The Steel Guitar Forum Store 

Post new topic Gretsch G5700 vs Agile
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Gretsch G5700 vs Agile
Don DeMaio


From:
Florida, USA
Post  Posted 11 Feb 2011 11:34 am    
Reply with quote

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
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Brad Bechtel


From:
San Francisco, CA
Post  Posted 11 Feb 2011 12:48 pm    
Reply with quote

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.
_________________
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

G Strout


From:
Carabelle, Florida
Post  Posted 11 Feb 2011 12:57 pm    
Reply with quote

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. Laughing
I guess it depends on what the pawnbroker wants for the guitar. You may come out ahead...then again _____?
gary
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Robert Murphy


From:
West Virginia
Post  Posted 11 Feb 2011 6:04 pm    
Reply with quote

Save your money and get an old Supro or Ohau with some character and tone.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Don DeMaio


From:
Florida, USA
Post  Posted 13 Feb 2011 3:50 pm    
Reply with quote

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
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Robert Murphy


From:
West Virginia
Post  Posted 13 Feb 2011 7:09 pm    
Reply with quote

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.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail


All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  

Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction,
steel guitars & accessories

www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

Please review our Forum Rules and Policies

Steel Guitar Forum LLC
PO Box 237
Mount Horeb, WI 53572 USA


Click Here to Send a Donation

Email admin@steelguitarforum.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for
Band-in-a-Box

by Jim Baron
HTTP