Gretsch Electromatic® CVT Baritone, Rosewood Fingerboard, Bristol Fog

Quick Product Summary

The Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone in Bristol Fog takes the distinctive double-cut CVT design into lower-register territory with a 27-inch scale length, solid mahogany body and powerful Twin Six humbuckers.

Its extended scale and factory-fitted .014–.068 strings provide the tension and definition needed for baritone playing, while the familiar six-string layout means guitarists can transfer existing chord shapes, scales and playing techniques into a deeper register.

A pair of Twin Six Alnico 5 humbuckers delivers strong midrange, full lows and crisp attack, while independent push/pull coil splits give each pickup an additional leaner voice. Combined with a treble-bleed master volume, master tone, Adjusto-Matic bridge and stop-tail design, the CVT Baritone offers a straightforward but genuinely flexible platform for low-tuned rock, metal, alternative, ambient and studio work.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Gretsch
Series	Electromatic Collection
Model	CVT Baritone
Finish	Bristol Fog
Body	Solid Mahogany with Bevelled Contours
Fingerboard	Bound Rosewood
Scale Length	27" / 686 mm
Pickups	2 x Twin Six Alnico 5 Humbuckers
Electronics	Independent Coil Splits & Treble-Bleed Master Volume
Condition	New
Main Appeal	Compact-feeling double-cut baritone with versatile humbucker electronics
Best For	Alternative, metal, rock, ambient, post-rock and studio work

What's Included?

• Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone, Bristol Fog

• Factory-fitted Nickel Plated Steel .014–.068 strings

• ✘ Case not included

• ✘ Gig bag not included

• ✘ No additional accessories included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every new electric guitar is checked before leaving Fair Deal Music.

For an extended-scale instrument such as the Electromatic CVT Baritone, our checks cover the key playing and functional areas including pickup operation, three-way switching, push/pull coil splits, master volume and tone controls, tuning operation, bridge hardware and general playability.

The heavier string set and longer scale make a good setup especially important on a baritone, helping maintain clean intonation, useful tension and clear note definition across the fingerboard.

Service / Setup Work

The guitar is checked and set up before leaving the shop.

As with any wooden instrument, setup can shift slightly during delivery because changes in temperature and humidity can affect neck relief, action and tuning stability. Minor adjustment after arrival can occasionally be beneficial depending on your preferred playing style, tuning and local environment.

Why Choose The Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone?

27-Inch Scale For Serious Low-Tuned Playing

The extended 27-inch scale gives the CVT Baritone greater string tension than a conventional electric guitar when tuned lower. This helps riffs retain attack and definition without requiring the extremely long reach of some 29-inch-plus baritone designs.

Solid Mahogany Double-Cut Body

The mahogany CVT body provides a substantial foundation for lower-register sounds, while bevelled contours make the guitar more comfortable against the player's body. The double-cut shape also gives the instrument a distinctive alternative to conventional single-cut baritone designs.

Twin Six Alnico 5 Humbuckers

Twin Six humbuckers use Alnico 5 magnets to provide strong midrange presence, crisp highs and full low frequencies. That combination is particularly useful on a baritone, where clarity is just as important as sheer low-end weight.

Independent Coil Splitting

Both pickups can be split independently using the push/pull controls. This gives you considerably more tonal choice than a simple two-humbucker baritone, particularly for clean passages, effects-heavy sounds and layered recordings.

Treble-Bleed Master Volume

The master volume incorporates a treble-bleed circuit, helping preserve clarity when you reduce the guitar's output. This is especially useful with lower-register instruments, where rolling down a conventional volume control can otherwise make the sound increasingly dark.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone vs Electromatic Jet Baritone

The Electromatic Jet Baritone moves to a much longer 29.75-inch scale and combines chambered mahogany construction with a solid maple top. It also uses Gretsch PureVolt Twin Six humbuckers and a more extensive individual tone-control layout.

Choose the CVT if you want a more compact 27-inch baritone that feels closer to a conventional electric guitar. Choose the Jet if you want maximum scale length, firmer low-register response and the larger single-cut Jet format.

Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone vs Squier Classic Vibe Baritone Custom Telecaster

Both guitars use a 27-inch scale, but their tonal approaches are very different. The Squier uses Fender-Designed alnico single-coils and traditional Telecaster hardware, producing a clearer, leaner starting point.

The Gretsch uses dual humbuckers with independent coil splitting, making it the stronger option for players who want more output and heavier tones without losing access to brighter split-pickup sounds.

Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone vs G5260 Electromatic Jet Baritone

The established G5260 uses a longer 29.75-inch scale with Gretsch mini humbuckers and simpler master volume/master tone electronics.

