This is a real treat – a Gretsch Broadkaster Jr Player’s Edition G6659T with center block, locking tuners and string-through Bigsby! This guitar is an example of a ‘downsizing’ trend seen in other models like the Gibson ES-336 and ES-339, essentially versions of the ES-335 design, with full scale length but with reduced-size bodies. This makes these models very comfortable and well suited to any slightly confined space like a small stage or studio.

The Gretsch Broadkaster Jr revives one of Gretsch’s older model names, previously used on a drum kit and the reason the Fender Telecaster has its current name. It is unlike many of Gretsch’s traditional models, featuring a compact body, though larger than a Jet, and with a solid center block for feedback rejection and sustain.

Not just a reworking of an older model, the Gretsch Broadkaster Jr is both a new design and a seriously good guitar, ready for use in a professional context.

This Gretsch Broadkaster Jr in Gloss Bourbon with Nickel plated hardware and highly figured Maple top and back, was built during October of 2016 by Terada in Japan. It’s in overall very good condition with a few small marks and light fret wear. Like other semi-hollow Gretsch models, the body is Maple laminate but here has a chambered Spruce center block. The block reduces feedback at stage volumes and improves sustain, but the use of chambered spruce doesn’t contribute much weight. The Full’ Tron pickups are based on the classic Filter ‘Tron models, but with more mids, somewhat like the TV Jones Power ‘Tron models.

This is a Player’s Series guitar, which means it has several subtle features aimed directly at what working guitarists actually need. First, the Bigsby string bar is drilled through, and this – with the stock locking tuners, Gotoh Magnum Locks – makes string changes fast and almost tool-less. Cutters are still required to trim the excess string! The next feature is the fixed position bridge, here with the bridge posts mounted through the top into the center block.

This is hardly a new idea, but the hollow bodies on most Gretsch models have often required a traditional movable wooden base. For those, the Player’s Series added a pair of headless ‘grub’ screws mounted into the top, mating with slots cut into the bottom of the wooden bridge base. This allows the base to be removed, and positioned for proper intonation, but it can’t slide from side to side while playing. It’s a great idea that does not change the appearance, tone or playability of the guitar.

Though not presently installed – it’s included in the case pocket – this guitar also comes with one aftermarket component, the Bricks BiggsFix, replacing the forward tension roller of the Bigsby B7. This excellent accessory reduces the downbearing angle the string takes from the saddle to the bottom of the tension roller. This improves tuning stability by reducing friction (the BiggsFix roller is mounted on roller bearings) and reduces the stiffness of the Bigsby arm.

This Gretsch Broadkaster Jr is sold with its original hard shell case.

Gretsch Broadkaster Jr Player’s Edition Specifications: