Gretsch G2420 Streamliner Hollowbody Electric Guitar Review Reveals Fireburst Tone and Playability

Description

Benefits of the Gretsch G2420 Streamliner Hollowbody Electric Guitar

Trying out the Gretsch G2420 Streamliner Hollowbody Electric Guitar with Chromatic II Tailpiece – Fireburst has been a rewarding journey. This hollowbody electric guitar, crafted by Gretsch with the item model number 2817000516, immediately impressed me with its stunning Fireburst finish and the comfortable soft “C” neck profile. The revamped Broad’Tron BT-3S humbuckers deliver rich, hum-free tones that are perfect for a variety of genres, from blues to rock. The push-pull coil-splitting circuit is a game-changer, allowing me to switch between thick humbucker sounds and brighter single-coil tones effortlessly, which really expands the tonal palette. The laurel fingerboard, adorned with Gretsch’s neoclassical inlays, not only looks classy but also feels smooth under the fingers, making long playing sessions much more enjoyable.

• Versatile tone options thanks to coil-splitting feature
• Comfortable neck shape suits different hand sizes
• High-quality maple body enhances resonance and sustain
• Attractive, eye-catching Fireburst finish

Ease of Use

This guitar’s user-friendly design is one of the reasons I kept reaching for it during practice and jam sessions. The controls are straightforward: two volume knobs with push-pull coil-splitting, two tone controls, and a three-way pickup selector switch. I appreciated how intuitive the layout is, allowing quick adjustments even while playing live. The 25-inch scale length feels familiar and manageable, which helped me transition from my other guitars without any awkward finger stretches. My bandmate, who usually prefers solid-body guitars, found the hollowbody surprisingly light and easy to handle, despite the 12.3-pound weight. The soft “C” neck profile makes chord transitions smoother, and the laurel wood fretboard provides an enjoyable tactile experience.

Ice Quality & Type (Tone Quality & Pickup Performance)

The pickup configuration on this hollowbody electric guitar is a real highlight. The Broad’Tron BT-3S neck and bridge humbuckers produce a warm, thick tone with excellent clarity and no noticeable hum, which is quite an achievement for a guitar in this price range. Pushing the coil-splitting knobs transforms the sound into a crisp, jangly single-coil tone that reminded me of classic Gretsch twang but with modern versatility. Playing through a clean amp setting, the guitar’s natural resonance and sustain shine through, while distortion settings reveal a smooth, musical breakup without muddiness. The maple body and nato neck contribute to a bright yet balanced tone that suits everything from jazz to indie rock.

Durability

Having taken this guitar to several rehearsals and a gig, I can vouch for its solid build quality. The maple top, back, and sides feel sturdy and well-crafted, with no signs of wear after a few months of use. The stop tailpiece and tuners hold tuning reliably, even during energetic strumming. The laurel fingerboard is resistant to dents and scratches, which my younger cousin, who borrowed it for a day, quickly tested with some enthusiastic playing. Overall, the Gretsch G2420 Streamliner with model number 2817000516 feels like it can withstand the rigors of regular practice and light touring without issues.

Noise Levels

One of the biggest surprises with this hollowbody guitar is its low noise floor. The humbuckers effectively cancel out unwanted hum, which is a relief compared to some hollowbody guitars I’ve played before that can be noisy, especially under high gain. The electronics are clean and the push-pull coil-split feature doesn’t introduce any noticeable buzz or crackle. During quiet practice sessions at home, I appreciated how little background noise this guitar produces, making it easier to focus on tone and feel.

Features

Gretsch has packed several thoughtful features into this Streamliner model. The combination of a maple body with a nato neck and laurel fingerboard feels premium for a mid-tier guitar. The stop tailpiece bridge system is simple but effective, providing good sustain and stable intonation. The iconic neoclassical inlays not only add a vintage vibe but also improve fret visibility. I found the array of tone and volume controls, combined with the coil-splitting capability, gives tremendous versatility without overwhelming the player. The Fireburst finish, which is a mix of deep reds and amber hues, turns heads and looks stunning under stage lights. These features make it a well-rounded instrument for players who want classic aesthetics with modern playability.

Warranty

The Gretsch G2420 Streamliner comes with a standard manufacturer warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship for a reasonable period. While I haven’t had to use it personally, the documentation was clear and easy to understand. This warranty adds peace of mind for anyone investing in a guitar at this level, especially for those who might be new to hollowbody electrics and want some protection against potential issues.

