Gretsch CGP vs. Gretch HOF

[stevek]

All,

I am going to buy a new guitar and have narrowed it down the Gretsch CGP or HOF models. If you have had one or both of these, please let me know your experience so I can benefit from it.

Thanks,

Steve

[Richard Hudson]

HOF would be my preference.

[guitarchuck]

I had a G6120-CGP for 3 years. I had the G6122-1959 Nashville Classic before that. Now I own a G6122-1959HOF Country Gentleman. It depends on what you like in a guitar.

They both have a 1 3/4" neck at the nut.

The CGP has 24.6" scale and the HOF has a 25.5" scale. To me the shorter scale of the CGP makes it slightly easier to play, but I think the longer scale of the HOF stays in tune better.


The CGP has a 16" wide body with a 2.75" depth. The HOF has 17" wide body with a 2.25" depth. I'm 6' 3" tall and I like the HOF body size.

The CGP has Bridge Pickup: Special Design TV Jones® Dual-Coil Humbucking Bridge Pickup and Neck Pickup: Special Design TV Jones® Dual-Coil Humbucking Neck Pickup. These are split to run the Bass 3 strings seperate from the treble three strings. Cool to play around with, but I used it in the normal mono mode almost always.

The HOF has Bridge Pickup: TV Jones® Plus HT Bridge Pickup and Neck Pickup: TV Jones® Super-Tron™ Classic Neck Pickup. To me this is the best sounding pickup combo available!

The HOF has prettier flamed maple wood.

The HOF model is only going to have 75 made total, I'm told. The CGP is currently being made every year in limited numbers.

So overall I like the HOF better than the CGP. Both are great guitars, but it's a personal preference.

[synchro]

I've only played a CGP but once and as great of a guitars as it is I wouldn't consider it as a performing axe. It's heavy and I couldn't imagine lasting even one set with that much weight on my shoulder.

I suspect that guitarchuck's assessment about the stereo feature would hold true for me as well. It sounds fascinating but when I'm on a gig I usually prefer simplicity over all else. Unless there was a very good reason I just couldn't see myself dragging two amps to a gig just for a stereo effect. If I was planning on doing a lot of recording that would be another matter.

[synchro]

I almost forgot. . .

OTOH, the HOF is a great gigging guitar. It has a lot more to offer than just Chet sounds. The bridge pickup alone is pretty bright, almost a stealth Tele.

[MitchC]

Another vote for the Hall Of Fame. Only 75 to be made, period. The CGP will most likely be available long after the 75 HOF's are gone.

[smokymtguitar09]

Steve,
I have a 6120-CGP and 6122-59 CG. I don't have the HOF model, which is really a modified special edition of the 6122-59 CG but orange in color. Both of my guitars have great features; however, the CGP is much lighter than the CG which has the filtertron/supertron pickups that produce close to the desired sound of Chet's '59 Country Gentleman. The CGP stereo setup was a novel idea at the time it was first developed, but not very practical in today's performance and recording situations. The CGP has a good feel when strapped on and being played at a performance. It has a very good feeling neck and the shorter scale, as has been mentioned, makes it easier to play with the lighter string tension. You can even get a a great Duane Eddy and Ventures sound with the CGP, but if you want more of the sound Chet got in the 1960s then the Country Gent is the way to go. I've recorded songs using both these guitars.

Good luck on your decision.

Thanks

[George Beasley]

Ive got a Nashville Classic (2005) and a CGP. They are both great guitars, but I like the CGP. That being said, I bought the CGP from Richard Hudson...a much better player than me...and he said he never connected with it. As far as I can tell, it is all just a personal preference. They both sound just fine.

Thanks,
George

[stevek]

Thanks all, I really appreciate everyone's inputs.

[MitchC]

So have you decided yet Steve ? I own the HOF and keep toying with the notion of getting the CGP also.