Gretsch G5700 vs Agile

Don DeMaio · Post by **Don DeMaio** » 11 Feb 2011 11:34 am

I own an Agile Labradoodle (believe it or not, that's the name of the thing) from Rondo Music. Recently, the local pawn shop came into possession of a nice Gretsch G5700 and I'm thinking of buying the Gretsch and selling the Agile.

Can anyone advise me on whether that's a fair trade? Somewhere I read where the Gretsch is an OK instrument, not great. I have no idea how it stacks up against the single-coil Agile which is featured at http://www.rondomusic.com/product3442.html.

Anyone out there familiar with these two??

Don

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 11 Feb 2011 12:48 pm

If the Gretsch is a good price, I'd consider it. They're a bit trebly sounding for my tastes, but they do come with a tone control.

G Strout · Post by **G Strout** » 11 Feb 2011 12:57 pm

I was not very impressed with the Gretsch G5700 when I played one at a music store in Memphis. In all fairness it had some really light gauge strings on it and was tuned to E major. The pickup sounded weak and a bit "thin." If memory serves me correctly it had a single coil pup also. I have one of the original Rondo lap steels. It took a bit of work to get it sounding right. New pup (P-90), new pots and cap., took off the "jazz bass" cover,cut out a pick guard, replaced the bridge and changed the tuners out with Grovers. It sounds better now.

I guess it depends on what the pawnbroker wants for the guitar. You may come out ahead...then again _____?
gary

Robert Murphy · Post by **Robert Murphy** » 11 Feb 2011 6:04 pm

Save your money and get an old Supro or Ohau with some character and tone.

Don DeMaio · Post by **Don DeMaio** » 13 Feb 2011 3:50 pm

Robert Murphy wrote:Save your money and get an old Supro or Ohau with some character and tone.

What is it about the Oahu that makes it better than, say, a Gretsch? What kind of pots did they have that give them the better sound? Does anyone know? It would probably help my situation if I could swap the pots out of my Agile.

Don

Robert Murphy · Post by **Robert Murphy** » 13 Feb 2011 7:09 pm

I have found that the pickup makes the difference. You can change the caps or pot taper but why not go for the real deal and a solid investment in a vintage steel. I picked up an ACE for $300 and sold my Fender FS52. Those old pickups are so mellow.