Gretsch G5422TG Review (2019): Iconic and Classy

Gretsch is a time-honored company that has produced some amazing and iconic instruments over the 100+ years it has been in business. Taking a good, hard look at the G5422TG Hollow Body guitar, you’ll find an elegant and top-notch instrument that is extremely worthy of the Gretsch nameplate.

Body and Neck

Possessing a body that is a little thinner than many hollow bodies, the G5422TG has a double-cutaway design that exudes class and quality. With its 5-ply maple construction, oversize bound F-holes, Gretsch Sound Post bracing, and a striking Snowcrest White gloss finish, there’s no question that the G5422TG is a force to be reckoned with in the under $1,000 guitar market.

The elegance of the body certainly is present in the neck as well, with maple construction and the same color finish as the body. It’s capped with a true rosewood fingerboard and 22 medium jumbo frets for great tone and playability. Adding to the visual appeal is the late 1950s style Gretsch headstock and the Pearloid ‘hump block’ inlays for the fret markers.

Hardware

Without a doubt, the visual appeal of an instrument is subjective and in the eye of the beholder. That being said, all WE can say is wow! The theme of the striking white finish of the guitar contrasted with the gold hardware on the G5422TG is certainly breathtaking, in our opinion.

We have to admit though — looks are one thing, but truthfully it doesn’t matter much if the quality isn’t there. That certainly isn’t a concern with the G5422TG. The Adjusto-Matic Bridge will give you great intonation adjustment capability and stability, and the Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece is simply icing on the cake. The die-cast tuning machines follow the theme with gold plating, and they are amazingly smooth and accurate.

In the electronics department, the G5422TG comes loaded with two Black Top FilterTron humbuckers (again, with gold trim), along with a three-way pickup selector switch to coax out all of the gooey hollow body goodness you can get!

Sound

The maple construction of the G5422TG’s body certainly allows vibrations to resonate well throughout the entire body and neck, giving you that warm sound that only a good hollow body can give.

Helping out matters here is the master volume treble bleed circuit (which helps to avoid treble roll-off at different levels). It’s just right for jazz, country, rockabilly, or – dare we say it – even a little full out rock ‘n’ roll (just watch the volume – hollow bodies tend to have feedback at mega volumes).

The overall playability is spot-on as well. You may find that the setup is perfect right out of the box, and even if it isn’t, it won’t take much to get it right where you like it.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt in our minds that the Gretsch G5422TG is simply an outstanding instrument. When you add up the striking good looks (that are guaranteed to turn heads), quality construction, silky playability, and the amazing hollow body tone, it’s hard to believe all that you get with a guitar at this price point.

For more info about the Gretsch G5422TG, click here.

For more of the best electric guitars under $1,000, click here.