The Electromatic and Streamliner Jet Series deliver authentic Gretsch tone at accessible price points, and Sydney's Fangz proved they're built for chaos at the launch event.
On 27 November, Gretsch squeezed a loud, energetic punk band into a small local venue. Fangz tore through the Duke of Enmore with relentless energy, launching the new Electromatic and Streamliner Jet Series with the intensity you only get in the kinds of spaces where punk really thrives. The Jets cut through every second of chaos with clarity and bite, proving Gretsch guitars are meeting modern players exactly where they are. The bustling launch featured a Fangz custom-painted Electromatic Jet Club 1-Pickup model and a raucous performance from the band. It was an apt celebration for guitars that honour Gretsch’s legacy while pushing it forward.
Catch up on all the latest features and interviews here.
Gretsch guitars have soundtracked rock and roll for over a century, from Chet Atkins and Bo Diddley to George Harrison and Jack White. The brand’s legacy spans rockabilly, British rock, country rock, hard rock, and punk—always evolving alongside each generation of players. Now, after 140 years of building instruments for iconic stars and legendary guitarists, Gretsch is taking a different approach: making those iconic sounds accessible to more players.
Today’s heavy rock players need guitars with high-output humbuckers for modern heavy tones, exceptional playability, and price points that won’t set them back a huge amount. The Electromatic and Streamliner Jets deliver authentic Gretsch tone and design, built for artists who push musical boundaries. From post-punk revival to indie rock to experimental noise, these guitars are ready to shred.
Jason Barnes, VP of Gretsch Product, explains the philosophy behind the series: “What Gretsch has done for over 142 years is give players the instruments they need to create great music. With these Jets in particular, we simply drew from the many conversations, requests and comments received from artists and musicians over the years.”
To support the launch, Gretsch has created a series of six artist partnership videos featuring boundary-pushing musicians from around the globe, including Mother Vulture from the UK and Sydney’s Fangz. Barnes describes what drew Gretsch to partner with these artists: “Quite simply, their respective energies. It’s fair to say each group speaks for itself and projects a voice that is forward and raw.”
Built for modern players
The Electromatic Jet models feature PureVolt Twin Six humbuckers paired with Gretsch’s Lockdown locking wraparound bridge. This delivers rock-solid tuning stability even during aggressive bending or quick string changes mid-set. Two body configurations handle different needs: the Electromatic Jet Club uses a chambered mahogany body for natural warmth and classic woody tone with excellent projection, while the full Electromatic Jet adds a carved maple top for brighter attack and clarity on top of mahogany’s sustain. Both feature comfortable Performance “C” neck profiles built for fast playing and rhythm work alike.
The Streamliner Jet lineup goes even harder. Specifically designed for modern rock, these guitars pack HotWire high-output ceramic humbuckers that deliver everything from crisp cleans to heavily saturated rock and metal tones. The pickups cut through dense mixes with punchy, aggressive sounds and exceptional clarity, which is exactly what you need when competing with a loud band. These models also feature a Pitch-Perfect head angle and GraphTech NuBone nut for superior tuning stability during aggressive techniques like string bending and heavy vibrato. The mahogany neck’s fast “C” profile feels right from the first chord. Body options include the Jet Club’s mahogany construction for classic warmth, or the Streamliner Jet with a mahogany body and carved mahogany top for added depth.
A statement that leaves a mark
Australia has a strong underground and DIY music scene across states (particularly the punk space), and the Jets represent something bigger than affordable access to a heritage brand. Barnes puts it simply: “The Jet has a big, bold sound with an unmistakable definition that unapologetically makes a statement and definitely leaves a mark.” The Jet has been a staple of Gretsch’s lineup since the early 1950s, shaping music history through every evolution of rock. Barnes is confident about their place in the company’s future, stating “They’ll definitely be a centre point for the Gretsch line”—positioning these guitars not as budget alternatives but as core instruments built for the players writing rock’s next chapter.
Gretsch is taking decades of design refinement, proven pickup configurations, and tried-and-true hardware, packaged at price points that work for players building their first serious rig or working musicians playing night after night. The Electromatic and Streamliner Jets honour the rich heritage of rock and blues that Gretsch has supported for decades, as well as emerging alternative and heavy artists. Judging by Fangz’s performance at the Duke, they’ll handle everything you throw at them—and more.
The Gretsch Electromatic and Streamliner Jet Series is available now through Australian dealers. Visit Gretsch for more information.
