Gretsch 6120 vs. 5120 Side by Side Comparison Davey Lee Goode

[Twangabilly]

The electromatic pickups are just your average korean made humbuckers like you'd get in an epiphone les paul etc, just with the toaster style metal cover..

I look forwards to upgrading mine once the warranty runs out.

[dreemeagle]

after listening to this and testing dozens of 51s and 61s, i've gotta say the only difference i hear is the 61s sound more rockabilly/50s-60s rock n' roll, whereas the 51s are clearly more "Delta", as in Delta blues;

guess that means i'll be getting one of each, rock n' roll baby that i am, born and bred Big Easy...

oh, am i gonna suffer!

[jpalberthoward9]

The pickups in the Electromatic just don't have the sweetness or definition of the Jones units They sound as if the drummer would bury you in the mix. I've got TV Jones's in my ancient '63 anniversary 6117, and they're perfect. Not a super hot output,but the mid range dip gives you all the clarity you need to be heard. Try them with ANY tweed series Fender amp and a little slap echo. You'll be pleasantly surprised. GRETSCH RULES!!!.

[sttovo]

I could afford either but went for the 5120. I just couldn't see enough difference to justify the huge cost difference. Here in Australia the 5120 retails at around a grand, whereas the 6120 is around 4k. For those who can hear a massive difference, well good on you. I can't. No doubt the 61 has better quality finish but the 51 isn't bad at all and the fingerboard feels great. I set out to buy a Gibson 335 but once I played the Gretsch it was all over. Great guitar at a very nice price.

[guitaneman]

well to be honest i have owned both guitars and a gretsch 5125 i still own the 6120 because it is totaly diffrent compared to electromatic's but they are good guitars but feel cheap and the bigsby just isnt a real one on a electromatic dont compare a 6120 to electromatic there is a £2000 price diffrence and guess why. also the brian setzer hot rod is a exellent guitar but i think the 6120 is better tvjones pickups so what i want gretsch if i am buying a gretsch guitar thank you 

[fillmorenyc1]

A really great, unbiased comparison. Thanks for posting this, buddy. Its pretty eye-opening

[givebeesachance]

They both sound suspiciously like guitars.

[PeterSteves]

lol i think the 5120 sounds better on bridge

[Humanfactor7]

Excellent demonstration. Thank you for posting it. I actually own the 6120 which has been my favorite guitar for a few years. It stopped all my urges to buy others (for the now:). I was actually very impressed by the 5120. I thought it sounded very good, but I also definitely heard the difference between the two guitars. How about the construction (fit & finish)? Do you find them comparable? Thanks

[greasygroove]

@Humanfactor7 Thanks! The construction of the 6120 is overall better, and the most noticable difference is the neck set angle on the 5120. Although they look very similar, there are a large number of constructional differences, and the 6120 has the edge all the way through. However, the 5120 if given new life with new pickups and a great set-up, performs really well - and is a fantastic bang for the buck.

[jshinster1]

yeah..the 6120 has more clarity and sounds less dull. but the only way to truly know is to demo it yourself. quite honestly, i would just shell out the couple thousand for the 6120...built to last and it just looks better and sounds better (heard it live). also, the guy who said that it's a waste because you hear the acoustics of both guitars is either deaf or just doesn't play guitar at all. don't have to be a sound engineer to know the difference between acoustic and at-the-amp. great demo

[luit13]

You stole Keith Richards ring!!!

[Fukit50s]

m thinking of getting a 'G6120DSV Nashville' off the internet. i think they're discontinued. do you think its worth it or should i get a brian setzer model instead? the guitar has 2 DynaSonic single-coil pickups-Bigsby B6BCDE vibrato tailpiece with 1956 handle. i know BS MODL haveTV Jones pick ups. but does it really make that much of a difference? can i still get a rockin' rockabilly sound off those pick ups?

[greasygroove]

@Fukit50s The Brian Setzer model has TV Jones pickups, but they are basically filter'trons, which are mostly what you see on the regular 6120's. The guitar you're looking has dynasonics, these are very different to the filtertrons but do give a great rockin' sound, they are bright and "spanky" sounding - I like them a lot, but they do give different results to filtertrons. Thanks!

