G6228 Player's Edition Duo Jet Left-Handed Electric Guitar - Cadillac Green Metallic Review

It's a Keeper

Ok, got this in January 2022, so it's a 2021 model.Lets start with what I don't like.CONS1. Tuners don't hold their tune well. May want to replace them with better ratio. But they aren't bad. Just I want GREAT ratios for this price.2. The Guitar Strap Holders are lock-ins, not the old Gretsch style ones. Don't get me wrong, locks are superb for never dropping your guitar.… read more But the POINT of a Duo Jet is a bit of Vintage and these aren't vintage. And vintage jets held their straps just fine.3. This isn't a fast neck in the sense that the frets are high and do grab you. They also allow you to dig in and get that too-shart pitch if you're clutching like a drowning victim. So the frets force you to play with a lighter touch, unlike some of the other $ guitars I've owned where the hand just slides along the frets. It's not a show-stopper for me. That is what this is, and I deal with it, is all. I THINK tho if I custom designed this, I'd change the frets, but then they'd wear out faster, too. Prob why they chose these hurdles? Building a guitar for the long-haul. Point is, if you're EVH, you'll hate how this slows you down. I'm not, so no prob, but just mentioning the obvious thing I ran into.PROS1. The green is dark enough not to be too lime-like. I like it. Gloss is fantastic. Gold plate is nice. It just LOOKS nice. Always a slightly different color depending on the light. Glad they offer something for lefties that what most other companies do: Here is: BLACK. Like being Lefty only gets you a 1920's Model T Ford.2. Sounds is PERFECT. You get sparkle chime. Solid, not thin. Its a beatutiful sound. (I play primarily through a 57 Fender Deluxe handwired clone) It breaks up really nice, but contrary to what any description is, it doesn't sound "more like a Gibson" so ignore that. Only Gibsons sound like Gibsons and you'd hate a Gretsch that sounds like a Gibson. It sounds like a Gretsch. It SLAYS the Electromatic series in build & tone. Save your money for the higher end Gretsch's. I tried that halfway or cheaper road and... there is nothing fulfilling beyond being a poser.3. I LOVE that it doesn't have a Bigsby and I like the V-shape of this ones bridge. It's new, it's like the Falcon, so it's got that 50s visual vibe going on. Great idea by Gretsch to give us some Falcon class!4. The Headstock logo is Primo Vintage. Just love it. Classy.5. The weight is easy on the back. These are very light guitars being essentially hollow bodies with a Maple top onto routed out Mahogany. They always were, no difference, but it's easier than even the modern lightened Gibsons. You're back will thank you!6. You can get real variety of tones between pickup and using the tone knobs. The OFF position for the tone knob is a brilliant idea. I don't notice it per se, just read about it. But you know there is no suck to your tone when fully open.7. The case is small and perfect in everyway and you can still get the guitar in with the straps attached. Just make sure if you have metal on your strap you tuck it in a safe area or take the strap off, fold it, and place it into the compartment. There is room for it. Another + for the case.8. I really like the locking tuners locking feature. I have other guitars with them. These however CAN come loose if you don't tighten them down. Lost a string on a loose one from the factory. So check them until you're sure they stay locked. Bring backup strings! These tuners make stringing EZ PZ. Didn't realize that when I was looking into it. I was just thinking "George Harrison", lol. But it shows they aren't being cheap.9. The dressing on the fret ends is good, no snags. The body had zero blemishes anywhere. I always check for overpaint, chip paint that gets glossed over, etc. For example, Duesenberg Starplayer I got (Mike Cambpell) cost over $ and the paint is sloppy. But this, the painting is solidly professional. Every part of the finish screams: Classy Pro, Baby! They don't let **** out the door. And I know why: Japanese construction. Japan makes The Best Guitars Bar None. Even the low end Japanese Made Paul McCartney $ '64 Texas slays the higher end $5 (signed) American Made yuckers coming out of Montana. Gibson should be ashamed. They should give up on American Made and go with MIJ. When I see that, I know its' quality (true of my Acura, too) The Japanese don't play around. They have honor in their production of guitars and it shows all over this product.10. I got this guitar on a whim. And now, I can think of 3 others guitars I'd easily part with to keep this. For example, Fender Pro Strat? Bye. I know, they have their sound, but... no where near the quality. I have a Ron Thorn SoCal that is made as good, neck plays better, but the pickups? IDK, maybe I am just a fan of these sparkly humbuckers. My point is, I got this thinking it would be "one" of the guitars in my stock. And now? It's up there with my LP and Duesenberg. IF I need a clean sound, bright sound, chimey sound, this is my go to. Crunch and Rock, LP. Blues, Jazz, or just beauty, Starplayer. This is one of those guitars you get and have no buyers remorse over.Hope that helps my fellow lefties. Not a lot of good pickings for new lefties out there. If you love rock crunch, just add a nice fuzz or overdrive, pair it with a suitable amp, and dive off. This guitar keeps up.

---

Cancel Comment

A wonderful electric guitar!

I recently purchased a Gretsch Player's Edition Duo Jet Left-Handed Electric Guitar from Sweetwater. I own Strats, a Gibson Les Paul Standard, and several electric Taylors. This guitar has a voice all its own and is a pleasure to play. Wonderful tone and great workmanship! You will not be disappointed if you purchase one! Dr. Bob

---

Cancel Comment