Gretsch Corvette or PRS Vela

Hackmaster

Hackmaster

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Like it says, which would you choose & why?
Been digging the Corvette for decades, but the PRS offers very similar looks with PRS quality.
I think I've made my decision, but always welcome other opinions.

The Gretsch Corvette


Or the PRS Vela


I really have a Jones for one of the two.
It just boils down to likes & dislikes of both models.
They both need a middle pickup added to be complete.

Gretsch first. I like almost everything about it except for the fact that it's Chinese made.
Need to play one & see if the neck is to my liking.
Pickups will no doubt be changed out with a trio of matching TV Jones or Lollars.
Already has the Bigsby. Pricewise mid $600 range new.

Now the PRS. Dislikes - No Bigsby and serious rework of a new guitar to add one, funky 2 barrel almost Tele like bridge, twice the price of the Gretsch, pickups look like a funky mismatch.
Might have to do some extra routing to fit a trio of matching pickups.
But it's a U.S. made PRS and will play effortlessly like a PRS should.
Pricewise looking like $1100 or $1200 new.

Now there's always the used option on either model, but for comparisons sake I just
went with new for this discussion.

What are your thoughts?
 
Hackmaster said:
Like it says, which would you choose & why?
Been digging the Corvette for decades, but the PRS offers very similar looks with PRS quality.
I think I've made my decision, but always welcome other opinions.

The Gretsch Corvette


Or the PRS Vela


I really have a Jones for one of the two.
It just boils down to likes & dislikes of both models.
They both need a middle pickup added to be complete.

Gretsch first. I like almost everything about it except for the fact that it's Chinese made.
Need to play one & see if the neck is to my liking.
Pickups will no doubt be changed out with a trio of matching TV Jones or Lollars.
Already has the Bigsby. Pricewise mid $600 range new.

Now the PRS. Dislikes - No Bigsby and serious rework of a new guitar to add one, funky 2 barrel almost Tele like bridge, twice the price of the Gretsch, pickups look like a funky mismatch.
Might have to do some extra routing to fit a trio of matching pickups.
But it's a U.S. made PRS and will play effortlessly like a PRS should.
Pricewise looking like $1100 or $1200 new.

Now there's always the used option on either model, but for comparisons sake I just
went with new for this discussion.

What are your thoughts?
Click to expand...


Are you sure the Vela is USA made? I thought they were Korean made. I could be terribly mistaken though. Would not be the first time.
 
It does appear to be USA made. Chas --- but ---

again HACK has a very special PRS in his arsenal---but no Gretschs
 
eSGEe said:
It does appear to be USA made. Chas --- but ---

again HACK has a very special PRS in his arsenal---but no Gretschs
Click to expand...


USA made it is then. Yes Hack has a very sweet PRS, gotta say go with the "G" also.
 
I had a Chinese Gretsch hollow body with the same pickups. It stuck around way longer than most guitars do with me. The pickups are way better than online reviews paint them. The fit and finish on mine was as good as any guitar I’ve owned. It would be the Gretsch hands down for me.
 
Thanks guys, the Gretsch is the way I've been leaning for all the reasons stated above.
The pickups are supposed to be MegaTrons, a hotter FilterTron from what I've read.
Those pickups may be fine the way they are, I just need to add one more.
 
IMG_5579.JPG

I had a Gretsch Corvette and it was the worst guitar I ever had fall apart in my hands. I am dead serious, it wood around the tuners was saw dust with a lack of swamp water to get it to set. The one tuner fell off in front of a good many people.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
kevinpaul said:
View attachment 10284 I had a Gretsch Corvette and it was the worst guitar I ever had fall apart in my hands. I am dead serious, it wood around the tuners was saw dust with a lack of swamp water to get it to set. The one tuner fell off in front of a good many people.
Click to expand...
Good to know, thanks.
I'll be giving one a thorough going over this Friday with Adrian, I think.
 
IMG_2256.JPG
eSGEe said:
MegaTRons are awesome----

sounds like a visit to a local dealer is in the future
Click to expand...

Mega Tron pups! Yes and on a Corvette II is the only place that you will find them. The Corvette I was no bonus either.
 
Gahr said:
I'd pick the Vela. I just think it looks really cool.
Click to expand...
I have to agree Gahr, I think the Vela looks cool, but that bridge is like a sharp stick in my eye every time I look at it.
If it had the PRS wraparound bridge it would be a different story.
 
Gahr said:
I'd pick the Vela. I just think it looks really cool.
Click to expand...

I near forgot about the tremolo screws pulling out of the body. It had so many problems with the material. The strap buttons would not stay on. I had a tube of crazy glue in the case.
 
I traded my $799 Corvette for a $200 dollar Jay Turser 133 or 335 semi hollow body. I never went back to that store.
 
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