Guitar World Verdict
An uber-cool solidbody electric that brings a different vibe for Gretsch to an accessible price point. For just shy of $300 you get a serving of rough-and-ready tones, compartmentalised in a package that looks very rock ‘n’ roll. But it could probably benefit from a future pickup swap.
Pros
- +
A fresh Gretsch vibe at an affordable price.
- +
Comfortable neck profile.
- +
A worthy candidate for modding.
Cons
- -
Humbucker isn't all that convincing.
- -
The build on this test model was a bit rough around the edges.
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What is it?
For me, Gretsch has quietly been one of the MVPs of the guitar world in 2025. Not only has it completely refreshed the Streamliner line with a suite of smart new entry level electrics in the Jet and Electromatic families – one of which I have here in front of me – the company has also busied itself with the CVT, a revival of the cult classic Corvette; the Synchromatics, which bring the White Falcon and Nashville models to all-new low price points; and the first-ever Abbey Road electric guitar, purpose-built for studio purposes.
That’s quite the yield, but for all the pomp and spectacle surrounding arguably the more ‘interesting’ releases, it is the humble Jet refresh that has most captured my attention. Why? Well, not only did I get hands-on with them at their surprise public debut at Guitar Summit a few months ago, these guitars present a very interesting proposition to guitar buyers.
The $189.99 for the entry-level Streamliner Jet Club 1 Pickup is, on paper, exceptional value for a Gretsch guitar, regardless of where it’s made or what design it champions. At $299.99, the Streamliner Jet 1 Pickup that I have here isn’t quite that cheap, but it’s low for a genuine Gretsch-stamped guitar. The key differences are the inclusion of a bound carved top here and vintage-inspired knurled radio control knobs
It’s about as simple as a design brief as you’re going to get with a guitar: it’s a frills-free, no-nonsense, single pickup workhorse that is designed to get you playing. There’s no fancy electronics, no glamorous aesthetics. This is the type of guitar that’s meant to get you started on your playing journey, and follow you into the trenches when the going gets tough.
But is it up to the task, and worthy of taking on the rough and tumble that might come its way?
Specs
- Launch price: $299.99 | £359
- Made: China
- Type: Solidbody electric guitar
- Body: Mahogany with carved top
- Neck: Mahogany, Fast C profile
- Fingerboard: Indian laurel
- Scale length: 24.88”
- Nut/width: GraphTech NuBone / 42.86mm
- Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
- Hardware: Adjustable Wrap-Around bridge, Die-Cast sealed tuners, Chrome
- Electrics: HotWire High Output Ceramic Humbucker, Master Volume, Master Tone
- Weight: 7.5lb/3.43kg
- Left-handed options: No
- Finishes: Vintage White, Jet Black, Midnight Blue
- Case: No
- Contact: Gretsch
Build quality
Build quality rating: ★★★☆☆
Elements of the build quality with the test model I have here are a bit of a mixed bag. The carved mahogany body is paired with even bridge posts that, because of the mish-mash of levels, leave some of the post threads visible. This is particularly apparent on the bass side, and once you see it you can’t unsee it.
It’s not the most snug neck joint I’ve ever seen, either, and there are some noticeable gaps between the neck and the body – again, more noticeable on the bass side of the fretboard. On the treble side, the cutaway isn’t quite cut flush to the neck, meaning there’s a slight raised bump – and a bit of overhanging neck pocket peeking through – to be felt and seen.
The nut is also a bit bulky, and again isn’t quite flush with the fretboard, with some overhangs on both sides that make fretting lower chords a bit tedious. And, while at this end of the guitar, the Indian laurel fretboard looks absolutely parched. It could definitely do with a lick of lemon oil – or something even more intensively hydrating – to try and put a bit of life into it.
These shortcomings don't really get in the way of the overall vibe of the guitar and some can be addressed by experienced hands. And on the positive side, the GraphTech NuBone nut is a good addition, as is the adjustable wrap-around bridge, which is a dream for intonation changes.
