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Description

Discover the Gretsch 6131 Firebird, a solid body electric guitar that combines timeless design with modern playability. Known for its distinctive character and unique Filter'Tron pickups, the 6131 Firebird offers a sound that's both powerful and nuanced, making it a favorite among rock and blues guitarists. Its all-mahogany body delivers a warm tone, while the set neck ensures sustain and comfort during those long gigs or jam sessions.

The Firebird's classic single-cutaway design not only looks stunning but also provides easy access to higher frets, perfect for intricate solos. The Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds an extra layer of expression, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and creative play. Topping it off is a rosewood fingerboard that enhances the guitar's rich tonal qualities and offers a silky feel under your fingers. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Gretsch 6131 Firebird is ready to deliver a performance as fiery as its name.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with a classic single-cutaway design
  • Set neck construction for improved sustain
  • Rosewood fingerboard for enhanced tone and playability
  • Filter'Tron pickups for a distinctive and powerful sound
  • Bigsby vibrato tailpiece for smooth pitch modulation
  • Adjustable bridge for precise intonation
  • Vintage-style tuners for reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model G6131 Jet Firebird
Finish Red
Year 1988 - 2005
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
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
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gretsch 6131 Firebird have?

The Gretsch 6131 Firebird features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a rich and powerful sound suitable for various music genres.

Is the Gretsch 6131 Firebird suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Gretsch 6131 Firebird is well-suited for rock music due to its solid mahogany body and dual humbucker pickups, which offer a robust and versatile tone.

What is the neck profile of the Gretsch 6131 Firebird like?

The Gretsch 6131 Firebird features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience with easy access to higher frets.

How does the Gretsch 6131 Firebird's body material affect its sound?

The mahogany body of the Gretsch 6131 Firebird contributes to a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain, while the maple top adds brightness and clarity.

Does the Gretsch 6131 Firebird have a gloss finish?

Yes, the Gretsch 6131 Firebird features a gloss finish, which enhances its visual appeal and protects the instrument's surface.

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gretsch Jet Firebird Model 6131 from 1959 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Jet Firebird Model 6131 from 1959 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gretsch Jet Firebird Model 6131 from 1959 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Jet Firebird Model 6131 from 1959 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gretsch Jet Firebird Model 6131 from 1959 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch 6131 Firebird.

Features and functionality

  • The tone switch is effectively on or off, with settings mimicking tone knob levels at 10, 3, and 0. It's noted to be less useful than traditional tone knobs.

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  • The bottom right switch acts as a kill switch but doesn't completely silence the guitar, leaving a faint clean sound.

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  • The mud switch, a historical feature, is standard on models with Filtertrons, while models with Dynasonics typically include a tone control pot instead.

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  • The original owner replaced the stock Bigsby with a standard Gretsch tailpiece for a more traditional aesthetic and feel.

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Build quality

  • The guitar finish features checks and cracks, a characteristic that some owners find appealing, adding to its vintage aesthetic.

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  • The Space Control bridge on models from Terada is often criticized for its design, prompting some users to replace it for better string stability and intonation.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to a Les Paul, the Gretsch 6131 Firebird offers greater clarity, noted specifically when played through a Marshall Plexi amp.

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  • The Power Jet Firebird variant includes Sperzel locking tuners and TV Jones Power 'Tron pickups, offering a different tonal and functional profile compared to the standard model.

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User experience

  • The Gretsch's finish color is a standout feature, with rich hues like green paired with gold hardware being particularly admired.

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  • Users find that Japanese models post-2000 often look remarkably new, suggesting superior finish durability compared to earlier versions.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A Bigsby is frequently recommended to enhance vibrato capabilities, aligning with the guitar's vintage style and improving its functional versatility.

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  • Graphite saddles have been installed for improved tuning stability and reduced string wear compared to stock saddles.

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  • Gotoh tuners, non-locking, were chosen by an owner for a balance of reliability and ease of use after ditching the stock tuners.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Gretsch 6131 Firebird's unique tonal clarity makes it particularly well-suited for genres requiring articulate sound, such as rock played through a Marshall Plexi amp.

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  • A 2009 Gretsch Power Jet Firebird pairs exceptionally well with a '69 Twin Reverb, creating a powerful and dynamic sound setup.

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Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1955-56 Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird

guitar.com

The 1955-56 Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird is a visually striking guitar with an impressive vintage appeal, showcasing a vibrant Oriental Red finish. Its DeArmond pickups deliver a unique, high-fidelity sound that blends clarity with warmth, making it suitable for various genres. However, the vintage tuners can be stiff, complicating tuning, and the neck may require a reset for optimal playability. Additionally, issues like gassing off from deteriorating celluloid parts pose a risk to the guitar's longevity. While it excels in tone and aesthetics, potential buyers should weigh these drawbacks against its charm and historical significance.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how PJ Harvey uses Gretsch 6131 Firebird

PJ Harvey

Singer, Guitarist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which shows Harvey performing at Summercase festival in Boadilla del Monte, Spain on July 14, 2007, she is seen playing the Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird.

See how Jason Isbell uses Gretsch 6131 Firebird

Jason Isbell

Guitarist, Singer

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via Twitter

Bought on February 2017 from Dave Cobb

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 6131 Firebird, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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