Gretsch has introduced two Limited Edition additions to its Electromatic lineup, the Black Limba CVT and Black Limba Jet.
The CVT features a solid Black Limba body with beveled contours, paired with a bolt-on Black Limba neck cut to Gretsch’s Performance “C” profile. Black Limba was chosen for its balance of smooth midrange with added presence and clarity, and the neck’s rounded heel allows easy access to the highest frets. Topping the neck is a bound Rosewood fingerboard with Pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays, running a 24.6-inch scale length. A GraphTech NuBone nut is included for tuning stability, optimizing string break angle to prevent sticking or slipping at the nut.
Pickups on the CVT are a pair of Twin Six humbuckers built with Alnico 5 magnets, offering strong midrange presence alongside crisp highs and full lows. Each pickup includes 12 adjustable pole pieces for precise tuning of attack, and vacuum wax-potting keeps noise to a minimum. Controls are kept simple with a master volume featuring a treble bleed circuit, while an adjustable wraparound bridge handles intonation. Gold hardware and knurled metal control knobs round out the build.
The Jet takes the Black Limba concept further with a chambered body and a carved Black Limba top, plus sculpted forearm and body contours for added comfort. Its neck also carries the Performance “C” profile, but tops out with a bound Ebony fingerboard – chosen for its glass-like playing surface and bright, articulate tone – loaded with 22 medium jumbo frets and a 12-inch fingerboard radius.
Pickups here are PureVolt Twin Six humbuckers, pairing Alnico IV magnets in the neck with Alnico V in the bridge, both wound with plain enamel-coated wire for calibrated balance and clarity. The bridge is Gretsch’s Lockdown locking adjustable wraparound design, which locks the bridge posts down for improved string energy transfer and sustain. Electronics go a step further than the CVT, with individual pickup tone controls, a master volume with treble bleed, and push/pull tone controls that unlock true single-coil voicings on each pickup — including a hum-cancelling combination in the middle position.
Get both right here – the Jet for $749.99 and the CVT for $599.99.
