3 Best Gretsch Black Electric Guitars, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You want the most compact model on the list Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet FT Its 16-inch length is the shortest dimension among the three options.
• You seek a chambered body with a Bigsby Gretsch G5230T Nick 13 Signature This model features a chambered body construction and includes a Bigsby tremolo.
• You prefer a classic double-cutaway Gretsch design Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet BT It offers a traditional double-cutaway silhouette with humbucking pickups.

Our 3 picks

1 Best overall

Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet FT

Best for: Players wanting Bigsby vibrato and mahogany tone

Color

Black (what this guide is about)

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Mahogany

Fretboard Material

Laurel

Body Type

solid body

Dimensions

16 × 6 × 44 inches

View on Amazon: Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet FT Affiliate link

This solid-body electric guitar features a mahogany body and neck for resonance. It includes a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece for pitch modulation. The fretboard is made of laurel wood. The instrument is full-size and weighs 10.1 pounds. It is finished in black. This model suits players seeking classic Gretsch tone and vintage-style hardware in a standard scale length.

Pros

• Mahogany body and neck construction
• Integrated Bigsby vibrato tailpiece
• Laurel fretboard material
• Full-size scale length

Cons

• Laurel fretboard instead of rosewood or ebony
• Heavier at 10.1 pounds
• Single-cutaway body limits upper fret access

Good fit if

• You want a classic Gretsch single-cutaway look
• You prefer mahogany body resonance
• You need a Bigsby vibrato system

Skip if

• You require a double-cutaway body for high-fret access
• You prefer a lighter instrument under 9 pounds
• You want a rosewood or ebony fretboard

Verdict: Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet FT Black offers a traditional solid-body build with a Bigsby tailpiece. It fits players who value mahogany resonance and vintage-style pitch modulation over modern weight reduction or extended range.

2 Best budget

Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet BT

Best for: Players wanting a classic double-cutaway Gretsch

Color

Black (what this guide is about)

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Mahogany

Fretboard Material

Laurel

Pickup Configuration

2 Humbucking Pickups

Body Type

Solidbody

View on Amazon: Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet BT Affiliate link

The Gretsch G5222 Double Jet BT is a solidbody electric guitar in black. It features a mahogany body and neck with a maple top. Two humbucking pickups provide tone. The laurel fingerboard sits on a mahogany neck. This model offers a classic double-cutaway shape. It suits players seeking a traditional Gretsch sound and look.

Pros

• Mahogany body and neck construction
• Maple top layer
• Two humbucking pickups
• Laurel fingerboard

Cons

• Laurel fingerboard is less common than rosewood or maple
• Standard Bigsby-style tremolo may feel less stable than fixed bridges
• Double cutaway design limits access to highest frets

Good fit if

• You want a classic double-cutaway Gretsch look
• You prefer humbucking pickups for thicker tones
• You like a mahogany body for warmth

Skip if

• You need a rosewood fingerboard
• You require a fixed bridge for tuning stability
• You prefer a single-cutaway body shape

Verdict: The Gretsch Double Jet BT Black delivers a solid mahogany build with humbucking pickups. It fits players who want a traditional Gretsch sound and double-cutaway style.

3 Best premium

Gretsch G5230T Nick 13 Signature

Best for: players seeking a chambered body and Bigsby

Color

Black (what this guide is about)

Body Material

Chambered Mahogany

Neck Material

Mahogany

Fretboard Material

Laurel

Body Type

Solidbody

Dimensions

42.5 × 16.9 × 4.72 inches

View on Amazon: Gretsch G5230T Nick 13 Signature Affiliate link

This Gretsch G5230T is a solidbody electric guitar with a chambered mahogany body and a mahogany neck. It features a laurel fretboard and a Bigsby-style tremolo. The instrument measures 42.5 inches in length and weighs 10.3 pounds. You will appreciate the medium-jumbo fret size for comfortable playing. This model suits players seeking a classic Gretsch tone with a distinctive laurel fingerboard in a black finish.

Pros

• Chambered mahogany body reduces weight
• Laurel fretboard provides a unique playing feel
• Includes Bigsby-style tremolo for pitch modulation
• Mahogany neck offers stable support

Cons

• Heavier than some competitors at 10.3 pounds
• Laurel fretboard is less common than rosewood or maple
• Solidbody construction lacks acoustic resonance of hollowbodies

Good fit if

• You want a chambered body for reduced weight
• You prefer a laurel fretboard for its tonal character
• You need a Bigsby tremolo for vibrato effects

Skip if

• You require a maple or rosewood fretboard
• You need a lightweight instrument under 9 pounds
• You prefer a traditional solid body without chambering

Verdict: Gretsch G5230T Black Laurel Fretboard is a solid choice for players who value chambered construction and a Bigsby tremolo. It fits those who want a distinct laurel fretboard experience in a black finish.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right one

1. Check the fretboard material

   The wood on the fretboard changes the feel and tone of your instrument. Most models use standard rosewood or maple, but the G5230T Nick 13 Signature uses laurel. Laurel offers a distinct visual grain and slightly different resonance compared to traditional woods. If you have a preference for specific wood textures or aesthetics, check the attributes list. The laurel option provides a unique look for players who want something different from the standard black finish without changing the core body construction.

2. Evaluate the tailpiece type

   The tailpiece affects tuning stability and vibrato capability. The G5230T Jet FT includes a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, allowing you to bend notes smoothly. The Double Jet BT uses a fixed bridge, which offers maximum sustain and tuning stability for standard playing. Decide if you need pitch modulation for blues or rock styles. If you prefer a traditional, stable setup without moving parts, the fixed bridge is suitable. If you want expressive vibrato effects, the Bigsby-equipped model is the better choice for your specific playing style.

3. Compare body weight and size

   Weight impacts comfort during long practice sessions. The G5230T Jet FT weighs 10.1 pounds, while the G5230T Nick 13 Signature weighs 10.3 pounds. These are solid-body instruments, though the Nick 13 features chambered construction. Chambering can reduce weight slightly while altering resonance. If you carry your guitar frequently, lighter models may be more comfortable. Check the weight spec before buying. Heavier guitars often provide more sustain, while lighter ones reduce shoulder strain. Match the weight to your physical comfort needs.

4. Assess the cutaway design

   The cutaway shape determines access to higher frets. The G5222 Double Jet BT features a double-cutaway design, offering easier access to the upper register. The G5230T Jet FT has a single-cutaway, which is traditional but may limit reach. If you play lead guitar or complex chords high up the neck, the double-cutaway is practical. If you prefer the classic look and tone of a single-cutaway, that design suits you better. The body shape is a primary visual and functional differentiator between these models.

5. Verify the pickup configuration

   Pickups define the core tone of your electric guitar. The Double Jet BT includes humbucking pickups, which deliver a warm, high-output sound suitable for rock and jazz. This configuration reduces noise and provides a thick tone. Other models may vary in pickup type. Check the specifications for pickup details to ensure the tone matches your genre. Humbuckers are standard for many Gretsch models, but confirming the exact configuration helps you avoid surprises. Match the pickup output to your amplifier and playing intensity.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best gretsch electric guitars under 500
• best gretsch electric guitars with laurel
• best black electric bikes
• best black electric grills