NGD: Grosh NOS Retro

[Groberts]

Played the NOS Retro again today at my local Shop since it has been haunting and taunting me. It is a very pristine sound. Extremely versatile, yet my hesitation borders on the fact that dare I say the high strings sound just a bit clean and pristine. Perhaps not quite enough meat to cop a classic, genuine old Strat sound. Without comparing to an genuine Fender Strat, it sounds totally "stratty". But side by side, the Fender ash/maple custom shop strat sounds more classic. Not saying that's bad on either part. Just an observation.

The NOS Retro custom I've been checking out is Ash/maple and weighs 6lbs, 7 ozs. It is LIGHT! Maybe that has something to do with it? Not sure. it has an almost acoustic like quality to it that is very seductive, yet over time I wonder if I would be wanting just a little more 'attitude' from the Grosh?

Just thought I'd throw that out there as an observation more than a criticism.

[buddyrama]

I just took delivery of my Electre Jet Standard about a week ago. It sounds so good that I have not even plugged it in yet. White with mini hums and the two point trem. I will be buying more of these. And congrats on your new gitter!

[bearbike137]

Originally Posted by Groberts

Played the NOS Retro again today at my local Shop since it has been haunting and taunting me. It is a very pristine sound. Extremely versatile, yet my hesitation borders on the fact that dare I say the high strings sound just a bit clean and pristine. Perhaps not quite enough meat to cop a classic, genuine old Strat sound. Without comparing to an genuine Fender Strat, it sounds totally "stratty". But side by side, the Fender ash/maple custom shop strat sounds more classic. Not saying that's bad on either part. Just an observation.

The NOS Retro custom I've been checking out is Ash/maple and weighs 6lbs, 7 ozs. It is LIGHT! Maybe that has something to do with it? Not sure. it has an almost acoustic like quality to it that is very seductive, yet over time I wonder if I would be wanting just a little more 'attitude' from the Grosh?

Just thought I'd throw that out there as an observation more than a criticism.

Wow - after reading this, I just had to respond - because I had the exact same observation. I had one of the NAMM NOS Retros sent to me: ash/maple, lightweight, etc - and while I thought it sounded amazing acoustically, it didn't quite have the "meat" I was looking for when plugged in, especially when compared with the Grosh Retro Classic I already own (also ash/maple, but with Fralin pups). There was something missing in the high mids for me on the NOS Retro. Overall, the NOS Retro just didn't "pop" the way my Retro Classic does. Interestingly, my Retro Classic is significantly heavier than the NOS Retro, so that has something to do with it - as well as the different pups. Now, to be fair, my Retro Classic is a great one - perhaps the best electric I have ever played. I am only speaking of the NOS Retro in a comparison sense. I thought the NOS Retro was nice, but interestingly, I thought it was more modern sounding than my Retro Classic. I did love that 50's neck carve. THAT is to die for.

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by Guitarhak

Wow - after reading this, I just had to respond - because I had the exact same observation. I had one of the NAMM NOS Retros sent to me: ash/maple, lightweight, etc - and while I thought it sounded amazing acoustically, it didn't quite have the "meat" I was looking for when plugged in, especially when compared with the Grosh Retro Classic I already own (also ash/maple, but with Fralin pups). There was something missing in the high mids for me on the NOS Retro. Overall, the NOS Retro just didn't "pop" the way my Retro Classic does. Interestingly, my Retro Classic is significantly heavier than the NOS Retro, so that has something to do with it - as well as the different pups. Now, to be fair, my Retro Classic is a great one - perhaps the best electric I have ever played. I am only speaking of the NOS Retro in a comparison sense. I thought the NOS Retro was nice, but interestingly, I thought it was more modern sounding than my Retro Classic. I did love that 50's neck carve. THAT is to die for.

I didn't have a Retro Classic to compare to at all, so that would be different. Your experience is almost opposite of what I would expect. I've read many reports that the Retro Classic is known to be 'airy' and somewhat modern. I expected the NOS Retro Custom to be a bit fatter, more classic. It is clearly an exceptional instrument and I'm sure hit records could be made with the guitar. But for a pure "strat" sound, it tends to sound more lean and slightly modern. Honestly for new modern Country or jazz,fusion or whatever, this guitar would simply kill! and lots of other sounds too. But I think over time, the more lean upper mids and highs might leave me wanting a little more fatness. Not sure, so I am letting it simmer for a bit.

