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Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Sparkle Jet FT SC Bigsby Silver Sparkle
All about the G5230T Electromatic Sparkle Jet FT SC Bigsby Silver Sparkle
The Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Sparkle Jet is not just another instrument in the world of electric guitars – it is a masterpiece that embodies the essence of rock “n” roll. With its striking design and a sound that is both powerful and nuanced, this guitar is the perfect choice for advanced players who want to shine both in the studio and on stage. With its distinctive look and a few modern upgrades, the G5230T is every bit as good as its historic predecessors.
Here at session, you can find out everything you need to know about the history, construction, sound and features of the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Sparkle Jet FT SC Bigsby Silver Sparkle. Enjoy!
The history of the Sparkle Jet
In the mid-1950s, Gretsch attempted to respond to Gibson's successful Les Paul with its Jet models. In addition to the striking red Jet Firebird, the Silver Jet with its exciting sparkle finish was launched in 1955. Gretsch drew on its experience in drum manufacturing by using the drum skins - a type of plastic laminate in fashionable glamour colours - as glittering tops for the Sparkle Jet models from the mid-1950s onwards. In the early 1960s, the rest of Gretsch Drums' popular ‘Sparkle Finish’ series was transferred to the Jet guitars.
The Gretsch Sparkle Jet has long been an open secret, especially among grunge and punk fans. Famous artists who have performed on stage with a Gretsch Sparkle Jet include Dave Grohl, Chris Shiflett (both Foo Fighters), Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) and Kevin ‘Noodles’ Wasserman (The Offspring).
Modern construction - proven materials
The G5230T impresses with its solid body construction made of high-quality mahogany, which ensures a warm and full sound. The G5230T Sparkle Jet is chambered, meaning that the body is equipped with weight-reducing holes. The body is painted with a polyurethane finish, which not only gives it an attractive appearance but also increases the instrument's durability. The high-gloss finish gives the guitar an elegant look that is sure to turn heads. This model from the Gretsch Electromatic series is available in either a gold sparkle or a silver sparkle finish.
The neck of the Sparkle Jet is also made of mahogany and features a Thin ‘U’ neck profile for comfortable playability. The set-in neck construction ensures stability and enhanced sustain. The laurel fingerboard with Pearloid Neo-Classic™ thumbnail inlays not only looks great, but also feels great to play.
Various sound options
Acoustically, the Sparkle Jet delivers a wonderfully silvery sound with excellent string separation, which is perfectly transmitted by the pickups that are perfectly matched to this model. For the classic Gretsch twang through the amplifier, the G5230T is equipped with two Gretsch FT-5E Filter'Tron pickups, which provide a distinctive sound at both the neck and bridge. These passive pickups deliver a clear, dynamic sound that is ideal for a variety of musical styles, from classic rock and grunge to country and blues. The 3-way toggle pickup selector switch allows you to switch between pickups and achieve the desired sound.
The classic Gretsch control configuration with two volume controls, a master volume control and a tone control gives you optimal control over your sound. You can adjust the volume and tone to your liking to find the perfect sound for every situation. Whether you're playing a powerful rhythm or a delicate solo, the Gretsch G5230T always delivers the right response.
Silver plexi pickguard with silver Gretsch-logo
Gretsch FT-5E Filter’Tron-pickups
Bigsby B-50 vibrato with Gretsch Adjustomatic bridge
Special features and playing comfort
Another highlight of the Gretsch G5230T is the Bigsby B-50 vibrato with the Gretsch Adjustomatic bridge. This vibrato system allows you to create creative sound variations and add an extra dimension to your playing. The silver plexi pickguard with the classic silver Gretsch logo rounds off the overall look and gives the guitar a touch of vintage charm. The aged white binding provides a stylish contrast and emphasises the high-quality workmanship of the instrument.
Features
-
Neck Profile: Thin "U"
Thin "U" profile for fast, precise playability. -
Scale: 24" (610 - 634 mm)
Shorter scale for easier bending. -
Fretboard: Indian Laurel
Soft, warm tone, clear articulation. -
Body Material: Chambered Mahagoni
Resonant, warm tone with emphasized mids. -
Technology: Chambered Solid Body
Tone chambers for enhanced sound and dynamics. -
Neck construction: Set in neck
Offers improved sustain through solid connection. -
Pickup Configuration: H-H (2x Humbucker)
Full tone with strong mids and pronounced sustain. -
Fretboard radius: 12"
Allows comfortable bending and precise intonation.
