Introduction
Gretsch has recently unveiled its revamped Electromatic and Streamliner Jets,emphasizing ”time-honored craftsmanship and meticulous precision to inspire unrestrained creativity and bold expression.” These new models are said to embody Gretsch’s commitment to the evolving landscape of musicians.
While we may not be part of the “next generation,” these innovative Jets bridge the gap between the Electromatic and the more budget-amiable Streamliner series, contributing to the extensive lineup of Gretsch Jets.
the seven new models come equipped with either dual or single humbuckers, a one-piece wraparound bridge, and a streamlined control layout featuring either three or two knobs. The Electromatics feature glued necks, while the Streamliners utilize bolt-on necks, with prices ranging from the premium Electromatic Jet to the more affordable Streamliner jet Club 1 pickup priced at $189/£319.
As previously noted, Gretsch’s Electromatic series is generally well-regarded for its build quality and attention to detail. The creamy Vintage White finish, complemented by low-contrast cream binding, conceals the maple body, while the mahogany back and neck sport a glossy translucent brown finish, revealing the three-piece body construction and the neck’s headstock splice and heel stack.
The body is categorized as chambered, featuring fan-like cavities rather than simply hollowed out sections. This design results in a solidbody weight of 3.63kg (7.97lb). the heel is slightly rounded,and ther’s a subtle ribcage contour on the back,with a smaller cut on the treble side.
The top exhibits a pronounced arch in the center, tapering gently towards the edges, and the neat edge-binding with a thin black purfling line is skillfully executed. The smaller tortoiseshell-faced, teardrop-shaped pickguard adds a nostalgic flair. With an overall depth of 52mm, it’s notably slimmer than a Les Paul.
Interestingly, the scale length has been slightly extended from 626mm (24.56 inches) to 632mm (24.88 inches), and the headstock adopts a unique ‘Split-V’ design that is narrower than the one introduced with the 1955 White Falcon.
In humbucking mode at the bridge, we experience a pleasantly thicker Patent Applied For tone that possesses classic honk and a slightly rounded, less crisp high-end.
The single-bound fingerboard,featuring classic thumbnail inlays,is made of rosewood rather than laurel (the new Streamliner Jets still use laurel),with a specified radius of 305mm (12 inches).
Another notable feature is the adjustable-saddle wraparound Lockdown bridge with locking studs. While it may appear somewhat generic and robust, it significantly enhances adjustability and stability compared to a standard Les Paul Junior/Special-style wraparound.
A similar bridge was utilized on the Electromatic CVT double-cut introduced earlier this year, along with the Jet Two 90, although neither of those models included the locking studs according to Gretsch specifications.
The CVT also introduced the PureVolt Twin Six humbuckers, which are more budget-friendly versions of the Pro Twin Six pickups-“some of our most modern and powerful pickups to date,” according to Gretsch-previously featured on the Broadkaster LX center-block guitars.
The twin Six designation is derived from the Filter’Tron-like dual rows of screw polepieces,with both versions featuring an Alnico IV magnet at the neck and an Alnico V at the bridge. These pickups are housed in elegant rings made of transparent plastic with a black face, angled to align with the string line.
There’s also a variation in the control setup: alongside the shoulder-mounted pickup toggle switch, each pickup is accompanied by a master volume and individual tone controls with a pull-switch for coil-splitting.
Specifications
- PRICE: $579/£609
- ORIGIN: China
- TYPE: Single-cutaway chambered body electric
- BODY: Chambered mahogany with maple top
- NECK: Mahogany, ‘Performance C’ profile, glued-in
- SCALE LENGTH: 632mm (24.88″)
- NUT WIDTH: Graph Tech NuBone/44.25mm
- FINGERBOARD: Bound rosewood, pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays, 305mm (12″) radius
- FRETS: 22, medium jumbo
- HARDWARE: lockdown locking wrapover bridge, enclosed tuners – nickel-plated
- STRING SPACING, BRIDGE: 52mm
- ELECTRONICS: 2x Covered Gretsch PureVolt Twin Six humbuckers with 12 adjustable screw poles per pickup, 3-way toggle pickup selector, master volume, individual pickup tone controls with pull-switch coil-splits (hum-cancelling in middle position)
- WEIGHT (kg/lb): 3.63/7.97
- LEFT-HANDERS: Not available for this model
- FINISH: Vintage White (as reviewed), Bristol Fog, Dark Cherry Metallic, Cadillac Green – gloss polyester
- CONTACT: Gretsch
Playability and Sound
With its balanced weight, this single-cut guitar is easy to handle whether seated or standing. The neck shape has transitioned to a ‘Performance C’ profile, offering a spacious feel in the lower positions with a nut width of 44.25mm (and standard 35.5mm string spacing), measuring 21.5mm deep at the first fret and expanding to 24.35mm by the twelfth fret.
The neck profile is well-designed, featuring a full ‘C’ shape with nicely tapered shoulders. The fretwork is commendable; the medium jumbo frets measure approximately 2.7mm wide by 1.1mm high, providing a agreeable setup. the nut is well-cut, though there was minor snagging on the D string, easily remedied with a few passes of a fret file.
In humbucking mode at the bridge, we encounter a pleasantly thicker Patent Applied For tone that showcases classic honk and a slightly rounded, less crisp high-end, especially when compared to our T-Type-equipped Gibson Les Paul Classic.
The neck pickup (positioned at the same distance from the strings as the bridge for our initial test) actually sounds louder, fuller, and again has that subtly less crisp high-end. It’s quite refined, and the coil-splitting works well, notably when one pickup is split while the other remains in full humbucker mode in the middle position.
When the volume is increased, it produces a robust clean tone, especially with a slight reduction in volume, which lightens the overall sound. Though, there’s a noticeable absence of the classic ‘Gretsch’ character in the tones we hear, even though with both pickups engaged and split, you can achieve that iconic rockabilly snap. the sound is less bright and aggressive compared to our TV Jones Classic-equipped PRS S2 single-cut semi-hollow reference.
When applying a brighter overdrive,the bridge pickup delivers a strong voice without overwhelming the midrange. The vintage-style neck pickup, when overdriven, sounds more hollow and rounded, contrasting with our reference models.
thus, the tonal character is distinctly different from traditional Gretsch voicings. While some players may prefer a bit more brightness,this is ultimately a matter of personal taste. this guitar offers a musical experience that is not overly rock-voiced.
Conclusion
Rating: ★★★★½
while Gretsch may market this new iteration as appealing to a younger audience, it doesn’t introduce anything particularly groundbreaking or modern.
However, this is a positive aspect: the design thoughtfully addresses some of Gretsch’s historical quirks, particularly in the control circuit, while providing an excellent neck shape, smooth playability, and a fuller tone, all while preserving classic elements like the Falcon-inspired headstock and those iconic thumbnail inlays.
Guitar World verdict: Originally launched in 1953 as Gretsch’s response to the Les Paul, the Jet remains a timeless classic. A complex instrument that serves as a fantastic platform for customization and personal expression. Long live the jet!
Video Reviews
Gretsch
Watch On
Tarpley Music
Watch On
