Gretsch Electromatic Premier Jet: Sphera Twin Six Humbuckers Step into Premium Territory
At $799, the Gretsch Electromatic Premier Jet represents the pinnacle of the Electromatic line. The upgrade to Sphera Twin Six humbuckers with Alnico 6 magnets is audible and significant. Add an ebony fretboard and you’ve got a guitar that punches above its price point.
Sphera Twin Six Humbuckers
These are serious pickups. The Alnico 6 magnets deliver clarity and articulation that cheaper ceramics can’t match. Clean tones sparkle with definition; overdriven tones have body and singing sustain. The Twin Six character leans bright without harshness—perfect for the Premier’s chambered mahogany body.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Body | Chambered mahogany, single-cut |
| Pickups | Sphera Twin Six humbuckers (Alnico 6) |
| Hardware | Sealed tuners, block bridge |
| Neck | Thin U-profile mahogany |
| Fretboard | Ebony, 12″ radius, 22 frets |
| Price | $799 |
Ebony Fretboard Upgrade
Ebony is a luxury touch at this price. It’s darker, harder, and more durable than laurel. It also ages beautifully, developing a patina that adds character. Aesthetically and functionally, it elevates the entire instrument’s feel.
Chambered Mahogany Tone
The single-cut chambered body resonates with warmth and sustain. The Sphera Twin Six pickups unlock that tone without the muddiness that cheaper pickups introduce. This is a guitar that reveals the body’s full potential—worth the investment.
Who Is It For?
Players stepping beyond budget tiers, vintage rock specialists who demand audible quality, and jazz musicians exploring Gretsch character without five-figure investments. If you’re serious about semi-hollow tone, this is the Electromatic to own.
Comparison: Premier vs. Electromatic
Electromatic ($499) uses house-style humbuckers and laurel fretboard; Premier ($799) upgrades to Sphera Twin Six and ebony. The $300 difference is audible—these are genuinely better pickups. Choose Electromatic for budget exploration; choose Premier if tone matters most.
Pricing
$799 MSRP positions this as the serious hobbyist tier. Street prices typically range $719–$759, occasionally dipping lower during sales.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sphera Twin Six Alnico pickups are genuinely excellent
- Ebony fretboard premium touch and durability
- Single-cut aesthetic timeless
- Chambered mahogany tone warm and sustaining
- Value proposition excellent for the quality
Cons:
The Gretsch Professional Collection Falcon offers a different approach within the same Gretsch family.
- Price jump to Professional line ($2,499) steep
- Single-cut limits upper-fret access vs. double-cut
- Still Electromatic-tier components (not Japan-made)
FAQ
How do Sphera Twin Six compare to other Alnico humbuckers?
Sphera Twin Six are punchy and clear, ideal for Gretsch’s bright character. They sit between budget humbuckers and premium boutique pickups—excellent value.
The Gretsch Professional Collection Tennessean offers a different approach within the same Gretsch family.
Is the single-cut a limitation?
Only if you play high-fret leads regularly. For rhythm-focused players and traditionalists, the single-cut aesthetic is perfection.
The Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
Does this compete with Professional-line guitars?
Tonally, very close. Professional adds flame maple, Pro Twin Six pickups, and Japan manufacturing—worth the $1,700 premium if prestige matters.
The Guild T-Bird ST is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
Bottom Line
The Gretsch Electromatic Premier Jet at $799 is the last stop before professional pricing. The Sphera Twin Six humbuckers deliver tone that justifies the premium, the ebony fretboard feels luxury, and the chambered mahogany sings authentically. For serious semi-hollow exploration without professional investment, this is it.