I'm a fan of Gretsch on facebook, and they asked "What kind of product would you like to see us put more time into developing?" and I said that they should develop a series of guitars that are..better (i can't think of a good word) than the electromatics, but not as expensive as the other Gretschs'. Like a Pro series. Like they'd cost like $1,000-$1,800. They'd be affordable for most players. They'd be a mixture of both the professional series and the electromatics.

I just wanted to hear your thoughts.

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Guitars: 2001 PRS McCarty, 1976 Hagstrom Jimmy Oval, 2010 Taylor Koa T5 Custom, 2009 Taylor 416 LTD, 2009 Gretsch Brian Setzer 6120, 2010 Taylor SBX-T, 2009 Daneletectro Baritone, 2005 Fender Kingman

http://www.facebook.com/blackandbluemusicnw

Yah I agree

yeah, that would sound about right... since the electromatics are almost strictly upper beginner models.

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I agree. The gap between something like a Gretsch pro and an advanced beginner guitar (they didn't have the electromatics when I was looking) was my motive for getting a Yamaha AES 1500. Similar in size to classic Gretsch models and a very good (if not perfect) rockabilly sound but I only paid $1,299 four years ago.

The quality is very high - easily in range with (then) over $2,000 Gibson and Gretsch semi-hollows of similar design. In short, a great deal for a call it semi-pro level guitar without the high end price tag.

Great point. Just as long as they don't as crazy and Martin and Fender and make waaaaaaaaaay too many models and signature series.

I never understood why you'd make a "signature" model that is basically an MIA that Mr. SoAndSo plays, but a different color and has, say, different pickups. What? Why the hell can't you just buy the MIA and put that pickup on yourself. You "need" someone to brand a signature model just for that? Makes no sense to me.

I won't even get into what a lump of abstract turds Martin farts out nowadays.

I think the concern for the company is that it would take away sales from their higher-end, more epensive models...

Gibson recently discontinued the Epiphone Elitist line, made in Japan with Gibson-quality parts. The rumour is that they were taking away sales from Gibson models, which partly explains why the only model remaining is the Elitist Casino... because even though Gibson is making the ES-330 again, there will still be plenty of people who would prefer a Casino for that "connection."

This is always the problem with trying to please everyone. Sometimes it's better to keep "clear water" between basic budget models and "pro" models.

I'm sure most guitar makers would prefer just to do the top end if possible, but they rely on the mass-production turnover to bring in regular profits. The top end guitars bring in less money, but their prestige has a big marketing and "brand awareness" effect on the low end.

I think Gretch, like others, needs to clearly brand the two extremes and not muddy the waters with a middle ground...

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I'm very happy with my Gretsch Malcolm Young II, it only cost be a bit over $1,400 and it has some amazing features. Bound maple top, richly stained mahogany back and sides, and an ebony neck. Where else can you get all that in a semi-hollow body for that price? I wound mind seeing more like that.

The only thing is it's the most expensive Japanese guitar I have ever bought. It hurts a little extra because it broke my all American buying chain. But in the end, it isn't so bad because I didn't notice it was MIJ until I brought it home and saw the serial. Pretty damn good if you ask me!