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Average Price: $2,095

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$500

$1201+

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High-end

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Description

The Gretsch 6120 is not just an electric guitar; it’s an emblem of the rockabilly revolution and a tribute to Chet Atkins, whose legacy reverberates through its strings. Perfectly poised between vintage allure and modern performance, this semi-hollowbody guitar delivers a tonal palette as rich as its history. The arched laminated flame maple top, coupled with the laminated maple back and sides, offers a resonant warmth that’s both commanding and inviting.

Its High Sensitive Filter'Tron pickups are engineered to capture every nuance of your style, providing a versatile soundscape from clean twang to gritty crunch. The guitar’s 3-piece maple neck and ebony fingerboard, adorned with neo-classic thumbnail inlays, promise smooth playability and aesthetic finesse. Whether you're diving into a solo or laying down rhythm, the Bigsby B6 Vibrato tailpiece offers that iconic Gretsch shimmer and sustain, making it a favorite for those who crave authenticity in their sound.

A gold-plated hardware finish ensures that the Gretsch 6120 looks as striking as it sounds, while the included G6241 Deluxe Hardshell Case provides stylish protection for your prized possession. Designed for the discerning guitarist, this instrument is a harmonious blend of history and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Single cutaway semi-hollowbody design
  • Arched laminated flame maple top
  • High Sensitive Filter'Tron pickups
  • 24.6" scale length with a 3-piece maple neck
  • Ebony fingerboard with neo-classic thumbnail inlays
  • Bigsby B6 Vibrato tailpiece for classic twang
  • Gold-plated hardware and Grover 102-18g Rotomatic tuners
  • Includes G6241 Deluxe Hardshell Case

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model Chet Atkins G6120
Finish Black, Blue Burst, Cadillac Green, Orange Stain, Tiger Maple Amber Stain, Tiger Maple Orange
Year 2007 - 2016
Made In Japan
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Artist Chet Atkins
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gretsch Nashville
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gretsch Artist Signature
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What genres of music is the Gretsch 6120 best suited for?

The Gretsch 6120 is renowned for its versatility in rockabilly, jazz, and country music, thanks to its hollow body design and warm, resonant tones.

What kind of pickups does the Gretsch 6120 have, and how do they affect the sound?

The Gretsch 6120 features dual humbucking pickups, which provide a rich, full-bodied sound with reduced hum, ideal for clean and overdriven tones.

Is the Gretsch 6120 suitable for beginners?

While the Gretsch 6120 is a high-quality instrument appreciated by experienced players, its playability and tonal range can also benefit dedicated beginners who are serious about investing in a versatile guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Gretsch 6120 like?

The Gretsch 6120 has a comfortable, medium-sized neck profile that offers smooth playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Gretsch 6120 enhance its performance?

The tremolo tailpiece allows for subtle pitch variations and vibrato effects, adding expressive capabilities to your playing style while maintaining tuning stability.

five watt world

five watt world

The Gretsch 6120: A Short History, featuring Jason Laughlin

Video thumbnail for The Gretsch 6120: A Short History, featuring Jason Laughlin by five watt world

The Gretsch 6120: A Short History, featuring Jason Laughlin

five watt world

five watt world

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody Demo by Reverb

Gretsch G6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody Demo

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gretsch 6120 "Mr. Sandman" by Phils Vintage Guitars

1960 Gretsch 6120 "Mr. Sandman"

Phils Vintage Guitars

Phils Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1958 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 played by JD Simo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1958 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 played by JD Simo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1958 Gretsch 6120 played by J Mascis by Carter Vintage Guitars

1958 Gretsch 6120 played by J Mascis

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins from 1959 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann. by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins from 1959 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann.

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound covering Rockabilly to British Invasion and beyond

  • Lightweight and sleek design enhances playability

  • TV Jones and HS Filtertrons pickups provide exceptional tone clarity

  • Bigsby vibrato offers smooth and easy operation

  • Vintage cool hardware with a stylish aesthetic

  • Tone post design minimizes feedback, maintains open sound

  • Compton brass bridge adds outstanding sustain and tone

  • Mud-switch offers a wide range of tonal variations

  • String-through Bigsby and locking tuners simplify string changes

  • Suitable for various musical genres, from clean to overdriven tones

CONS

  • Stock knurled strap pins may pose a risk of stage mishaps

  • Requires fine-tuning of Bigsby arm and nut for optimal performance

  • Original "mud-switch" design may not suit all preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch 6120.

Value and pricing

  • Buying used Japanese-made Gretsch 6120s in Japan offers excellent value, especially with favorable exchange rates.

    Source
  • Used, upgraded 5420s with TV Jones pickups often sell for under $700, offering substantial savings over a new 6120.

    Source
  • Despite being newer, MIJ Gretsch models from the 90s onward are praised for consistently high quality compared to many vintage versions.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Filtertron pickups are highly regarded for their tone, enticing even solid-body enthusiasts to explore semi-hollow options.

    Source
  • Some modern Gretsch 6120 models include locking Sperzel tuners, enhancing tuning stability compared to older models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A Gretsch 6120 can be a compelling alternative to a Japanese Casino, offering unique tonal qualities and playability.