[heinzdziurowitz]

I just bought the 5120, my friend has a 6120 and to tell the truth I like the 5120 better. I find the tone control in the 5120 more versatile than the mud switch on the 6120. I find the sound of the 5120 maybe a little boxy but better defined.

[fenderosa]

I think Gretsches have many tones available. It depends on konb controls (and also on the pick ups type). Howevwer, they are great not only for rock'n'roll, but also per jump blues. I have the G6192 Country Club (with Dyna), it works great...like non other guitar for that kind of blues! Great review (I think it shows how a Gretsch can sound).

[99theinvertedmoron]

I think the main difference is on the neck pickup the 5 reaches lower frequencies (which i prefer most times) the 6 is prettier. But to hell both guitars, Im sure I give you a broom with a string and you'll make it sound great too. You have a great technique, taste and sound in your fingers. Excellent playing. I really enjoyed it.

[B0028]

Hay, good video. I understand you are in Amherst. I was just notified by Long & McQuaid in Bedford that my new Gretsch 5122 is in. I may be up to see you one of these days. I have been brousing your site. You seem to have all the goodies.

[stratboy8]

Interesting comparison. I stumbled over the 5120 recently on a trip to the US. I have to admit that Gretsch previously never really did it for me but I really fell for the 5120. The 6120 seems to sound more 'solid', maybe fractionally less twangy than the 5120 but I really like that sleazy twang you get from the 5120. Definitely on my shopping list.

[Guitarooster52]

Nice comparison. I can hear a difference, and I'm thinking you can feel a difference in how the guitar plays as well, but for the money....?

I wonder if you could show us the 5120 used as a Jazz guitar...maybe compared to a more traditional Jazz guitar???? I'm just wondering how well it can cover both rolls.

[edudzzaj]

Thanks for this. The 6120 sounds fuller, and seems to have somewhat higher output. The 5120 measures up very nice considering the difference on the price tags though, so hmm... Been considering ordering a 5120 lately, it might be coming down to whether or not I feel like doing the TV Jones mod later.

[ElevenBravo]

Great video. Thanks for posting. To all who are considering either, here's the bottom line - PLAY THEM BOTH and then decide. I bought the 5120 about 8 months ago and I love it! I had enough $ to buy either, but chose the 5120 instead and will shortly replace the pups with TV Jones Classics. Fit and finish on the 6120 is admittedly better, but sound-wise, there is just not a *massive* difference between the 5120 and the 6120. Cheers.

[EdMuirton]

Great video! Great playing! Very interesting! Cheers!

[darthinfurnus]

Fantastic video! I never get tired of watching this. Fine guitars played by a highly skilled musician.

Excellent!

[mikecazzx]

Yea great idea NOT. Why in the world would you put the amp in another room? Sure I can hear a difference in the tone of the guitar acoustically in this video. The 5120 sounds like plastic. But I want to hear the difference in the pickups. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME FOR 43,000+ viewers.

[greasygroove]

@mikecazzx Hi, You are actually listening to the amp on this video. Surely, any guitar player would realize that you're not listening to an acoustic hollowbody here. I am a professional player and as such tend to get the sound I want by working with my playing technique and what I hear coming from the amp.....

[greasygroove]

@mikecazzx , ..having the amp in a room where I personally could not hear it did not give me the opportunity to compensate for any power or tone difficiencies on either guitar whilst conducting this unbiased test. if you want to know the true difference between, please contact me and I'll happily give you the professional advice that you need.

[JOHNNYGRETSCH]

Not a lot of difference to the untrained ear! Think the 5120 is a good quality guitar for the price. Keep the gretsch faith

johnny from Co.Durham UK

[JOHNNYGRETSCH]

Not a lot of difference to the untrained ear! Think the 5120 is a good quality guitar for the price. Keep the gretscch faith

johnny from Co.Durham UK

[delb9]

Really great video, I really like your presentation, thANKS

[trevor8930]

the 6120 might a little better, best choice is just to switch the pickups in the 5120, and save $1200. :)

[AndPlus]

Thanks for doing this comparison!

