Gretsch Electromatic Premier Jet review

Gretsch’s hollowbody behemoths cast a significantly long shadow, one that often eclipses its smaller, overlooked Jet models. Sure, the big-box Gretsches have their fair share of famous fans, but the Jet has built a cult following of its own. Legends like George Harrison and Pete Townshend have slung a Jet over their shoulder, but for me, it’s Chris Cornell, Seattle’s flannel-clad, grunge icon, whose late-’80s sparkling Duo Jet made me want one of my own.

Now, Cornell’s model wasn’t exactly set up for hard-hitting riffs. With its Filter’Tron pickups and Bigsby, it leaned more toward jangle than face-melting. Still, Cornell made it growl in ways the designers probably never imagined. I can’t help but wonder what he’d have done with the new Gretsch Premier Jet in his arsenal. With its modern upgrades, it might have been even better suited for his detuned, heavy riffage and stage-stomping antics.

The Electromatic Premier Jet is Gretsch’s answer to the prayers of players who want classic vibes with some 21st-century muscle. It’s fair to say this isn’t your grandaddy’s Gretsch; the Premier Jet has been dragged, willingly or not, into the modern era, complete with a spec sheet that reads like a wish list for tone chasers and gigging guitarists alike.

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As you’d expect, the body of this electric guitar is chambered mahogany, but the top is carved maple, not unlike a certain Gibson single-cut. The neck is also mahogany with a bound ebony fingerboard and a complement of 22 medium jumbo frets. We also have a 10″-14” compound-radius fingerboard and Luminlay side-dot markers.