9 Best Gretsch Guitars For The Money 2024

Gretsch guitars are known for having a very distinct style and sound. In fact, you really won’t find another manufacturer that makes guitars that look exactly as the iconic Gretsch guitars do.

If you’re thinking of buying a Gretsch for yourself, you’ve come to the right place. This article will feature the best Gretsch guitars money can buy, in both electric and acoustic varieties.

Let’s get on with it!

Best Gretsch Electric Guitars

G2622 Streamliner – Best Overall

One of the hallmark features of a Gretsch is often the big-bodied semi-hollow and hollowbody guitars. The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) is an excellent model that captures this iconography quite well.

This is a semi-hollow guitar with a double-cutaway design. Its body is constructed from 5-ply laminated Maple and has a distinctive arching top.

You can opt to get the G2622 in a number of different colors, including:

• Walnut stain
• Forge glow
• Midnight sapphire
• Phantom metallic
• Single barrel stain
• Torino green (left-handed model only)

The G2622’s neck is crafted from Nato and has a shortened scale length of 24.75”. This neck will feel quite comfortable and fast to play, thanks to its thin U-shaped contour.

Laurel is used for the G2622’s fretboard, which has a 12” radius. There are 22 frets here, which are outlined by Pearloid big block inlays.

For pickups, the G2622 has a pair of Broad’Tron BT-2S humbuckers. There are a number of different controls built into the G2622 for tonal control, including:

• Master volume knob
• 2 volume knobs for each pickup
• Master tone knob
• 3-way pickup selector switch

Tonally, the G2622 will sing just as you would expect a semi-hollow guitar to perform. Regarding the pickups and controls, you really do have a very balanced tonal palette to work with.

The G2622 also features an anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge with a V-Stoptail, as well as die-cast nickel tuners. A synthetic bone nut is affixed on the headstock for great sustain.

Aesthetically, the G2622 has all of the hallmark Gretsch features and the definite iconic look. 2 f-holes are featured on this arching top, with a raised pickguard covering one of the soundholes.

What’s So Great About The G2622 Streamliner? 

One of the best things about the G2622 is that it’s such a quality guitar at an affordable price. It’s priced in the range for intermediate players but could make a worthwhile purchase for beginners or professionals.

You’ll have a breeze of a time playing the G2622 up and down the neck. Its double-cutaway design really lends itself to easy access, especially in the higher fret ranges.

The fact that the G2622 has so many tonal controls is an excellent feature. You can really milk these pickups for everything they are worth.

Plus, the semi-hollow design can introduce feedback into your signal. Having these extra controls can really help you dial that down, or make it work to your advantage.

Because the G2622 has a shortened scale length, small-handed players will love this neck. You won’t have to deal with massive finger stretches due to wide fret distances here.

Plus, with the G2622, you will really be rocking that iconic Gretsch look while saving money at the same time. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Item Weight: 11.15 pounds

Package Dimensions: 46 x 17.5 x 5.5 inches

G5420T Electromatic – Best Premium

Have a little extra to spend and looking for a true Gretsch classic? Consider taking the G5420T Electromatic (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) home and adding it to your collection.

The G5420T is a full hollowbody guitar with a single-cutaway design. It is by no means a flat guitar, as it is rich in curves all over the body.

This guitar’s body is made of 5-ply laminated Maple, featuring a 5-ply arched Maple top. 2 decadent soundholes are featured on both sides of the guitar’s top.

You can choose to get the G5420T in 2 different color options, both of which look very classy. These colors include:

• Fairlane blue
• Vintage orange (which has gold-colored hardware)

The G5420T’s neck is crafted from Maple and has a scale length of 24.6”. This neck features a standard U-shaped contour, which is a traditional Gretsch design.

Rosewood is used for the G5420T’s fretboard, which has a 12” radius. You’ll have access to 22 frets here, which are outlined by Pearloid neo-classic thumbnail inlays.

For pickups, the G5420T is stocked with a pair of Black Top Filter’Tron humbuckers. These will definitely provide that snarling twang sound that Gretsch guitars are best known for. 

