Aside from very high end (and way expensive) essentially hand made jazz boxes, there are really only two quality, mass produced brands from which to choose-----Gibson and Gretsch.  Both helped define popular music since the 1950s, and a list of past and present artists who aligned themselves with either brand could go on ad infinitum.  The '60s Gretsch 6122 (Country Gentleman) will be forever associated with George Harrison, although the truth is that he and John also played Gibsons and Epiphones, among others (John was particularly fond of his Epiphone Casino).  Chet Atkins was a Gretsch signatory until he got fed up with inept manufacture and management 25 years or so ago and ended up taking his name (and the Country Gentleman moniker) to the good folks at Gibson.  So, both have the pedigree.  Which one to buy? Is there really any difference?  It might depend on whether you are interested in buying a new axe, or a vintage instrument-------maybe.

With some exceptions (and there are ALWAYS exceptions with Gretsch) these guitars are laminated.  Generally, although not always, high end Gibsons are solid wood.  In the acoustic or acoustic/electric realm, this is a distinction WITH a difference.  In the hollow body electric realm, with which this article deals solely, this is a distinction WITHOUT a difference, as far as sound is concerned.  The truth is that these guitars are going to be played with an amplifier.  Once the cord is plugged in, the wattage turned up, the Fx set, trust me when I tell you that whether the axe is laminated or two piece Sitka spruce makes ZERO difference.  Structurally, the further truth is that the laminated guitars are inherently stronger, more solid, more roadworthy-----so long as they are well made.  Therein lies the rub.  Counterintuitively, it is probably safe to say that the chances of finding a vintage, well wrought, solid wood Gibson are better than with a laminated Gretsch.  On the other hand, there are plenty of 40 year old Gretsches around that could take a direct hit from a suitcase bomb.  You just have to find the right one.

Another issue is the binding.  Binding rot is a curse of older Gretsches, and it requires a fairly intrusive and expensive cure.  Not so, or certainly less so, with Gibsons.

The single biggest problem with ALL old guitars, and again, more so with Gretsch than with Gibson, is the neck set.  The saying goes, "The only old Gretsch that doesn't need a neck set is one that already had it".  Talk about an expensive malady!  As a general rule, it's only arguably worth it. The problem is less pronounced with a Gibson.

From an electronics standpoint, Gibson is known as the innovator of the historic and paradigmatic double coil, "Humbucking" pick-up.  It's kind of like calling every refrigerator a "Frigidaire".  The name has become generic, and rightly so.  On the other hand, Gretsch has its own patented double coil, the "Filtertron" (and offspring like the Supertron, WOW), and some of the most highly desireable late '50s 6120s, etc have what is referred to in the biz as "PAF" Filtertrons-----Patent Applied For (they eventually got it).  I'll be even handed and call this one a tie (although, the sound IS different).

Having said all of this, if I were going to spend good/tall coin on a vintage guitar of the type we're talking about, it would be........a Gretsch!  Weird, huh?  We're moving from the objective to the subjective here.  Can you feel it?  There is something about a nice, true Gretsch neck that NO other guitar can match. There truly is a distinctive sound that has fueled not only rock, but country and rock-a-billy for close to 50 years.  Gretsches are jealous mistresses.  After all, what with the floating bridges, they basically need to be set up every time you want to seriously play.  But, oh, the rewards.  You have to want to play a Gretsch----Gibsons are too easy-----you just have to get the right one.

As far as new instruments are concerned, Gretsch (along with Guild), is now being marketed by FMIC, and the axes are being made by Tejada in Japan.  Fender has done a wonderful job with quality control, and Tejada is among the finest mass producers in the world.  They are also doing yeoman-like reproductions to original specs.  Very impressive.  These guitars (I am talking about the "professional series", leave the rest alone) are top notch, and while not cheap by any means, they are far more affordable than comparable, top drawer Gibsons, equally as well made, and still laminated.  So, once again, I go with Gretsch.

There are Gibson fanatics that would disagree with much of this article, although I have tried to bend over backwards to give those very fine instruments a fair shake.  They just ain't got the right twang, ya know?

Sarasongs