Gretsch G2420T STRML HLW SC BRNDWN

Gretsch G2420T STRML HLW SC BRNDWN review

The Gretsch G2420T STRML HLW SC BRNDWN is a red, single-cutaway hollowbody guitar with a laminated maple body and top, two Broad'Tron BT-3S humbuckers, and a Bigsby B60 tremolo. At a listed price of 555, it offers a relatively accessible route into Gretsch's hollowbody range. Its appeal is practical as well as visual: the guitar has a slim-feeling neck, onboard coil splitting, and enough acoustic volume for quiet playing at home.

Gretsch lists the model as available since July 2023. The glossy Brandywine finish gives the maple body a strong visual presence, while the three-ply tortoiseshell pickguard and gold-colored Gretsch logo add a traditional touch. Pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays mark the laurel fingerboard. The hardware includes sealed, die-cast nickel tuning machines and an Adjusto-Matic bridge. No case or gig bag is included.

Neck, setup, and playing feel

The neck has a soft C profile and a high-gloss finish. Its 42.9 mm bone nut and 305 mm fingerboard radius sit alongside 22 medium-jumbo frets. The scale length is 625 mm, or about 24.6 inches. One specification discrepancy is worth noting: the supplied details list the neck wood as both maple and nato. Buyers who need certainty about that detail should confirm it with the seller before ordering.

One owner found the neck comfortable, particularly for smaller hands, and described the overall construction as well finished. That same player noticed slight string buzz straight out of the box. Over the following month, the action rose somewhat as the guitar settled, and the buzz stopped. This is an individual report rather than a guarantee that every instrument will behave the same way. The Adjusto-Matic bridge also allows action changes with a simple screw adjustment, so a minor setup issue should be manageable for a player or technician.

Broad'Tron pickups and controls

The two Broad'Tron BT-3S humbuckers are the main point to consider before buying. A reviewer initially found their sound muddy, especially when seeking a clear jazz tone, and planned to try a different bridge pickup. That is a useful caution for players who prioritize crisp note separation. The same reviewer later reported a more favorable experience after connecting an amplifier to a speaker cabinet. With that setup, the guitar responded well to light finger touches, and the pickups sounded enjoyable, though still short of the clarity the player wanted.

That account suggests the guitar's sound can depend substantially on the rest of the rig. It does not establish that a cabinet will solve the issue for every player, but it does show why the pickups are worth testing through your own amplifier and speaker arrangement. Players who like a thicker, less sharply defined humbucker sound may be satisfied as supplied. Those chasing a particularly clean or articulate tone may want to budget for experimentation or a pickup change.

Controls include separate neck and bridge volume knobs, a master tone, and a master volume with a push-pull coil-split function. A three-way switch selects the pickup combinations. The added controls provide more options than a basic two-knob layout, although one owner found the number of knobs distracting. The split function gives players another sound to try, but it should not be assumed to make the pickups identical to dedicated single-coil designs.

Bigsby performance and everyday use

The Bigsby B60 brings vibrato to the hollowbody format, and the owner report was particularly positive about tuning stability, even after deep tremolo dips. The same player praised the instrument's natural feedback and described it as especially fun to play. Hollowbody feedback is part of the instrument's character, but it also calls for sensible volume and positioning around an amplifier. Players seeking controlled sustain at high gain should test those limits in person.

Unplugged, the guitar produces enough volume for home practice, according to another owner. That is useful for quiet routines, though it is not a substitute for an acoustic guitar. At 555, the G2420T presents an appealing combination of hollowbody construction, a Bigsby, and a coil-split option. Its strongest case is its comfortable playing feel and engaging response when paired with a suitable amp and speaker. Its clearest reservation is the Broad'Tron voice, which some players may find too dark. Try the pickups in your own setup if possible, and allow for a basic setup check after delivery.