Where is gretsch electromatic made

Messages I own a MIK , which is an excellent guitar stock, but I've also done a bunch of mods that in my opinion put it in the range of an MIJ in terms of sound and play-ability. DiAmoroso said:. I think you'll be pretty happy with one from the Electromatic line.

The Blacktop Filtertrons are decent pickups, but I switched mine out for some SD Filtertrons and now it sounds as good as any of my much more expensive guitars. Dashface Member. Messages 6, The new Korean Gretsches are really great guitars. You get a lot of guitar for your money. That being said, nobody makes guitars like the MIJ Gretsches. Honestly, the guitars they are putting out now are so good it's ridiculous. Like, so flawless it doesn't seem real.

If you can hack it, get the MIJ. Just stupid good. Good words, guys. I appreciate the input! I purchased a MIJ a couple years ago and the fit and finish are top notch.

This was my first Gretsch Guitar and I was not sure what to expect. Might be worth the extra cash if you have it lying around. Lister Member.

I've got one of each, and although it's an apples to oranges type comparison, I'll give you my impressions.

The bridge rattled, like bad and that seems to be a fairly common complaint with electromatics from what I've seen and read. I ordered an ABM roller shortly after I got the and that made a big difference. Build quality is very good, but not perfect, there's a flaw in the neck binding and the switch needed a shot of cleaner which seemed odd to me on a brand new guitar , but I really wasn't expecting perfection at this price point.

I went looking for a and lucked into a Japanese made Tennesse Rose and it's a wonderfully built guitar. I also got both guitars a Bigsby soft spring from Reverend, it makes a big difference in control IMO. I also put a set of flats on the and then had to rosin the bridge to keep it from walking, so eventually I'll pin it. But that's about it, the didn't need anything else! So, after writing all that, I'm not sure how much this helps you as both guitars are so different in scale, construction, B6 vs B70, etc.

I guess if I had to make a recommendation I'd say if you have the cash, it's hard to beat a Japanese made Gretsch Waxhead Member. Last edited: Jun 13, BigDoug Gold Supporting Member. Messages 5, Last edited: Jun 14, Axis29 Member. Both are a little older now The first I got was an '05 , MIK.

Bought it new in Has become my 1. It is a big hollow, with single coil Dearmond pickups. You can't get the 's new anymore, sadly, and I am not sure any e-matics come with single coils, either.

Maybe P's? Gretsch outsources the production of their solid-body Electromatics to China. Specifically, all of the Electromatic Jet models are made in Chinese factories. They have a great price to quality ratio such as the rest of this line of instruments.

Indonesia is another country that during the last years gained a lot of popularity in the guitar manufacturing business. This makes this range of instruments to be very affordable while retaining the Gretsch look. Many companies choose to produce their higher-end instruments there, and Gretsch is not the exception. Japanese Gretsch guitars are built with extreme attention to detail and have the classic specs and looks that set this brand apart from the rest. Gretsch produces in Korea most of their Electromatics, and in Japan their professional line.

Both these ranges of instruments are of amazing quality. The professional line is their most premium offering and goes the extra mile in luxury. Electromatics are great too but target the mid-range of the market.

Electromatic Jet models are made in China, while the whole range of Streamliners is made in Indonesia. Qualities are similar, however, Electromatics are slightly better. I just bought a Guild Manhattan, "handcrafted in Korea".

Built quality and materials are much better than Electromatics, besides 2 or 3 minor finish flaws the Guild feels like a Proline Gretsch but for half the price. Even the Urethan coat is pretty thin and not like the "dipped in plastic" feel of many far east guitars. All needless and frankly irrelevant nationalism aside. I agree with the general point that no country has a better claim to good craftmanship over any other.

Sometimes with specialties maybe, related to tradition or local materials. Good craftsmen are not restrained by perceived international boundaries. I rest easy by buying a quality instrument that I enjoy playing regardless of who built it or where. People from other countries than mine are no less valuable as people, skilled, or needing of jobs in my opinion.

I like to support craftsmen that I know in my immediate community if I can but I don't think they're any better. I have had late 60s and 70s Japanese Yamaha archtops that easily are on par if not better than Gibson or Gretsch instruments in quality of construction, beauty and playability.

I'm sure the Korean Gretschs, as mentioned earlier are built purposely inexpensively to save costs and produce a more affordable guitar. Otherwise I'm sure both countries can produce excellent instruments if and when required. Obviously the current Japanese production is meant to be higher quality. I must say, though I love them and enjoy them, most of the US made Gretsch's I've encountered from the 60s and some from the 50s too have been frankly, shoddily constructed and easily excelled by the quality of current Japanese..

Likewise with 70s Gibsons. I like the old Gretschs because they are old annnd wonky, as long as they play well. It has nothing to do with nationality. I would hope music transcends these sorts of limiting definitions. Please help support the Gretsch Pages through Paypal. It's quick, easy, and much appreciated! Buy American, sleep well.