Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,250

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$500

$1201+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Gretsch 6118, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that harmonizes vintage charm with modern performance. Originally an anniversary model, this instrument is a tribute to the timeless Gretsch sound, featuring two distinctive Filter'Tron pickups that deliver a rich, resonant tone perfect for any musical genre. The Gretsch 6118 boasts a striking two-tone green finish, capturing the essence of retro aesthetics while appealing to contemporary tastes.

Designed to meet the needs of both seasoned musicians and those on their journey to greatness, the Gretsch 6118 offers an intuitive playability that enhances your musical expression. Its semi-hollow body construction provides a warm, resonant quality, while the maple neck ensures smooth, fast action across the fretboard. This guitar isn't just about looks and sound—it's about the feeling of nostalgia and innovation meeting in perfect harmony.

Whether you're playing rhythm, lead, or anything in between, the Gretsch 6118 provides the versatility to explore diverse soundscapes. Its robust construction and elegant design make it not only a reliable instrument but also a statement piece on any stage.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody construction for enhanced resonance
  • Two Filter'Tron pickups for classic Gretsch sound
  • Two-tone green finish
  • Maple neck for smooth playability
  • Vintage-inspired design with modern performance adaptations

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model G6118T Anniversary with Bigsby
Finish Smoke Green 2-Tone
Year 2003 - 2016
Made In Japan
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Green
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gretsch Anniversary
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gretsch 6118's pickups?

The Gretsch 6118 features dual humbucking pickups that deliver a warm, full-bodied tone with excellent clarity. It's well-suited for genres like rockabilly, jazz, and classic rock, offering a rich, vintage sound with plenty of sustain.

Is the Gretsch 6118 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gretsch 6118 is ideal for live performances due to its semi-hollow body, which provides a resonant sound, and the Bigsby tremolo tailpiece, which adds expressive vibrato. Its construction ensures durability and reliability on stage.

How does the Bigsby tremolo on the Gretsch 6118 affect playability?

The Bigsby tremolo on the Gretsch 6118 allows for smooth, subtle pitch modulation, enhancing your playing with classic vibrato effects. It's user-friendly and maintains tuning stability, making it a great addition for expressive playing styles.

Is the Gretsch 6118 comfortable to play for extended periods?

The Gretsch 6118 features a set-neck construction and a rosewood fretboard, providing a comfortable playing experience. The guitar's ergonomic design and smooth neck profile make it easy to play for extended periods without fatigue.

What is the neck profile like on the Gretsch 6118?

The Gretsch 6118 has a comfortable, medium neck profile that suits a variety of playing styles. Its set-neck construction offers smooth access to higher frets, making it versatile for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the Gretsch 6118 handle feedback well, given its hollow body design?

Yes, the Gretsch 6118 is designed to manage feedback effectively, thanks to its semi-hollow construction. While it may produce some natural resonance, its build and pickup configuration help minimize unwanted feedback during performances.

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

1964 Gretsch 6118 Double Anniversary played by Laur Joamets

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gretsch 6118 Double Anniversary played by Laur Joamets by Carter Vintage Guitars

1964 Gretsch 6118 Double Anniversary 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 6118.

Features and functionality

  • The Gretsch 6118's hollowbody design offers significant projection, allowing for a friendly bedroom volume without amplification.

    Source
  • The Gretsch 6118T features High Sensitive FilterTron pickups, with a switch to FT67 FilterTrons in later models, affecting tonal characteristics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners find the Gretsch 6118 offers better string spacing for jazz compared to a Les Paul, aiding in complex chord play.

    Source
  • The Gretsch 6118 is noted for its suitability as a jazz guitar over the Les Paul, despite the latter's clean tone being overlooked for jazz applications.

    Source
  • The Gretsch 6118T is often misrepresented in listings compared to other pro-level models due to misinformation about its origin.

    Source

User experience

  • The unique 3-way toggle and pickup setup on the Gretsch 6118 requires adjustment for those used to traditional configurations.

    Source
  • Owners express long-term satisfaction with the Smoke Green color, considering it a lifelong keeper.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Gretsch 6118T is confirmed to be made in Japan, ensuring high craftsmanship, despite some listings suggesting otherwise.

    Source

Other

  • Gretsch has been noted for inaccuracies in their instrument listings, potentially affecting buyer decisions.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gretsch 135th Anniversary Models Review

guitar.com

The Gretsch 6118 Anniversary models, celebrating the brand's 135th anniversary, showcase impressive craftsmanship with vintage flair. The Japanese-made G6118T-135 is lauded for its sophisticated build, featuring a Casino Gold top and Dark Cherry Metallic sides, and superior playability with its High Sensitive Filter'Trons delivering bright, twangy tones. However, its higher price may deter some. In contrast, the Korean-made G5420TG Electromatic offers solid performance with Black Top Filter'Trons and vintage aesthetics at a more accessible price point, albeit with some finish inconsistencies. Both guitars capture the Gretsch essence, but the G5420 is a platform ripe for upgrades, potentially closing the gap with the pricier counterpart. Overall, the review paints a positive picture, highlighting the G6118T as a refined choice and the G5420TG as a versatile, value-driven alternative.

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Artist usage

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See how Brian Jones uses Gretsch 6118

Brian Jones

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

Brian with his 6118 'two tone smoke green double anniversary' Gretsch. The Anniversary was modeled after the Gretsch Country Gentleman (the CG is associated with the creator of the 'Nashville Sound', Chet Atkins.)

http://www.angelfire.com/rock3/sixtiesfish/guitars/brianjones.htm

See how Brian Ray uses Gretsch 6118

Brian Ray

Singer, Guitarist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Brian Ray, he showcases his Gretsch 6118, describing it as part of his gear for the upcoming tour in Japan with Paul McCartney. The photo also includes a 1962 Dwight and two BR63SG guitars, highlighting his diverse collection.

See how Craig Gannon uses Gretsch 6118

Craig Gannon

Guitarist

The Smiths

...
Verified via Photo

During Craig’s early years of music, he can be seen playing a Gretsch 6118 Double Anniversary. With performances including the “Bluebells”, “Aztec Camera”, and “The Colourfield”.

In the photo above he can be seen playing an Emulator I with the Gretsch around his neck.

See how Shigeru Suzuki uses Gretsch 6118

Shigeru Suzuki

Singer, Guitarist

Happy End

...
Verified via ギター・マガジンWEB|Guitar magazine

In an interview featured in the December 2021 issue of Guitar Magazine, Shigeru Suzuki is seen playing the Gretsch 6118 Double Anniversary. He states, "I bought it in Los Angeles when I was recording the Happy End album 'HAPPY END' in 1973." This information is provided by Guitar Magazine, authored by 福崎敬太.

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 6118, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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mats_pettersborg

Gear IQ 135

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