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Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Roundneck Resonator - Steel Body, Padauk Fingerboard

Acoustic Roundneck Resonator Guitar with All-steel Body, Mahogany Neck, Padauk Fingerboard, and Hand-spun Spider Cone Fishman Electronics - Weathered Pump House Roof
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Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Roundneck Resonator - Steel Body, Padauk Fingerboard
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Classic Roundneck Resonator from Gretsch

First developed in the pre-amplified 1920s to accompany the much-louder horn instruments in popular ensembles of the time, resonator guitars are truly a uniquely American innovation. The Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Roundneck Resonator stays true to the design and features of these early resonators with an all-steel body and Gretsch Ampli-Sonic diaphragm resonator spider cone. This aluminum cone is hand-spun in Eastern Europe and kicks out an impressive level of volume and mesmerizing resonant midrange. A gorgeous padauk fingerboard with abalone dot inlays responds beautifully whether you are playing chords or using a slide. The G9221 lets you explore the styles of old country, blues, and early folk as well as whatever sonic innovations you envision. A Fishman Nashville pickup is also onboard for when you want to plug in and really bring the volume and style. Resonator players at Sweetwater love the G9221 Bobtail Roundneck Resonator for its playability and tone.

Beautifully appointed

Gretsch's G9221 Bobtail Roundneck Resonator features tasteful vintage appointments that would look right at home in the company's catalogs of yesteryear. With the G9221, you get an all-steel body that emits great resonating tone and looks straight from the 1930s. There is also the intricate, mesmerizing design of the spider cone resonator itself which just oozes old-timey vibe and makes you happy they do still make a classic instrument like the G9221.

Gretsch's legacy in American music

The Gretsch G9221 standard resonator guitar transports you back to Gretsch's roots in American music. Everyone knows Gretsch electric guitars and drums, but many don't know they got their start in 1883 as a banjo company. It wasn't long before Gretsch was making mandolins, ukuleles, and eventually flat-top guitars, contributing to the very roots of American music. So when you pick up a Gretsch resonator, you're holding more than a great resonator, you're holding a piece of American music history.

Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Roundneck Resonator Guitar Features:

  • All-steel body emits great resonator tone
  • Mahogany neck with padauk fingerboard and 19 frets responds beautifully to chording or a slide
  • Gretsch Ampli-Sonic Eastern European hand-spun spider cone and bridge
  • Grover Sta-Tite tuning machines keep you in tune

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Tech Specs

  • Resonator Type: Spider
  • Number of Strings: 6
  • Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
  • Body Style: No Cutaway
  • Color: Weathered "Pump House Roof"
  • Top Material: Steel
  • Back & Sides Material: Steel
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany
  • Neck Shape: Round
  • Fingerboard Material: Padauk
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Dots
  • Number of Frets: 19
  • Scale Length: 25"
  • Tuning Machines: Grover Sta-Tite, Vintage-style Open-back
  • Bridge Material: Ampli-Sonic Aluminum Spider cone
  • Nut/Saddle Material: Bone nut
  • Nut Width: 1.75"
  • Electronics: Fishman Nashville pickup
  • Strings: D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze, .012-.053
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 2716015000

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

I researched THOROUGHLY, and I'm so happy w/my choice

I researched resonators for a year, way more thoroughly than you will, I was obsessive. I Considered Nationals, cheap no brand Chinese imports direct from China, Recording King, all the small company Dobros based in Texas, California and Tennessee, both expensive and affordable. Granted this was my first resonator but now that it's almost 2 years later, this is the happiest I've ever been with a guitar purchase. Gretsch R&D really did their homework, this thing is phenomenal. It's playability is so high, it's my preferred acoustic now, that's how good it sounds and plays. The versatility is off the charts, and that's before ever plugging it in. I see the price has increased since I bought mine but that's because Gretsch probably doesn't want to mess with a perfect product. You will not be disappointed.
Before I picked this one, I demoed 2 other resonators that were all the exact same model. 1 was $2,999 and the other was $1,799....then I played the Gretsch... thinking it was going to sound cheap and have rough frets...
I was blown away that it sounded better than the National. I'm loving this so much, Gretsch guitars now have all this credibility with me and I'm considering buying my next electric just because of this experience with the brand. I'm Floored.
Music background: Semi pro
Rated 5/5

This Resonator sings

First day with my New Bobtail resonator and I can't be happier with this purchase.
When I opened that box I was blown away how beautiful this guitar is.
Tuned up to open D and the rich tones
Are pouring out of it. I'm very happy with
Pick up also sounds great.
Great resonator killer tones. The neck is a V neck but actually works well for me. The binding on the neck and head stock look amazing. It's a player that's for sure
Music background: Semi pro musician
Rated 5/5

Omg delta Mississippi at my fingers

I was expecting a decent instrument to learn slide on. Well, way exceeded my expectations. This thing is so swampy there's barbecue sauce dripping off the neck as l play it. I am so happy I got this sweet southern tone machine. Thanks Austin for the hook up. I am beyond satisfied. No time to review I gots to play. Get it you won't regret it, promise.
Rated 5/5

Just LOVE this thing!

Like the man said, "Round here, we all about sound." Nice mellow tone, sufficiently loud unplugged without being obnoxious or "tinny."

Andy Miller has been my S.E. since 2017 and he "done me right" again. Absolutely wonderful service but that's what Sweetwater delivers, every time in my experience.

The Gretsch/TKL case (purchased separately) is just what you'd expect and the guitar itself is just so appealing, from the way it sounds to the way it looks to the way it handles.

Couldn't be more pleased.
Rated 5/5

Excellent guitar

If you're a boomer in your mid life crisis like me, than this is the guitar for you. I've never purchased a guitar online before, so I was a little nervous buying before playing one. I was impressed with how well the guitar was shipped, both the time it took and the job of protection the guitar.

The guitar sounds amazing, the intonation is perfect. A very happy customer!
Music background: 30 years of EAB
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