I also have a Fender American Strat and Gibson SG. This last one doesn't really impact the 5422 because I think it's smaller than the 5120. Finally, the 339 is smaller and is just generally easier to play. I have access to all the frets up the fretboard whereas the Gretsch limits playing anything above 17 due to where the neck connects to the body.
Another reason is the general playability of the 339. If I were to reconfigure my amp and pedals just for when I play that guitar, I might be able to find a good sound, but I don't do that. I don't know how to describe it, they just sound dead. So why is that? One reason is the pickups in the Gretsch just aren't very lively. I also have several high end Gibsons and know what quality guitars should play and sound like.įirst I'll give you my bottom line: I play the 339 often and it's one of my main guitars.
I have a Gretsch Electromatic 5120 and an Epiphone 339 Ultra so I can give you a pretty good comparison of the two.