- Strings: 6 string
- Country of origin: China
- Strings thickness ex factory: .010 - .046
- Technology: Chambered Solid Body
- Body shape: Single Cut
- Body Material: Chambered Mahagoni
- Top: Maple
- Binding: 3-Ply White/Black/White, 1-Ply White Fretboard
- Body finish: High Gloss
- Neck: Mahogany
- Neck Profile: Thin "U"
- Neck finish: High Gloss
- Fretboard: Indian Laurel
- Fretboard radius: 12"
- Fretboard Inlays: Pearloid Neo-Classic Thumbnail
- Nut width: 1.685" (42.8 mm)
- Nut material: Synthetic Bone
- Frets: 22
- Fret size: Medium Jumbo
- Fret material: Nickel silver
- Neck construction: Set in neck
- Scale Length: 24,6" (625 mm)
- Pickup Configuration: H-H (2x Humbucker)
- Neck Pickup: Gretsch FT-5E Filter’Tron
- Bridge Pickup: Gretsch FT-5E Filter’Tron
- Pickup Cover: Chrome
- Pickup Selector Switch: 3 way toggle
- Pickup type: passive
- Controls: 2x volume, 1x master volume, 1x tone
- Hardware: Chrome
- Tuning Machines: Gretsch Die-Cast Sealed
- Translation: 1:16
- Pickguard: Silver Plexi with Silver Gretsch® Logo
- Pot Caps: Gretsch G-Arrow Knobs
- Bridge / Tremolo: Gretsch Anchored Adjusto-Matic + Bigsby B-50
- Color/ Finish: Silver Sparkle
- Finish: Gloss Polyurethane
Die Gretsch Electromatic Collection bietet Gitarren und Bässe mit dem kraftvollen und typischen Gretsch-Sound. Entwickelt für Musikstile mit hohem Output Level, überzeugen die Instrumente durch eine erstaunlich leichte und schnelle Handhabung. Mit ihren Dual Super HiLo'Tron Humbuckern sind sie auch für hohe Lautstärken bestens geeignet. Play Proud!
Since its founding in 1883 in Brooklyn, New York, Gretsch has expertly delivered musical instruments of the highest quality that are both influenced and appreciated by some of the music industry's most respected artists. Including Chet Atkins, Eddie Cochran, Billy Duffy, Bono, Duane Eddy, George Harrison, Brian Setzer, Stephen Stills and Malcolm Young.
27-year-old Friedrich Gretsch, a German immigrant, initially began his company's career by manufacturing banjos, drums and tambourines. However, just 12 years later, Friedrich died and left the young company to his son Fred, who was only 15 years old at the time. This, by no means a typical teenager, built the company into one of the leading importers and manufacturers of musical instruments in America. Knowing that the key to growth lay in listening to what the public wanted - and they wanted guitars - Gretsch began manufacturing the coveted six-string.
First from 1926 in the form of acoustic archtops for jazz music, which was rapidly gaining popularity at the time, and a handful of flattops for the sounds of country and western, which were always popular in the USA. In 1935, Gretsch launched the legendary Broadkaster drum series, which was successful until the 1950s. Gretsch's contribution to the emergence of electrical amplification was the first Electromatic® in 1939, a hollow-body construction / acoustic that has remained in the repertoire to this day in a contemporary design.
In 1942, after 50 years of successful business, Fred Gretsch Senior left the company to his son Fred Gretsch Junior. Since production was interrupted during the turmoil of World War II, he left the business to his brother Bill in order to serve in the Navy himself. Unfortunately, like his grandfather, Bill died very young in 1948, so the naval officer Fred, who was no longer active, took over the helm of the family business again.
Since 1953, the company has also cultivated its expertise in solid-body guitars, which addressed increasingly loud concerts with their greatly reduced sensitivity to feedback. The semi-acoustic department has now expanded to include guitars with center block construction / acoustic , which combine the tonal properties of a hollow body guitar with the practical aspects of a solid body.
Since George Harrison's appearance with the Beatles and his Country Gentleman on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, Gretsch has finally become a permanent star in the firmament of iconic guitars, which is clearly reflected in 1965 in the form of the highest production volume in the company's history.
In 1967, at the height of success, so to speak, Fred Gretsch Jr. decided to take a well-deserved retirement and sold the company to the Baldwin Piano Company, which took over the business. Unfortunately with limited success. Fortunately, Dinah Gretsch joined the company in 1979 and was able to pave the way for a buyback, which her husband Fred W. Gretsch, the founder's grandchild, was able to complete 17 years after the sale. Together, the couple brought the company back to its former glory, where it still shines today.
Conclusion – Your next electric guitar is waiting for you!
The Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Sparkle Jet is more than just an electric guitar – it's a statement. With its combination of high-quality craftsmanship, versatile sound options and attractive design, it is the ideal choice for advanced guitarists who want to take their musical skills to the next level.
Visit us at one of our stores in Walldorf or Frankfurt to try out the G5230T for yourself. Our expert team is always on hand to help you make your choice. At session, we are always here for you – whether you have questions or just want to try out the latest guitars.
Don't wait any longer – discover the Gretsch G5230T Sparkle Jet and experience the sound that brings your music to life!
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