SOLD - Gretsch Chet Atkins G6120 – Japan 2011

The Gretsch 6120 was an instant classic from the day it was introduced in 1955. To many players, it is the definitive Gretsch guitar.

In 1958, the half-moon or “neo­classic” fingerboard markers common to most Gretsches were introduced. The single coil DeArmond pickups were discontinued in favour of Gretsch’s own FilterTron humbuckers. Chet Atkins is reported to have said the magnets on the DeArmond’s were too strong, that they “sucked the tone right out of the guitar”.

Some confusion exists over the difference between a Nashville and Chet Atkins 6120. In a nutshell, there isn’t much. The Nashville name was arbitrarily stuck on the 6120, beginning in 1966. There’s no difference between the guitars. It’s just a name, but it came in handy when Atkins pulled his endorsement in later years.

Features –

Body size at lower bout: 16"

Scale length: 24 3/4"

Nut Width: 1 11 1/6"

Body depth: 2 3/4"

Solid maple neck with curly maple headplate

Solid ebony fingerboard with half moon inlays

Arched maple top, back and sides

Two ply body and f-hole binding

Solid bone nut

Gold plated hardware

Twin Patent # Filter 'Tron humbucking pickups

Logo Bigsby tailpiece

Grover Rotomatic tuners;

Gold Lucite pickguard with Chet Atkins logo

Adjustable tune-o-matic style bridge with ebony base;

Independent "G Arrow" volume knobs for each pickup

Master volume and tone knobs

SOLD

Three way pickup selector switch.

This is a classic Gretsch hollowbody which plays beautifully and sounds the business, with a wide palette of tonal options on offer. It’s very easy to dial in great tones just right for jazz, rockabilly, country, blues, rock and any style where a killer clean tone might be called for. It will drive pedals well, but thrives on that big, spacious, jangly tone that Gretsch does better than anyone.

This clean specimen was built in Tokyo's acclaimed Terada facility in 2011. It is in superb condition, totally original, without modifications or any issues. There are no marks or blemishes anywhere. And there is no binding rot, which can be a problem on older models.

The original frets are in great condition with no wear showing, and the gold hardware has retained its gleam.

This Gretsch Chet Atkins has its original factory installed FilterTron humbucking pickups which sound fantastic. All controls are clean and quiet and the original Grover tuners work perfectly. The action is smooth and low over a comfy, gentle D profile neck.

Comes in original Gretsch hard case in excellent condition.

Video demo of same model - https://youtu.be/C6cRr3mHPL4