Grappling with the X-175 feels a little like guitarcheology, but for a player used to more mainstream solid and semi-hollow electrics it’s a really interesting left-turn and a very rewarding experience. Indeed, its very quirks and limitations become a source of great inspiration in a studio context.
Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Resonator
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With their G9220 Bobtail, Gretsch aim to faithfully deliver the same sound and style of the early 1920s resonators, although with one major twist – it features electronics.
At around $500, this roundneck spider cone resonator sounds like a good deal for performing musicians craving that sweet vintage twang.
The Gretsch G9220 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.
Body & Neck
This Bobtail has huge retro charm, with a non-cutaway small body complete with a dark two-color sunburst paintjob and vintage semi-gloss finish. The appointments boost this vintage feeling even further, with aged body binding and two F-holes, while that Gretsch-branded pearloid headstock is just awesome.
The body is made entirely of laminated mahogany, with a solid mahogany neck that features a classic rounded V shape, a padauk fretboard, and 19 frets in total (12 in the clear). With a 1.75” nut width, it plays beautifully – similar to an electric guitar, and perfect for slide and all styles of blues playing, although the squareneck version would naturally suit lap steel players better.
A gorgeous padauk fingerboard with abalone dot inlays responds beautifully whether you are playing chords or using a slide. The G9220 lets you explore the styles of old country, blues, and early folk as well as whatever sonic innovations you envision.
From the box, it could do with a good setup as intonation and action felt a bit off, but the general fit, feel and craftsmanship of this Chinese-made instrument is solid.
Hardware
The Bobtail features high-quality parts that were handmade in Eastern Europe. The most distinctive feature is the Ampli-Sonic hand-spun spider cone and bridge. This is the resonator core, which is constructed from 99% aluminum. It’s also fitted with a Fishman Nashville Resophonic piezo-ceramic pickup, which is specifically designed for spider-style bridges. These components give the Bobtail its impressive level of volume and mesmerizing resonant midrange.
There’s a 1/4” output jack for easy amp connection. The Bobtail has no preamp or onboard controls, so you want to have your amp close by for EQ adjustments.
The rest of the hardware is great for the price, as it features a set of open-geared Grover Sta-Tite die-cast tuners with black buttons, which are consistent and stable. There’s also a good bone nut, as well as D’Addario strings. For the price, the Bobtail is well-equipped.
Sound
The Bobtail may be a small package, but it delivers on big vintage tone, with a beautiful resonator ring that’s not overly buzzy. For the smaller body it has huge projection, and easily cuts through any acoustic mix. Playing for bigger crowds you’ll have to plug in, which is no problem as the amplified sound is accurate and consistent through the Fishman system.
Gretsch’s G9220 Bobtail is a solid choice for any blues or vintage guitarists who wants the sound of a beautiful resonator at a price that doesn’t hurt. It’s certainly stage-worthy and, with its extroverted vintage appearance, it’s one that you don’t want to keep hidden in the bedroom.
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