There appears to be no real difference on the neck pick up. There's a little more definition on the bridge high frequencies of the 6120 but it's minuscule, really. Overall the 6120 may sound only slightly more defined but the 5120 sounds great, much more character than a solid body. I'm now sold on the 5120!

[darthinfurnus]

Man, you have some serious chops! Most impressive.

That's some real guitar playing right there!

You never gave us your thoughts on these guitars. Do tell.

[hammerheadssn663]

5120 sounds more twangy and 'bratty' compared to the smoother more 'mature' sound of the 6120.

[riaansikai]

I have a question i'm really into blues and recently bought a les paul copy would you think the 5120 is better for blues than the les paul?

[greasygroove]

It all depends on the blues style you are into. For a bluesy sound that is fat & clean with lots of open tone. A hollow body with a good setup is always my choice over a solid, but I have a LP custom that I used for blues for years because it rocked! So many things come into play - amp choice etc. Get your LP pickups close to some 11's or heavier strings and make sure that your bridge is of decent quality. Give or get your guitar a good set up and that LP should do really well for you.

[TravisBickle999]

Owned my 5120 since 2008, this vid just confirmed to me I made the right choice, admittedly I think the 6120 tone edges it, but doesn't warrant an extra 1200 quid! Cheers for the vid!!

[plummeh]

I've noticed my 5120 handles crispy, top-end tone better than my 6120 SSU. But, my 6120 SSU cannot be beaten on the warm crunchy tone.

[jcqs45]

If I needed confirmation I bought the right one I just got it! Bought a 5120 for under £500, a 6120 Costs £1800. if i thought the pickups or tuners were not up to scratch I could upgrade and keep a grands worth of change!

great playinh !

[chest002]

I have played the 5120 at Guitar Center here in the US. I thought it felt and sounded cheap. I bought the 6120TM and was very pleased with the feel and the sound. It is smooth as butter. The 5120 is made in Korea and the 6120 is made in Japan. Some people buy the 5120 and upgrade the pickups to TV Jones. The 6120 has TV Jones filtron pickups already. Gretsch for some reason likes to put a pat number on the pickups instead of the TV Jones label. This can be verified at Gretsch Guitar site.

[GospelMagic]

Many thanks for this excellent video!

[872463051]

I'd get the 5120 anyway, because I don't like the gold bits, but now I know that it isn't even any worse of a guitar! Great video, btw!

[alaincherif]

@872463051 You can hardly tell the difference from this vid 'cos the sound's rubbish or something - or he's plugged into a Sainsbury's Budget line amp or something.... - BUT - the 6120 does sound better (though they both sound proper pants here!!).

[872463051]

@alaincherif I think with some better pickups the 5120 can sound even better than the 6120 (i've played both myself), plus the 5120 looks better without that stupid gold.

[alaincherif]

@872463051 I agree -- wouldn't've minded a Chet Atkins 6120-1959LTV - except for the repulsive gold knobs, p/ups & tuners. That chrome B6C Bigsby's nice though .... but my main priority (of course) is sound, & although it's (pricey - though less than aforementioned 6120), the 6120SHTV Setzer 'Hot Rod' has unique circuitry, features + sound: TVJ Classic p/ups + ultra-sparse sound control - master vol. knob + 3-way p/up selector switch - that's it! Not to mention all-chrome/nickel hardware!!

[alaincherif]

@872463051 oh btw - I own a 5129 Electromatic (black w/ red top) - it's an early version, w/ single-coil DeArmond 2000 p/ups, and I prefer it to the (newer) 5120 with its ugly double-coils.

