Gretsch introduces MIJ premium semi-hollows, boasting redesigned bodies and upgraded Pro Twin Six humbuckers for an immersive, high-volume full-spectrum sound experience.
Unleashing the 2025 Gretsch Hot-Streak: Bigsby-Equipped Gems for the Savvy Player
Gretsch has been on a roll, and it ain't just those solid-top Jim Dandy acoustics from a few weeks back. They've dropped two high-end electric guitars from their Professional Collection that would make any serious player or pro with a fat bankroll grin from ear to ear. Dubbed the Bigsby-equipped Broadkasters, these bad boys debuted at NAMM 2025 and are ready to rock your world, one shred at a time.
These puppies are crafted in the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, where quality is an art form. The Bigsby-equipped Broadkaster Jr and its double-cut sibling boast a 'Center Block' designation, derived from the redesigned Channel Core block of maple and spruce. This lite-weight rebirth of a classic quadrangular prism should dampen feedback like a dream when you're playing with the amp cranked and the overdrive pedal blazing.
These electric guitars have been designed with crunchy riffs and wall-of-sound solos in mind, flooded with a pair of Pro Twin Six humbuckers at the neck and bridge. The bridge pickup is an Alnico IV design, rated at 12k, giving you a bright and clear tone with a mid-punch, tight lows, and shimmering highs, minus the ice pick treble. Meanwhile, the neck pickup, boasting an Alnico V magnet and a DCR rating of 5.5k, offers a robust, warm, and throaty tone, sans the muddiness or over-compression.
The pickups are hooked up to a master volume control with a treble bleed circuit, a master no-load tone control with a "Squeezebox" capacitor, and individual volume controls, plus a three-way pickup selector. Don't forget those signature Gretsch G-Arrow knobs gracing the control pots.
The bodies have been redesigned as well, offering more elbow room for your fretting hand thanks to the expanded cutaways. The 12" radius ebony fingerboard sits beneath comfortably, sporting 22 medium jumbo frets and rolled edges, to keep things smooth as butter when you're ripping off blistering solos.
Both guitars share the same raw materials, featuring laminated maple bodies with a center block, a maple neck glued to the body, and a Standard U profile. Groovy aged White binding binds them all together, while Aged White and Black purfling adorns the bodies. Entry-level locking tuners might not be world-class, but they get the job done.
While these guitars exude vintage vibes, they aren't shy about embracing modern conveniences. Luminlay glow-in-the-dark side markers light up the night for navigating those dark concert stages without stumbling over a high E string.
The finishes are traditional Gretsch, and they slot into the gold hardware like a well-oiled machine. The Broadkaster Jr LX Center Block (full name included because Gretsch likes to show off a bit) comes in Blackberry and Midnight Sapphire shades, while the double-cutaway sibling is available in Black and Cadillac Green.
The best part? These stylish axes set you back $2,839 apiece, and that includes a deluxe goodie bag hard-shell guitar case. But before you break out the piggy bank, check out Gretsch's website for more details. After all, you don't want to miss out on this charm-packed, spunky duo that's just waiting to become a regular part of your arsenal.
With their cutting-edge technology and blending of vintage aesthetics, these Gretsch gadgets, the Bigsby-equipped Broadkasters, stand as perfect tools for modern entertainment, particularly within the realm of music. The integration of Pro Twin Six humbuckers and the trio of tone adjustments enables these guitars to produce a diverse range of sounds, catering to both crunchy riffs and soaring solos.