You can make the most of these pickups with a 3-way switch and a number of different control knobs. These knobs include:

• Master volume
• Master tone
• Neck pickup volume
• Bridge pickup volume

In true Gretsch style, the G5420T is equipped with a Bigsby B60 Vibrato tailpiece. You’ll be able to add that subtle warble to your playing for heightened expression.

The G5420T also has an Adjusto-Matic bridge secured on a Rosewood base. A Graph Tech NuBone nut and vintage-back open-gear tuners are also featured on the G5420T.

What’s So Great About The G5420T Electromatic? 

There are a number of reasons why the G5420T is a worthwhile contender for your collection. The first definitely has to be the price.

Despite being ranked as the Best Premium option, this guitar is still relatively affordable. It lies between the upper-intermediate and lower-professional budget ranges.

The G5420T is a seriously smooth guitar that has a massive range of workable tones. You can dial in everything from bright and snappy to warm and soulful here, which can work for any genre.

Even though the G5420T is relatively affordable, it seems as if Gretsch did not cut too many corners here. In fact, the G5420T has all of the iconic things that make Gretsch guitars stand out from the rest.

One of these features is its Bigsby Vibrato, which is most often seen with Gretsch guitars. Not only do these vibrato systems work so well, but they really do match the guitar’s aesthetics.

Again, Gretsch features a shorter scale neck length here, making for a slinky playing experience. Small hands will have no issues navigating this neck by any means.

So, if you’re looking for a hollowbody with tones for nearly any genre and killer looks, this one’s for you. You’re sure to play notes in a barn-burning blaze with ease on the G5420T.

Item Weight: 15 pounds

Package Dimensions: 42 x 14 x 4 inches

G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club – Best Budget

On a tighter budget but still want a guitar that has that iconic Gretsch look and sound? The G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) is worth taking a look at.

This is a solid-body guitar with a single-cutaway design, crafted from Nato. You can get the G2210 in a number of different color options, including:

• Gunmetal
• Gold dust
• Vintage white
• Imperial stain

One thing to note here is that your color choice will also cover the back of the neck. This helps give the guitar a very sleek look.

The G2210’s neck is crafted from Nato and has a 24.75” scale length and a thin U-shaped contour. 

Laurel is used for the G2210’s fretboard, which has a radius of 12”. There are 22 medium-jumbo Nickel frets on this fretboard, which are outlined by Pearloid neo-classic thumbnail inlays.

For pickups, the G2210 is stocked with a pair of Broad’Tron Humbuckers. A 3-way switch, as well as a master volume and tone knob, are provided for tone control.

This might not have the number of adjustment knobs as other guitars on this list. However, you’ll still have that classic snarling Gretsch tone with the G2210’s pickups.

The G2210 features a synthetic bone nut and die-cast tuners. This guitar also features a compensated wraparound bridge. 

What’s So Great About The G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club?

By far the best thing about the G2210 is its price. Sure, that has been the selling point of the top 3 guitars on this list.

However, the G2210 is a perfect example of how a budget guitar should be. There aren’t too many corners cut.

Rather, the G2210 primarily contains the bare essentials of what makes a Gretsch guitar a Gretsch. It’s definitely more than just a name on a headstock.

Plus, the shortened scale length provides more accessibility, especially to those who may just be beginning to learn guitar. Young children and adults alike can certainly enjoy this guitar.

The G2210 is definitely going to deliver those snarling Gretsch tones without issue. However, the only big complaint here is that the control knobs are not located near one another.

Other than that, the G2210 is a worthwhile contender for any beginner or intermediate player. You’ll likely fall in love with this guitar and keep it around for quite a while. 

Item Weight: 12.35 pounds

Package Dimensions: 45 x 17.5 x 4.5 inches

G5220 Electromatic Jet BT 

Looking for an affordable Gretsch icon? The G5220 Electromatic Jet BT (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) might just be the guitar you’ve been looking for.

This guitar has a single-cutaway design, featuring a chambered solid-body design crafted from Mahogany. It also has a laminated Maple top for increased resonance.

