Gear article
Gretsch Electromatic Jet Club 1 Pickup (Claret Burst)
The Gretsch Electromatic Jet Club 1 Pickup is a single-cutaway electric guitar designed for tonal clarity and physical ergonomics. Featuring a chambered mahogany body and a single PureVolt Twin Six humbucker, it offers a streamlined approach to the classic Gretsch aesthetic and sound.
See live pricesOverview and Design
The Gretsch Electromatic Jet Club 1 Pickup is a modern iteration of the classic Jet silhouette, characterised by its sleek single-cutaway design and 'Claret Burst' glossy finish. Unlike solid-body counterparts, this model utilises a chambered mahogany body. This construction choice serves two primary purposes: it significantly reduces the overall weight of the instrument for better stage comfort and introduces an airy resonance to the guitar's natural acoustic voice.
Ergonomics are further enhanced by sculpted body contours and a rounded heel. These design elements are intended to allow the guitar to sit naturally against the player's body while providing unimpeded access to the upper register of the fretboard.
Neck and Playability
The guitar features a 'Performance C' neck profile, designed to balance speed and comfort for various playing styles. The neck is topped with a bound rosewood fingerboard featuring a 12-inch radius, which is relatively flat to facilitate clean bends and smooth chording.
Additional aesthetic and functional appointments include: * Medium jumbo frets for a contemporary feel. * Pearloid 'thumbnail' inlays, a signature Gretsch design. * Aged-white binding and detailing for a vintage-inspired look. * Tidy fretwork intended for a consistent feel across the entire scale.
Electronics and Tone
The electronics on this Jet Club model are minimalist, focusing on a single PureVolt Twin Six bridge humbucker. Despite the single-pickup configuration, the instrument is designed for versatility through integrated control features. The master tone control includes a push-pull coil-split function, allowing the player to switch between the full, thick sound of a humbucker and the crisp 'snap' associated with single-coil pickups.
To ensure tonal consistency across different volume levels, the master volume control is equipped with a treble-bleed circuit. This prevents the loss of high-end frequencies when the volume is rolled back, maintaining clarity even at lower output settings.
Market Position and Comparisons
Positioned within the Electromatic line at a typical price point of approximately £439, this model competes with other single-pickup 'workhorse' guitars. While users might consider components like Gotoh 203B-4 bridges or various Fender parts for other builds, this Gretsch is presented as a complete, performance-ready unit. Its primary competition includes other stripped-back single-cut guitars, though its chambered body and specific PureVolt electronics distinguish it from standard solid-body alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the body construction of the Gretsch Electromatic Jet Club 1 Pickup?
- It features a chambered mahogany body. This design reduces weight and adds an airy resonance to the guitar's tone.
- What type of pickup is installed in this model?
- The guitar is equipped with a single PureVolt Twin Six bridge humbucker. This pickup is designed to deliver both clear cleans and gritty overdrive.
- Does the guitar support single-coil sounds?
- Yes, it features a push-pull pot on the master tone control. Engaging this splits the humbucker coil for crisp single-coil tones.
- What is the neck profile of the Jet Club 1 Pickup?
- It uses a 'Performance C' neck profile. This shape is designed for a balance of comfort and easy playability across different styles.
- What is the fingerboard radius?
- The rosewood fingerboard has a 12-inch radius. This provides a modern feel that is suitable for both chordal work and lead playing.
- What is the purpose of the treble-bleed circuit?
- The treble-bleed on the master volume preserves high-end frequencies when the volume is turned down. This prevents the tone from becoming muddy at lower volumes.
- What are the fret specifications?
- The guitar is fitted with medium jumbo frets. These provide a smooth feel for bends and general navigation of the fingerboard.
- What colour is the finish on this specific model?
- This model features a glossy 'Claret Burst' finish. It is accented with aged-white details and pearloid thumbnail inlays.
- How does the heel design affect playability?
- The guitar features a rounded heel and sculpted contours. These modifications allow for easier access to the higher frets compared to traditional squared-off neck joints.
- Is the fingerboard bound?
- Yes, the rosewood fingerboard is bound. This contributes to the 'tidy' feel of the neck and adds to the classic Gretsch aesthetic.
- What are the primary controls on the guitar?
- It has a master volume control and a master tone control. The tone control includes a push-pull function for coil-splitting.
- What is the typical price range for this instrument?
- The typical price for the Gretsch Electromatic Jet Club 1 Pickup is approximately £439. This places it in the mid-range of the Electromatic series.