[872463051]

@alaincherif idk, as far as sound, I am a fan of double-coils, so I can't say I agree with you on that one. And I don't exactly have enough money to be spending it on the expensive stuff, and can hardly afford a 5120, so I can't even consider getting anything more than that =P

[alaincherif]

@872463051 yea well I couldn't afford a 2nd hand 5129 (~$900), until I flogged some stuff to get it. And who'd waste time comparing singles to doubles?? All I'm saying is - if you're after "That Great Gretsch Sound", you'll get closer w/ DeArmond2000s(almost same as Dynasonics) than w/ those Gretsch humbuckers (nothing like Filter'Trons, though some are happy w/ em...), regardless of yer personal preference. But if you just can't have singles, I'd get a 5120 & swap the stock p/ups for TV Jones..

[alaincherif]

@872463051 You can hardly tell the difference from this vid 'cos the sound's rubbish or something - or he's plugged into a Sainsbury's Budget line amp or something.... - BUT - the 6120 does sound better (though they both sound proper pants here!!).

[gavinstanleyfury]

5120 sounds better! I'm off down the shops! Great vid

[gavinstanleyfury]

5120 sounds better! I'm off down the shops!

[greenpoo69]

Big price difference.  Guess which one I bought? lol

[david85251]

Great comparison. Very helpful. I take it that tany difference isnt worth the price for the 6120. Might as well get the entry level 5120, eh?

Thanks.

[retrogamah]

I bought a g5120 last january ... rewatching this video makes me proud of mine. My Electromatic is not that bad!!!!

[jeremydmccann]

In fact, I just purchased a 5120 today lol!!

[jeremydmccann]

The 6120 sounds a little "fuller" and maybe a little compressed. I think the different bridges are a contributing factor as is the trestle bracing on the 6120. They are so close though that it is crazy to think how big of a price difference they are. I will admit though, that the 6120 just might be the most beautiful guitar I have ever seen. However, I personally prefer the 5120 over the 6120. It seems to be more "lively" to me. That is probably due to the parallel bar bracing and the tone bars.

[dontherealartist]

That's exactly what I did; TV Jones pick-ups, and I had a tone pod. put in that took the pick-ups out of the circuit by just turning it all the way to get that wide-open ''Gretsch Sound''. The pick-ups were, what, around $135 and the tone-pod installed was another $45 or so as I recall. I had this work done by Jeff and Dan at TORRES ENGINEERING, then in San Mateo California, now in San Carlos California. I would put this 5120 up against any 6120 in terms of playability or sound.

[allsmurfedup]

i realy dont hear any differance. i have a 5120 that i want to put the tv jones pickups in

[RockabillyBlues85]

I just bought the Gretsch G5120 and I love it. Sounds great.

[1952Telecaster]

for the money I think the 5120 is a great deal and the sound difference is minimal enough to justify the purchase of the 5120 to save money

[stevedarcysmith]

nice vid mate..

[jessupar]

for the last comparrisons it was like having the amp on the clean side and the dirty side almost lol. wow.

[fraterlucifer888]

the 5120 sounds alil more clarity,the 6120 is louder slightly fuzzy,5120 sounds more like dynasonics ,I love dynasonics myself,Ive played both side by side and to be honest the quality of both is all over the place, I played diff ones, played a 6120 wtih sharp fret ends and wouldnt stay in tune,played another one that was perfect and sounded unbelievable,and played a 5120 that was a rattle bucket all the metal parts were loose,played another one that was just awesome,Id go for the 5120

[fraterlucifer888]

@fraterlucifer888 part 2.... dont get me wrong Id like to have a 6120,but its just not $2k better,maybe $300 better,the 6120 sounds fuller and warmer,they both get a good amount of twang,my own guitar is a guild X160 rockabilly,has dearmonds in it was american made and was cheaper,fender owns both companies and i guess ddnt want to compete with themselves and discontinued the guild

[fraterlucifer888]

@fraterlucifer888 part 3,in my opinion the guild is a better gtr than either gretsch here,my point being the 6120 should be cheaper than it is and for that price should be american made and consistantly higher quality,and if anybody is looking for this twangy hollowbody sound track down a used american made guild X160 rockabilly or X150 savoy,fender lost out by discontinuing them

[culo9999]

the 6120 is definitely clearer, but I don't think it warrants the price. I'd get a 5120, throw in TV classics, some locking tuners and maybe change the bridge and I bet it would be an absolutely amazing axe.

