Gretsch country gent alternative?

Calum13

Hello, I'm just wondering if there are any cheaper alternatives to the gretsch country gentlemen as my favourite guitar player (John Squire) had a 1964 model with the supertron in the neck. I'm thinking of getting a streamliner and forking out another £120 on a set of filtertrons. Would this sound similar to a country gent? (I'm 14 and don't want to spend too much)

TheMarlin

I’d replace the whole wiring loom while you’re at it. The 2620 Streamliner is a fine guitar. Great build quality, though bridge may rattle a bit. 
Mojo can make you a drop in fit neck supertron and bridge Filtertron in Humbucker mounts. Get the bridge one wound slightly hotter like a TV Classic Plus. 
Gretsch Filtertrons will mean you need new pickup mounts, they’re much smaller than the stock humbuckers.  

Corvus

Another option might be the 5422, they have the halfmoon markers and come in walnut stain. Might have to bide your time to get one at the right price but they do come up around £300 sometimes (one on the bay now, starting there with case). They have humbuckers also, so as above re mounting bucker-size 'trons being the easy option.

As for sound, close enough for rock & roll, most Filtertrons of the same type sound similar, you're into small nuances with different makers.
Reminds me, Fletcher Pickups does hand wound bucker-sized (and normal sized) 'trons for £58. They're plenty good, I have three of them. No Supertron-style though.

dazzajl

Corvus said:

Another option might be the 5422.........,

No one likes a nit picker but I think you mean the 5122. The 5422 has the blacktop filtertrons and the 5122 has the standard sized ‘Gretchbuckers’

I’ve never played a 5122 but I’d guess build wise they’re very similar and the 5422 is by far best feeling electro I’ve ever played. 

stickyfiddle

I had a 5122 - nice little guitar. I put TV Jones in mine and it sounded brilliant as a result. I only sold due to the slightly-too-thin neck and slightly-too-small frets.

Corvus

Daz quite right, 5122, brain disconnect there..

Calum13

Thanks for the input. I'm considering the 5122 but I'll wait till I have some more money (possibly get a weekend job in a guitar shop) How much would it cost for the mojo supertron and filtertron?

musicman100

I think you'll find it was a 65/66 

Corvus

Mojo Filters are £80 each, theres also Oil City and The Creamery but not sure if they do Supertrons as well