Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Center Block Jr. Guitar w/Bigsby - Cadillac Green

Looked at this product, Gretsch G5655TG, and a long list of comparable, semi-hollow guitars. I agonized over the research, reviews, videos, etc. I wasn’t happy about the “Made in China” product, but the reviews of this Gretsch were stunning. I took a chance on a Chinese guitar and pulled the trigger. Long story short, this is an amazing guitar at an amazing price. Very high quality fit and finish. Great tone. Stunning good looks and playability out of the box. For reference, I’ve been actively writing, recording, performing for almost 40 years. I own an R9, an early 1957 Strat and a pile of other expensive guitars...This Gretsch fits right in...How did they do it??? Thank you AMS.

Received the guitar on a Friday. A rare off weekend for the band so I got to spend some time with it, 5 days so far. Right out of the box the setup was extremely good. Zero fret issues, proper neck relief and it was even pretty much in tune. In all honesty I wasn't expecting much. This guitar can absolutely hang with several of my USA built instruments. Maybe even better that a few.I use 8.5 - 40 strings on ALL my electrics. This came with 10's but even with those, it still plays surprisingly well. The pickups really sound fantastic. I was thinking I would have to replace them with some TV Jones but, for now at least, this is completely unnecessary.I got the Orange Stain model. It looks stunning and I can't find a blemish anywhere. The binding is what you would ... MoreReceived the guitar on a Friday. A rare off weekend for the band so I got to spend some time with it, 5 days so far. Right out of the box the setup was extremely good. Zero fret issues, proper neck relief and it was even pretty much in tune. In all honesty I wasn't expecting much. This guitar can absolutely hang with several of my USA built instruments. Maybe even better that a few.I use 8.5 - 40 strings on ALL my electrics. This came with 10's but even with those, it still plays surprisingly well. The pickups really sound fantastic. I was thinking I would have to replace them with some TV Jones but, for now at least, this is completely unnecessary.I got the Orange Stain model. It looks stunning and I can't find a blemish anywhere. The binding is what you would get with a US made LP at least looks-wise.The only real knock on the guitar is the tuning machines. I'm a real stickler for quality tuners and these aren't quite up to snuff. Hard to find replacements but I'm going to retrofit some Hipshot locking tuners on this. The stock machines have too much give for me.Overall, I really have to give this guitar 4.75 out of 5 stars. Made in China certainly doesn't mean what it used to. I will gladly gig this alongside my Music Man, Suhr, and PRS guitars with zero qualms. Way to go Gretsch and FMIC for doing a great job with keeping the brand not only alive but well.

It was meant to be. I realised once I got it home according to the serial number broken down was my birthday! Haha freaky stuff. Haven't stopped playing it since getting it. Even the wife stopped mid sentence chastising me & said "OH WOW!" When I opened the case.

Awesome guitar

Recently started back taking guitar lessons after a 35 year hiatus. My old les Paul style needed some attention so in the meantime I found this guitar. It feels great, great sound, good weight and neck size is good for my hand. Not to mention it's beautiful! When I was looking at it I mentioned it to my instructor, and he had seen this same guitar was going to recommend it to me. For me it lacks nothing, sound, feel and looks. And the staff at sweetwater were great at helping me and keeping me informed of everything since it was a back ordered item. Again, would highly recommend both the guitar and Sweetwater!

Bummed out

Overall:Guitar sounds amazing. However, won’t stay in tune even without using tremolo. Strap button (screw) pulled out the second time playing it. Small crack formed in the top due to a screw for the neck pickup being installed crooked. Tuner for the D string allowed string to go out of tune. Strings were binding in the nut. Neck had very little relief and strings buzzed. I replaced the tuners, adjusted truss rod, filed nut to stop the binding and to set height at first fret. Also replaced faulty output jack. The only reason I kept this guitar is because it sounds amazing. It now plays pretty well and tuning stability is better as long as I don’t try to use the tremolo at all. I don’t expect perfection from a $800 guitar but my first impression of Gretsch was a ... MoreOverall:Guitar sounds amazing. However, won’t stay in tune even without using tremolo. Strap button (screw) pulled out the second time playing it. Small crack formed in the top due to a screw for the neck pickup being installed crooked. Tuner for the D string allowed string to go out of tune. Strings were binding in the nut. Neck had very little relief and strings buzzed. I replaced the tuners, adjusted truss rod, filed nut to stop the binding and to set height at first fret. Also replaced faulty output jack. The only reason I kept this guitar is because it sounds amazing. It now plays pretty well and tuning stability is better as long as I don’t try to use the tremolo at all. I don’t expect perfection from a $800 guitar but my first impression of Gretsch was a little disappointing. I’ll make the 3 hour drive next time to my nearest dealer to try before I buy.

New For Gretsch! Still Feels & Sounds ALL Gretsch... But!

