Gretsch Goes Metal? Legendary Guitar Brand Launches Two New Baritone Models Built for Heavy Downtuned Riffs

When people think about guitars built for heavy metal, Gretsch is rarely the first name that comes to mind. Under the broader Fender umbrella, brands like Charvel, Jackson, and EVH have long dominated the world of aggressive high-gain guitars and modern metal performance.

But now Gretsch is stepping confidently into the realm of crushing low tunings and massive riff-driven tones with the release of two brand-new baritone guitars designed specifically for deep, powerful sonic territory.

The company has officially unveiled the Electromatic Jet Baritone and CVT Baritone models, both arriving as part of the mid-priced Electromatic lineup. According to Gretsch, the goal is to deliver the brand’s signature clarity, punch, and fidelity — but at truly “sub-sonic” levels.

Both guitars are based on the familiar Jet and CVT body styles but feature extended scale lengths, which are essential for stable tuning and articulation in lower registers. Each model is also equipped with coil-splittable Twin-Six Alnico humbuckers, offering players the flexibility to move between thick, saturated distortion and cleaner, more detailed tones.

The Electromatic Jet Baritone features an enormous 29.75-inch scale length, paired with a Performance “C” maple neck and a bound rosewood fingerboard. Its construction includes a chambered mahogany body with Comfort Contours, topped with a carved bound maple cap designed for both resonance and playing comfort.

Meanwhile, the CVT Baritone revives a classic Gretsch shape once associated with legendary players such as Rory Gallagher, Jimi Hendrix, and Josh Homme. The company says the model is designed to “expand players’ sonic palettes and guide them into unexplored tonal depths.”

The CVT sports a 27-inch scale length, a beveled mahogany body, and the same Performance “C” maple neck with a bound rosewood fingerboard found on the Jet model.

While these aren’t the first baritone guitars in the Gretsch catalog, the company’s latest promotional campaign makes one thing very clear: this launch is heavily focused on modern heavy music. For the official demo, Gretsch enlisted Erik Bickerstaffe, guitarist of Loathe, a band known for massive downtuned riffs and atmospheric modern metal textures.

Judging by the demo performance, both new baritone models handle crushing distortion, tight low-end riffing, and ultra-low tunings with ease — while still maintaining the unmistakable articulation and character that define the Gretsch sound.