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REVIEWS
Shake a tail feather: this Penguin
wears a Bigsby B3C tailpiece and
its nickel-plated brass bridge has
a pinned ebony base
TV licence: the
TV Classic pickups
provide vintage-style
Gretsch tone in spades
In all three positions of the pickup selector The master volume’s treble-bleed circuit experience, and some of those make
switch, the Penguin feels closer to a vintage is also exceptionally well voiced – cleaning further concessions to modernity in terms
Gretsch than the Panther does. As ever, the up a raging tweed amp with the master of ergonomics and hardware – not least
individual volume controls allow for some produces some very pretty and alluring the Red Sparkle G6129T Players Edition
interesting blends in the middle position textures indeed, without ever sounding thin. Jet FT (£2,049) we reviewed in issue 381.
– roll back the neck volume a couple of Shred pyrotechnics aside, whatever However, if you want an instrument that
notches, dial in some spring reverb and pick style you seek to wring out of it, the offers the unadulterated decadence of
hard near the bridge to be transported to Penguin provides a smooth ride. There’s business class alongside hauntingly familiar
the early 1960s, or swap reverb for slapback a seamless feel where the rounded fret tones from your record collection, this bird
echo and wind back the clock even further. ends transition into the binding, and a is the only way to fly.
Rockabilly and vintage pop are typically nicely tapered neck profile that disappears
well catered for, but with the bridge pickup in the hand. The armrest looks smart Vintage tones in abundance from
at full throttle, you’ll find the classic crunch but be warned that you might find yourself 9/10 one of the most beautiful Gretsch
of Messrs Townshend and Young, and catching your sleeve or bare forearm on guitars available today
even the stinging attack of Jack White. In its front-end lip. That said, if this guitar
the neck position, modern pedal junkies appeals, we think you’ll agree that it’s LIKE THIS? TRY THESE…
will appreciate the clarity offered by the worth the risk. Duesenberg Starplayer TV Phonic £2,435
Penguin in conjunction with potentially There are undoubtedly more affordable TV Jones Spectra Sonic Supreme £2,295
swampy delay and reverb ambience. ways to get an eye-popping Gretsch Gibson Chris Cornell ES-335 Tribute £3,499
GUITAR MAGAZINE 31