[guitgeo]

I have '67 6120 almost identical to your except my 'f' holes are painted on and I have a zero fret. It's also designated as a 'Nashville' model - I wonder if that's the difference. Do you have this huge hip pad button to the back of you ax?

[rainbowjane85]

the tone is so dull

[trackjammer1478]

I can't really tell too much of a difference. I have the 5120, and I love it. I wonder how they would compare with different effects pedals?

[strykah12]

is the g6120 with standard hs filtertrons or tv jones?

great insightful vid, not much in it asthe g5120 sounds actually for the money really good but the g6120 sounds a lot clearer l even showed my drummer friend the vid and without knowing which was more expensive picked out the g6120 as a better guitar

[eugenecraddock]

i've two 5120 models but i've removed the cheap pick ups for some others one. the sound with the original one's is really poor and didn't sound like a 6120. I've changed the pick ups on one of my guitar for a pair of filtertron pick ups and now it sound great. On the other one i've put a p 90 on neck position and one dearmond on bridge position, i've also removed the cheap bigsby for a real one and changed the bridge for a US made. And now my gretsch's sound really like the 6120 model's.

[greenfish88]

to my ear, the 5120 in the middle position sounds a bit brighter (thinner?) and twangier than the 6120, as well the same in the bridge position...but it's basically splitting hairs...

[rw5791]

almost forgot,you have to change out the bridge also for a compton.

[rw5791]

the 5120 comes alive once the poly is stripped off and with a set of tv jones it is every bit a match for the 6120.

[journeyquest1]

There may not be a big difference in sound. The 6120 looks nicer with the neck inlays.

[leobeat66]

To my ears (IMHO), the 6120 is a little more "twangy" and clear. May be louder in the bridge Pu? but not a big difference, both have that "great Gretsch sound". I love them!, and for the money........ Great guitars!.

[leobeat66]

To my ears, (IMHO) the 6120 is a little more "twangy", but not a big difference with 5120 sound, I like both, and both have "that great Gretsch sound".

[rockabillyotis]

I put in the em2 tv jones pickups and sadly I have to say I am thrilled I sold my 6120 and pocketed the money. I use the 5120 professionally and nobody can hear any difference. But the pickups that come with the 5120 are pretty awful and need replacing big time. Save the money! I'd say.... or buy a '63 DC6120 - then I notice a difference

[TheSchoolsux345]

do they feedback at shows with overdrive

[dirtty420boy]

to really do this test you would really have to do a 5120 with tv jones pickups. just about everyone who buys it puts them in.

[Braunsk1]

Now ask me what my 5120 sounds like with the 6120 pickups I installed. A mere extra $140.00 and there is NO difference between it and the 6120. The Koreans make a decent guitar body!

[sanduuuu]

sorry, totally unrelated question

where´s that accent from?

:D

[greasygroove]

Hi,

I'm originally from Burton-on-Trent in England (now in Canada).

[alexgoodbourn]

@greasygroove

i live in london but my grandparents live on wetmore road, good old burton.

[n95265]

For the difference in price 90% of the people will not know the difference....or be able to get the most out of the 6150. This video is just what I was looking for...thanks

[RockinEd]

you look like Ahsley Kingman--lead guitarist for Big Sandy and the Flyright Boys--another British lad !!!!

[mandolingrass]

i can tell the difference but only just, i have the g5120 jimmy c model which looks rreally cool and i love the feel, which i gotta say there is no difference feel wise between the two so if your only got a small budget then go for the 5120 as it has been said before the difference in sound can be made up with neffects units and a good amp! great test though

[DylanB003]

idk i have been saving up money for a new guitar and i really wanna get the 5120 cuz i played it at long and mcquade and it sounded and felt really nice. i honestly never thought i would love it soo much but i found out that its not a fixed bridge so now idk if ill get it i need some opions

[Merpsalot]

6120 is sweet and full in any pickup combo.... 5120 is thin across the board.

