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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's a masterpiece that embodies the essence of rock 'n' roll. With its eye-catching 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 unmistakable look and a number of modern upgrades, the G5230T stands proudly alongside its historical predecessors.
Here at session you'll find everything important 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 tried to respond to Gibson's successful Les Paul with the Jet models. Alongside the striking red Jet Firebird, the Silver Jet with the exciting sparkle finish was launched for the first time in 1955. Gretsch drew on its experience in drum manufacturing by using the drum coverings – a kind of plastic laminate in fashionable glamour colours – from the mid-50s on as sparkling tops for the Sparkle Jet models. In the early 1960s the rest of the popular “sparkle finish” range from Gretsch Drums was transferred to the Jet guitars.
Especially for grunge and punk fans the Sparkle Jet has long been no secret. Famous artists who have already taken the stage with a Gretsch Sparkle Jet include Dave Grohl, Chris Shiflett (both Foo Fighters), Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman (The Offspring).
Modern construction - proven materials
The G5230T impresses with its solid-body construction made from high-quality mahogany, which provides a warm and full tone. The G5230T Sparkle Jet is chambered, meaning the body has weight-relieving chambers. The body is finished with a polyurethane finish, which not only gives an attractive look but also increases the instrument's durability. The high-gloss finish gives the guitar an elegant look that catches the eye. The model from the Gretsch Electromatic series is available in Gold Sparkle and Silver Sparkle.
The neck of the Sparkle Jet is also made of mahogany and is fitted with a Thin "U" neck profile that offers comfortable playability. The set neck construction ensures stability and excellent tone transfer. The fretboard made of laurel with Pearloid Neo-Classic™ thumbnail inlays not only looks great but also provides a pleasant playing feel.
Versatile tonal possibilities
Even acoustically the Sparkle Jet delivers a wonderfully silvery tone with excellent string separation, which is perfectly transmitted by the pickups specifically matched to this model. For the classic Gretsch twang through an amp the G5230T is equipped with two Gretsch FT-5E Filter'Tron pickups, which provide an unmistakable tone at both the neck and bridge positions. These passive pickups deliver a clear, dynamic sound that suits 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 the pickups and achieve the desired tone.
The classic Gretsch control layout with two volume knobs, a master volume 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 voice for any situation. Whether you're playing a punchy 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 tremolo system allows you to create tonal (sound) variations and add an extra dimension to your playing. The Silver Plexi pickguard with the classic silver Gretsch logo completes the look and gives the guitar a touch of vintage charm. The Aged White binding provides a stylish contrast and underlines 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 workmanship, versatile tonal possibilities and attractive design, it's the ideal choice for advanced guitarists who want to take their musical abilities to the next level.
Visit us in one of our stores in Walldorf or Frankfurt, to try the G5230T for yourself. Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to help you with 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 tone that brings your music to life!
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