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 Cadillac Green was built during March of 2017 by Terada in Japan. It’s in overall good condition with a few small marks, some wear to the gold plating and light to moderate 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 – 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.

This guitar also has 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.

Here’s the builder on the Gretsch Broadkaster Jr:

“Gretsch’s time-honored “Broadkaster” name now adorns the flagship guitars of its center block lineup, crafted for full-spectrum sound at high volume with powerful new pickups and a chambered spruce center block that enhances body resonance for more organic tone and comfortably lighter weight.

For big sound in a small package, the G6659TG Players Edition Gretsch Broadkaster Jr. Center Block with Bigsby® and Gold Hardware features a slightly smaller single-cutaway body for greater comfort, tonal focus and feedback resistance, all with a matching headstock and gleaming gold hardware. Two new U.S.-made Full’Tron™ pickups deliver full-spectrum sonic range with a growl unlike any other pickup, in addition to classic Gretsch chime, balance and brilliance with a dash of extra-mid concentration for powering through overdriven and distorted passages at full volume.

The G6659TG is available in a pair of classic Gretsch finishes — Cadillac Green or Vintage White, and decked out with a matching headstock, tortoise pickguard and gleaming gold hardware.”

And Gretsch on the Full ‘Tron pickups:

“U.S.-made Full’Tron™ pickups deliver full-spectrum sonic range with a growl unlike any other pickup, in addition to classic Gretsch chime, balance and brilliance with a dash of extra-mid concentration for powering through overdriven and distorted passages at full volume. “

Gretsch Broadkaster Jr Specifications: