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1953 Gretsch Duo Jet Electric Guitar

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1953 Gretsch Duo Jet Electric Guitar

$2,899.00 to $4,385.00 Price Tier: High-end

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

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5.0 (1)

$2,999.99

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$2,999.99

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5.0 (2)

$4,385.00 12 available Used

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4.5 (2)

$2,899.00

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Average Price: $3,321

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet Electric Guitar is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "1953 Gretsch Duo Jet Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Steeped in history and wrapped in an aura of rock 'n' roll mystique, the 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet Electric Guitar is a true classic in the world of electric guitars. With its iconic design and unmistakable sound, this instrument captures the essence of a bygone era while continuing to inspire today's musicians. The Duo Jet is renowned for its distinctive DeArmond single coil pickups, which deliver a crisp, articulate tone that cuts through any mix with precision.

Crafted with a chambered mahogany body and an arched maple top, the Duo Jet offers a warm, resonant sound that pairs beautifully with its dynamic pickup configuration. The guitar's vintage-style bridge and tailpiece ensure stability and sustain, while the sleek neck profile provides effortless playability, making it a favorite for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Aesthetically, the Duo Jet is a testament to timeless elegance. Its sleek, jet-black finish is complemented by the classic block inlays and a sophisticated 3x1 knob configuration, allowing for intuitive control over your sound. Perfect for the stage or the studio, the 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet embodies a legacy of musical innovation and craftsmanship.

Key Features:

DeArmond single coil pickups for a clear, cutting sound
Chambered mahogany body with an arched maple top
Vintage-style bridge and tailpiece for stability and sustain
Classic block inlays and 3x1 knob configuration
Sleek neck profile for comfortable playability

Product specs

Brand	Gretsch
Model	6128 Duo Jet
Finish	Black, Cadillac Green
Year	1953 - 1956
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Green
Finish Style	Metallic
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gretsch Jet
Model Sub-Family	Gretsch Duo Jet
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"
Top Material	Maple
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet best suited for?: The 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet is renowned for its rich, mellow tones, making it ideal for blues, jazz, and early rock and roll styles.
What is the neck profile of the 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet like?: The 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet features a comfortable set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
What is the pickup configuration on the 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet?: The 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet is equipped with a single-coil pickup configuration, delivering clear and articulate sound with a vintage vibe.
Is the 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet a solid body guitar?: Yes, the 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet is a solid body electric guitar, crafted with a mahogany body and a maple top for enhanced resonance and sustain.
How does the 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet compare to other Gretsch models?: The 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet offers a distinctive sound and feel with its solid body and single-cutaway design, differing from Gretsch's hollow and semi-hollow models that provide a more resonant, airy tone.

Videos

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frettedamericana

NEW PHIL X FOR THE NEW YEAR!! 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet 01175

frettedamericana

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet Electric Guitar.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners have replaced the Bigsby with a G tailpiece and installed a TOM bridge for improved functionality.
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One owner replaced the original pickups with Lace mini-humbuckers, enhancing the guitar's tone and recording quality for lead play.
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Tune-o-Matic bridge was installed and fixed onto the top by a previous owner, improving stability but may not appeal to purists.
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Features and functionality

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The Duo Jet's script logo indicates it might be a model from the first year of production, adding to its vintage appeal.
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Other

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The guitar originally came with a tweed case and a Gretsch sash, highlighting its vintage authenticity.
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Comparisons

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Recent models seem to favor V stop or Bigsby tailpieces over the G tailpiece, suggesting a shift in design preferences over time.
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User experience

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A rare '50s Gretsch Duo Jet tenor guitar was found in poor condition and restored with a re-fret and radius addition to the fretboard.
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Value and pricing

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Despite its appeal, the '50s Duo Jet tenor is not recommended due to inflated prices and better alternatives available.
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Critic Reviews

Gretsch ’53 Duo Jet & ’59 Silver Jet - The Jet Set

guitar.com

The 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet is a vintage-inspired gem that captures the essence of classic Gretsch sound with its TV Jones T-Armond pickups and period-correct aesthetics. Its bright, airy tone and fantastic sustain make it a standout for rockabilly and contemporary rock enthusiasts alike. While its eccentricities, like intonation quirks and sharp edges under the Bigsby, may require some patience, these are small trade-offs for an instrument that delivers both visual and sonic appeal. Overall, the Duo Jet is a captivating blend of history and modern playability, maintaining its place as a fascinating choice for guitarists.

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Julian Lage

Guitarist

The Nels Cline 4

Verified via YouTube

At 19:00, we see Julian Lage who explains that he use the 1953's Gretsch Duo Jet.

Jon Foreman

Singer, Guitarist

Switchfoot

Verified via Photo

This is in preparation for Switchfoot's Native Tongue tour. The pickups and inlays help identify it as the G6128T-53 Vintage Select Duo Jet, as opposed to other Duo Jet models.

Phil X

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video by frettedamericana, Phil X showcases a 1953 Gretsch Duo Jet Electric Guitar. The guitar is noted for its 13 1/4-inch-wide, 2-inch-deep body, weighing 7.80 lbs, with a nut width of just over 1 11/16 inches, a medium-to-thick neck profile, and a 24 1/2-inch scale length.