The Gretsch G5120 Electromatic Sunburst is one of the most popular hollow body guitars Gretsch has ever produced, delivering the unmistakable Gretsch aesthetic, rich hollow body resonance and classic Bigsby-equipped performance at an accessible price point. Manufactured in Korea between 2006 and 2013, the G5120 helped introduce countless players to the legendary Gretsch sound and has since become a highly regarded model on the pre-owned market.

Featuring a fully hollow laminated maple body, dual humbucking pickups, an Adjusto-Matic bridge and a licensed Bigsby B60 vibrato, the G5120 excels across rockabilly, blues, jazz, indie, country and classic rock. Its warm, resonant voice and unmistakable vintage styling make it an inspiring instrument both on stage and in the studio. 

This pre-owned Gretsch G5120 Electromatic is finished in classic Sunburst, presented in good condition and is missing its original scratchplate. It remains a fantastic choice for players looking for authentic Gretsch tone and style at excellent value.

---

Condition Overview

Good Condition

This guitar shows noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with regular ownership and use but remains fully functional and ready for its next owner.

Professionally checked and tested by the Fair Deal Music team.

---

What's Included?

✔ Fully Checked & Tested by Fair Deal Music

✘ No Hard Case Included

✘ No Gig Bag Included

✘ Scratchplate Missing

---

Condition Notes

• Good overall condition

• Cosmetic wear consistent with age and use

• Original scratchplate missing

• Electronics functioning correctly

• Hardware functioning correctly

• Structurally sound and fully playable

---

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Our team has thoroughly inspected and tested this Gretsch G5120 to ensure it is fully functional and ready for sale.

Checks completed include:

✔ Pickups tested

✔ Master volume and pickup volume controls verified

✔ Master tone control checked

✔ Three-way selector switch tested

✔ Output jack inspected

✔ Bigsby vibrato inspected

✔ Bridge checked

✔ Neck assessed

✔ Fingerboard inspected

✔ Frets checked

✔ Tuners tested

✔ Overall playability evaluated

---

Service / Setup Work

Prior to sale, this guitar has been checked and prepared by our team.

Work completed includes:

✔ Neck relief checked

✔ Action checked

✔ Electronics tested

✔ Hardware inspected

✔ Bigsby operation checked

✔ Frets assessed

✔ General playability evaluated

✔ Restrung where required

All pre-owned guitars are set up and checked before leaving the shop. Please note that setup can occasionally shift during delivery due to changes in humidity and temperature, as wood naturally responds to environmental changes.

---

Why Choose The Gretsch G5120 Electromatic?

Classic Gretsch Hollow Body Tone

The fully hollow laminated maple body delivers the open, resonant sound Gretsch guitars are famous for, making it equally at home playing jazz standards, rockabilly riffs or shimmering indie chords.

Bigsby Vibrato System

The licensed Bigsby B60 allows subtle vibrato effects that perfectly complement vintage-inspired styles while adding expressive character to chord work and lead playing. 

Comfortable Vintage Feel

With its comfortable neck profile and relatively slim hollow body, the G5120 offers a playing experience that's approachable for players transitioning from solid-body guitars. 

Versatile Dual Humbuckers

The dual humbucking pickups provide warm cleans, articulate mids and enough output for blues, classic rock and alternative styles while retaining the distinctive Gretsch character.

Timeless Gretsch Styling

From the bound body and thumbnail inlays to the elegant f-holes and Sunburst finish, the G5120 captures the unmistakable look of classic Gretsch hollow body guitars.

Excellent Value

The Korean-built G5120 has earned a reputation for offering outstanding build quality and authentic Gretsch styling, making it one of the strongest values in the pre-owned hollow body market. 

---

Why Buy Pre-Owned?

Buying pre-owned offers an excellent opportunity to own a quality Gretsch at a lower price.

Benefits include:

• Better value for money

• Reduced depreciation

• Professionally checked before sale

• Access to discontinued models

• Sustainable alternative to buying new

• More guitar for your budget

---

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Gretsch G5120 vs Gretsch G5420T

The newer G5420T features Black Top Filter'Tron pickups, while the G5120 is fitted with Gretsch dual-coil humbuckers that offer a warmer, fuller voice.

Gretsch G5120 vs Epiphone Casino

The Casino uses P-90 pickups for a brighter, more cutting tone, whereas the G5120 delivers thicker humbucker warmth with classic Gretsch styling.

Gretsch G5120 vs Epiphone ES-335

The ES-335 features a centre block for increased sustain and reduced feedback, while the G5120's fully hollow construction produces greater acoustic resonance and vintage character.

