Gretsch G6131-MY Malcolm Young Signature Jet - JAP 2018

Malcolm Young built AC/DC’s sound on the rhythm guitar, and a battered Gretsch Jet was at the heart of it. For four decades he held the band together with chords hit hard and left ringing, and the G6131-MY Malcolm Young Signature Jet is Gretsch’s tribute to the guitar that made it happen. It has a natural top over a black body and a stripped-back, no-nonsense layout, and it’s built for one job, which is driving a riff hard and loud.

This is the natural version from 2018, with serial number JT18062443, built in Gretsch’s Japanese production. It looks the part, with a glowing amber top set against the black back, sides and headstock, and cream binding that picks out the edges. A single chrome pickup at the bridge, a Bigsby-style tailpiece and pared-back controls give it the same stripped-down look as Malcolm’s own guitar, and nothing on it is there for show. It’s in excellent condition, with a clean finish and bright hardware.

The sound is the reason to own one. The single bridge pickup gives a thick, aggressive tone with plenty of midrange, bite and punch, and it cuts through a loud band without losing its weight. Open chords ring out with real body, and power chords hit like a wall. When you dig in with a pick, the guitar answers with grit and not polish. Plug it into a cranked amp and you get big, raw crunch that suits classic rock, hard rock, blues and punk. It doesn’t need pedals or tricks, because you plug in, turn up and play.

It comes in its original hardshell case, which has a burgundy plush interior.

Plenty of guitars try to do everything. This one does one thing, and does it loudly.

Specifications:

Weight: 3.02kg / 6.66lb
Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm
Action at 12th Fret: 1.5mm
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 21.4mm
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 24.55mm
Nut Width: 43.04mm
Width at 12th Fret: 53.19mm
Year: 2018
Country: Japan
Model: Gretsch G6131-MY Malcolm Young Signature Jet
Serial Number: JT18062443
Finish: Natural Top, Black Back and Sides
Headstock: Black Face with Gretsch Logo
Pickup: Single Bridge Pickup
Tailpiece: Bigsby-Style
Binding: Cream
Hardware: Chrome
Case: Original Hardshell Case