Gretsch G9500 2704000503 Acoustic Guitar: Full Review

Gretsch is an iconic American instrument brand with deep roots in rock n' roll and country music. Founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch in Brooklyn, New York, Gretsch has been family-owned for generations. They originally gained fame for their hollow and semi-hollow electric guitars used by rockabilly artists like Chet Atkins and Eddie Cochran in the 1950s and 60s.

In more recent decades, Gretsch has also become known for their quality acoustic guitars. They offer a wide range of acoustic models, from classic dreadnoughts to folk-friendly parlor styles. Gretsch acoustics showcase high-end appointments like solid spruce tops and mahogany backs/sides, as well as Gretsch's distinctive logo and body bindings. While respecting vintage American guitar traditions, Gretsch acoustics have a clear, balanced tone and slick modern playability.

The G9500 is an all-solid mahogany dreadnought that encapsulates Gretsch's acoustic craftsmanship. As we'll explore in this review, it has a rich, mellow voice and refined details that make it an appealing choice for intermediate players.

G9500 Specs

The Gretsch G9500 is a folk-sized acoustic guitar with a classic dreadnought body shape. It has a total length of 41 inches, with a width of 15.75 inches at the lower bout and 10.75 inches at the neck joint. The body depth is 4.5 inches.

The back and sides of the G9500 are made of laminated mahogany, while the top is solid Sitka spruce. This tonewood combination produces a balanced and articulate sound. The solid spruce top allows the guitar to be played at higher volumes without distorting while still retaining warmth and clarity.

The G9500 comes in two classic finish options - a transparent 2-color sunburst featuring mahogany back and sides, and an all-black finish with ebony back and sides. Both models have a natural spruce top and mahogany neck. The mahogany neck provides stability and sustains notes well.

Other features of the G9500 include a 25.5" scale length, 20-fret rosewood fingerboard, rosewood bridge, die-cast tuners, and tortoise pickguard. It comes equipped with Fishman electronics for plugging into an amplifier or PA system. The Fishman pickup and preamp system accurately reproduces the G9500's acoustic tone when amplified.

Players looking for an affordable, great-sounding dreadnought acoustic guitar will appreciate the classic looks, comfortable feel, and balanced tone offered by the Gretsch G9500. It's an excellent choice for folk, country, blues, and rock players who want a versatile acoustic with nice projection and sustain.

Another comparable acoustic guitar in this price range is the Epiphone ENA2AANH3. Like the Gretsch G9500, the Epiphone ENA2AANH3 has a classic dreadnought body shape with laminated mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top. It also comes equipped with a Fishman pickup/preamp system for plugging in.

Some differences are that the Epiphone has a slightly wider nut width of 1.69" compared to 1.68" on the G9500. It also has a 5-ply maple/rosewood neck construction compared to mahogany on the Gretsch model. The Epiphone may have a slightly brighter and more articulate tone thanks to its maple neck and wider nut.

Overall, the Gretsch G9500 and Epiphone ENA2AANH3 are comparable instruments that offer great value in their price range. The Gretsch has a slightly warmer, vintage tone while the Epiphone is a bit brighter and more modern sounding. Either acoustic guitar would make a solid choice for an entry-level dreadnought.

Sound Profile

The G9500 has a well-balanced tone that projects nicely without being too bright. The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a balanced sound across the tonal spectrum.

The solid spruce top provides clarity and articulation in the treble and mid-range. Spruce is a popular top wood for acoustics because of its resonant properties that emphasize the bright overtones.

The mahogany back and sides fill out the bass notes nicely. Mahogany has a warmer, rounder sound compared to rosewood or maple. The bass tones are present without sounding boomy or muddy.

The body shape allows the guitar to project the sound outward very well. The tones are directed towards the player for an immersive playing experience. The notes decay cleanly without sounding overly reverberant.

Overall, the G9500 has a versatile sound profile suitable for various playing styles. It provides enough bass response for rhythm playing while still having enough treble shimmer for melodic, single-note lines. The balanced sound works well for both accompanying and solo playing.

The G9500's balanced and clear tone makes it a great choice for a wide range of musical genres and playing techniques. It has enough dynamic range to handle aggressive strumming but also the subtlety for fingerstyle playing. The mahogany and spruce tonewood combination is a tried and true formula for achieving a balanced acoustic guitar sound.

Some players may prefer a bit more bass emphasis from their acoustic guitar. For those looking for more low end punch, check out the Epiphone EILMSBUNH1. It features a solid mahogany top which adds some extra warmth and boominess to the sound.

The all-mahogany body gives the EILMSBUNH1 a very woody, earthy tone. The bass frequencies are strong but not overly exaggerated. It has a vintage voice that excels at blues and classic rock styles. The mahogany tone also pairs nicely with a capo for folk and country playing.

The EILMSBUNH1 is an affordable option for players who find typical spruce top guitars lacking in the low end. It has a dark, throaty voice that stands out compared to brighter sounding acoustics. While not as articulate as a spruce model, the EILMSBUNH1 produces very rich tones.

In terms of playability, the EILMSBUNH1 has a comfortable slim neck profile and smooth satin finish. It's a great guitar for rhythm playing and strumming thanks to the bass-heavy mahogany sound. The tone is focused and projects well live without sounding muddy in the mix.