[Sayeret1]

@designcentric, 100% you get what you pay for. I have played various Gretsches over the years, and have found that the 6120 is about as good as it gets. I had a 5120, which had a much lighter feel in general, very bright, but light. You cannot beat the rich, round tones of a 6120, I bought one a few months ago and wouldn't get rid of it now, an amazing instrument.

[Bobbo63]

i was just turned into a 5120 fan!

[designcentric]

there's a HUGE difference in sound. the 6120 is buttery and smooth whereas the 5120 is quacky and sharp. And if this is obvious in a low quality video it'd be glaring in person or on a quality recording. No contest, you get what you pay for.

[rw5791]

I'm stripping the finish now on my 5120.You wouldn't believe how thick the polyester is.

[IndianaProperty]

Considering the price difference...not much difference at all!

If the 5120 had P90s it would probably out perform its counterpart...

[TheSchoolsux345]

g5120 or Blackout deluxe tele?

[Albiedog69]

Thanks for the comparison - great playing by the way!

[peder0204]

is a gretsch better than epi's and gibsons on hollowbodys? why? and one other thing, should i buy an epi les paul or gretsch 5120( 5122 not sure)

[DocHelliday]

peder0204,

I think that Gretsch has better quality control then epi...

Once your get into the pro territory of 2K+ its all a bit subjective. "Better" well better for what? I know a lot of people are not happy with current Gibson's.

If you are set on a les paul solid body, thats a completely different beast then a gretsch hollowbody. It cos down to what you like. If you want a solid body a hollow wont do and visa versa

try a 5120 out, i love my 5125 to death

[peder0204]

wich one is best? sound an cosmetics

[cocy3000]

same strings? the setup of the strings sound diferent, maybe higher on the 6120 or far from the pickup?... also the pickups... in the 5120 they sound hotter maybe ceramic magnets?

great vid. 5 stars!

[greasygroove]

Hi,

The strings were the same, the set-up on both guitars was identical. When I played with the guitars side by side next to the amp, the 6120 was actually the hotter of the two.

Thanks!

[deanmale2001]

Thanks! Was wondering what the extra bucks would buy? I'm just a starting guitar and can't play. Very nice to have a real guitar player demo with A/ B comparison like that. Perfect Demo!

[TheFunkify]

@deanmale, either would be good. The 5120 is not a bad guitar and quite nice to play. You would love either of these, but as a beginner the 5120 would be the way to go. Can always change the pickups later. The 6120 is more a expensive pro instrument, IMO. Found the 5120 clearer in this vid, the 6120 fatter. Buy a cheap delay pedal too.

[TheTimLG]

Thanks for this. I'm selling a US Fender strat in order to buy a Gretsch/Guild/DeArmond type semi-acoustic. My current favourite guitar that I gig with is a Jap Fender Tele, that I prefer to the US Strat. I don't think that US made V Japanese V Korean really makes a hell of a lot of difference these days, it's choice/budget, and as I've got a great Fender valve amp, they'll all sound good. My son has a £100 Chinese made Dean guitar that I've gigged with, and it's great!

[SphereAcidBurn]

Gretsch is fully hollow guitar

[RickenVoxster]

TV Jones Classic pickups in the 5120 are the thing. It will not have the internal body bracing of a G6120 SSLVO Brain Setlzer but it will sound pretty darn close!

[gregpiette]

A very scientifically done comparison. Thank you for understanding audio engineering. ! A true test of guitar to guitar. With my computer sound gear by Creative [top notch]. it was definitely apparent that the 5120 had less color and punch than the 6120. Difference not significant enough that with a pedal or two you couldn't compensate.. Price might be only variable left to consider. Hmmmmmm

Demo-ing yourself, live and in person, is the only true way to make a good 1000-2000 dollar decision.

[Mercury6]

Cool comparison!

5120 sounds just fine to me.

6120 are brighter.

Whats the song at the beginning?

[TheFunkify]

Ha, you're such a cool dude. Great playing, too. I'm serious when I say I want to be as cool as you when I'm older. The 6120 had more bass and mids I think, but you could see the distaste on your face when you started playing the 5120, so I can tell which is your favourite. Great A-B test. Quality costs money.

