Gretsch G2655 Strml CB JR OLV

Gretsch G2655 Strml CB JR OLV review

The Gretsch G2655 Strml CB JR OLV is a double-cutaway semi-hollow electric guitar built around a laminated maple body and a center block. Its compact format is a practical part of the design. One player found it even smaller than a 339-style guitar, making it comfortable to hold and easy to take along. The 629 mm scale also gives it a shorter feel than many full-scale electric guitars.

At a listed price of 479, the G2655 aims to deliver a flexible playing experience without moving into a higher price bracket. The available owner feedback is positive about its sound, playability, and value. One caveat in the supplied product information is that the listed finish differs: the main specification calls it Olive, while the detailed specification says Claret Burst. The neck wood is also identified as both nyatoh and nato. Check the exact finish and specification with the seller before ordering.

Body and playing comfort

This model is a semi-hollow guitar, not a fully hollow instrument. Its laminated maple body has a center block, paired with a double cutaway. That construction gives the guitar its semi-hollow category while keeping the design focused on electric-guitar use. It has no tremolo, and the bridge setup consists of an Adjusto-Matic bridge and a V-stop tailpiece.

The small body drew particular praise from an owner who wanted to carry two guitars in one bag. They found the instrument comfortable to play and easy to pack alongside another guitar. Its compact shape may also suit players who prefer a less bulky instrument, or anyone who spends long sessions standing or sitting with a guitar.

The finish information needs clarification before purchase. Olive appears in the product name and the summary specifications, but Claret Burst appears in the detailed list. The supplied information does not establish whether those details refer to different versions or reflect a listing error. The G2655 is available since September 2024, and its item number is 594590.

Neck, fingerboard, and hardware

The detailed specification lists a nato neck, a laurel fingerboard, a soft C neck profile, and 22 medium-jumbo frets. It also gives a 305 mm fingerboard radius and a 42.9 mm nut width. The nut is bone, and the fingerboard has pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays. One owner described the neck as exceptionally smooth to play and the fingerboard as comfortable.

Because the summary calls the neck wood nyatoh while the detailed specification calls it nato, confirm the material with the seller if that distinction matters to you. The guitar comes with enclosed die-cast tuning machines. It does not include a case or gig bag, so transport protection is an additional consideration. The original strings are nickel-plated steel in.010 to.046 gauge.

Pickups and controls

Two Broad'Tron BT-3S humbuckers provide the main sounds. Players reported strong mids, a warm tone, and pickups that sounded better than expected for the price. The control layout includes separate volume controls for each pickup, plus master tone and master volume. A push-pull function on the master volume splits the coils, adding another tonal option alongside the standard humbucker sounds.

A three-way toggle switch selects between the pickup positions. In practice, the combination of two humbuckers and coil splitting makes the guitar adaptable to different playing styles. The owner feedback particularly supports its versatility and warm character, though individual results will depend on the amplifier, settings, and playing technique.

What to consider before buying

The strongest reported points are the comfortable neck, compact body, and satisfying pickup sound. One owner described the guitar as a strong budget choice and said it played well after a personal setup. That setup detail matters: a guitar may need adjustment to suit its new player, and the supplied feedback does not establish that every instrument will arrive with identical action or setup.

The main practical concern in the feedback was access to the electronics. A player disliked the difficulty of reaching them through the fully enclosed body and also reported a loose output jack on their example, which was difficult to retrieve for repair. That is an individual experience, not proof of a widespread fault, but it is worth checking the jack and controls on delivery.

Overall, the G2655 Strml CB JR OLV looks like a compelling option for players who want a compact semi-hollow guitar with a center block, flexible humbucker tones, and a comfortable neck. Verify the finish, neck material, and setup details with the retailer, and inspect the output jack when it arrives. Its reported warmth, playability, and portability make it a persuasive value at the listed price.