Gretsch G9200 Review

Gretsch G9200 Resonator Guitar Review Post Cover

This Gretsch G9200 is an excellent resonator guitar that would be a great addition to any musician’s collection.

It features a non-cutaway body with a top made of laminated mahogany, back and sides made of laminated mahogany, vintage semi-gloss body finish, a mahogany neck with a adjustable truss rod, and chrome hardware plating.

You can purchase this guitar in many different stores, some of them include:

We may earn commissions from these links at no additional cost to you

In this post, we’ll examine the features, sound, and playability of the Gretsch G9200 resonator guitar.

We’ll help you understand what each guitar feature that we mention means and how it affects the overall sound or playability of the instrument.

Summary


Our observations on the Gretsch G9200 can be summarized simply as follows.

Just so you know, we used our own opinion and judgment to rate and score each point.

Hardware 4.9 / 5
Body 4.8 / 5
Neck 4.8 / 5
Fretboard 4.6 / 5
Sound 4.9 / 5
Playability 4.8 / 5
Value 5 / 5
Brand 5 / 5

Hardware


The many metal and plastic elements that make up a guitar are referred to as the instrument’s hardware.

These include but are not limited to:

  • Tuning machines
  • Pickguard
  • Bridge
  • Strings
  • Strap buttons
  • Pickups
  • Tailpiece
  • Control knobs

Although “hardware” is most usually associated with electric guitars, it can also refer to the elements of an acoustic or resonator guitar.

When choosing a guitar based on its hardware you should make sure that the quality is good and that it will be able to withstand regular use.

Plastic saddles on the bridge, for example, are common on lower-quality guitars, which can degrade the instrument’s tone and intonation while also making it more difficult to keep in tune.

Also, ensure sure the metal pieces aren’t prone to rusting or tarnishing, and that they appear solid, durable, and can’t be readily damaged.

A decent-sounding and playable guitar requires excellent hardware, and there are a few things that a manufacturer can do to make it perfect for us guitarists.

Let’s investigate further!

Gretsch G9200 full guitar image
Gretsch G9200

– Tuning Machines


Tuning machines (generally referred as “tuners”) are an essential aspect of every guitar’s hardware.

They’re in charge of keeping the strings tight and firm so they can vibrate properly and produce the right pitch.

On this Gretsch G9200, the tuning machines are die cast, made of nickel, and have a open gear design.

  • Material: Nickel
  • Design: Open gear

Low-quality tuning machines can cause your guitar to quickly fall out of tune and be difficult to tune.

They can also make changing the strings more hard, as well as making playing the guitar more difficult in general.

Must Remember:

Good tuning machines are composed of durable, long-lasting materials and operate with accuracy and precision.

To avoid rust, make sure to choose materials like nickel-plated steel or stainless steel.

These materials are also less likely to tarnish, extending the life of your instrument.

Gretsch G9200 headstock
Headstock

– Pickguard


The pickguard is a little piece of plastic or metal positioned near the strings on the body of the guitar.

Its aim is to prevent the pick from scratching the guitar’s finish as you play.

Most pickguards are constructed of plastic or metal, in some cases, even carbon fiber, and there are a variety of styles to choose from.

Gretsch G9200 pickguard color and design
Pickguard color and design

The Gretsch G9200 doesn’t have a pickguard, which means that if you’re not careful enough when you play, you could damage its finish very easily.

  • Color: Not applicable
  • Design: Not applicable

A good pickguard should be built of a durable and strong material that can sustain regular use.

It should also be placed in such a way that it is likely to protect the guitar’s body from scratches produced by the player’s pick.

As far as looks, a pickguard should also blend and fit in with the guitar’s overall design.

It shouldn’t be too intrusive or stand out too much, but it also shouldn’t be so small or low-quality that it looks out of place.

For resonator guitars, the cover plate won’t exactly behave as a pickguard, both have different tasks and function.

But still, most people use these guitars for fingerpicking, so it might not be such a big deal after all, still is something worth keeping in mind.

– Strap Buttons


Strap buttons are those little metal buttons installed on the guitar’s body that are used to secure a strap to the instrument.

Two strap buttons, one on each side of the body, are very standard on most guitars.

Gretsch G9200 strap buttons position and design
Strap buttons position and design

Metal strap buttons should be durable and strong so they don’t come free over time.