The CVT is shorter in scale, more compact in body shape and adds individual coil splitting. Players prioritising a very long scale may prefer the G5260, while the CVT offers a more contemporary and flexible electronics package.

Who Is The Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone For?

The CVT Baritone is particularly well suited to:

• Guitarists exploring lower tunings without moving to seven or eight strings

• Alternative and modern rock players

• Metal and heavier rhythm guitarists

• Doom and sludge players looking for a different low-register voice

• Ambient and post-rock musicians using large effects chains

• Recording musicians wanting a dedicated lower-register instrument

• Guitarists who find longer 29.75-inch baritones physically demanding

• Players wanting humbucker power with optional split-coil clarity

It is also a strong addition to a studio or guitar collection where standard-scale instruments already cover conventional tuning.

Playing Styles & Applications

The CVT Baritone is particularly well suited to alternative rock, metal, doom, sludge, post-rock, ambient, cinematic guitar and experimental recording.

The full humbucker sounds provide plenty of weight for distorted riffs and large rhythm parts, while splitting the pickups can reduce density for clean sections or layered arrangements.

Delay and reverb work especially well with the lower register, turning simple chords and melodic phrases into large atmospheric textures. Fuzz and distortion can produce huge sounds, but the pickup clarity helps preserve definition when the guitar is heavily driven.

Is A 27-Inch Baritone Easier To Play Than A 29.75-Inch Baritone?

For many guitarists, 27 inches is an excellent middle ground. It is noticeably longer than a standard 24.75 or 25.5-inch electric guitar and provides the extra tension needed for lower tuning, but the fret spacing is less extreme than on a 29.75-inch design.

That makes the CVT particularly appealing to players who want a dedicated baritone without moving too far away from the physical feel of a conventional electric guitar.

If maximum string tension and very low tuning are your priorities, a longer-scale Jet Baritone may be preferable. If comfort, familiar stretches and lower-register versatility matter equally, the CVT is a strong choice.

Looking for advice on choosing between a baritone guitar, Bass VI, seven-string or conventional electric guitar? Our experienced team of musicians at Fair Deal Music can help by phone, online or in-store.

Compatibility & Practical Buying Advice

The Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone uses a standard 1/4-inch instrument output, so it works with conventional guitar amplifiers, pedalboards, audio interfaces and wireless guitar systems.

Its lower register means amplifier and speaker response becomes especially important at higher volume. A rig with good low-frequency control will generally produce tighter, clearer baritone sounds than simply adding more bass at the amplifier.

Overdrive, distortion and fuzz can create enormous rhythm tones, while compression, chorus, tremolo, delay and reverb open up cleaner and more atmospheric applications.

If you change substantially from the factory .014–.068 string set, or move to a significantly different tuning, the guitar may benefit from adjustments to neck relief, action and intonation.

Story & Context

The Gretsch CVT design traces its roots to the company's Corvette solid-body guitars, offering a compact double-cut alternative to the better-known Jet shape. Over the years, the CVT platform has appeared in several distinctive Gretsch forms while retaining its straightforward solid-body character.

The modern Electromatic CVT brought that shape back into the main Gretsch range, combining retro-inspired styling with contemporary construction and electronics.

The Electromatic CVT Baritone extends that concept into a dedicated lower-register instrument. Rather than simply fitting heavier strings to the standard CVT, Gretsch lengthened the scale to 27 inches and added coil-splittable Twin Six humbuckers, creating an instrument specifically designed around baritone performance.

That makes it an interesting meeting point between classic Gretsch design language and the heavier, lower-tuned guitar styles increasingly associated with modern alternative and progressive music.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Gretsch
Series	Electromatic Collection
Model	Electromatic CVT Baritone
Model Number	2515500526
Orientation	Right-Handed
Colour	Bristol Fog
Number of Strings	6
Body Build	Solid Body
Body Shape	CVT
Cutaway	Double Cutaway
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Finish	Gloss
Body Binding	None
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Finish	Gloss
Neck Shape	Performance “C”
Neck Binding	Aged White
Headstock Binding	Aged White
Scale Length	27" / 686 mm
Fingerboard Material	Bound Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	12" / 305 mm
Position Inlays	Pearloid Neo-Classic Thumbnail
Number of Frets	22
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Nut Material	Graph Tech NuBone
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Bridge Pickup	Twin Six Humbucker
Neck Pickup	Twin Six Humbucker
Pickup Magnets	Alnico 5
Pickup Configuration	HH
Controls	Master Volume with Treble Bleed, Master Tone
Neck Coil Split	Push/Pull Master Volume
Bridge Coil Split	Push/Pull Master Tone
Pickup Switching	3-Position Toggle
Position 1	Bridge Pickup
Position 2	Bridge and Neck Pickups
Position 3	Neck Pickup
Special Electronics	Treble-Bleed Circuit
Bridge	Adjusto-Matic
Tailpiece	Stop Tail
Tuning Machines	Die-Cast Sealed
Hardware Finish	Nickel
Pickguard	3-Ply Black/White/Black
Control Knobs	Knurled Plain-Top Metal
Switch Tip	Nickel
Strings	Nickel Plated Steel .014–.068

Power Requirements

The Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone uses passive electronics, so no battery or external power supply is required.