There’s also plenty to like elsewhere. The binding is done impeccably – if, albeit rather simply – which is nice to see on a $300 guitar. The control knobs are sturdy and responsive, and it is comfortably light. I’d have no problem playing this for hours on end standing up. Something definitely worth bearing in mind, depending on who this is for: an asset for younger beginners, and older players looking for a single-cut that's a bit easier on the back.
Playability
Playability rating: ★★★★½
The “Fast C” neck is tightly slim and feels breezy in the fretting hand
What first struck me here was the neck. I’m not sure why, but I expected something beefier – something with a bit of heft. But, as an affordable electric guitar geared towards first-time buyers and potential beginners, it makes sense Gretsch would go for something a bit more tapered.
As it is, the “Fast C” neck is tightly slim and feels breezy in the fretting hand. The shoulders aren’t too steeply sloped, either, so while this isn’t my favorite neck profile ever, I can certainly appreciate the positives. Paired with the 12” radius fingerboard – and the slightly odd in-between 24.88” scale length – this is a nicely set up guitar, with smooth fret edges and a gloss neck that doesn’t feel at all tacky or sticky.
The body itself benefits from a very conservative belly contour, which is very welcome. It’s a nicely shaped contour that will certainly prevent any Tele-rib-like symptoms from a flat edge digging into your torso.
Also, such is the way with single pickup guitars, there is ample room for your strumming hand to let loose. It plays into the workhorse vibe of the wider line refresh. There are absolutely no barriers to entry to play here. The single volume and tone knobs are conveniently positioned for swift tonal alterations, the hardware doesn’t get in the way, the neck is a good player, the fretboard is primed for bends and rhythms alike.
Sounds
Sounds rating: ★★★½
Cleans in particular were a bit of a sticking point for me
Having recently come around to the idea of single-pickup guitars, I was quietly really excited to hear what this guitar was made of, with its newly voiced HotWire High Output Ceramic Humbucker. However, such is the way with one-pickup guitars, there is a lot riding on it. If the one pickup doesn’t sound good, there’s nowhere you can hide.
So does the HotWire do enough to carry this? Well, it sounds a little more nasal than I would have expected, and perhaps lacking a bit of beef, but there’s plenty of potential for getting a good tone here, especially when you play with the volume and tone controls.
Cleans in particular were a bit of a sticking point for me, and while there was an admirable amount of clarity and definition, it wasn’t the most inspiring stock sound I’ve ever heard. It can be warmed and fattened up by knocking back the tone a tad, though, so it’s definitely a decent enough starting point.
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The Jet proves appealing when given some dirt, though, and I found my usual gain staging responds particularly well here. A transparent overdrive really gives it the boost it needed – to the point where I’d say it’s best having an ‘always on’ drive pedal to go alongside this one – and it doesn't lose any of its definition when a distortion and / or fuzz was layered on top.
So there’s plenty to like, even if there is a little left to be desired, and for an affordable guitar that’s clearly designed to be a pick-up-and-play-er, there's a good foundation here. As a player develops, or wants this as a project, the pickup would probably be the first thing I change about this guitar.
Verdict
This isn’t going to be the most refined player out there, but anyone that needs a bit of oomph and a bit of punch, would do well to have this in its corner. The single pickup design can be limited by its nature – especially with the cheaper pots and pickups of arffordable price points – but this is a base that can be built on. A bit of build TLC, and a humbucker swap, and this thing could be really special.
Guitar World verdict: An uber-cool solidbody electric that brings a different vibe for Gretsch to an accessible price point. For just shy of $300 you get a serving of rough-and-ready tones, compartmentalised in a package that looks very rock ‘n’ roll. But it could probably benefit from a future pickup swap.
Test | Results | Score |
|---|---|---|
Build quality | This test model was a bit rough around the edges. | ★★★☆☆ |
Playability | Appealing neck profile, comfortable contouring, breezy radius and scale length | ★★★★½ |
Sounds | Not the most convincing humbucker sound around but potential for some decent tones. | ★★★½ |
Overall | A decent single pickup guitar option at an enticing price point. | ★★★½ |
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