What type of pickups are in the G2420T Streamliner?

The guitar is equipped with Broad'Tron BT-3S pickups. These use a unique combination of Alnico 5 and Alnico 2 magnets to provide a balanced sound with tight lows and clear highs.

Is the G2420T a fully hollow or semi-hollow guitar?

The G2420T is a fully hollow body guitar. It features an arched maple body with parallel tone bars rather than a solid wood centre block.

What is the function of the Bigsby on this model?

The Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece allows the player to perform smooth pitch bends and vibrato effects. It is a hallmark feature of the Gretsch aesthetic and sound.

How does the Alnico magnet blend affect the tone?

By mixing Alnico 5 and Alnico 2 magnets, the BT-3S pickups achieve a balance of high-output punch and vintage smoothness. This results in stronger mids and a more musical presence.

What is the body material of the G2420T?

The body is made from laminated maple. It features an arched top and back to enhance its acoustic resonance and structural strength.

What colour is the Brandywine finish?

Brandywine is a deep, elegant red gloss finish. It is designed to give the guitar a classic, sophisticated appearance that highlights its arched contours.

Can this guitar handle high-gain distortion?

While it is a hollowbody, the Broad'Tron BT-3S pickups are designed to handle a wide range of genres. However, like all fully hollow guitars, it may be more prone to feedback at very high volumes compared to solid-body guitars.

What is the typical price for the G2420T Streamliner?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £549. This makes it an entry-to-mid-level option within the Gretsch hollowbody lineup.

What are parallel tone bars?

Parallel tone bars are internal wooden braces that run along the length of the top. They support the arched top and help shape the guitar's acoustic projection and sustain.

How does it compare to the Gretsch Nashville?

The Nashville is a higher-end model often featuring ebony fingerboards and string-thru Bigsbys. The G2420T offers a similar hollowbody feel but with modern Broad'Tron pickups and a more accessible price.

Who is the G2420T designed for?

It is designed for the modern guitarist who wants a fresh take on the classic Gretsch sound. It suits players looking for an articulate, dynamic instrument for various musical styles.

Is the G2420T similar to a Gibson ES-335?

While they look similar, the ES-335 is a semi-hollow guitar with a centre block, whereas the G2420T is fully hollow. This makes the Gretsch more acoustically resonant but more sensitive to feedback.

Gear article

Gretsch G2420T Streamliner Hollow Body with Bigsby

The Gretsch G2420T Streamliner is a hollowbody electric guitar designed to offer professional-grade features and modern performance at an accessible price point. It features the proprietary Broad'Tron BT-3S pickup system and a fully hollow arched maple body, making it a versatile instrument for a wide variety of musical genres.

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Overview and Construction

The Gretsch G2420T Streamliner Hollow Body is a contemporary addition to the Gretsch catalogue, aimed at providing a high-value entry point into the world of large-body archtops. The instrument is constructed with an arched maple body, which is fully hollow to facilitate maximum resonance and harmonic depth. To ensure structural integrity and a balanced tonal response, the body is reinforced with parallel tone bars.

In terms of aesthetics, this specific model is finished in a Brandywine gloss, a deep red hue that complements its traditional hollowbody silhouette. The inclusion of a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds both functional pitch modulation and a classic visual appeal synonymous with the brand's heritage.

Electronics and Sound

The core of the G2420T's sound lies in the all-new Broad'Tron BT-3S pickups. These units are distinct from standard humbuckers, utilizing a specific blend of Alnico 5 and Alnico 2 magnets. This combination is engineered to provide a broader frequency response than typical entry-level pickups.

Key sonic characteristics include: - Tighter Lows: Focused bass response that prevents muddiness during high-gain play. - Stronger Mids: A pronounced midrange that helps the guitar cut through a band mix. - Clear Highs: Smooth treble frequencies that maintain clarity without becoming harsh. - Musical Presence: An articulate quality that suits both clean jazz passages and driven rock riffs.

Target Audience and Playability

The G2420T is designed for the 'modern guitarist' who requires a versatile instrument that can bridge the gap between vintage style and contemporary reliability. Its thin 'U' neck profile and medium jumbo frets cater to players who find traditional hollowbody necks too cumbersome. The guitar is particularly well-suited for genres ranging from rockabilly and jazz to indie rock and blues, where the natural resonance of a hollow body is desired.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned in the mid-range market with a typical price of approximately £549, the G2420T competes with other semi-hollow and hollow designs. While it shares a similar aesthetic to premium models like the Gretsch Nashville Hollow Body, it is optimized for value.

In the wider market, it is often compared to the Gibson ES-335 or ES-339 series, though those instruments typically feature a solid centre block (semi-hollow) rather than the fully hollow construction found here. Other alternatives include the Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue, which offers a different tonal profile due to its Gibson-style electronics, and smaller-bodied alternatives for players who find the G2420T's large chassis size intimidating.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of pickups are in the G2420T Streamliner?: The guitar is equipped with Broad'Tron BT-3S pickups. These use a unique combination of Alnico 5 and Alnico 2 magnets to provide a balanced sound with tight lows and clear highs.
Is the G2420T a fully hollow or semi-hollow guitar?: The G2420T is a fully hollow body guitar. It features an arched maple body with parallel tone bars rather than a solid wood centre block.
What is the function of the Bigsby on this model?: The Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece allows the player to perform smooth pitch bends and vibrato effects. It is a hallmark feature of the Gretsch aesthetic and sound.
How does the Alnico magnet blend affect the tone?: By mixing Alnico 5 and Alnico 2 magnets, the BT-3S pickups achieve a balance of high-output punch and vintage smoothness. This results in stronger mids and a more musical presence.
What is the body material of the G2420T?: The body is made from laminated maple. It features an arched top and back to enhance its acoustic resonance and structural strength.
What colour is the Brandywine finish?: Brandywine is a deep, elegant red gloss finish. It is designed to give the guitar a classic, sophisticated appearance that highlights its arched contours.
Can this guitar handle high-gain distortion?: While it is a hollowbody, the Broad'Tron BT-3S pickups are designed to handle a wide range of genres. However, like all fully hollow guitars, it may be more prone to feedback at very high volumes compared to solid-body guitars.
What is the typical price for the G2420T Streamliner?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £549. This makes it an entry-to-mid-level option within the Gretsch hollowbody lineup.
What are parallel tone bars?: Parallel tone bars are internal wooden braces that run along the length of the top. They support the arched top and help shape the guitar's acoustic projection and sustain.
How does it compare to the Gretsch Nashville?: The Nashville is a higher-end model often featuring ebony fingerboards and string-thru Bigsbys. The G2420T offers a similar hollowbody feel but with modern Broad'Tron pickups and a more accessible price.
Who is the G2420T designed for?: It is designed for the modern guitarist who wants a fresh take on the classic Gretsch sound. It suits players looking for an articulate, dynamic instrument for various musical styles.
Is the G2420T similar to a Gibson ES-335?: While they look similar, the ES-335 is a semi-hollow guitar with a centre block, whereas the G2420T is fully hollow. This makes the Gretsch more acoustically resonant but more sensitive to feedback.