NGD: Gretsch G5435t Pro Jet

[Tig]

This is my first Gretsch, first gold top and first Bigsby guitar. I really liked the beautiful black version, being a George Harrison fan and all, but I have 3 black guitars already. The Black Top FilterTrons dish out all the classic Gretsch tone you'd expect. This new Pro Jet sounds much better than the previous version with the not so great pickups. The build, fit, and finish are all spot on with no quality issues. I like the 12" radius fretboard with medium jumbo frets. The neck profile is a little rounder than my Reverend's, but not too thick or thin.

The neck is a bit too glossy for my taste, and the screw-on strap buttons won't work with my strap lock equipped straps (they screw onto studs sticking out of the body). I wish the head stock had some binding, but the upgraded pickups are a nice trade off. Only a few strings needed slight intonation adjustments, and the action is medium low from the factory. I may replace the bridge with a Tru-Arc (http://www.craigdobbins.com/tru-arc.html).

It sounds wonderful clean, allowing for twangy country to full jazzy chords. Crank up the amp gain or running through dirt pedals brings out the beast.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7605835548_3628f37020_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7609394102_d5a0dd99ec_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8423/7605835648_4861938e4f_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7605835742_ea24a10406_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7609394048_22de4e0a21_b.jpg

I might leave the pick guard off.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7609800172_ff36d9b811_b.jpg

[mapka]

Very nice guitar! Congrats? Does it have the Tone filter like some of the Gretsch's? If so, what do you think of the effects?

[Bookkeeper's Son]

I like it! Congrats.

[Tig]

Very nice guitar! Congrats? Does it have the Tone filter like some of the Gretsch's? If so, what do you think of the effects?

I'm not sure what their tone filter is, unless it is the second toggle seen on some of their guitars.
This one has just the tone master pot seen closest to the bottom strap button.

[kidsmoke]

VERY cool Tig. Congrats!! Love the looks and it sounds like she gives some great sounds. enjoy!

[Katastrophe]

Gorgeous! Congratulations, man, that is one stunning guitar.

May it bring you a lifetime of guitar playing joy!

[FrankenFretter]

Oh wow Doug, that was worth the wait! What a gorgeous beast. You could Scotchbrite the neck, if you don't like the gloss. I do that to all my guitars.

I like the stock pickguard, but if you feel the need to change the color, here's a link (http://www.agileguitarforum.com/showthread.php?tid=22417&highlight=Pickguard+mod) to a thread explaining how to do that with Rit dye. And here's a pic of a guard that went through the process:

http://www.agileguitarforum.com/uploader/pfiles/5786/DSC001431.JPG

Congrats on the new addition, it's a real winner!

[Tig]

Oh wow Doug, that was worth the wait! What a gorgeous beast. You could Scotchbrite the neck, if you don't like the gloss. I do that to all my guitars.

I like the stock pickguard, but if you feel the need to change the color, here's a link (http://www.agileguitarforum.com/showthread.php?tid=22417&highlight=Pickguard+mod) to a thread explaining how to do that with Rit dye. And here's a pic of a guard that went through the process:

Congrats on the new addition, it's a real winner!

Thanks, that's an interesting option.
Check out that bridge in the photo.

[tjcurtin1]

Gorgeous is the word, all right! Wow! Congratulations, Tig it is really stunning, I'd love to try one of those. And, yeah, what's the deal with that bridge?!

[Tig]

I've never seen that bridge either.

I've heard good things about the Tru-Arc bridges.
The come in brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper.
http://www.craigdobbins.com/tru-arc-close.jpg

http://www.craigdobbins.com/tru-arc-range.jpg

[FrankenFretter]

I inquired about the bridge, I'll let you know when I get an answer. Those Tru Arcs look pretty cool, maybe I'll get one of those for my Epi Flamekat.

[NWBasser]

Congratulations Doug!

That is one very fine guitar!

[tjcurtin1]

How do you intonate with that bridge?

[sunvalleylaw]

Congrats Doug! It looks great! How are you liking it so far?

[Tig]

Congrats Doug! It looks great! How are you liking it so far?

I love it. It has some very sweet tones, maybe between a good Tele and P[90 range, but without any single coil hum. The neck is easy to play, and the scale length makes for smooth bends.

[Brian Krashpad]

Congrats Tig. Looks great. I'd leave the pickguard, but I tend to prefer guitars w/them generally. Same for LPs.

[Tig]

I decided to leave it on.
As much as I love this guitar played clean, it sounds even better when driving harder.

[jpfeifer]

Congrats Tig. Looks like a fantastic guitar. I'm having Gretsch envy! :-)

--Jim

[Spudman]

I tried one of these at a store today (minus the Bigsby), and it was really nice. Congrats on the new plank Tig.

http://www.mapleleafmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/Gretsch-Pro-Jet-with-Bigsby-G5438T-330x977.jpg