For some reason, the Gretsch G9200 only comes with one strap button, so you’d have to install the second one if you want.

  • Material: Vintage material
  • Position: Bottom
  • Design: Vintage End-Pin

Even while the quality of the strap buttons is unlikely to be a deal-breaker for most individuals, it’s still something to consider.

Body


The bridge, neck, and strings are all joined to the guitar’s body, which is the most important section of the instrument.

This is where you’ll notice a hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound can resonate from within the instrument.

Although some guitars have carbon fiber, metal, or plastic bodies (less usual), the majority of them have a wooden body.

– Wood

If you’re seeking for a specific tone, bear in mind that the type of wood chosen for the body might have an impact on the sound of the guitar.

The Gretsch G9200 has a laminated mahogany top with a laminated mahogany back and laminated mahogany sides.

– Finish

The final layer of protection for the guitar body’s wood is the body finish.

When it comes to this guitar in specific, it has a vintage semi-gloss finish.

It’s what gives the guitar its shine and luster, and it also protects the wood from scratches, dings, and other damage.

There are many types of finishes that you’ll come across, some of them are:

  • Polyurethane
  • Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Polyester

Nitrocellulose Lacquer is considered to be the best type of finish, but it’s also the most expensive.

It’s a durable finish that can be buffed to a high shine, and it’s also relatively easy to repair if it’s damaged.

Polyurethane is a cheaper alternative that’s almost as good, and Polyester is the cheapest option but it doesn’t provide as much protection.

Among these categories, there are subcategories as well, such as:

  • Gloss finishes: High shine and they’re very reflective.
  • Matte finishes: Have a lower shine and they’re not very reflective.
  • Satin finishes: Somewhere in-between gloss and matte, they have a moderate shine and they’re somewhat reflective.

– Colors Available


The color of a guitar’s body is never an important factor on its overall sound.

It can, however, influence the instrument’s aesthetic appeal.

Some individuals like a certain color guitar because it complements their aesthetic or because it’s easier to see in low light conditions.

Gretsch G9200 colors available
Natural color

Some of the most popular colors for guitar bodies are:

  • Natural: This is the color of wood that hasn’t been stained or painted.
  • Black: Black is a popular color for metal-style guitars.
  • Sunburst: Sunburst is a combination of light and dark colors, usually red, yellow, and brown.

– Bridge, Saddle, and Pins

Each one of these components plays an important role in how the guitar sounds and feels.

For example, the bridge is responsible for transferring string vibrations to the guitar’s body.

The saddle, which is commonly constructed of plastic or bone, is where the strings rest.

And the pins are what hold the strings in place.

Gretsch G9200 bridge, saddle, and pins
Bridge, saddle, and pins

There are several kinds of bridges, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

The Gretsch G9200 has a spider bridge and a saddle made of ebony-tipped maple .

There are three primary types of bridges on acoustic guitars:

  • Pin bridges (standard)
  • Pinless bridges
  • Classical bridge

Pin bridges are the most prominent type of bridge and the simplest to rebuild and replace.

However, they can be more difficult to intonate, which involves getting the strings in a precise position and tuning them.

Pinless bridges are bit less common, although they are easy to intonate as well.

They also have the benefit of not requiring any pins, which may be difficult to keep track of.

Finally, classical guitar bridges are only found for the most part on classical guitars.

They are very similar in design to most other bridges, but the main distinction is that they have no pins and instead consist of a saddle and a wooden block with a hole for each string.

This hole is used to secure the string, giving the guitar a much cleaner appearance.

Now, the sort of saddle you have is also crucial; plastic saddles are the least expensive and simplest to buy, but they do not last as long as bone saddles.

The cost of bone saddles is more, but they are also more durable.

As for the bridge pins, there are three main types:

  • Plastic bridge pins
  • Steel bridge pins
  • Brass bridge pins

Plastic bridge pins are the cheapest and easiest to find, but they’re also the least durable.

Steel bridge pins are more expensive, but they’re also more durable.

Brass bridge pins are the most expensive, but they’re also the most durable.

Neck


The neck is the long, thin component of the guitar that runs from the body to the headstock and is generally made of wood.

