The G5230T Electromatic Jet FT is one of those guitars that looks right before you even plug it in. That Cadillac Green finish, classic Jet shape, and Bigsby are about as Gretsch as it gets, but underneath the vintage look is a pretty straightforward, comfortable player.
The chambered mahogany body with a maple laminate top gives it plenty of warmth and sustain, while the Black Top Filter’Trons add that Gretsch thing — clear, punchy, and a little snappy on top without sounding thin. They clean up really nicely, but there’s plenty of attitude when you push an amp.
The 24.6" scale and Thin U mahogany neckmake it an easy guitar to get around on, with a 12" laurel fingerboard and medium-jumbo frets giving it a more modern playing feel. The individual pickup volumes, master volume, and master tone keep the controls familiar, while the Bigsby gives you a little extra room for bends, shimmer, and general guitar nonsense.
The pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays are a nice finishing touch, too. At 8 lbs 2 oz, it has a little heft without being ridiculous. Overall, this is a really fun Jet for somebody who wants that classic Gretsch look and Filter’Tron sound at a working mans price.
