Gretsch G6120SH Brian Setzer Signature Hot Rod - Japan 2001

The Gretsch Brian Setzer Hot Rod is a stripped-back, performance-focused hollowbody designed for punch, clarity, and unmistakable Gretsch character. Based on Gretsch’s classic 6120 platform, the Hot Rod removes many traditional controls and cosmetic appointments to create a more direct, and aggressive playing experience.

Brian Setzer’s playing draws heavily from early rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly, swing, and jump blues, with influences including Eddie Cochran, Cliff Gallup, and Chet Atkins. Compared to a standard 6120, the Hot Rod features a simplified control layout, hotter pickups, and a more immediate response, reflecting Setzer’s preference for power, clarity, and stage-ready reliability.

This 2001 example finished in Electric Blue is in excellent condition, showing only minimal player wear throughout. It is fitted with a Bigsby tailpiece and comes supplied with its original Gretsch hard shell case, presenting as a clean and highly desirable early-2000s example.

Specs:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.75mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 20.78mm

Nut Width: 42.98mm

Width at 12th Fret: 52.83mm

Weight: 3360g

Year: 2001

Body Style: Hollowbody electric

Top: Laminated maple

Back & Sides: Laminated maple

Finish: Electric Blue

Neck: Maple

Neck Profile: Standard

Fingerboard: Ebony

Pickups: Gretsch Filter’Tron 

Hardware: Chrome

Tailpiece: Bigsby vibrato

Controls: Master volume, 3-way pickup selector

Case: Original hard shell case included

Crafted in: Japan