You’ll have a wide range of color options to choose from with the G5220. The colors you can choose from include:

• Dark cherry metallic
• Black
• Bristol fog
• Casino gold
• Firestick red
• Jade grey metallic
• Midnight sapphire

Mahogany is also used to craft the G5220’s neck, which has a scale length of 24.6”. This neck has a thin U-shaped contour, which provides comfort and speed in one package.

The G5220’s fretboard is crafted from Black Walnut and has a radius of 12”. There are 22 medium-jumbo frets on this fretboard, which are outlined by Pearloid big block inlays.

For pickups, the G5220 is stocked with a pair of Black Top Broad’Tron humbuckers. Paired with the Mahogany body, these deliver that snarling Gretsch twang, with a hint of depth.

To make the most of these pickups, the G5220 has: 

• A 3-way switch
• A master volume knob
• A master tone knob
• 2 volume knobs (one for each pickup)

The G5220 also features a synthetic bone nut, an anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge, and a V-Stoptail. Die-cast chrome tuners complete the guitar’s look and provide a stable tuning experience.

Overall, the G5220 is a worthwhile guitar for anyone that is drawn to single-cutaway guitars with an archtop design. Despite the inexpensive price, many claim these instruments rival some of Gibson’s best Les Paul models.

Item Weight: 10 pounds

Package Dimensions: 45 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches

G2420 Streamliner

In need of a dependable hollowbody guitar that is decked out in all of the iconic Gretsch stylings? The G2420 Streamliner (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) will be able to provide everything you’ve been looking for.

This guitar features a single-cutaway design, with a body crafted from laminated Maple. A laminated Maple top is also affixed to the body to provide the guitar’s luxurious curved top.

The G2420’s neck is crafted from Nato and has a scale length of 24.6”. There is a thin U-shaped contour on this neck to provide both comfort and a smooth playing experience.

Laurel is used for the G2420’s fretboard, which has a radius of 12”. You’ll have access to 22 medium-jumbo Nickel frets, which are outlined by Pearloid hump block inlays.

For pickups, the G2420 is stocked with a pair of Broad’Tron BT-2 humbuckers. These humbuckers provide an excellent blend of retro and modern tones, suitable for nearly any genre.

To make the most of these pickups, the G2420 has: 

• 2 pickup volume knobs 
• A master volume 
• A master tone knob
• 3-way switch for pickup selection

• For hardware, the G2420 has a:
• Synthetic bone nut
• Die-cast tuners
• Adjusto-Matic bridge secured to the body
• Chromatic II tailpiece

Aesthetically, the G2420 has all of the traditional Gretsch hallmark features. There are 2 f-shaped soundholes on each side of the guitar’s top.

There is also an attractive binding that outlines the guitar’s edges, providing a classy look. A raised pickguard is also featured on the G2420. 

You can be sure you’ll not only be turning heads with the G2420 but drawing in the listener’s ear, too.

Item Weight: 11.15 pounds

Package Dimensions: 45 x 17.5 x 5 inches

Best Gretsch Acoustic Guitars

G9200 Boxcar – Best Overall

When it comes to Gretsch guitars, many do not often think of their acoustic instruments. This causes a great section of acoustic guitars to be criminally overlooked.

The G9200 Boxcar (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) is a prime example of this. You’ll definitely want to seek this out if you play any sort of roots-related music.

This guitar is effectively a resonator guitar, which is designed to be louder than traditional acoustic guitars. You could think of this as a sort of hybrid between an acoustic guitar and a banjo.

The body of the G9200 is crafted completely from laminated Mahogany. This includes the top, the sides, and the back.

Due to its nature, the G9200’s body has an internal sound well that accommodates the sound horn. Inside of this will sits an Ampli-Sonic, which is Gretsch’s diaphragm resonator cone. 

The neck of the G9200 is crafted from Mahogany and has a scale length of 25”. This neck has a soft V-shaped contour, which is acclaimed to be a very comfortable neck.

Padauk is used for the G9200’s fretboard. There are 19 medium-jumbo frets on this fretboard, which are outlined by white dot inlays.

The bridge is made of Ebony-tipped Maple, upon which a bone saddle is affixed. Bone is also used for the G9200’s nut.

There are no internal electronics with the G9200, as the resonator should be loud enough for acoustic performances. Of course, this can always be mic’d up on stage if needed.