[bearbike137]

Originally Posted by Groberts

I didn't have a Retro Classic to compare to at all, so that would be different. Your experience is almost opposite of what I would expect. I've read many reports that the Retro Classic is known to be 'airy' and somewhat modern. I expected the NOS Retro Custom to be a bit fatter, more classic. It is clearly an exceptional instrument and I'm sure hit records could be made with the guitar. But for a pure "strat" sound, it tends to sound more lean and slightly modern. Honestly for new modern Country or jazz,fusion or whatever, this guitar would simply kill! and lots of other sounds too. But I think over time, the more lean upper mids and highs might leave me wanting a little more fatness. Not sure, so I am letting it simmer for a bit.

Well, my Retro Classic is over ten years old, so maybe it has come into its own! It is a vintage-y sounding guitar however.

One other thing about that NOS Retro - the neck pup wasn't nearly as "tubey" as the neck pup on my Retro Classic. I would have been happy owning the NOS Retro, but I am happier with what I already have from Don.

[jamison162]

Grosh and crew are a great bunch and build flawless guitars. But, I went through about 3 RC's and could not get them to work for me tonally. Just too modern, hi-fi or something. Even tried the new Grosh pickups that were just being released. I've been really enjoying my K-line with Lollars but wouldn't mind checking out the NOS at some point to compare.

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by jamison162

Grosh and crew are a great bunch and build flawless guitars. But, I went through about 3 RC's and could not get them to work for me tonally. Just too modern, hi-fi or something. Even tried the new Grosh pickups that were just being released. I've been really enjoying my K-line with Lollars but wouldn't mind checking out the NOS at some point to compare.

Have the Grosh Fat 60 PU's evolved or changed any since they were first released? Does anyone know?

[Long2Play]

Originally Posted by SKYHIGH

I recieved an e-mail from Brent today saying that they don't even have any setup ready for H.S.S. config on the NOS model. I don't know what all that means but to me that sounds like they are not doing as of yet or have any plans to in immidate future.

I talked to Don today about this and he has not programmed the CNC for doing other body pickup routes or NOS pickguard routes as of yet. So I am wrong about that. Sorry about that. I made an assumption and it bit me. Please forgive me. He is keeping it that way for the time being but reserves the right to make the changes for it at a later date. He is keeping the NOS in the strictly "vintage" type camp for right now.

[GearFlipper]

I much prefer the retro classic and Electrjet designs to this new model. Seems a step backwards, but I get that some guys have to have "that" shape, and Don makes a great guitar. Its just that his other guitars are so much cooler, IMHO.

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by GearFlipper

I much prefer the retro classic and Electrjet designs to this new model. Seems a step backwards, but I get that some guys have to have "that" shape, and Don makes a great guitar. Its just that his other guitars are so much cooler, IMHO.

This is a step backward? (opinions vary) (And yes, NGD!)

[trwigg]

Didn't want to hijack the thread but I also received mu Grosh NOS and really like. IMO it is very different than my Retro Classic. It is my fourth Grosh guitar and I love them all. I would have been my fifth but I had to sell one because of a money crunch some time back. Here is a link to Fat Sound Guitars Grosh page mine is the Fiesta Red #2838, just scroll down the page. Stu take phenomenal photos:
http://www.fatsoundguitars.com/store...ic-guitars.php

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by trwigg

Didn't want to hijack the thread but I also received mu Grosh NOS and really like. IMO it is very different than my Retro Classic. It is my fourth Grosh guitar and I love them all. I would have been my fifth but I had to sell one because of a money crunch some time back. Here is a link to Fat Sound Guitars Grosh page mine is the Fiesta Red #2838, just scroll down the page. Stu take phenomenal photos:
http://www.fatsoundguitars.com/store...ic-guitars.php

That is a killer looking guitar! I love his Rosewood Slab FB's!

[TrickinSid]

Very nice.....congrats!

Man......Grosh makes some killer guitars.

[trwigg]

Originally Posted by Groberts

That is a killer looking guitar! I love his Rosewood Slab FB's!

The FB almost looks wet! The entire neck is the most comfortable I've played and I'm usually partial to really chunky necks. The p/u's have great clarity but can growl as well. I am very pleased with the guitar.

[pirateflynn]

Originally Posted by trwigg

Didn't want to hijack the thread but I also received mu Grosh NOS and really like. IMO it is very different than my Retro Classic. It is my fourth Grosh guitar and I love them all. I would have been my fifth but I had to sell one because of a money crunch some time back. Here is a link to Fat Sound Guitars Grosh page mine is the Fiesta Red #2838, just scroll down the page. Stu take phenomenal photos:
http://www.fatsoundguitars.com/store...ic-guitars.php

incredibly cool.