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Average Price: $11,500

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time with the 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that pays homage to an era of rock and roll innovation. Revered by musicians for its distinctive style and sound, this vintage gem captures the spirit of Chet Atkins with its signature Filter'Tron pickups that deliver a warm, articulate tone. Its eye-catching orange finish and iconic horseshoe headstock inlay not only make it a visual delight but also a collector's dream.

Crafted for both versatility and comfort, the 6120 features a laminated maple body that enhances resonance while reducing feedback, making it ideal for a variety of musical genres. The aluminum swing-arm Bigsby tailpiece allows for smooth vibrato effects, adding a dynamic range to your music. With unengraved block fretboard inlays and a comfortable neck profile, this guitar ensures playability without sacrificing vintage aesthetics.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate collector, the 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins offers a harmonious blend of classic design and modern playability. Immerse yourself in its rich, full-bodied sound, and let your creativity flow as you explore the depths of its tonal capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Signature Filter'Tron pickups for warm, articulate sound
  • Laminated maple body for reduced feedback and enhanced resonance
  • Iconic orange finish with horseshoe headstock inlay
  • Aluminum swing-arm Bigsby tailpiece for smooth vibrato
  • Unengraved block fretboard inlays
  • Comfortable neck profile for improved playability

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model 6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body
Finish Orange
Year 1956
Made In United States
Categories Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Artist Chet Atkins
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Orange
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gretsch Nashville
Model Sub-Family Gretsch Chet Atkins Nashville
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.5"
Series Gretsch Artist Signature
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins?

The 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins is known for its warm, resonant tone with a rich midrange, thanks to its hollow body construction and maple top. It's ideal for genres like rockabilly, jazz, and country.

Does the 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins feature a tremolo system?

Yes, the 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for subtle vibrato effects and enhancing its versatility for various playing styles.

How does the neck profile of the 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins affect playability?

The 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, slightly chunky neck profile, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What is the pickup configuration on the 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins?

The 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins has a single-coil pickup configuration, offering a bright and articulate sound that complements its hollow body design.

Is the 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the 1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins is a high-quality instrument with a distinctive tone, its historical significance and price point make it more suitable for experienced players and collectors.

VintageandRare

VintageandRare

Gretsch Chet Atkins 1956 / VintageandRare.com / Guitar Doctor / Doc Pittillo

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Chet Atkins 1956 / VintageandRare.com / Guitar Doctor / Doc Pittillo by VintageandRare

Gretsch Chet Atkins 1956 / VintageandRare.com / Guitar Doctor / Doc Pittillo

VintageandRare

VintageandRare

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch G6120CST Chet Atkins.

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding black strips of rubber can protect the finish from tailpiece and bridge wear, especially if the instrument is detuned in storage.

    Source
  • Rewiring can restore playability for about $100; replacing pickups might cost around $300.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Detuning the guitar when stored can be beneficial, but opinions vary on its necessity for maintaining neck condition.

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  • Engraved letters on the body can be a permanent mark but don't impact sound or playability.

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Value and pricing

  • Originality significantly impacts value; mods, especially additional pickup holes, can decrease its market price unless restored to stock condition.

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  • Even in poor condition, a 1956 Gretsch 6120 can still fetch thousands, especially with most original parts intact.

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User experience

  • Selling directly can fetch a higher price, but dealing with potential buyers and ensuring authenticity can be burdensome.

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Use cases and applications

  • The presence of a third pickup hole might appeal to collectors who appreciate unique historical modifications rather than purists.

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  • Once restored, it can serve as a unique player guitar with historical character.

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Build quality

  • Finish work around engraved letters might show significant sanding, affecting aesthetic but not structural integrity.

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Other

  • Personalized engravings like "Phil" can add unique character, potentially increasing appeal for collectors interested in a guitar's story.

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Critic Reviews

1956 Gretsch Chet Atkins Hollow Body Model 6120 - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pat Metheny uses Gretsch G6120CST Chet Atkins

Pat Metheny

Guitarist, Bassist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

Pat talks about buying the first electric guitar he ever saw in his life from the sons of his neighbor Mr. Sumner.

What other guitars have you collected? I didn’t really remember much about Mr. Sumner’s guitar except that it was red and it was beautiful, and it wasn’t a Gibson. Then about two years ago, the sons called me after the dad had died, because they remembered the guitar making an impression on me, and they asked if I’d be interested in buying it. They’d had it appraised, and it was a ’56 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120. They named a price, and it was very reasonable, so I now have the first electric guitar I ever laid eyes on. And it’s an incredible guitar. The guy basically never played it; it’s in flawless condition.

See how Zac Brown uses Gretsch G6120CST Chet Atkins

Zac Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Chicago Music Exchange
Color/Finish: Orange Flame Year: 2022

"I mean, come on man, look at the flame on that top. I had to have it." - Zac Brown

See how Gene Vincent uses Gretsch G6120CST Chet Atkins

Gene Vincent

Singer

Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps

...
Verified via Photo

In this late 1950's picture Gene Vincent plays the classic orange Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins model with Dynasonics.

J

Johnny Meeks

Guitarist

Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture (1957), Johnny Meeks plays the classic orange 6120 Gretsch - live on stage with Gene Vincent (and the Blue Caps).

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gretsch G6120CST Chet Atkins, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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