Since different woods have distinct qualities that influence how the vibrations created by the strings behave, the type of wood chosen for the neck can affect the guitar’s playability and sound.

When it comes to the Gretsch G9200, its neck is made of mahogany and has a Soft V shape with an adjustable truss rod.

The bolt-on neck, which is screwed or bolted onto the guitar body, is the most common type.

Set-necks, which are glued to the body, are another popular style.

Guitar necks have a few important parts, which include: the fretboard, the frets, the nut, and the truss rod.

Fretboard


The fretboard is the surface on the neck of the guitar where your fingers press down on the strings.

It’s most commonly made of wood, although it can also be made of carbon fiber, plastic, or even metal.

The Gretsch G9200 has a fretboard made of padauk with pearloid dots inlays:

Gretsch G9200 fretboard
Fretboard

Despite the fact that this has traditionally been a point of controversy, it is widely accepted that the type of wood used for the fretboard might have a small impact on the sound of the guitar.

For example, maple is a popular wood for electric guitars because it produces a sharp and vibrant tone.

Rosewood is another popular choice, and it’s often used on acoustic guitars because it gives the instrument a warm and full sound.

Ebony is another popular choice, and it’s frequently used on guitars meant to have a very bright, clear sound.

There are several varieties of fretboards available, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

The type of fretboard you pick is ultimately up to you and what you’re looking for in a guitar; the tone will not change dramatically, but the feel might.

Gretsch G9200 body
Body

Brand Info


Gretsch is an American musical instrument company that was founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch.

The company originally produced banjos, tambourines, and drums, but they eventually began manufacturing guitars in the 1930s.

Today, Gretsch offers a wide range of different acoustic and electric guitars that are perfect for every budget and playing style.

If you’re looking for a high-quality guitar with a classic look and sound, then Gretsch is a great option.

The company has a long history of producing some of the best guitars in the world, and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

When it comes to quality, Gretsch guitars are on par with some of the best in the business and feature good craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Gretsch brand logo
Gretsch logo

Videos


For those of you who want to get a more in-depth look at this guitar, we’ve included some videos below.

The first video is a demo showing off how it sounds and looks.

While the second video is a review that goes over some of its features and specs.

Demo

Gretsch Boxcar Resonator Guitar G9200 Review

Review

This $500 Gretsch sounds incredible... | G9200 Mahogany Boxcar Resonator

Specifications


A guitar’s specifications can tell you a lot about the instrument, and they can be helpful when you’re trying to decide between different models.

Below, we’ve included the specifications for the Gretsch G9200:

– General

BrandGretsch
ModelG9200
TypeResonator
SizeFull Size
ColorsNatural
Number of Strings6
Hardware PlatingChrome
Tuning MachinesDie Cast
Electro-acousticNo
Built-in TunerNot applicable

– Body

Body StyleResonator
CutawayNo
Solid TopNo
Top MaterialLaminated Mahogany
Back MaterialLaminated Mahogany
Sides MaterialLaminated Mahogany
Finish TypeVintage Semi-Gloss
PickguardNo
Pickguard DesignNot applicable
Strap ButtonsYes
Strap Buttons PositionBottom
Strap Buttons DesignVintage End-Pin

– Neck

Neck MaterialMahogany
Neck ShapeSoft V
Scale Length25″
Truss RodAdjustable

– Fretboard

Fretboard MaterialPadauk
Fingerboard InlayPearloid dots
Number of Frets19

– Bridge, nut, saddle, pins

Bridge DesignSpider
Pin ColorNot applicable
Pin MaterialNot applicable
Bridge MaterialGretsch Ampli-Sonic™
Saddle MaterialEbony-Tipped Maple
Nut MaterialBone
Nut Width1.75″”

Please note that some brands might change the type of materials that they use on their guitars.

This can be because of new regulations and laws that come and go throughout the years.

If you see a mistake in any of these specifications, please let us know and we’ll correct it.

You can reach out to us via our email: [email protected]

I also encourage you to check out our other guitar reviews if you’re looking for something specific that you might have not found here with this guitar.

There are a lot of great guitars out there, and it can be tough to choose the right one sometimes.

We have reviews on electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, effects pedals, and more.

No matter what your budget is, or what type of guitar you’re looking for, we should be able to help you find the perfect one for you.