Gretsch 5125 electromatic?

[Matt]

Haven't posted on here for a while, matter of fact i haven't even been playing guitar much over the last few months, been much more occupied with things that have two wheels and pedals (Downhill costs waaaaay too much money)

Aaaaaanyway, i want to get back into guitar again and was wondering what your thoughts on gretsch electromatic 5125 hollow bodies are like. I am well aware that they wouldn't really have the quality of a higher end gretsch but how do they compare to other brands of that price range, and how much do you actually pay just for the "gretsch logo"?

Ohh and i have searched but only found a thread about the duo-jet style electromatic

Cheers
Matt

[Fritz]

they are great guitars for that market. However I would spend more and simply get a 5120 electromatic.

[Matt]

What's the actual differences between the two?

[Fritz]

its a better guitar :D

[patty_ww]

i love my 5120, its pretty much a 6120 with some lesser parts. The feel is pretty comparable to a high end Gretsch although i don't think its as good (some people like it better). The Gretsch humbuckers are a little under-wound and slightly muddy when overdriven, but still better than most cheaper pickups (i plan on getting some tv jones once i can afford them as i am 17, a few more paychecks should cover it). Either Classic Plus or Powertron in the bridge and a classic in the neck, any suggestions? I don't think it stays in tune as well as it should, partly the tuners or the floating bridge. But for $911 Canadian (tax included) i was sold. It is very good for the price.
-Patty

[Matt]

So what's the australian RRP for a 5120?
Cheers

[Kevin]

i like the look of that orange stain colour

the main difference seems to be that the 5125 comes with single coil deArmonds, and the 5120 has "crome covered humbuckers" sounds a bit generic

edit: link http://gretschguitars.com/gear/index.php?product=G5120&cat1=&cat2=&q=&st=1

venue music has them both for $1499
http://venuemusic.com.au/Products.asp?ProdID=10009

[Deanis]

I have the 5129, utter porn, same as the G5125 but with the firebird red finish.
The main differences are: G5125-9 made in Korea with 'real' Gretsch sounding pickups (DeArmond 2000 single coils). Whilst G5120 has unknown spec 'gretsch' humbuckers and is made in China, although it is generally cheaper. Whatever tickes your pickle though. I love the G5129 atm, and I got it for $1200 on ebay with the gretsch hardshell case (which isnt standard with the guitar) and for that price is exceptional value, and sounds gorgeous. The pickups allow for that real Gretsch twang through to warmer distortion and the fuller jazz sound, quite impressive.
As for the solid bodies, my mate has the Electromatic Jet in gold sparkle. Nothing exceptional, pretty much a Les Paul Jr in specs, also quite heavy (the more expensive DuoJets are actually almost hollow). These solidbodies dont really have as much of a unique tone as the hollowbodies do, but for their price are alright. I'd still go for either of the hollowbodies, and I did.
PS. The G5125's don't have a Gretsch logo on the pickguard (no idea why) but can be fixed up quite easily using a*get ready for TLE merch plug* red on black 'TLE' sticker, as found on this site's SHOP link.
Here is a pic of my Gretsch:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c367/Deanimus/Desaturated.jpg

[patty_ww]

The 5120 is made in Korea as well, not China.

[Deanis]

My apologies there. Then the price difference must be in the pickups, is all I can assume.