For acoustic guitarists wanting more emphasis on the low end and mid-range, be sure to check out the Epiphone EILMSBUNH1. Its all-mahogany body produces a deep, warm sound with vintage character. While not as balanced sounding as spruce models, it provides an excellent alternative voice.

Playability

The G9500 has an exceptionally comfortable and playable neck. The width measures 1 3/4 inches at the nut, which is a nice compromise between too wide and too slim. This allows for comfortable fretting while still providing enough room between strings for fingerpicking.

The neck profile has a vintage "C" shape that feels substantial without being bulky. It fills the hand nicely and allows the thumb to wrap around easily. The back of the neck has a smooth satin finish that promotes fast, slick runs up and down the fretboard.

The string action on the G9500 is set low from the factory, measuring just 5/64" on the treble side and 7/64" on the bass side. This allows for easy fretting without creating buzz. The action can be adjusted through the traditional dovetail neck joint.

The fretboard radius measures 12" which gives the strings a very slight curve. The frets feel smooth and are carefully finished on the ends and sides. Overall the neck design, finish, and factory setup come together to make this guitar feel effortless to play.

Hardware

The G9500 features quality hardware including die-cast sealed tuning machines and a rosewood bridge and nut. The tuners are high ratio 18:1 with butterbean knobs that provide smooth and accurate tuning. The rosewood bridge and nut help transfer vibrations for a full and balanced tone.

The compensated saddle is made from quality bone material that intonates accurately up and down the fretboard. Overall the hardware components are robust and designed for quality performance and longevity. Many players appreciate the elegant design of the open-gear tuners which complement the ornate pickguard and bindings.

Electronics

The Gretsch G9500 features a Fishman Sonitone electronics system, which utilizes an under-saddle pickup and preamp specifically designed for acoustic guitars. This provides a very natural, balanced tone that accurately captures the nuances of the guitar's sound.

The onboard preamp has volume and tone controls that allow you to shape and optimize your amplified tone. The volume knob controls the overall output level, while the tone knob lets you dial in more bass or treble as desired. There is also a phase switch, which helps eliminate feedback at higher volumes.

The output jack is a standard 1/4" mono jack that allows you to connect to an amplifier, PA system, or recording interface. The preamp runs on a 9V battery or you can use an optional 9V power supply adapter. Overall the electronics offer excellent plugged-in performance while retaining the inherent acoustic sound of the guitar.

Craftsmanship

The Gretsch G9500 acoustic guitar demonstrates excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail from Gretsch. It features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a slick 2-Color Sunburst finish. Gretsch is known for making high-quality instruments that stand the test of time.

The build quality on the G9500 is very good with tight tolerances between parts and a flawless finish. There are no uneven gaps, glue blobs, or other signs of sloppy construction. The binding and purfling are cleanly cut and consistent all the way around. The fretwork is excellent with smooth ends and rounded edges.

Overall the G9500 shows that Gretsch pays close attention to detail and has rigorous quality control. This is a finely crafted instrument made to last. While not a handmade boutique acoustic, the G9500 delivers on Gretsch's reputation for excellent build quality and craftsmanship.

Pros

The G9500 offers a few key benefits that make it stand out:

• Rich, balanced sound - The all-solid tonewoods and advanced bracing result in a full, rich acoustic tone across the frequency spectrum. The mahogany back and sides provide warmth, while the solid spruce top offers brightness and clarity.

• Easy playability - The modified low oval neck profile provides a smooth, comfortable playing feel. The shorter 24.6" scale length reduces tension, making it very playable for all hand sizes.

• Classic styling - The G9500 has an elegant, vintage-inspired look with its 2-color sunburst finish and mother-of-pearl Neo-Classic fingerboard inlays. The vintage open-gear tuners and Gretsch logos complete the classic aesthetic.

Cons

• The strings it comes with aren't the highest quality and you may want to replace them sooner than expected. The strings can start to show signs of corrosion and rust.

• The intonation out of the box may need some tweaking and adjusting. Some users have reported the intonation being off up and down the neck.

• The sunburst finish, while attractive, shows fingerprints and smudges more than a gloss finish. The matte finish requires more frequent wiping down.

Conclusion

The Gretsch G9500 all-solid-wood acoustic guitar provides an excellent option for fingerstyle players looking for a full, balanced tone. Though it may not have the projection of larger dreadnought models, the Grand Auditorium body shape produces warm lows, balanced mids, and crisp highs.

The mahogany back and sides complement the solid Sitka spruce top to deliver a balanced tonal response. While mahogany guitars often sound darker, the G9500 has enough brightness to appeal to a wide range of playing styles. The slim mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard are very playable and comfortable.

Hardware and electronics are high-quality, with sealed die-cast tuners that hold tune well. The Fishman presys blend system allows for natural plugged-in tones. Attention to detail and solid construction reflect Gretsch's 120+ years of guitar-making experience.

The G9500 would suit fingerstyle players looking for an all-solid wood guitar with balanced tone and excellent playability. The compact body size makes it a good choice for smaller players too. Overall, the G9500 earns 4 out of 5 stars for its quality materials, smooth playability, and great acoustic sound.