The Gretsch Spectra Sonic

[RockinB23]

I just got one of these in a trade. The one I got is a 2004 model in mint condition. Reading the specs on these they are interesting spruce tops with routed alder bodies. TV Jones Powertron Pickups. 15.25 Inch lower bought and African Pauduk fretboard. I have never played one and I noticed they are no longer being built by Gretsch but they are now being built by TV Jones with different specs, TV Jones originally designed these back in the 90's. Anyway I'm curious any one else own or have played one of these. How did or do you like them?

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq143/SuperB23BSwan/GretschSpectraSonic3.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq143/SuperB23BSwan/P1010076.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq143/SuperB23BSwan/P1010169.jpg

[Garygtr]

I can't help you, but I just want to say that is a delicious looking guitar-I've always lusted after one of those :drool

[RockinB23]

I'm the same way I always thought they looked cool and I remember seeing Brian Setzer using the baritone version. I like that it has the wider body 2 whole inches wider than a duo jet.

I can't help you, but I just want to say that is a delicious looking guitar-I've always lusted after one of those :drool

[Jahn]

I always wanted the USA Baritone version of that too!

[FrankieSixxxgun]

Hate to be that guy, but I bet they know a bunch about it at either www.gretsch-talk.com or www.gretschpages.com. The first link is a little more active than the second, and both forums have very helpful, friendly users.

[RichBolduc]

I'm making my amp cabinet out of African Pauduk... How does it feel for a fret board?

[Shane S]

I have one of the American made Baritone's from the original run. It sounds fantastic. The American made Spectra Sonics were made by Hamer. My understanding from TV Jones was the American run was priced too high so they moved production to Japan to help lower the cost. Either way they are great highly under rated guitars. I know Brian Setzer has used them along with Rosco from Steve Earl and Dukes. TV Jones licensed the design to Gretsch for a period of time and once that was up Tom took over and started having them made for him in the same factory in Japan.

[Waxhead]

Hate to be that guy, but I bet they know a bunch about it at either www.gretsch-talk.com (http://www.gretsch-talk.com) or www.gretschpages.com (http://www.gretschpages.com). The first link is a little more active than the second, and both forums have very helpful, friendly users.

+1
ask the guys on Gretsch Pages.
Looks like a great Spectra to me :)

[RockinB23]

Yeah I actually did the trade with one of the few guys on there (GP forum) that had one.

+1
ask the guys on Gretsch Pages.
Looks like a great Spectra to me :)

[RockinB23]

I thought I would post a follow up review of this guitar. I had sold it (big mistake) and then bought it back from the same from the person I sold it too.

I continue to be amazed at how good this guitar sounds plugged into any amp I've tried it with. Have mainly been using it with my Fender Super Sonic, I know what you are thinking a Spectra Sonic and a Super Sonic that is a lot of sonic tone!! :) I can't find a bad setting on this guitar with the pickup switch in any position it sounds incredible. I get a ton of compliments on the looks as well!! Great guitars and I'm sad Gretsch no longer makes this model but you can buy them from TV Jones with some nice upgrades.

[mojotele65]

I so want the C Melody version of this guitar!!!!!!

[RockinB23]

I love the video of Setzer playing mystery train on the Bari version awesome upright bass solo by Mark Winchester on it as well!!! I heard TV Jones was going to be releasing a Bari version again soon.

I so want the C Melody version of this guitar!!!!!!

[Gas-man]

Cool guit.

Does the break angle on that E look a little off kilter at the bridge?

[VicAjax]

Cool guit.

Does the break angle on that E look a little off kilter at the bridge?

looks fine to me... might be the angle of the photo.

my question is... is it a chambered body? the body looks great, but it seems awful large for a full solidbody.

[bsteff666]

I had one & it was fantastic. Yes that is a chambered body...they are rather light weight for their size.

Its kind of like a big Les Paul actually...but with that Gretschy sparkle & airy quality to it when played into a clean sounding amp...and it can sound big & fat with that nice grind to it when overdriven.

Great guitars.

[RockinB23]

Yeah its chambered like most Gretsch Solid Body guitars. It has a spruce top which has a nice look to it because you can see the grainlines through the black paint.