It was round about the end of 2002 when Gretsch and Fender agreed to a marketing and production deal that saw Fender take most of the control of the operation. (Gretsch still owns Gretsch Guitars)

One of Fender’s initial decisions was to improve production and components so that they were both more inline with the classic era practices. A great move. The headstocks and bodies were now to be made as they were in the vintage era, as were the hollow body designs – 3 ply instead of 5. The pick-up master, TV Jones, re-implemented the Filtertrons so that now they have a much more vintage-classic sound than before. The duo jets were to be rechambered to a high degree, again more vintage, and the Brian Setzer models were to include the trestle bracing of the late fifties/early sixties period.

Since then Fender & Gretsch have produced a huge range of vintage Gretsch models which have been applauded by guitar players and collectors alike. Although a debatable point, many feel that this era of Gretsch guitars offers the best quality and production values ever seen from Gretsch guitars. I’m inclined to agree. And they have the price tag to match.

The mid range Gretsches which only 5 years ago had cheapo bolted on necks and questionable humbucking pickups have significantly improved in recent years. In particular, the hollowbodies of the Electromatic range have been well improved. The new single cutaway Gretsch 5120, A Gretsch 6120 copy, has remarkably turned into one of Gretsch’s best sellers with much better electrics and hardware than ever before.

Unlike 10 years ago, these days a Gretsch 5120 is a quality guitar worth it’s price tag and I’d gladly be the owner of one.

If I have a spare $700 in my pocket and didn’t already have a beautiful vintage Gretsch (two-tone anniversary!) from 1962 I would almost certainly have a close look at the Gretsch 5120. TWANGTASTIC! guitars. I was lucky enough to have a long play on one of these not so long ago and I can honestly say it played really well.

The fretboard was silky smooth due to the thumbnail markers and the dual pickups were twangy and deep.

Don’t be fooled by the relatively (for Gretsch) cheap price – this is a professional instrument.