Noise Levels

Whether plugged into a clean or distorted amp, I noticed the noise levels from this guitar remain impressively low. The Broad’Tron pickups do their job well in rejecting hum and feedback, which is often a challenge with hollowbody guitars. This aspect makes it a reliable choice for both studio sessions and live gigs, where background noise can be distracting.

Product Rivals

Comparing this Streamliner to other hollowbody electric guitars like the Epiphone ES-335 or the Ibanez Artcore series reveals some interesting contrasts. The G2420’s coil-splitting feature offers more tonal flexibility than many competitors in its price range. The Epiphone ES-335, for instance, has a similar hollowbody construction but lacks the push-pull coil-split controls, limiting tonal options. Meanwhile, the Ibanez Artcore tends to have a slightly thinner neck profile, which some players prefer, but its pickups don’t deliver the same punch and clarity as the Broad’Tron BT-3S units. The Gretsch’s Fireburst finish also stands out as more visually striking compared to the more traditional finishes on rival models. However, the guitar is a bit heavier than some alternatives, which might be a consideration for players who value lightweight instruments.

Price Performance

Considering the features and quality gretsch offers with this hollowbody electric guitar, the investment feels justified. The coil-splitting pickups, solid maple body, and classy Fireburst finish put it ahead of many guitars in its price bracket. While some competitors might offer lower prices, they often skimp on electronics or wood quality. This guitar strikes a balance between affordability and professional-grade features, making it a smart choice for players who want a versatile hollowbody without breaking the bank. It’s not a budget guitar, but it delivers value through its build, tone, and playability.

Shortcomings

While I’m generally impressed, a few things could be better. The guitar’s weight at over 12 pounds can be a bit tiring during long gigs or extended practice sessions. The nato neck, though comfortable, might not appeal to purists who prefer traditional mahogany or maple necks for tonal reasons. Some fellow guitarists mentioned that the factory setup could use minor adjustments, like lowering the action a bit for easier playability, but this was easily fixed by my local tech. Also, the control knobs are a little on the small side, which made quick adjustments a tiny bit fiddly on stage. Lastly, the laurel fingerboard, while attractive, is a less common wood choice and might feel unfamiliar to players used to rosewood or ebony.

• Heavier than some comparable hollowbody guitars
• Nato neck material might not satisfy all players’ preferences
• Factory setup may require minor tweaks
• Smaller control knobs can be tricky for fast adjustments

Durability

After several months of daily use, including some outdoor jam sessions and travel, the guitar has held up impressively well. The finish shows no signs of wear or chipping, and all hardware components remain solid. The tuning stability is excellent thanks to the stop tailpiece and quality tuners. I did notice a slight loosening of one control knob, but tightening it was a quick fix. This instrument’s resilience makes it suitable for both beginners and gigging musicians who need a reliable hollowbody electric guitar. The sturdy maple body and nato neck combination contribute to its longevity.

Features

The Gretsch G2420 Streamliner also includes a laurel fretboard, which feels different but pleasant under the fingers. The updated Broad’Tron BT-3S pickups are a huge upgrade from previous Streamliner models, delivering a more refined sound. The push-pull coil-splitting on the volume knobs expands tonal possibilities without complicating the control panel. The stop tailpiece bridge system provides solid tuning stability and easy string changes. These features make this guitar an excellent fit for players looking for vintage style combined with modern versatility.

Ease of Use

The guitar is quite approachable for intermediate and advanced players alike. Its soft “C” neck shape and 25-inch scale length make fretting comfortable, and the controls feel responsive without being overly sensitive. My friend, a beginner, found it easy to get started with this guitar, especially appreciating the tonal variety that kept practice sessions interesting. The instrument’s balance and weight distribution allow for comfortable playing both standing and sitting, which is a big plus for rehearsals or longer gigs.

Ice Production Speed (Playing Responsiveness)

The guitar responds quickly to picking dynamics, with a nice attack and sustain that suits various playing styles. From fingerpicking soft jazz lines to hard rock riffs, the instrument translates my playing nuances effectively. The coil-splitting feature transitions smoothly without any lag or drop in volume, which can be a problem on some guitars. Its quick response encourages me to experiment more with tone shaping, enriching my practice and performance experience.

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