PonyOne
03-13-2005, 02:39 AM
Gretsch Electromatic Bo Diddley
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v415/tristan_s/DSC00658.jpg
Cost: about $400 new; got this one for $115 (!!!)
Pros:
-find something with more stage presence that even non-guitarists can appreciate
-very versatile tones
-built like a tank
-stock pickups rival the best aftermarket p/u's
Cons:
-crap pots (knobs) and switch will likely need to be replaced quickly
-cool body shape inhibits access to upper frets
-satin finish on neck is a bit dull looking (holds up okay though)
-not easy to find
When people see this thing they usually ask... "does it actually play?" Yes. It does. And it plays well!!
Unfortunately, thanks to its somewhat bizarre body shape, the frets from about the 17th fret up (18th fret if you have long fingers) cannot be played comfortably and with the same flow as the rest of the guitar. Anyone used to playing a dreadnought acoustic should be able to deal.
Otherwise, it is a great sounding instrument. Surprisingly, the stock USA-made Gretsch pickups, which are generally intended for a rockabilly/classic rock type tone, do extremely well with high-gain tube amps. The natural sound of the pickups clean, especially in the neck, is really beautiful though; extremely deep and warm resonance in the lower frets, and a great old-fashioned bell like sound in the upper frets. It is very dynamic sounding and can do a lot more than you'd expect.
Mine was converted for left-handed use (I play ambidextrous but prefer lefty); I gutted the volume and tone pots on the body and moved them into a concentric switch up by the neck. No loss; the stock pots were not the best ever, and after a year were crackling and popping. Note the Shag sticker of the Rat Pack; I was going for all-out intangibly cool with this one.
The pickups are rock solid, and so is the body; maple neck and alder body with a bold joint. It is put together very tight, and was I believe made in Japan (no "made in" sticker on it when I got it). The bridge is a wraparound "Badass" style bridge with individual saddles that works nicely.
Not only is the tone excellent, but they are cheap (this one was $115, though it retailed for $499 new, and I've seen them for around $300 used) and they have loads of charisma and stage presence. Just make sure you don't need the 20th fret for anything.
There is also a single pickup (bridge minihum), short scale (21.40) that I've only seen and played once but that had a really cool tone to it and would make an awesome travelling guitar.
EDIT: proper format
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v415/tristan_s/DSC00658.jpg
Cost: about $400 new; got this one for $115 (!!!)
Pros:
-find something with more stage presence that even non-guitarists can appreciate
-very versatile tones
-built like a tank
-stock pickups rival the best aftermarket p/u's
Cons:
-crap pots (knobs) and switch will likely need to be replaced quickly
-cool body shape inhibits access to upper frets
-satin finish on neck is a bit dull looking (holds up okay though)
-not easy to find
When people see this thing they usually ask... "does it actually play?" Yes. It does. And it plays well!!
Unfortunately, thanks to its somewhat bizarre body shape, the frets from about the 17th fret up (18th fret if you have long fingers) cannot be played comfortably and with the same flow as the rest of the guitar. Anyone used to playing a dreadnought acoustic should be able to deal.
Otherwise, it is a great sounding instrument. Surprisingly, the stock USA-made Gretsch pickups, which are generally intended for a rockabilly/classic rock type tone, do extremely well with high-gain tube amps. The natural sound of the pickups clean, especially in the neck, is really beautiful though; extremely deep and warm resonance in the lower frets, and a great old-fashioned bell like sound in the upper frets. It is very dynamic sounding and can do a lot more than you'd expect.
Mine was converted for left-handed use (I play ambidextrous but prefer lefty); I gutted the volume and tone pots on the body and moved them into a concentric switch up by the neck. No loss; the stock pots were not the best ever, and after a year were crackling and popping. Note the Shag sticker of the Rat Pack; I was going for all-out intangibly cool with this one.
The pickups are rock solid, and so is the body; maple neck and alder body with a bold joint. It is put together very tight, and was I believe made in Japan (no "made in" sticker on it when I got it). The bridge is a wraparound "Badass" style bridge with individual saddles that works nicely.
Not only is the tone excellent, but they are cheap (this one was $115, though it retailed for $499 new, and I've seen them for around $300 used) and they have loads of charisma and stage presence. Just make sure you don't need the 20th fret for anything.
There is also a single pickup (bridge minihum), short scale (21.40) that I've only seen and played once but that had a really cool tone to it and would make an awesome travelling guitar.
EDIT: proper format