Gretsch G6120 Chet Atkins vs G5120 Electromatic Guitar

This is a video comparing two of Gretsch's most popular guitars. The G6120 Chet Atkins model, which retails for roughly 2300 dollars, and the G5120 Electromatic, which retails for 700 dollars. You can read all about the specific differences on the Gretsch website. I am providing comparisons on each pickup, side by side. Thank you for watching!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Gretsch
• Guitar
• G6120
• G5120
• Chet Atkins
• Electromatic
• music

[darrelsultana]

Is your 6120 a late model, or is an old guy? I'm just a bit wary of the craftsmanship of the new guys... I've heard they've gone shabby since Fender took over...

[Aceguitar11]

@darrelsultana Mine is an '07 model. In all honesty, I would take a Fender era Gretsch over a 1990's or early 2000's model Gretsch. The reason I say this is because the Fender Gretsch's are much more consistent. The craftsmanship is quite good in all honesty, they're durable, and built to original, pre-Baldwin specs. The 1990's were sometimes a bit inconsistent. You could find one that was wonderful, and the very next one wouldn't be anything close to the same.

[mak5201965]

I clearly see and hear the 6120 just sounds more richer and sweeter sounding,,, And you must feel a difference in the hold and feel of the 6120? Am I Right?? Seems like the 5120, you would be changing pups and more kinda almost adding up to the dollars for a 6120? I mean not as much but it would put you in the 1500 range for sure....

[Aceguitar11]

@mak5201965 The feel of the 6120 is much better than the 5120 in my opinion, but then again that's one man's opinion and I know people that swear by the 5120. I personally love the ebony fretboard among many other features, and you can find a used 6120 for around 1500-1600 if you're patient.

[bundr]

This video has helped a lot of people, including me... thanks for the clarifying answers!! I have to say, I have to play on a G6xx, because I own a G5120 and i'm couldn't be happier the the way it plays. For me, the neck, frets, craftmanship, its all GREAT. Plays real smooth. And the sound with the Jones is awesome. When you say the G6120 plays lot better, I find it hard to imagine!! Must be a hell of a guitar.

[Aceguitar11]

@bundr I'm really glad the video and comments have helped! I will say that most of the Electromatics are great guitars, but my vote is for the G6120 having owned both of them.

[mak5201965]

@Aceguitar11 Yeah I went for the G6120SSUGR And had a 5120,, There is a major difference. The New 6120 is bloody amazing and well worth the price!! Thanks again!!!

[blackberryblossom]

Thank you for this helpful video. I like the fact that you don´t show off although I´m sure you could. One can clearly hear the difference between the two guitars. But I couldn´t afford a 6120 anyway, so... I got me a 5120 and it´s the best guitar I´ve ever had. The sound of the 6120 is deeper and richer, but the 5120 is still good enough. It looks and plays great.

Would you mind accepting a little video response? I´ve made some demos to show what the 5120 sounds like in a band context.

[william20100]

the 6120 is a lot warmer, the 5120 is much harsher. the 5120 has mini humbuckers stock, which is why it doesn't have that natural sort of twang that the 6120 has. it also sounds like the 5120 has not been intonated very well, the chords are a bit out of tune. i'm not too keen on dropping a couple grand for a guitar though. i own a 5120 and i had the humbuckers replaced with tv jones filtertrons, it sounds pretty damn good to me.

[Aceguitar11]

@ealiagac Thanks!