    Source
  • The Gretsch 5420 is noted to feel similar to the 6120, with affordable pickup upgrades bringing the sound even closer.

    Source
  • The Rat Rod 5410 is a thinner alternative to the 6120, offering a different playability experience due to its reduced body depth.

    Source
  • Modern Gretsch models, including the Brian Setzer 6120, are often regarded as superior to vintage models in playability and sound quality, even by professionals.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report a growing appreciation for unique finishes, such as the blue burst, after initial skepticism.

    Source
  • Owners note that Gretsch guitars are versatile, reducing the need to frequently switch instruments for different tones.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • TV Jones pickups, particularly the Classic and Classic Plus, are popular upgrades for both the 5120 and 5420 models.

    Source
  • An aftermarket string-through Bigsby shaft from Callaham is recommended for smoother performance and increased comfort through arm modifications.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Gretsch guitars, especially those with Bigsby tremolos, may require careful setup to prevent tuning issues common with trem-equipped guitars.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Gretsch G6120: the story of a rock ’n’ roll icon | Guitar World

guitarworld.com
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
paulsmithiii

A World of Tone

One of my very favorite guitars - she conjures up tone from Buffalo Springfield to Tom Petty. The playability is amazing and the design is gorgeous! This guitar has introduced me to some Rock-a-Billy playing which is great fun and not as easy as it sounds.

From Gear Setup
K

My favorite guitar

The beautiful ring of that Great Gretsch Sound from my 6120 with my 59 Bassman Reissue I feel makes me play better. The guitar is big and heavy but it will play any genre of music I play whether Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz. Clean she is a lady, but driven she's a beast.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kid Rock uses Gretsch 6120

Kid Rock

Guitarist, Rapper

The Twisted Brown Trucker

...
Verified via YouTube

at 1:55 you can see Kid Rock with a Gretsch 6120

See how Ed King uses Gretsch 6120

Ed King

Guitarist, Bassist

Lynyrd Skynyrd

...
Verified via YouTube

A 1958 6120 is featured in this November 21, 2019 video by Carter Vintage Guitars.

J Mascis plays a '58 Gretsch 6120 through a cranked '57 Super with the help of a Xotic SL Drive. This single-cut Grestch is loaded with its original filtertrons pickups which tonally sit perfectly between a humbucker and a tele. The finish is in beautiful condition with a faded orange color. Few guitars sound like a Gretsch and this is a prime example of their most popular model. This guitar was previously owned by Ed King.

See how Marco Pirroni uses Gretsch 6120

Marco Pirroni

Guitarist

Siouxsie & the Banshees

...
Verified via Guitar World

I bought that and a really good Gretsch 6120

See how Art Alexakis uses Gretsch 6120

Art Alexakis

Singer, Guitarist

Everclear

...
Verified via YouTube

Used in the "Father Of Mine" video, although it is in a more reddish color.

See how Joe Robinson uses Gretsch 6120

Joe Robinson

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Premier Guitar "Rig Rundown" on YouTube, Joe Robinson is seen using a Gretsch 6122 at the 3:30 mark.

See how C.W. Stoneking uses Gretsch 6120

C.W. Stoneking

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this rig rundown of C.W. Stoneking's equipment, he is seen playing a 1957 Gretsch 6120.

See how Warren Defever uses Gretsch 6120

Warren Defever

Guitarist, Keyboardist

His Name Is Alive

...
Verified via Photo

"maestro vibrola vs bigsby tailpiece #whammybar #maestrovibrola #bigsbyvibrato #reverendguitars #gretsch6120 #gibsonfirebird #gibsonsgcustom"

See how Duke Robillard uses Gretsch 6120

Duke Robillard

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

When I was working, I was trying out lots of guitars. I had a Gibson SG, a gold top Les Paul, a Gretsch 6120, a Gibson ES-345, and more early Strats.

See how Derek Wells uses Gretsch 6120

Derek Wells

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Derek Wells Studio Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour" by Premier Guitar, Derek Wells is seen playing a 2003 Gretsch 6120 guitar at the timestamp 20:07.

See how Vance Powell uses Gretsch 6120

Vance Powell

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via Photo

Vance Powell uses a Gretsch 6120, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar with f-holes, known for its rich history in rockabilly and rock music. This model, first popularized in the 1950s with Chet Atkins' endorsement, has been favored by icons like Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddy, and Brian Setzer. The Gretsch 6120's legacy continues through Powell's utilization, as captured in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Kidneythieves uses Gretsch 6120

Kidneythieves

Kidneythieves

...
Verified via Photo

Free K Dominguez of Kidneythieves seen using a 1959 Gretsch 6120 in their studio in a picture posted on their official Instagram.

See how J.B. Meijers uses Gretsch 6120

J.B. Meijers

Singer, Guitarist

The Common Linnets

...
Verified via Gitarist

"This guitar was a present from Isle (common linnets). She gave me this guitar after reaching the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 in Copenhagen. Its an original from 1962"

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 6120, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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J

joshua_metz_josh

Gear IQ 188

guitarslinger78

guitarslinger78

Gear IQ 311

paulsmithiii

paulsmithiii

Gear IQ 498

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