For tuning stability, the G9200 is equipped with Grover Sta-Tite die-cast tuners. These are fairly high-quality, especially for a guitar priced in this range.

What’s So Great About The G9200 Boxcar?

With the G9200, Gretsch is taking you back to its roots at the very beginning of the company. Originally, Gretsch was primarily a manufacturer of folk instruments.

The resonator proved to be a worthwhile endeavor, having seen uses in blues and folk music especially. These instruments came at a time when instruments needed to be louder to accommodate the rooms being played in.

If you’re a slide player, you’ll especially love the timbre of the G9200’s sound. You’ll be able to achieve that same iconic sound that much of the early Delta blues is built upon.

Plus, the resonator cone itself is actually handmade, rather than cut out from a CNC machine. It’s not often you have something handmade on a guitar priced lower than a professional budget.

Of course, the G9200 has other noteworthy highlights as well. This is particularly when it comes to the hardware being used.

Seeing real bone used for the nut and saddle is a welcomed sight. Bone is a traditional material noted for its high degree of provided sustain when used with a stringed instrument.

Be sure to seek the G9200 out. You’ll be carrying on a long lineage of guitarists, ensuring that this sound never goes out of style.

Item Weight: 10.15 pounds

Package Dimensions: 43.15 x 20 x 7.25 inches

G5034TFT Rancher – Best Premium

Are you looking for a truly unique acoustic guitar that you will not find anywhere else? Well, you’re in luck, because the G5034TFT Rancher is an acoustic guitar unlike any other.

Before we get to what makes this guitar unique, let’s start with what is traditional. The G5034TFT is a dreadnought acoustic, with a body featuring a laminated Maple top.

Laminated Mahogany is used for the G5034TFT’s back and sides. This helps to provide a nice, warm depth to the G5034TFT’s tone.

The G5034TFT’s neck is crafted from 2 pieces of Mahogany and has a 25” scale length. Rosewood is used for the G5034TFT’s fretboard, which has 16 frets outlined by Pearloid neo-classic thumbnail inlays.

Matching the fretboard, the G5034TFT’s bridge is also crafted from Rosewood to provide a uniform resonation. 

Both the saddle and the bridge are made of synthetic bone.

The G5034TFT is also equipped with deluxe die-cast tuners for a stable and consistent tuning experience. 

All seems pretty normal so far, right? Well, here’s where it starts to get a little weird (in a good way).

Firstly, the G5034TFT is equipped with a Fideli’Tron humbucker pickup. This is placed, not in the soundhole, but just above it, between the neck and soundhole. 

You’ll find that this pickup is actually quite versatile and makes for a great combination with the acoustic tone. A volume knob is also provided for volume control.

Not weird enough? Well, the G5034TFT also has a Bigsby B70G vibrato. 

Yes, you read that right, there’s a Bigsby on this acoustic guitar! 

The G5034TFT has a slight arch, which provides enough stability for the Bigsby to work correctly without damaging the top.

What’s So Great About The G5034TFT Rancher?

By far the best thing about the G5034TFT is the fact that it is such a unique guitar. There is no other guitar company willing to make an acoustic guitar like the G5034TFT. 

In all reality, Gretsch is likely the only company that could pull this off. Somehow, this crazy design still manages to match that classic Gretsch aesthetic that its guitars are known for.

If any other company attempted this, you can bet your bottom dollar that the guitar community would shun it immediately.

It certainly is not every day that you come across a Bigsby-equipped acoustic guitar. You also do not see a humbucker blatantly installed in an acoustic guitar’s top in this manner.

Even if you think it looks tacky, you have to admit that it does have a certain charm to it. What’s even better is that these are not just for show, but actually serve a practical purpose.

Overall, the G5034TFT is certainly a beautiful guitar. It has a wonderful Savannah sunburst color that really goes well with the Mahogany on the sides.

Gretsch has even put thick white binding around the G5034TFT’s top’s edges. This addition really helps all of the colors to pop out to the eye.

Definitely be sure to seek the G5034TFT if you’re looking for something off of the beaten path. You can be sure you’ll never encounter another guitar like it.