Heard about the G5565TG when introduced at Winter NAMM 2019. Liked the idea of a smaller Center-Block body designed for comfort with less feedback issues. The Black-Top pickups were reworked and sound quite different for the 54** series. The Guitar is very well built, much better than anticipated being from China. Fret's are good, no sharp edges and levelled well for the pricepoint. This is a Great guitar for sitting or standing as it's so comfortable not to wide or heavy. Volume not being pugged in is certainly louder than normal electrics, not as loud as it's bigger brothers, had good tone and better than expected sustain. The bridge is a big improvement over my 5420.Not use to the Ovankol Fret-Board, has a different feel than Rosewood or Ebony, it's a bit more ... MoreHeard about the G5565TG when introduced at Winter NAMM 2019. Liked the idea of a smaller Center-Block body designed for comfort with less feedback issues. The Black-Top pickups were reworked and sound quite different for the 54** series. The Guitar is very well built, much better than anticipated being from China. Fret's are good, no sharp edges and levelled well for the pricepoint. This is a Great guitar for sitting or standing as it's so comfortable not to wide or heavy. Volume not being pugged in is certainly louder than normal electrics, not as loud as it's bigger brothers, had good tone and better than expected sustain. The bridge is a big improvement over my 5420.Not use to the Ovankol Fret-Board, has a different feel than Rosewood or Ebony, it's a bit more open grain. Looks good!The Gretsch G5565TG Is a very pleasent surprise and great addition for any Gretsch fan. Reason I didn't give 5 Stars? First, the guitar was horribly set up! Worse than any I've purchased new, (yes most will need some work being done when they arrive). This was on another level. The trussrod was loose, fully relaxed. Action was so low the guitar was unplayable, Won't even start about the intonation. For someone that doesn't know how to set-up a guitar they may have sent it back or taken it in to get set up, odds are it would have scared them off and returned it. Sad as it's truly is a Great Guitar!Secondly, I wanted a Gretsch matching Hardcase for the G56565, looked and can't find one. Called Gretsh, they don't have one out Yet, was told should be on the market by Christmas. Tried the Hardcase for my SParkle-Jet (very similar in size) it fit, was a lil bit tight in the body, yet works. However being longer, the Head-Stock hit's the material cover foam at the end pushing it in approx half way. Not comfortable with that so it sits on a guitar stand waiting for the new case to come out using the Jet case only when I must.

Review of Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Center Block Jr. in Orange Stain

the bigsby literally just fell off after normal use, and I had to restring the guitar to fix it. AWFUL DESIGN. Also the gretch QC sucks - there are defects in the paint job, and a lot of the parts feel like cheap plastic

Stunning to behold!

Pictures do this guitar zero Justice; it's absolutely gorgeous! And it also plays as great as it looks! The neck is amazing. The Broadtron pups are articulate and provide excellent note separation. The Gretsch reputation is not merely hype, these guitars are fabulous in every sense, and they make you feel excited to play! I was a bit concerned that it's built in China, but Gretsch obviously holds the manufacturing facility to stringently high standards because this model is most definitely worth every penny. The clean tones are majestic, perfect rock crunch and bite, but I was surprised by how well this guitar reacts to and handles sizzling high gain settings. No worries about unwanted feedback when playing scorching hot leads. If you are looking at this guitar, ... MorePictures do this guitar zero Justice; it's absolutely gorgeous! And it also plays as great as it looks! The neck is amazing. The Broadtron pups are articulate and provide excellent note separation. The Gretsch reputation is not merely hype, these guitars are fabulous in every sense, and they make you feel excited to play! I was a bit concerned that it's built in China, but Gretsch obviously holds the manufacturing facility to stringently high standards because this model is most definitely worth every penny. The clean tones are majestic, perfect rock crunch and bite, but I was surprised by how well this guitar reacts to and handles sizzling high gain settings. No worries about unwanted feedback when playing scorching hot leads. If you are looking at this guitar, rest assured - it will do exactly what you are hoping it will do!

Style, tone & playability all under a grand!

Overall:So I admit I am Gretsch biased but I have avoided the Electromatic series for a long time. I have 5 Gretsch now that are all Japanese “pro” models. ( I am NOT a pro in any manner) and each gives its own sound, they are gorgeous and they have an significant CDI rating. Anyway as of late I've heard a lot of good things about the 5556TG. So I decided why not? I am a fan of Gretsch’s junior like the 6120, 6122 and various Falcons that seem to pop up occasionally. Size wise think Gibson 335 vs 339..for me they work quite nicely.This particular guitar arrived several days ago. I gave it some time to acclimate, in looking over the guitar I saw about ZERO issues with body. No overspray or signs of inattention by the guy/gal who put it together. The intonation was ... MoreOverall:So I admit I am Gretsch biased but I have avoided the Electromatic series for a long time. I have 5 Gretsch now that are all Japanese “pro” models. ( I am NOT a pro in any manner) and each gives its own sound, they are gorgeous and they have an significant CDI rating. Anyway as of late I've heard a lot of good things about the 5556TG. So I decided why not? I am a fan of Gretsch’s junior like the 6120, 6122 and various Falcons that seem to pop up occasionally. Size wise think Gibson 335 vs 339..for me they work quite nicely.This particular guitar arrived several days ago. I gave it some time to acclimate, in looking over the guitar I saw about ZERO issues with body. No overspray or signs of inattention by the guy/gal who put it together. The intonation was spot on, even string height seemed to be goojd to go. The pickups, what to say they are different than what I’m used to on the pro models. Not bad just different, still no doubt it’s got Gretsch flavors. I’m ran the guitar through a small head/combo Fender super Champ x2. Sounded a bit more uh…angry than the normal p/ups as tho it was pushing to get itself maxed out. I did and it sounded pretty darn good. I’ll hold of on a pickup swap for now…Final thought: it plays well, provides a new taste for Gretsch fans…and it’s just dang gorgeous in the blue. Worth your hard money? I’d say yes!