[durtyz]

hows the playability between the two, is the 6120 worth the extra dollars?

[wosland]

I played the Gretsch G5120 it was love! The sound is warm and smooth. The action awesome. Being a lefty I would flip the bridge, the guard, fill the old screw holes, and change to a left handed headstock knot. The wow bar was on the wrong side, but it wouldnt be too bad. I couldn't do it. In steps the G6120 lefty. G5120 righty bastardized - $700 VS G6120 lefty looking B-A-utiful $2,300. Ouch, but hey I be styling with my sweet music making machine! Another plus for the G6120!

[CaptainVasily]

They both sound great! Being that I'm a bass player, though, I can't justify the expense of the 6120. I have the 5120 on my Christmas list. Great playing: Thanks for posting this!

[crabejoss]

The truth is elsewhere... We have to know the 6120 years' cause those 90 to 98 models (you can read nashville on the pickguard which was the replacement name of the chet atkins' model between the 60 to 90) and they have very different pickups in the 90' (you can find some beautiful ceramic filtertron, very clear, and so others very flat...).

[retrobilly6120]

5120 sounds better ! hey have a 6120 and a 5120 but I still like the 5120 over the 6120. But hey as long as its a Gretsch who gives a S@"T. Now thats what I call a guitar.......................

[Kneedrg]

Ive got the 5120, 6120 (2 different models including Setzer Hot Rod) and most people that play them and don't know the difference like the feel of the 5120 better. The 6120's feel more refined but you're not gonna notice that much of a difference except for the pickups. I put in TV Jones classsics on the 5120....700 dollar guitar that's pretty much on par

[blackdahlia6]

for the difference in cash/tone you would incredibly dumb to get a 6120. just put in some tv jones pickups

[gsxrose]

I agree with telenut69. The 51 sounds more rattly and tinny compared to the 61 which means no matter how cheap the 51, the 61 wins. Damn it now gotta save alot more!!!!

[greatvanzinni]

Great idea. I have been doing this for a year with my 5120 & 6118. I really can't hear much difference & your test reenforces my thinking. I think if I dropped some TV's in the 20 all bets would be off. The big dif. I do notice is in the Bigby's. Dif as day & night. the 18 is much stiffer /sensitive where as the 20 is much more subtle. Not sure I can say one is better than the other. Thanks.

[customwhite13]

You'll get 3-4 5120 for the price of one 6120

I know what my choice would be.

[Telenut69]

The 6120 is much sharper, smoother and doesn't seem to buzz and rattle has much. The 6120 also just looks so much better. With a pro set-up and maybe new pickups, the 5120 would make a great guitar for anybody. I would have no problems playing it.

I think Meatloaf is pictured with a 5120 on his myspace page. 8D

[overandout58]

Both guitars are Oriental made, 5120 Korea, by Peerless company, and the 6120 Japan, both sets of p/ups are Oriental made, so its just snobbery, and a deep wallet thatll decide.

[TheFunkify]

overandout, I'd normally agree with you about snobbery for sure and Korean made is good, but I definitely think the 6120 sounds fuller. Just a huge jump in price to sound that 20% better. Jap made is considered good for resale too though...

[masterwolf34]

I own a 5120 and for the price it's the best deal out there. As for the difference in sound between the 6120, the 5120, yeah the 6120 has sharper PU and sound but not $5000.00 worth, I would change the pick ups and the bridge and still over 4k in my pocket.

[eugenecraddock]

i've a 5120 orange too. I played it with a blues de ville fender amp. And it's an amazing guitar with absolutely fantastic sound. The best gretsch guitar of the electromatic series.

[ECAstu]

What 6120's r u looking at? There is 1 that costs 7k because it's a limited edition, only 100 made. One is 6k (Chet Atkins) which he obviously isn't playing, and then their is only 1 over 3k. I agree that the 5120 is the balls, especially with my tv jones in it. ur just wrong on such a ridiculous level. After pinning my bridge, changing the pups, tuners, and harness my 5120 ended up costing me about $1500, (doing all the work myself). Honestly, I wish I saved the money and got the 61 bigger bod.

