Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Square-Neck Resonator Guitar

The Gretsch G9230 Bobtail is a six-string acoustic-electric square-neck resonator guitar built for folk, bluegrass, slide, and lap-style playing. Its resonator construction provides an alternative to a conventional acoustic guitar for players seeking the direct response and distinct character of a spider-cone instrument. This right-hand model pairs a traditional resonator layout with a Fishman pickup for amplified use.

A laminated mahogany body, internal sound-well bracing, and non-cutaway resonator body shape form the instrument's foundation. The Gretsch Ampli-Sonic spider resonator cone is hand-spun in Eastern Europe from nearly 99 percent pure aluminum. This cone-and-spider system is designed to produce the acoustic output and resonant midrange associated with square-neck resonator guitars.

The Fishman Nashville Series Resophonic pickup allows the G9230 to connect to suitable acoustic amplification equipment through its end-pin output jack. Gretsch lists no onboard controls, keeping the instrument's interface straightforward. It can be used acoustically for practice or ensemble playing, then connected to an amplifier, preamp, DI, or PA system when more level is needed.

The mahogany square neck has a 25-inch scale length, flat fingerboard radius, and wide 2-inch bone nut. Its padauk fingerboard carries white dot position inlays and 19 medium-jumbo frets, with 12 frets clear of the body. This layout supports the raised-string, horizontal playing approach commonly associated with square-neck resonator instruments.

Chrome hardware, a weathered trapeze tailpiece, Grover Sta-Tite die-cast tuning machines, and a nickel-plated Poinsettia-design cover plate complete the traditional visual design. D'Addario EJ42 phosphor-bronze strings are factory specified in .016-.056 gauges. For players adding a dedicated resonator voice to an acoustic or amplified setup, the G9230 combines a square-neck format with a purpose-built resonator pickup.

Key Features

• Square Neck: Supports lap-style and slide-oriented resonator playing.
• Ampli-Sonic Spider Cone: Hand-spun aluminum resonator cone delivers the instrument's acoustic voice.
• Fishman Nashville Pickup: Provides an end-pin output for amplified performance.
• Laminated Mahogany Body: Forms the resonator body with a 2-Color Sunburst finish.
• Padauk Fingerboard: Flat fingerboard with white dot position markers.
• Grover Sta-Tite Tuners: Die-cast machines support dependable tuning adjustment.

Design & Installation

The G9230 uses a laminated mahogany resonator body with internal sound-well bracing and a vintage semi-gloss finish. Its hardware includes a chrome-finished spider bridge assembly, weathered trapeze tailpiece, nickel-plated Poinsettia-design cover plate, and 1930s Gretsch headstock with an aged pearloid face. The non-cutaway body and square-neck construction retain the focused design of a dedicated resonator instrument.

No vehicle-style mounting or wiring is required. For amplified use, connect the end-pin output jack to compatible acoustic-instrument amplification equipment, such as an acoustic amplifier, preamp/DI, or PA input. Gretsch lists the G6295 Square Neck Resonator Hardshell case and G2180 Resonator Gig Bag as optional accessories.