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Description
Step back in time and embrace the vintage allure of the Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins 1957 Model, a guitar that effortlessly marries classic design with timeless sound. This instrument is a testament to Gretsch's craftsmanship, celebrated for its unique blend of aesthetic elegance and sonic excellence. The 1957 model retains the signature features of its predecessors, while introducing distinctive updates that set it apart in the world of solid body electric guitars.
This guitar is a tribute to the era of rock 'n' roll, featuring iconic engraved block inlays and a horseshoe headstock inlay, adding a touch of character and flair. Whether you're strumming soulful country ballads or driving a rockabilly rhythm, the Gretsch 6121 delivers a rich, resonant tone that is both powerful and versatile. It’s a beloved choice for musicians who appreciate vintage sound with modern reliability.
For those who cherish attention to detail, the 1957 model offers a choice between "humpback" and "thumbprint" style inlays, showcasing the exquisite artistry that defines Gretsch guitars. A perfect piece for collectors and players alike, the 6121 Chet Atkins exemplifies the qualities that have made Gretsch a legendary name in the music industry.
Key Features:
- Solid body electric guitar design
- Engraved block inlays and horseshoe headstock inlay
- Choice of "humpback" or "thumbprint" style inlays
- DeArmond single coil pickups for classic tone
- Vintage aesthetic with modern performance reliability
Product specs
| Brand | Gretsch |
| Model | 6121 Chet Atkins |
| Finish | Orange |
| Year | 1957 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Artist | Chet Atkins |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Tailpiece |
| Color Family | Orange |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gretsch Jet |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Series | Gretsch Artist Signature |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of pickups are featured on the Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model)?
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The Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model) is equipped with Filter'Tron pickups, known for their ability to filter out hum and provide a clear, articulate tone that suits a variety of musical styles.
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What is the neck profile of the Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model)?
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The Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model) features a mahogany set-neck with a comfortable profile, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.
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Is the Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model) suitable for rockabilly music?
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Yes, the Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model) is well-suited for rockabilly music, thanks to its solid body construction and Filter'Tron pickups that deliver the twangy, bright tones characteristic of the genre.
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What is the scale length of the Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model)?
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The Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model) has a scale length of 24.75 inches, offering a slightly shorter reach that can enhance playability, especially for players with smaller hands.
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Does the Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model) have a tremolo system?
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Yes, the Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model) features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for vibrato effects and expressive playing styles.
Reviews
Artist usage
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David Gilmour scholar Bjørn Riis notes that the 6121 was used during the 1993 sessions for The Division Bell, particularly for the track that would become "Nervana" from The Endless River, featuring photographic evidence.
David employed a number of guitars for the 1993 Division Bell/Endless River sessions. Here at the Olympic Studios playing a Gretsch 6121 during Nervana and a ’52 Telecaster for Allons-y.
In 2019, Gilmour's 6121 was auctioned off for $175,000 as part of Christie's The David Gilmour Guitar Collection auction. The item description confirms its use during the recording of The Division Bell and The Endless River, particularly for "Nervana".
THE FRED GRETSCH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, BROOKLYN, 1957 A SOLID-BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR, CHET ATKINS, 6121 Inlaid at the headstock with the logo Gretsch and applied at the pickguard, along with Chet Atkins, the control cavity cover inscribed 23490, with original hardshell case bearing a label inscribed GRETSCH 6121 ORANGE - CHET ATKINS #23490 SERIAL NO. DG1067; accompanied by the original sales invoice from Gruhn Guitars, Inc. to Pink Floyd, dated 26th June 1978, a letter from Dave Gilman to Pink Floyd, dated 27th June 1978, confirming that the instrument had been placed on hold, a facsimile air waybill addressed to Pink Floyd, dated 11th July 1978, a shipping invoice from Dacair Service Limited to Britannia Row Leasing Ltd., dated 27th July 1978, a handwritten note on a Pink Floyd headed compliments slip reading Dear Vic, Please find enclosed the invoices for the two guitars that should be arriving shortly, Phil, a facsimile repair receipt from Charlie Chandler’s Guitars, Middlesex to David Gilmour Music Ltd., dated 27th July 2009, a handwritten note to David Gilmour by guitar technician Phil Taylor on a sheet of Astoria headed notepaper outlining the repair and modification work performed on the guitar, and a color screenshot of David Gilmour playing this guitar at Olympic Studios, London, circa July 1993 [not illustrated] Length of back 17 7/8 in. (45.3 cm.)
The 6121 is the solid-body companion to Gretsch’s famous hollow-body guitar the 6120 Chet Atkins (lot 40). Purchased by David Gilmour from Gruhn Guitars, Nashville, Tennessee, in June 1978, the guitar has seen a good deal of studio use, notably during recording sessions for Pink Floyd’s 1994 album The Division Bell at Gilmour’s Astoria houseboat studio and Olympic Studios, London, circa July 1993. Between 2013 and 2014, material from the 1993 recording sessions for The Division Bell was revisited and reworked with 21st Century digital technology and supplemented with new material for the last Pink Floyd album The Endless River. Studio footage exists of Gilmour playing the 6121 during a 1993 jam session at Olympic that would become the instrumental Nervana, the third and final bonus track on the deluxe edition of The Endless River. Following a distorted intro, Gilmour plays a heavy metal riff and ends with a two-minute solo on the Gretsch 6121. Released in November 2014 as a tribute to keyboardist Richard Wright, who had passed away in 2008, the predominantly instrumental album debuted at number one in the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, New Zealand, and Canada.
Album Usage
The Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins (1957 Model) 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.
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