G5123B vs. G5442B

I only viewed it to see what a G5123B and G5442B were.

 

I’ve been GASing for a 5123 for some time now. Love the idea of a medium scale bass.

 

I own both. The 5123 was made exclusively for gc and also became available later in burgundy. As time passed they also became available on Musicians Friend which is owned by GC
The 5123 isn’t listed on Gretsch’s website. It’s a great bass considering it is one of the less expensive Electromatics

The 5442 is also a great bass and also an electromatic. It has a somewhat smaller body is short scale rather than medium scale and is also a thinner body.
The F holes have binding unlike the 5123. It also has Blacktop Filtertrons rather than the TV jones Thundertrons which are better pups.

The 5123 doesn’t have as much bling as the 5442 but has better pups with a bigger body which I believe produces a deeper tone than the 5442.

However I feel because of body depth the 5442 is more comfortable to play

I also own 2 electrotones which are professional level Gretsch models the Thunder Jet and the 6073 which are a blast to play if you’re really looking for something better, but they’re both short scale. I’ve never played a 5440 LS yet, which they recently discontinued.

Might want to stop into the Gretsch club for more input.

The OFFICIAL "Gretsch Bass Owners Club"

@BassHappy has more info on the 5123 since it is a medium scale which is truly his passion

Gretsch "Electromatic"

Also, the 5442 also came in black with white binding which is what mine is



@GretschWretch is one of TB’s experts on Gretsch basses especially the vintage models

 

This is not correct. The G5123B (orange or burgundy) was most definitely available through regular Fender/Gretsch dealer in Europe, including big online companies like Thomann and Session.
I think the 5442, 5123 and 5440 all have their own vibe. Different scale, shape and hardware will appeal to different people. I have played the 5440 and own the 5123, which suits me slightly better. The 30" variant was never on my radar.

 

It’s correct for USA
And the the 5123 has never showed up on Gretsch website
Was referred to as ‘door buster special’
@BassHappy also researched quite a bit

Was never sold as a new instrument here in the states anywhere other than Guitar Center and Musicians Friend.

 

Check out this link
Gretsch "Electromatic"

 

Well, the subject has been up before. The link is incorrect. You said it was made exclusively for GC. I would say that is also incorrect.
However, in USA, it was SOLD through GC exclusively, it seems. Here in Sweden, I see the 5123 as often as other "regular" Gretsch models (so not very often). Below are examples from UK, Germany and France. Outside Europe, I have no idea.



Gretsch FSR G5123B Electromatic Hollowbody Bass (Orange)

Electromatic Bass Limited Edition FSR (1 of 17 made)

Gretsch G5123B Electromatic - orange orange Semi & hollow-body electric bass - Pourlesmusiciens.com

 

Interesting

They started selling them here in 2010

Do you recall when you started seeing them?

 

I have no experience with either but I wanted to chime in to say I think you made the right choice. You can always change pickups to change how a bass sounds, but you can't really change how it looks. From what you've posted earlier in this thread I don't think you would have ever been truly happy with the single cutaway, despite it being one of your options.

Also, happy NBD!

 

Maybe in 2011?

I bought my current one in 2012, but that was long after I sent back the first I had (Bought it without trying, tested it at home, sent it back. I guess that was in 2011.)

 

Even if you put on the same pups it will still sound different from the 5123 due to the different size body.

I also have a 6073 and a 6128.
They all sound different.