Item Weight: 8 pounds

Package Dimensions: 45 x 18 x 5 inches

G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top – Best Budget

On a budget but looking for a vintage-inspired acoustic guitar? The G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) is just the guitar you’ve been looking for. 

This flat top acoustic guitar throws it back to the early 1930s when smaller parlor guitars were in fashion. In a sense, the G9500 is almost an exact replica of these guitars, built for the modern player.

The G9500’s body is crafted completely of Basswood. X-bracing architecture is used in the body’s construction for increased projection and resonance.

Nato is used to construct the G9500’s neck, which has a shortened scale length of 24”. This neck has a standard C-shaped contour, which should be a comfortable and familiar feel to most guitarists.

The G9500’s fretboard is made of Walnut and has a radius of 12”. There are 18 frets on this fretboard, which are outlined by large white dot inlays.

Given the G9500’s smaller size, the body and neck connect around the 12th fret. 

To match the fretboard, the G9500’s bridge is also crafted from Walnut. 

Both the saddle and the nut on this guitar are made from a synthetic plastic material. However, these should provide enough sustain for any type of player.

There are no pickups or electronics featured on the G9500. However, you could easily attach an external pickup for public performances if you so desired.

To keep you in tune, the G9500 is equipped with open-gear die-cast tuners. 

What’s So Great About The G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top?

The G9500 is truly an affordable vintage replica of years past. All too often, vintage-styled guitars are the most expensive guitars you can find.

That certainly isn't the case with this offering from Gretsch. In fact, it allows access to a vintage experience without having to fork over a massive wad of cash.

Aesthetically, the G9500 has quite an old look with its vintage sunburst color. A thin white binding wraps around the edges of the G9500’s top for a very retro design.

Adding to this is a 3-ring white rosette around the soundhole. The G9500 also has an attractive white pickguard with a “G”, which really ties the guitar’s look together.

You might wonder how loud the G9500 is considering its smaller size. However, this guitar can actually produce quite a bit of volume to a surprising degree. 

Be sure to try this acoustic if you’re looking for something with a vintage flair without the associated price tag. Not only will it look the part, but it’ll play like something from the 1930s as well. 

Item Weight: 3 pounds

Package Dimensions: 35.43 x 14.96 x 3 inches

G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon

Looking at this list, you might wonder if Gretsch even produces traditional acoustic guitars. Well, the answer to that would be, yes, they do.

The G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) is an excellent model to consider for yourself. This is a jumbo-sized acoustic guitar with tones as large as its body.

Laminated Maple is used for the G5022CWFE’s sides and back, with the top made of solid Spruce. Scalloped X-bracing architecture is used in the body’s construction for enhanced projection and resonance.

The G5022CWFE’s neck is crafted from Mahogany and has a 25” scale length. This neck has a standard U-shaped contour, which feels more aligned with Gretsch’s electric guitars.

Laurel is used for the G5022CWFE’s fretboard, which has a radius of 12”. Thanks to the cutaway, you’ll have easy access to the 21 frets outlined by Pearloid neo-classic thumbnail inlays.

The bridge is made of Rosewood, upon which a compensated synthetic bone saddle is attached. Synthetic bone is also used for the G5022CWFE’s nut.

This acoustic guitar also has a Fishman Sonicore pickup and Isys+ preamp system. The preamp features controls for volume and EQ and also features a built-in tuner.

Aesthetically, the G5022CWFE is quite a beautiful sight to behold in its all-white color. This color is perfectly accented by the guitar’s gold sparkle binding, gold pickguard, and gold headstock logo.

Overall, the G5022CWFE not only plays and sounds great but looks the part of a true Western classic. You’ll definitely turn some heads with this jumbo-sized acoustic strapped up. 

Item Weight: 12.4 pounds

Package Dimensions: 49 x 20.5 x 8 inches

Top Gretsch Guitars For The Money, Final Thoughts

There certainly is no other guitar company like Gretsch in terms of the way its guitars look and sound. In some ways, these guitars look as if they came straight out of a Western cowboy movie.

If you’ve ever had your eye on these iconic guitars, be sure to try them out for yourself. Definitely be sure to forgive yourself if you find yourself taking one home!