Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Left-Handed Electric Guitar Review
Gretsch is a brand that has been synonymous with quality and innovation since its inception in 1883. Known for their distinctive sound and eye-catching designs, Gretsch guitars have found their way into the hands of legendary musicians such as George Harrison, Brian Setzer, and Chet Atkins. One of the latest additions to their impressive lineup is the G2622 Streamliner Center Block Left-Handed electric guitar. This instrument is designed specifically for left-handed players and offers a unique combination of style, performance, and affordability. In this review, we will delve into the various features and specifications of the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner, as well as discuss its playability, tone, and overall value.
Design and Construction
The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner is a semi-hollow body electric guitar that boasts a beautiful double-cutaway design. The body is made from laminated maple and features a lightweight spruce center block that runs the length of the guitar. This center block not only adds to the guitar’s structural integrity but also helps to reduce feedback, making it an excellent choice for playing at high volumes.
The neck of the G2622 is crafted from nato, a tonewood known for its durability and resistance to warping. It features a 22-fret laurel fingerboard with medium jumbo frets and elegant pearloid block inlays. The neck has a slim “U” shape profile that provides a comfortable playing experience, and the 12-inch fingerboard radius allows for effortless string bending.
One of the standout features of the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner is its stunning finish. The guitar is available in several classic Gretsch colors, including Single Barrel Stain, Phantom Metallic, and Riviera Blue. Each finish is complemented by aged white binding, which adds an extra touch of vintage flair to the instrument.
Electronics and Hardware
The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner is equipped with a pair of Broad’Tron BT-2S humbucker pickups, designed specifically for the Streamliner series. These pickups offer a powerful yet balanced sound that can handle a wide range of musical styles. The bridge pickup produces a tight, focused tone with excellent clarity, while the neck pickup offers a warm, full sound with a smooth top-end.
The guitar’s control layout is simple and intuitive, featuring a three-way pickup selector switch, master volume, master tone, and individual volume controls for each pickup. This setup allows players to easily dial in their desired sound and make adjustments on the fly.
In terms of hardware, the G2622 boasts a secured Adjusto-Matic bridge with an anchored tailpiece, providing excellent tuning stability and sustain. The guitar also features die-cast nickel tuners, ensuring accurate and reliable tuning.
Playability
The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner is an exceptionally playable instrument, thanks to its slim “U” shaped neck and comfortable body contours. The double-cutaway design allows for easy access to the upper frets, making it a great choice for lead guitarists. Additionally, the medium jumbo frets and 12-inch fingerboard radius provide a smooth and effortless playing experience.
One notable feature of the G2622 is its lightweight construction. Despite its semi-hollow design, the guitar is surprisingly light and well-balanced, making it a pleasure to play during long practice sessions or live performances.
Tone and Performance
The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner is a versatile instrument that can handle a wide range of musical styles. Its Broad’Tron BT-2S pickups deliver a powerful yet balanced sound, with excellent clarity and definition. The bridge pickup provides a tight, focused tone that is perfect for cutting through the mix in a live setting, while the neck pickup offers a warm, full sound that is ideal for rhythm playing and jazz.
The guitar’s semi-hollow construction adds a unique sonic character to its tone, with a natural resonance and warmth that sets it apart from solid-body instruments. This makes the G2622 a great choice for players who are looking for a distinctive sound that can stand out in a mix.
Value and Conclusion
The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Left-Handed electric guitar is an impressive instrument that offers a unique combination of style, performance, and affordability. With its eye-catching design, versatile sound, and exceptional playability, this guitar is an excellent choice for left-handed players who are seeking a high-quality semi-hollow body instrument.
While the G2622 may not have all the bells and whistles of some higher-end Gretsch models, it still manages to capture the essence of what makes the brand so iconic. For those who are looking to add a touch of vintage flair to their setup without breaking the bank, the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner is a fantastic option that is sure to impress.