Simply connect it to your amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone in Bristol Fog is a particularly well-judged option for guitarists who want serious low-register capability without committing to an exceptionally long 29.75-inch scale.

The 27-inch neck keeps the instrument approachable, while the solid mahogany body and Twin Six humbuckers provide enough weight for heavy styles. Independent coil splitting is the standout feature because it stops the guitar being restricted to one dense, high-output sound.

Best suited for: Players wanting a versatile 27-inch baritone for alternative, rock, metal, ambient and studio use.

Customers usually upgrade from: Standard-scale six-string guitars being pushed into lower tunings or entry-level baritone guitars with simpler electronics.

Most commonly paired with: Distortion, fuzz, overdrive, compression, delay, reverb and amplification with strong low-frequency control.

Our tip: Before adding extra bass at your amplifier, try keeping the low end controlled and allowing the baritone's natural register to provide the weight. More midrange and attack often produces a larger sound in a full band mix.

Showroom feedback: The 27-inch scale makes the CVT easier to transition to than many longer baritones, while the double-cut body keeps the overall experience feeling surprisingly familiar. The independent coil splits are especially useful for moving between heavy rhythm sounds and cleaner atmospheric parts.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team helps players choose guitars and equipment that genuinely suit the way they play. Whether you're experimenting with baritone guitar for the first time, building a dedicated low-tuned rig or adding a specialist instrument to your studio, we're here to provide straightforward advice before and after your purchase.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide ordering and delivery

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A large Birmingham music showroom

• Decades of experience with both new and pre-owned musical equipment

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gretsch CVT Baritone difficult to play if I normally use a standard guitar?

There is an adjustment period because the 27-inch scale creates wider fret spacing and the .014–.068 strings feel heavier than a conventional electric guitar set. However, the six-string layout remains familiar and 27 inches is relatively approachable for a dedicated baritone.

Can I use normal guitar chord shapes on the CVT Baritone?

Yes. The relationship between the six strings remains familiar, so standard guitar chord shapes and scale patterns transfer naturally into the lower register.

Is the CVT Baritone suitable for metal?

Yes. The Twin Six Alnico 5 humbuckers provide strong attack and output, while the longer scale helps lower notes retain definition. It is particularly well suited to heavy rhythm playing.

Can it also produce good clean sounds?

Yes. The independent coil splits are particularly useful for clean playing because they can reduce the density of the full humbuckers and create a clearer, more open starting tone.

What does the treble-bleed circuit do?

It helps retain high-frequency clarity when you turn down the master volume, preventing the guitar from becoming excessively dark at lower volume settings.

Can each pickup be coil split separately?

Yes. The neck pickup is split using the push/pull master volume control, while the bridge pickup is split using the push/pull master tone control.

Can I use standard guitar effects pedals?

Yes. Standard guitar pedals work with the CVT Baritone. Distortion, fuzz, delay, reverb, chorus and compression can all produce excellent results, although the additional low-frequency content may cause some pedals to respond differently than they would with a standard guitar.

Is the CVT Baritone the same as the Electromatic Jet Baritone?

No. The CVT uses a 27-inch scale and solid mahogany double-cut body. The current Electromatic Jet Baritone uses a longer 29.75-inch scale and chambered single-cut construction with a maple top.

Will I need a setup if I change string gauges?

A significant change away from the factory .014–.068 set can alter neck relief, action and intonation, so a setup is recommended when making major gauge or tuning changes.

Who should choose the CVT over a longer-scale baritone?

Choose the CVT if you want genuine baritone tension and lower-register performance while keeping fret spacing and overall feel closer to a conventional electric guitar. A longer-scale model is better suited to players prioritising maximum tension and very low tuning.

The Gretsch Electromatic CVT Baritone in Bristol Fog offers a compelling route into dedicated baritone guitar without making the transition unnecessarily difficult. Its comfortable 27-inch scale, Twin Six humbuckers, independent coil splitting and double-cut mahogany body give it enough range to move from crushing low-register riffs to spacious clean textures and studio layering.