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Average Price: $5,300

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Description

Experience the timeless elegance of the Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird. This solid body electric guitar is a cherished treasure among musicians, known for its double cutaway design that sets it apart from its contemporaries. This version of the Jet Firebird replaced the classic Bigsby vibrato with a Burns unit, elevating its sound capabilities. One of its standout features includes a standby switch, incorporated into the controls for ease of use. This model remained consistent until 1968, when the pickups were upgraded to Gretsch's Super'Tron humbucker. Uniquely designed and meticulously crafted, the Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird is an enduring symbol of music history, produced alongside iconic models like the Silver Jet and Duo Jet, and boasting similar specifications aside from its unique color.

Key Features:

  • Double cutaway design for distinctive look and feel
  • Burns unit replacing the Bigsby vibrato for enhanced sound
  • Standby switch integrated into the controls for convenience
  • Upgraded to Gretsch's Super'Tron humbucker in 1968 for improved sound quality
  • Produced alongside Silver Jet and Duo Jet models, with identical specifications apart from color

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model 6131 Jet Firebird
Finish Red
Year 1961 - 1968
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gretsch Jet
Model Sub-Family Gretsch Jet Firebird
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird have and what tones can I expect?

The Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration. These pickups deliver a warm, rich tone with a strong midrange presence, making them ideal for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

Is the Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird is more suited for advanced players due to its vintage construction and specific tonal characteristics. Its set-neck design and unique sound profile make it a great choice for players looking for a classic rock or blues guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird like?

The Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird features a set-neck construction made from mahogany, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience. The neck profile is typically slim, providing easy playability for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird affect playability?

The tremolo tailpiece on the Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird allows for smooth pitch modulation and vibrato effects, adding expressiveness to your playing. It's well-suited for players who enjoy adding subtle or dramatic pitch changes to their sound.

What is the scale length of the Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird, and how does it impact playability?

The Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird has a 24.75" scale length, which provides a slightly slinkier feel and easier string bending compared to longer scale guitars. This scale length is comfortable for most players and contributes to the guitar's warm tonal character.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: Early 1960's Gretsch Jet Firebird | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: Early 1960's Gretsch Jet Firebird | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: Early 1960's Gretsch Jet Firebird | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird played by Laur Joamets by Carter Vintage Guitars

1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird played by Laur Joamets

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird.

Comparisons

  • The Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird offers more clarity compared to a Gibson Les Paul when played through a Marshall Plexi with consistent settings.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bottom right switch acts as a partial kill switch, leaving a slight clean sound instead of fully muting.

    Source
  • The tone switch on the Jet Firebird is described as being less useful, functioning almost like an on/off switch with limited tonal variation.

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  • The top right knob controls the volume for both pickups, while the middle two knobs manage individual pickup volumes.

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  • The tone switch settings: middle is bright (tone on 10), down is moderate (tone on 3), and up is dark (tone on 0).

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Build quality

  • The guitar's finish is noted for having a checked or cracked appearance, which is not visible in some photos but adds character.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Adam Jones uses Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird

Adam Jones

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tool

...
Verified via Guitar World

(NOT SURE IF ITS THE DOUBLE CUTAWAY OR SINGLE CUTAWAY.) according to Tool's producer Joe Barresi on the gear that Adam Jones used on the album "Fear Inoculum", Adam experimented with a 60s Gretsch Jet Firebird for clean tones.

See how Malcolm Young uses Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird

Malcolm Young

Guitarist

AC/DC

...
Verified via Photo

Handed down to Malcolm by elder brother George and Harry Vanda. The neck and middle pickups were removed and the paint was stripped to the maple top around the Let There Be Rock tour. Malcolm is seen here playing the guitar after the paint was stripped off.

See how Ricardo Mollo uses Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird

Ricardo Mollo

Guitarist

Sumo

...
Verified via Photo

Mollo en vivo con Gretsch Jet Firebird

See how Stevie Young uses Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird

Stevie Young

Guitarist

AC/DC

...
Verified via YouTube

at 24:14 in his rig rundown, this is brought up.

R

Robbie Furze

Singer

The Big Pink

...
Verified via YouTube

00:24 Robbie holding Gretsch Jet (endorsment video)

Album Usage

The Gretsch 1963 Jet Firebird has been featured on the following albums:

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 1963 Jet Firebird, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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