Gretsch G9201 2717013000 Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Gretsch G9201 Dipper Roundneck Resonator guitar offers a unique take on the classic resonator design. Part of Gretsch's roots-focused Roots Collection, the Dipper brings together vintage styling with modern playability.

This single cone resonator guitar captures the distinctive tone and vibe of early blues and slide guitar. Its all-mahogany construction produces a warm, earthy sound with clear resonation and sustain. While staying true to the roots of the instrument, Gretsch has added some modern appointments for improved comfort and versatility.

Overall, the Gretsch G9201 Dipper aims to deliver an authentic resonator guitar experience in an affordable, playable package. It's a great choice for players looking to add that vintage slide and blues tone to their collection without breaking the bank.

Body & Neck

The Gretsch G9201 has a classic, great looking body shape featuring a mahogany body with a maple top. Mahogany is a dense, mid-heavy wood that provides warmth and richness to the overall tone. The maple top adds brightness and definition. Together, these tonewoods produce a balanced, versatile sound.

The neck has Gretsch's comfortable round "C" neck shape. It's not too chunky but substantial enough for solid grip and smooth playability. The neck is also made from mahogany for consistent tone from neck to body. The rosewood fingerboard has a 12" radius and pearl rectangular block inlays. Overall the neck feels smooth and fast yet anchored.

If you're looking for an affordable, quality acoustic guitar, the YAMAHA FG800 is a fantastic option. This dreadnought guitar delivers impressive sound and playability at a very reasonable price point. The solid Sitka spruce top provides excellent projection and dynamic range. The nato back and sides offer a balanced tone that works well for various playing styles. The slim neck makes it very comfortable and accessible for beginners, while the rosewood fingerboard and bridge provide crisp highs and tight bass.

The Yamaha FG800 really punches above its weight in terms of build quality and components. It has a tortoise style pickguard, die-cast chrome tuners, and a rosewood bridge with synthetic bone saddle. Little details like an adjustable truss rod and dovetail neck joint demonstrate Yamaha's commitment to construction. Cosmetically this guitar looks sharp with its vintage inspired styling, black pickguard, and cream body binding.

When you consider the Yamaha name and reputation, it's pretty incredible just how much guitar you can get for under $200 with the FG800. The solid top design means this acoustic will mature well over time. Many owners report this model having a big, full sound that belies its affordable price tag. If you're wanting to buy your first serious acoustic or just need a high value workhorse guitar, the Yamaha FG800 is tough to beat.

Hardware

The Gretsch G9201 Dipper features classic Gretsch hardware that contributes to its vintage resonator sound and playability.

It has a single-coil Broad'Tron neck pickup, which produces a bright, punchy tone that complements the naturally loud acoustic resonance from the aluminum cone. The Broad'Tron pickup allows players to amplify the Dipper while retaining its acoustic character.

The guitar also comes equipped with a Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece. The Bigsby adds expressive, vibrato effects by allowing the strings to flex under the pressure of the arm. This allows guitarists to add emotion and movement to sustained notes and chords. The Bigsby is smooth and stable, providing excellent tuning stability even with heavy use of the vibrato effect. Its retro-cool appearance also perfectly matches the vintage vibe of the Dipper.

The combination of the Broad'Tron pickup and Bigsby tailpiece gives players the best of both worlds - the ability to amplify the Dipper's acoustic sound and the expressiveness of an electric guitar. This allows the instrument to produce anything from old-school country twang to bluesy lead lines.

The hardware on the Gretsch G9201 Dipper is designed to accentuate its acoustic properties while also allowing it to be amplified and enhanced with effects. The Broad'Tron pickup captures the bright, resonant tone of the aluminum cone while the Bigsby tailpiece adds expressive vibrato to the guitar's sustain. Together, these components give the Dipper versatility across many musical genres.

Some players may prefer the crisp acoustic sound of a resonator guitar like the Dipper without any electric amplification or effects. The loud acoustic volume is one of the defining features of resophonic guitars after all. However, the Broad'Tron pickup allows players to amplify the Dipper when needed while retaining that acoustic character that makes resonator guitars so distinctive.

