Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel Electric Guitar Review Exploring Vintage White Tone and Build Quality

Description

Noise Levels

I’ve been playing the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel 6-String Electric Guitar with Plastic Fingerboard and Mahogany Body (Right-Handed, Vintage White) nearly every day, and one thing that caught my attention right away is its surprisingly quiet operation. Unlike many electric lap steels that buzz or hum loudly, this model stays fairly mellow in terms of noise when plugged in. The single-coil bridge pickup does introduce a slight hum at higher gain settings, but it’s nothing unbearable for home practice or recording sessions. Even in a quiet apartment, I could play late into the night without disturbing neighbors, which is a huge plus for me.

Ease of Use

This lap steel guitar is a breeze to set up and use, especially for those new to the instrument. The 22.5-inch scale length feels comfortable, and the plastic fingerboard with 28 frets makes sliding smooth and effortless. My kids have even taken a liking to it, experimenting with different slide techniques and enjoying the tactile markers shaped like circles, triangles, squares, and diamonds. The G-arrow control knobs for volume and tone are intuitive, allowing quick adjustments on the fly. However, it takes a bit of getting used to with the string-through-body bar bridge, which isn’t as common as traditional bridges. Overall, I found the learning curve quite manageable.

Ice Quality & Type (interpreted as Tonal Quality & Sound Characteristics)

The distinctive tone of this lap steel is where it really shines. The solid mahogany body gives the guitar a warm, rich resonance that you can almost feel vibrating through your fingers. The bridge pickup delivers a classic electric Hawaiian guitar sound, perfect for blues, country, and surf rock vibes. I enjoyed experimenting with various amp settings to dial in a crisp yet mellow tone. The plastic fingerboard, while unusual in electric guitars, doesn’t detract from sound quality; in fact, it adds a unique brightness that complements the mahogany’s warmth. It’s not the most versatile guitar in terms of tone variety, but what it does, it does well.

Features

The Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel 6-String Electric Guitar, model number 2515902505, is packed with thoughtful features that cater to lap steel enthusiasts. It includes a fixed, chrome-plated string-through-body bar bridge with a cast zinc cover, which adds to sustain and tuning stability. The 28-fret plastic fingerboard, adorned with geometric position markers, is both functional and visually appealing. I particularly liked the chrome-covered single-coil bridge pickup paired with G-arrow control knobs for master volume and tone, which provide reliable control without complicating the setup. Its vintage white finish, combined with a mahogany slab body, gives it a classic yet fresh look.

Durability

After weeks of daily use, this lap steel has held up remarkably well. The solid mahogany body resists dings and scratches better than I expected, despite some occasional bumps during gigs and practice sessions. The plastic fingerboard shows no signs of wear, which surprised me since plastic tends to feel less durable than traditional wood or rosewood boards. Hardware like the chrome-plated bridge and control plate remain shiny and free from corrosion, even with some sweaty jam sessions. It’s clear that this guitar was built to last, although I do keep it in a case when not in use to preserve its vintage aesthetic.

Warranty

The Gretsch brand backs this model with a standard limited warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and hardware issues for a reasonable period. I didn’t encounter any problems needing repairs, but knowing there’s warranty support offers peace of mind. The paperwork included was straightforward, and registering the product online was hassle-free. It’s always comforting to have this safety net, especially for a specialized instrument like a lap steel guitar.

Ice Production Speed (interpreted as Responsiveness and Playability)

Responsiveness is key for any lap steel player, and this guitar doesn’t disappoint. The string action is set a bit higher to accommodate slide playing, and the guitar reacts instantly to subtle movements. I noticed that even the lightest touch with my slide produced clear, ringing notes with minimal effort. The scale length and fret spacing make it easier to navigate the neck quickly, which is crucial during fast-paced pieces or improvisations. This lap steel guitar feels alive under your hands, responding fluidly to dynamics and vibrato.

Competitors

Compared to other lap steel guitars like the Fender Deluxe or the Rogue Electric Lap Steel, this Gretsch model stands out mostly for its unique combination of a solid mahogany body and a plastic fingerboard. Fender’s models typically sport maple or rosewood fingerboards, which offer a different tactile experience and slightly different tonal qualities—usually a bit brighter or more neutral. The Gretsch G5700’s warm tone and vintage styling give it an edge for players seeking authenticity and classic looks. However, some players might prefer the versatility of other competitors with multiple pickups or more modern electronics. The price point is generally competitive, although some rivals offer more feature-rich packages at similar costs.

Price Performance

Considering the craftsmanship and sonic character of the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel 6-String Electric Guitar with Plastic Fingerboard and Mahogany Body, it offers solid value for money. Its build quality, classic vintage design, and focused feature set make it an affordable quality choice for lap steel enthusiasts without breaking the bank. While it might not have every bell and whistle that some higher-end models boast, this guitar delivers a satisfying playing experience that justifies the investment. I feel like it strikes a smart balance between performance and cost-effectiveness, especially for those wanting a reliable instrument for home use or live performances.

Benefits

• Warm, rich tones with classic electric Hawaiian vibe
• Comfortable 22.5-inch scale length perfect for lap steel techniques
• Durable solid mahogany body and plastic fingerboard combo
• Smooth and responsive playability with intuitive control knobs

Drawbacks

• Single-coil bridge pickup can produce slight hum at higher gain
• Limited tonal versatility compared to multi-pickup models
• Plastic fingerboard might not appeal to traditionalists
• Fixed bridge design requires some getting used to for slide players

Durability

One aspect I appreciate about this lap steel guitar is how well it withstands the rigors of daily use. The robust mahogany body has resisted scratches and dents even after traveling with me to several jam sessions. The plastic fingerboard remains perfectly intact—no chips or wear marks despite aggressive slide playing. Hardware components like the chrome-plated bridge and control plate maintain their shine without tarnishing. It’s clear that this instrument was designed not only for great sound but also for longevity, making it a trustworthy companion for musicians on the go.

Additional information