Gretsch G5120 vs Gretsch Streamliner G2420T

The Streamliner is a modern alternative, while the G5120 has become a sought-after Korean-built Electromatic with a loyal following.

---

Who Is It For?

Beginners

A superb choice for committed beginners looking for a quality hollow body that will last for years.

Intermediate Players

An excellent upgrade for players exploring jazz, blues, indie and rockabilly styles.

Professional Players

Ideal for gigging musicians, recording artists and players wanting classic Gretsch tone without stepping into the Professional Collection.

Particularly Recommended For

• Rockabilly

• Blues

• Jazz

• Indie

• Classic rock

• Country

• Worship musicians

• Recording studios

---

Why Choose A Hollow Body Electric Guitar?

Fully hollow body guitars offer a unique tonal character that differs significantly from solid-body instruments.

Benefits include:

• Rich natural resonance

• Warm, open clean tones

• Excellent dynamic response

• Vintage-inspired character

• Comfortable lightweight construction

• Superb accompaniment for rhythm playing

For players seeking expressive cleans and vintage-inspired sounds, a hollow body guitar remains one of the most rewarding choices available.

---

Product Story / Context

Introduced as part of the Electromatic range, the G5120 was designed to make the classic Gretsch hollow body experience available to a wider audience. Built in Korea between 2006 and 2013, it quickly became one of the company's best-selling models thanks to its quality construction, vintage aesthetics and excellent value. 

The G5120 also became a popular platform for customisation, with many owners upgrading pickups and hardware. Even in original specification, it remains one of the most respected Electromatic models Gretsch has produced. 

---

Associated Artists / Songs / Performances

While the G5120 is not a signature model, Gretsch hollow body guitars have been used by legendary artists including Brian Setzer, Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy and Reverend Horton Heat. The G5120 captures much of the visual appeal and tonal character that has made Gretsch instruments favourites across rockabilly, country, jazz and rock. 

---

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Name	Gretsch G5120 Electromatic
Finish	Sunburst
Type	Hollow Body Electric Guitar
Body	Laminated Maple
Neck	Maple
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	24.6"
Frets	22
Pickups	2 Gretsch Dual-Coil Humbuckers
Bridge	Adjusto-Matic
Tailpiece	Licensed Bigsby B60 Vibrato
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone, Individual Pickup Volumes, 3-Way Selector
Country of Manufacture	Korea
Condition	Good

---

Power Requirements

Not applicable.

This is a passive electric guitar and does not require batteries or external power.

---

Pairs Perfectly With

• Gretsch G6241FT hardcase

• Vintage-style guitar strap

• Instrument cable

• Valve combo amplifier

• Reverb pedal

• Delay pedal

• Clip-on tuner

• Guitar stand

• Recording interface

• Selected pre-owned amplifiers

---

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer founded in 1987 and Birmingham's largest independent music store.

With over 6,000 Excellent Trustpilot reviews, knowledgeable musicians available by phone, online and in-store, fast UK delivery and secure online ordering, customers across the UK trust Fair Deal Music when buying both new and pre-owned instruments.

Our Birmingham showroom features a wide selection of hollow body, semi-hollow and solid-body guitars, alongside a constantly changing range of quality pre-owned instruments. Every used guitar is carefully inspected and prepared by our experienced team before sale.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Gretsch, hollow body electric guitar or vintage-inspired instrument? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gretsch G5120 fully hollow?

Yes. The G5120 features a fully hollow laminated maple body, giving it a rich, resonant voice and distinctive Gretsch character. 

What styles of music is it best suited to?

It excels in rockabilly, blues, jazz, country, indie and classic rock but is versatile enough for many other genres. 

Does the Bigsby affect tuning stability?

When correctly set up and maintained, the licensed Bigsby B60 provides smooth vibrato while maintaining good tuning stability. 

What does the missing scratchplate affect?

The missing scratchplate is primarily a cosmetic issue and does not affect the guitar's playability or sound.

Is this a good upgrade from a solid-body guitar?

Yes. The G5120 offers a noticeably different tonal character while remaining comfortable and familiar to play.

Is it suitable for gigging?

Absolutely. The G5120 has become a popular live instrument thanks to its versatile tone, comfortable neck and classic appearance.

Is the Korean-built G5120 well regarded?

Yes. Korean-built Electromatic models from this era are widely respected for their quality and value. 

Can I try it in-store?

Yes. You're welcome to visit our Birmingham showroom to try available Gretsch guitars and speak with our experienced team.