The Gretsch 6120 was one of the first artist-guitar maker collaborations in electric guitar history. Since Chet Atkins first popularised the model in 1954, the 6120 has gone through numerous design changes, influencing the evolution of the pickup configuration, aesthetic choices and bracing style.
Seen here is a G6120-DSW model. Build in the Terada plant in Japan in 2007, it is an accurate re-issue of the desirable 1954-1955 models - before the design of the ‘Filtertron’ humbucking pickups.
The body is a 3-ply Maple laminate, with a 3-piece Maple neck – the neck has two pieces of Maple with a thin Walnut center strip. The bound fingerboard is Rosewood, as is the bridge base. This model also features a Brass nut, an attempt to equalize tone between fretted and open strings.
The top is braced with a pair of longitudinal tone bars and there’s also a sound post coupling the top and back, underneath the bridge. The key differences are in the electronics – the DSW carries a pair of ‘DynaSonic’ single coil pickups built by Seymour Duncan to replicate 1950’s deArmond models.
This pickup design is quite elaborate, with spring-loaded carriers for the polepiece magnets very visible on the back. The wiring is typical pre-Filter’Tron Gretsch with a single pickup selector, master volume, individual volumes, and a master tone pot. On this model, the gold-plated knobs sport an arrow like the 1955 models, rather than the later G-Arrow design.
A Bigsby is installed with the vintage flat handle and the bridge is an Aluminum unit, produced by Bigsby for use with their tailpieces, on a Rosewood base. These bridges has a beautiful tonal brilliance. As per the originals the Rosewood base floats freely on the body.
This beautiful example is in excellent condition and would suit an ‘as new’ buyer. The guitar is flawless and still has the protective plastic adhered to the pick guard.
The cherry on top here is the instrument comes with a desirable re-issued ‘Cowboy’ case. A swish looking home for any 6120 with some neat hand tooled leather detailing.
Year: 2007
Finish: Orange Stain (with 'G' brand)
Body Material: Laminated Maple
Neck Material: Solid Maple with a Walnut centre strip
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood, 'Western Cactus' Motif inlays
Neck Profile: C-shape
Neck Details: Set neck.
Pickups: 2x Gold Plated 'Dynasonic' Pickups
Hardware: Gold plated (pickups, switches and knobs), Aluminium (Bigsby),
Modifications / Repairs: None
Cosmetic Condition: Excellent condition, would suit 'as new' buyer.
Weight: 3.25kgs
Tech Notes: Set up by our in house technician with 10-46 gauge strings and a medium to low action.
Case Details: Gretsch 'Cowboy' Case with tooled leather binding.
Serial Number: JT0782765
Made in: Japan - Gretsch Terada Factory
