faux-single-coil tones that feel more authentic than typical coil-splitting methods. While the detents on the no-load tone pots may require some adjustment for players who frequently make swift changes, they effectively allow the pickups’ full clarity to shine through.
Final Thoughts
the Electromatic Premier Jet is an impressive instrument,especially considering its price point. Initially,one might assume that full-size humbuckers would compromise the classic Gretsch sound,yet this model manages to capture that essence to a significant extent.
From its finish to its inlays and binding, the craftsmanship is evident, and the playability is exceptional. The Electromatic Premier Jet is poised to attract guitarists who might or else consider spending much more on an instrument.
As perceptions of Chinese-made guitars have evolved over the past two decades, this model stands as a testament to the advancements in the country’s instrument manufacturing and gretsch’s commitment to thoughtful design.
Specifications
CONTACT: Gretsch.com
PRICE: $799 street
NUT: GraphTech NuBone, 1 11/16″ wide
NECK: Mahogany, 24.88″ scale length
FRETBOARD: Ebony, 10″-14″ compound radius
FRETS: 22 medium-jumbo
TUNERS: Gotoh locking
BODY: Chambered mahogany with solid maple top
BRIDGE: Locking adjustable wraparound
PICKUPS: Two Sphera Twin Six Alnico VI humbuckers
CONTROLS: Master volume with push-pull Lumen filter, two no-load tone controls, three-way switch
FACTORY STRINGS: D’Addario .010-.046
WEIGHT: 8.4 lbs
BUILT (country of origin): China
PRO: Exceptionally crafted and thoughtfully designed, offering remarkable sonic versatility and playability for the price.
CON: The no-load tone pots may require some adjustment for players who frequently change settings.
