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Average Price: $2,095
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$500
$1201+
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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
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What genres of music is the Gretsch 6120 best suited for?
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The Gretsch 6120 is renowned for its versatility in rockabilly, jazz, and country music, thanks to its hollow body design and warm, resonant tones.
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What kind of pickups does the Gretsch 6120 have, and how do they affect the sound?
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The Gretsch 6120 features dual humbucking pickups, which provide a rich, full-bodied sound with reduced hum, ideal for clean and overdriven tones.
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Is the Gretsch 6120 suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Gretsch 6120 like?
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The Gretsch 6120 has a comfortable, medium-sized neck profile that offers smooth playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Gretsch 6120 enhance its performance?
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The tremolo tailpiece allows for subtle pitch variations and vibrato effects, adding expressive capabilities to your playing style while maintaining tuning stability.
Videos
five watt world
The Gretsch 6120: A Short History, featuring Jason Laughlin
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile sound covering Rockabilly to British Invasion and beyond
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Lightweight and sleek design enhances playability
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TV Jones and HS Filtertrons pickups provide exceptional tone clarity
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Bigsby vibrato offers smooth and easy operation
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Vintage cool hardware with a stylish aesthetic
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Tone post design minimizes feedback, maintains open sound
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Compton brass bridge adds outstanding sustain and tone
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Mud-switch offers a wide range of tonal variations
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String-through Bigsby and locking tuners simplify string changes
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Suitable for various musical genres, from clean to overdriven tones
CONS
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Stock knurled strap pins may pose a risk of stage mishaps
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Requires fine-tuning of Bigsby arm and nut for optimal performance
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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
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Buying used Japanese-made Gretsch 6120s in Japan offers excellent value, especially with favorable exchange rates.
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Used, upgraded 5420s with TV Jones pickups often sell for under $700, offering substantial savings over a new 6120.
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Despite being newer, MIJ Gretsch models from the 90s onward are praised for consistently high quality compared to many vintage versions.
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Features and functionality
Comparisons
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A Gretsch 6120 can be a compelling alternative to a Japanese Casino, offering unique tonal qualities and playability.
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The Gretsch 5420 is noted to feel similar to the 6120, with affordable pickup upgrades bringing the sound even closer.
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The Rat Rod 5410 is a thinner alternative to the 6120, offering a different playability experience due to its reduced body depth.
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Modern Gretsch models, including the Brian Setzer 6120, are often regarded as superior to vintage models in playability and sound quality, even by professionals.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings
498
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.
94
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
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.
In the Premier Guitar "Rig Rundown" on YouTube, Joe Robinson is seen using a Gretsch 6122 at the 3:30 mark.
Throughout this rig rundown of C.W. Stoneking's equipment, he is seen playing a 1957 Gretsch 6120.
"maestro vibrola vs bigsby tailpiece #whammybar #maestrovibrola #bigsbyvibrato #reverendguitars #gretsch6120 #gibsonfirebird #gibsonsgcustom"
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.
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.
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.
Album Usage
The Gretsch 6120 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 6120, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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