Gretsch G2655 STRML CB JR DC VLAMB
The Gretsch G2655 STRML CB JR DC VLAMB offers a lightweight semi-hollow design, powerful pickups, and useful coil splitting at an appealing price. Its main drawbacks are a potentially neck-heavy feel and a neck pickup some players may find short on warmth.
★★★★☆ 4/5 · 3 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Gretsch G2655 STRML CB JR DC VLAMB review
The Gretsch G2655 STRML CB JR DC VLAMB is a compact semi-hollow electric guitar with a maple body and top, two Broad'Tron BT-3S pickups, and a push-pull coil-split control. It has a 629 mm scale, 22 frets, and a Village Amber finish. The model has been available since June 2025, with a listed price of 451. That places it in a price range where setup and basic build quality matter as much as the name on the headstock.
Customer reports describe a guitar that arrives well adjusted, with even frets and no sharp fret ends. One owner, who already had two other Gretsch guitars, said the electronics worked properly and found no unpleasant odor from the instrument. Another reviewer also considered the build and finish appropriate for the price. These reports point to a solid first impression, though they cannot guarantee that every individual guitar will leave the factory in identical condition.
Compact dimensions and playing feel
The "JR" designation is reflected in the guitar's shorter 629 mm scale. Players who initially wondered whether they would like the smaller format reported that its reduced weight and easier handling won them over. The nut measures 42.9 mm across, and the soft C-shaped neck has a 305 mm radius. Those dimensions give a clear picture of the playing layout, although personal comfort will depend on hand size and preferred neck shape.
The neck is listed as nyatoh in the general specifications and nato in the detailed specification list. Since the supplied information uses both names, buyers should confirm the exact wood description with the retailer if that distinction matters to them. The fingerboard is laurel, with Neo Classic pearloid thumbnail inlays. Medium jumbo frets and a bone nut complete the stated neck details.
One owner did notice some headstock heaviness when wearing the guitar. The same report said it was manageable with a suitable strap. That is worth considering if you tend to stand for long sessions or are sensitive to neck dive. Other feedback praised the lighter weight and handling, so the balance may feel different depending on strap material, playing position, and individual preference.
Broad'Tron pickups and controls
The two Broad'Tron BT-3S humbuckers are the central part of the G2655's sound setup. A player report described the pickups as powerful, with bright treble and tight-sounding crunch tones. The neck pickup was said to lack some roundness, a useful caveat for players seeking a particularly warm, soft response. Another owner found the guitar convincing both clean and with distortion. As with any pickup review, amplifier settings and playing style will affect those impressions.
A push-pull control splits the coils, offering a different pickup character from the full humbucker sound. One reviewer appreciated the wider range it added. The control layout also includes a master volume, master tone, and separate volume controls for pickups one and two, plus a three-way selector. This gives players several ways to balance the pickups without relying on an amplifier's controls alone.
The guitar uses an Adjusto-Matic bridge and V-stoptail, with sealed die-cast tuners and nickel hardware. The reported tuning stability was positive. Factory strings are nickel-plated steel in a.010 to.046 gauge set. There is no tremolo, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included, so those costs may need to be added when planning a purchase.
Verdict
The G2655 STRML CB JR DC VLAMB makes a persuasive case for players who want a lighter, compact semi-hollow guitar with a broad humbucker sound and a coil-split option. Available feedback highlights good fretwork, functioning electronics, stable tuning, and useful handling. The reported tonal strengths are clear treble and tight crunch, while the neck pickup may not satisfy players who prioritize a rounded, warm voice. Check the balance with your preferred strap if possible, and budget for a case or bag. On the evidence provided, this Gretsch offers a well-equipped package at its listed price, with a few practical points worth checking before checkout.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Lightweight, compact body is comfortable to handle.
- Two Broad'Tron BT-3S pickups deliver strong output, clear highs, and tight crunch tones.
- Push-pull coil splitting adds a wider range of sounds.
- Reviewers report good setup, clean fretwork, reliable tuning, and convincing clean and driven tones.
What bugged me
- One reviewer found the neck pickup could use more warmth.
- The guitar may feel slightly neck-heavy depending on the strap and playing position.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for players seeking a lightweight semi-hollow guitar with punchy pickups and coil-split flexibility. Also suits guitarists who value a compact body and a ready-to-play setup.Look elsewhere if
Less suitable for players who need a case or gig bag included. Players who require especially warm neck-pickup tones or perfectly neutral balance may want to try it first.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Hollowbody guitar
- No
- Semi hollowbody guitar
- Yes
- Color
- Amber
- Body
- Maple
- Top
- Maple
- Neck
- Nyatoh
- Fretboard
- Laurel
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 629 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Tremolo
- No
- Including case
- No
- Incl. bag
- No
What other players say
The reviewers are generally pleased with the guitar's value, finish, setup, and sound. They praise its low weight and manageable junior size, the pickup output, the useful coil split, and tuning stability. One reviewer mentions slight neck-heavy balance, while another would prefer a rounder neck-pickup tone.
Everything is right here, apart from a slight tendency to feel neck-heavy.
I was surprised by the power of the pickups.
The low weight and easier handling completely won me over.
Up close
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is this guitar fully hollow?
No. It is a semi-hollow guitar, not a fully hollow model.
Can the pickups produce single-coil-style sounds?
The master volume control has a push-pull coil-split function, which broadens the available tones.
Is it comfortable for smaller players or long sessions?
Its compact junior size and low weight were appreciated by a reviewer for easier handling. One reviewer did note some neck-heavy balance.
Does it come with a case or gig bag?
Neither a case nor a gig bag is included according to the specifications.
What should I expect from its sound?
Reviews describe strong output, bright highs, tight crunch, and convincing clean and overdriven sounds. One player wanted more warmth from the neck pickup.
The last word from the bench
Customer feedback points to solid setup and finishing, with no reported fret issues and tuning machines that hold reliably. The Broad'Tron pickups cover clean and overdriven sounds, while the coil split adds tonal flexibility. Its compact size and low weight suit players who value easy handling, though the balance may depend on the strap used. At this price, it appears to offer strong value for players seeking a semi-hollow guitar with a punchy voice.
Hanging next to it
Gretsch G2655 STRML CB JR DC VLAMB
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.






