Gretsch G5622 EMTC CB OLV MET

Gretsch G5622 EMTC CB OLV MET review

The Gretsch G5622 EMTC CB OLV MET is a double-cutaway semi-hollow electric guitar with an arched, laminated maple top and a maple body. Its Olive Metallic high-gloss finish gives it a distinctive look, while two Black Top Broad'Tron humbuckers and a straightforward control layout make it suited to a range of working styles. The listed price is $732, and the model has been available since February 2024.

One player's account points to a particularly useful role for the G5622: reggae rhythm parts. They describe its sound as warm and twangy, with a sharp, percussive "TSCHAK" attack that sits naturally in the groove. The same player found it dependable for small overdubs. That is a specific, practical endorsement rather than a claim that the guitar excels at every style. If your parts rely on a clear rhythmic hit with some body behind it, the reported results are promising.

Construction and playing feel

The guitar has a maple neck with a Thin U profile and a laurel fingerboard. Pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays mark its 22 medium-jumbo frets. The fingerboard radius is 305 mm, or 12 inches, and the scale is 625 mm, or 24.6 inches. A Graph Tech NuBone nut measures 42.86 mm, or 1.6875 inches, across.

That scale length is shorter than a traditional full-length electric guitar scale, which may feel comfortable to players who prefer less distance between frets. Individual preference matters, and the available feedback does not give a detailed account of string tension or bending feel. It does report that the factory action was excellent, making the guitar playable straight away for that owner. The original strings are nickel-plated steel in.010-.046 gauge.

The body's size deserves consideration. The player who supplied feedback found the larger body unfamiliar at first, but said that feeling passed after two band rehearsals. They also described the instrument as noticeably neck-heavy. That balance may be manageable once you adjust to it, but it is worth checking in person if you strongly prefer a guitar that sits evenly on a strap. The guitar does not include a case or gig bag.

Pickups and controls

Two Black Top Broad'Tron humbuckers occupy the bridge and neck positions. The controls include a master volume with a treble-bleed circuit, a master tone, two individual volume controls, and a three-way pickup switch. This layout gives the player options for blending pickup levels while retaining a master volume control. The treble-bleed circuit is intended to help preserve high frequencies as the master volume is reduced, a useful detail for players who adjust volume from the guitar during a song.

The supplied playing report describes the overall sound as warm and twangy, and praises its suitability for reggae rhythm and overdubs. Those impressions are based on one player's experience with an amplifier, so they should be treated as a useful reference rather than a guaranteed result. Amplifier settings, playing technique, and the room all influence the final tone.

Hardware and stage details

A Gretsch Adjusto-Matic bridge provides the fixed bridge setup, and there is no tremolo. The guitar has enclosed die-cast tuning machines and nickel-plated hardware. Its black Plexi pickguard carries silver Gretsch and Electromatic logos. These details keep the controls and hardware practical while preserving the model's recognizable Gretsch styling.

One point of friction in the player's account involved fitting Schaller S-Locks. They had difficulty loosening a body screw and worried that forcing it might cause damage. If you plan to install different strap locks, inspect the existing hardware carefully and avoid applying force if a screw feels stuck. The feedback does not establish that this is a widespread issue, but it is a relevant ownership note for players who routinely change strap-lock systems.

Verdict

At $732, the Gretsch G5622 EMTC CB OLV MET looks like a practical semi-hollow option for players who want a warm, twangy voice and a comfortable factory setup. Its reported strength is rhythmic work, especially reggae parts, with reliable performance on overdubs. The larger body and neck-heavy balance are the main fit considerations, and buyers will need to provide their own case or bag. For a player comfortable with its size and balance, the supplied feedback describes a dependable working guitar at a sensible price.