[eugenecraddock]

the only bi big problem with the 5120 are the tuners. You can changed it for spretzels like Brian Setzer and that's all. I have not find big difference between the original pick ups and the tv jones. If you want to change the sound replace the neck pick up by a P 90 from Gibson and after you can sound like Eddie Cochran.

Keep on rockin'

[ECAstu]

I found a ton of different tuners that will work. Sperzels are the best so far that I've tried. And the TV jones sound amazing in comparison to what comes on the guitar. I've heard the P 90, have em on my Les Paul. I'm about to trade em for TV Jones versions.

[veitchy88]

There really isnt alot in it. The genuine FTs on the 6120 have just that bit more clarity but you have to really be listening. Crowded bar with people chating and singing, nobody would percieve the difference IMO. On top of that , for the price of a 6120, you could get a 5120 and some humbucker mount/TV-Tron TV Jones Pickups and wack them in there, upgrade switches, pots ect and have a better sounding guitar.

[sseklof]

They're real close. But starting at 5:36 I hear more what? Clarity/complexity? A little more of something that makes the 6120 Gretsch-ier. 5120 is 9 of 10 for sound, 10 of 10 for value. Wonder if TV Jones pickups in the 5120 would get it that last tenth. I own a 5120 - love it.

[gitaargast]

Why is the pickguard black at first, and then suddenly white at 1:24???

[sankastuffs]

it's just the shadow effect they have on the text.

[handscutter1]

The g5120 sounds great, but if you were to say the 6120 didn't sound even better, you'd be telling a lie. I own a 5120 tho, and i'm real satisfied...

[jstuka1234]

great demo!

[ElmoLewiss]

the 6120 sounds better to my ears.

[polaroyd5]

I agree

[mrscojoe]

I have a 5120 and I think that the pickups are in dire need of a change. It's the best feeling guitar I've ever played, but all the hardware is...well...lacking. If anyone gets a 5120, he should replace the tuners/bridge/pickups.

[billgretsch]

i bought a 6120 nashville in the late 80s and refused to play any other guitar but if i had the option then of a cheaper gretsch i would have took it and spent the difference on a good amp

i cant tell the difference in sound

[BossHogster]

Very interesting comparison. I just bought a 5120 and i'm VERY pleased with it. It's beautiful and a great price. They are very well made too. I tried a 6120 in the shop and nice as they are I couldn't justify the huge cost difference.

[XRAYNICO]

great work

[Barboy07079]

Thanks, this is very helpful, considering it is so hard to find Gretsches to test drive. The electromatic is an amazing value, nothing else in the price range comes close in my opinion. Wish they had been as good when I was a kid. However, the 6120 is noticeably better. Bridge pickups on the 5120 have much less presence - they sound a little rubberbandy to me.

[appelseed101]

Nice vid.... Thanks for that

They both sound nice.....6120 has more warmth, but i think the amp can handle giving the 5120 some more of that.

For the price i think im gona get a 5120 it will be my second guitar my other one is a fender strat mexico...

[123toreirik]

I have 6120 pu on my 5120, gives me the sound at a budget price. anyway the 5120 is more guitar that i can handle ;-)

by the way, nice playing.

[mistersnaredrum]

great video. you sound like you were from my neck of the woods(ish)... you moved stateside?

[greasygroove]

Hi,

Yes, originally from Burton on Trent now in Canada.

Thanks

[Humanfactor7]

Excellent comparison Davey... also very nice playing. I would say the 6120 has a bit more fuller sound to it overall. I thought the 5120 sometimes produced a closer acoustic sound... e.g. when playing in the Bridge PU position. But I also thought I heard a bit of rattle on the 5120 when stressed... perhaps the setup is a bit too low on the 5120? But overall, they both absolutely produce that Gretsch sound!

[weaselwig]

Great playing and informative.Its the 6120 for me . However that 5120 is so close at a third of the cost.