The Bigsby B60 is an elegant and reliable vibrato system that adds new dimensions to the Dipper's musical voice. From subtle, trembling vibrato to dramatic pitch bends, the Bigsby allows guitarists to imbue their playing with emotion and movement. The smooth, stable performance of the Bigsby even under heavy use is impressive as well. Overall, it's a great musical tool for resonator guitarists.

The combination of the Broad'Tron pickup and Bigsby on the Gretsch G9201 Dipper give it versatility across many musical styles and performance scenarios. It can hold its own acoustically, plugged into an amp, or enhanced with pedal effects. The classic resonator sound shines through while still allowing guitarists to craft their own unique tones.

For players looking for a great resonator guitar with some added electric capability, the Gretsch G9201 Dipper is an excellent option. It retains the acoustic power of a resophonic while also giving access to amplification and effects when desired. The Broad'Tron and Bigsby complement the Dipper's design nicely.

The hardware on a resonator guitar like the Gretsch Dipper can have a big impact on its sound and versatility. Quality components like the Broad'Tron pickup and Bigsby B60 tailpiece expand the guitar's sonic potential. The bright resonance and distinctive tone of the aluminum cone are amplified and shaped by these supplemental parts.

Some guitarists may wonder whether hardware like this compromises the traditional acoustic sound of a resonator. However, the Broad'Tron seems to capture the Dipper's tone quite faithfully when amplified based on reviews. The Bigsby also doesn't dampen sustain or resonance significantly. Overall, the additions complement the instrument well.

The Gretsch G9201 Dipper produces a naturally loud acoustic sound, but its hardware also allows it to work well as an electric resonator. The combination of traditional construction and modern appointments make it very versatile. Guitarists can play blues, country, rock and more on this single instrument thanks to its flexible design.

Resonator guitars like the Dipper have a bold, cutting voice that makes them perfect for solos and leads. The Bigsby tailpiece adds new textures and expressiveness to held notes. Guitarists can imbue lines and licks with a vocal-like quality. The Broad'Tron pickup ensures those solos cut through the mix when amplified as well. The Dipper was built for guitarists who want to take the lead and be heard.

The Gretsch G9201 Dipper is a great way for guitarists to access an iconic resonator sound while still enjoying modern conveniences like amplification and effects. The traditional construction provides that vintage vibe while the Broad'Tron and Bigsby bring versatility. It's the best of both worlds!

If you're looking for an affordable, quality electric guitar, check out the Fender CD-60S 970110006. This guitar combines classic Fender design with modern appointments for versatility across musical genres. It features a solid mahogany top, mahogany back and sides, and a comfortable "C"-shaped maple neck. The CD-60S is an excellent choice for new guitarists or anyone looking for an affordable Fender option with great tone.

Electronics

The electronics of the G9201 are simple yet effective for an electric resonator guitar like this. It features a single master volume and master tone control, allowing you to easily shape and control the overall sound.

The master volume knob lets you go from clean tones at lower settings to increasing overdrive at higher volumes. It gives you good range over the guitar's dynamics.

The master tone knob helps shape the brightness and roll off some of the high end when desired. It allows tailoring the tone to your liking or to fit the genre/style you're playing.

Overall the electronics are straightforward but give you the essential controls you need on a resonator guitar like the G9201. Just having dedicated master volume and tone knobs is preferable to more complex controls, keeping the guitar simple but very usable.

Sound

The Gretsch G9201 Dipper resonator guitar produces a bright, punchy tone that's well-suited for blues and country playing. The all-metal body construction helps project lots of volume and cut through a mix.

The cone design and materials have a big impact on the guitar's tone. This model uses a 10" spun aluminum cone which gives it a strong treble response and tight bass. It has loads of twang and bite when playing clean. The tone remains crisp when overdriven, without getting overly harsh or shrill.

Fingerpicking styles like chicken pickin' really shine on the Dipper. The bright tone and dynamic range let notes pop nicely. Strumming and flatpicking have great definition too. The tone is focused in the mids and treble, with enough low end thump to fill out chords. Overall it's an excellent resonator guitar for blues, country, bluegrass and roots music where you want a cutting amplified tone.

Playability

The Gretsch G9201 2717013000 has a neck and fretboard designed for smooth playability. It features a comfortable rounded C-shape neck profile that feels great in the hand. The neck width at the nut measures 1.6875 inches, providing enough room for intricate chord shapes and lead playing while still feeling sleek and fast.

The fretboard radius measures 12 inches, striking a balance between vintage roundness and modern flatness. Many players find this fretboard curvature ergonomic and comfortable. The guitar also has medium jumbo frets, which give a smooth feel when bending strings. The medium height provides definition while avoiding sharpness.

Overall, the Gretsch G9201 offers a fast, sleek neck and fretboard optimized for comfort, speed, and versatility. The rounded neck shape conforms nicely to the player's hand, while the 12 inch radius and medium jumbo frets facilitate smooth lead playing and complex chording. Players who prioritize ergonomics and playability will appreciate the design choices made for this guitar's neck and fretboard.

Pros

The Gretsch G9201 Dipper boasts an iconic hollowbody design that is synonymous with vintage Gretsch guitars. The fully hollow mahogany body produces a warm, resonant tone that many guitarists associate with classic rock and blues from the 50s and 60s.

The Dipper's dual Filter'Tron pickups capture the punchy mids and smooth highs that vintage Gretschs are known for. From sharp, ringing cleans to growling overdrive, this guitar nails those classic Gretsch tones. The three-way pickup selector provides excellent tonal versatility as well.

Overall, the Gretsch G9201 Dipper delivers an authentic, old-school hollowbody sound. For guitarists who want classic rock and blues tones, this guitar has fantastic vintage vibe and character.

Cons

The Gretsch G9201 dipper resonator guitar does have some drawbacks to consider.

• Feedback at high volumes - This is a common issue with many resonator guitars. The large metal resonator cone can pick up sound from the amp and create feedback, especially when playing at louder volumes. This may limit its use for some performers who need to play at high stage volumes. Using good acoustic treatment on stage and strategic microphone placement can help mitigate feedback.

• Limited controls - The control set on the G9201 is fairly basic, with just one volume and one tone knob. It lacks some of the tone-shaping controls that other electric guitars offer, like a 3-way pickup selector switch, coil-splitting/tapping, etc. This limits the tonal options and those seeking more versatility may want to look elsewhere. However, the Gretsch makes up for it with its inherent broad tone.

Alternatives

The Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Hollow Body is a similar retro-style electric guitar with classic Gretsch sound and style. It features a hollow body design, dual Filter'Tron humbuckers, master volume and tone controls, and a comfortable thin "U"-shaped maple neck. The G5420T provides a great classic rock and blues tone at a more affordable price point than the G9201.

The Epiphone Emperor Swingster is another comparable model, with a classic arched maple top and back, and two dogear P-90 pickups for a vintage tone. The Swingster has a comfortable slim-taper neck and vintage styling cues like the pickguard and control knobs. It's a high quality guitar with many of the same design elements as the G9201.

The G5420T and Swingster are two alternatives that give a similar retro hollow body electric guitar experience as the Gretsch G9201, but at lower prices. They lack some of the prestige and Made in Japan construction of the G9201, but provide excellent value and classic rock 'n roll tones.

Conclusion

The Gretsch G9201 Dipper Round Neck Resonator guitar shines for blues, country, and rockabilly playing. Its all-mahogany construction produces a warm, resonant tone perfect for slide guitar. The round neck offers smooth playability, while the built-in resonator amplifies volume and sustain.

This guitar is best suited for delta blues, Dobro style, and lap steel music. The Dipper excels with open tunings and slide technique, filling out your sound with brassy resonance. Its vintage design marries historic tone with modern reliability.

Overall, the Gretsch G9201 is ideal for players who want a great-sounding resonator for under $500. It captures the classic resonator tone in an affordable package built for slide and roots styles. The round neck, brass body cone, and single-cone design provide excellent resonance, projection, and playability.