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Average Price: $2,869
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Description
The Gretsch 6134 White Penguin is a harmonious blend of elegance and sonic prowess, making it a cherished gem among guitar enthusiasts. This reissue pays homage to the exceedingly rare original White Penguin, capturing its vintage allure while infusing modern craftsmanship. With its single cutaway solid body, reminiscent of the iconic Gretsch Jet shape, the White Penguin is designed to deliver both visual and auditory brilliance.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it features a chambered mahogany body topped with arched maple, providing a rich, resonant tone that resonates with both clarity and warmth. The eye-catching snow-white finish, adorned with gold sparkle binding and hardware, ensures this guitar stands out on any stage. Equipped with DynaSonic single-coil pickups, the White Penguin offers a tonal palette that ranges from crisp and twangy to smooth and bluesy, making it versatile for various musical genres.
The ebony fingerboard, embellished with hump block inlays, offers a smooth playing experience, while the Grover Imperial tuners ensure precise tuning stability. Whether you're a collector or a performing artist, the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin is a timeless instrument that promises to inspire and captivate.
Key Features:
- Chambered mahogany body with arched maple top
- Single cutaway solid body design
- DynaSonic single-coil pickups
- Ebony fingerboard with hump block inlays
- Grover Imperial tuners
- Gold sparkle binding and hardware
- Eye-catching snow-white finish
Product specs
| Brand | Gretsch |
| Model | G6134 White Penguin |
| Finish | White |
| Year | 2003 - 2016 |
| 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 | White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Gretsch Penguin |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin use?
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The Gretsch 6134 White Penguin is equipped with dual single-coil pickups, which are known for delivering a bright and clear tone ideal for both clean and overdriven sounds.
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Is the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin suitable for rock and roll music?
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Yes, the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin is well-suited for rock and roll, thanks to its solid body and powerful single-coil pickups that provide a sharp, punchy sound perfect for this genre.
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What is the neck profile of the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin like?
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The Gretsch 6134 White Penguin features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
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Does the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin have a semi-hollow body?
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No, the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin is a solid body electric guitar, crafted with a mahogany body and a laminated maple top for enhanced sustain and tonal clarity.
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What is the fretboard material of the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin?
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The fretboard of the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin is made from ebony, known for its smooth feel and durability, contributing to the guitar's premium playing experience.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
Gretsch G6134 White Penguin | CME Gear Demo
Gretsch G6134 White Penguin | CME Gear Demo
Chicago Music Exchange
Gretsch G6134 White Penguin Overview
Wildwood Guitars
Gretsch G6134 White Penguin • SN: JT13052192
Wildwood Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Unique vintage feel sets it apart from typical Les Paul models
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Stunning appearance with a distinctive, eye-catching design
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Silky action offers effortless playability and comfort
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TV Jones pickups provide powerful sound and wider tonal range
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Balanced weight despite heavier chambered body
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Great fit and finish, often better than older models
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Maintains distinct Gretsch sound while adding power and sustain
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Comfortable neck with just the right amount of chunkiness
CONS
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Limited availability for left-handed players
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Semi-hollow body lacks high note sustain without pedals
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Bridge design can be uncomfortable and prone to adjustments
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Pickup hum issues require replacements for noise-free recording
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch 6134 White Penguin.
Mods and upgrades
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Changing the bridge to a Truarc is recommended over the Space Control for improved performance.
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A TV Jones Powertron Plus pickup swap offers a "nastier" tone compared to stock Filtertrons.
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Replacing the stock bridge with a roller bridge is recommended to tackle tuning and intonation issues in Bigsby-equipped Gretsch guitars.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
Features and functionality
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Although marketed as solid body, Gretsch guitars like the Penguin are chambered, contributing to their unique sound.
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The guitar includes a comfortable armrest, though it's unclear if it's a banjo-type or specific to the model.
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The G6134 White Penguin is highly praised for its premium feel and durability compared to budget Gretsch models, with no reported issues in toggle switches or electronics.
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Build quality
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Less than 200 copies of this limited edition model were made, adding exclusivity to the Gretsch 6134 White Penguin.
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Setup and maintenance
Value and pricing
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A limited production run with under 200 units increases its rarity and potential value over time.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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In 2019, Gilmour's White Penguin was auctioned off for $447,000 as part of Christie's The David Gilmour Guitar Collection auction with the following item description:
THE FRED GRETSCH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, BROOKLYN, CIRCA 1958 A SOLID-BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR, WHITE PENGUIN, 6134 Inlaid at the headstock with the logo Gretsch and applied at the pickguard and engraved on the tailpiece Gretsch, with hardshell case bearing a label inscribed GRETSCH 6134 WHITE PENGUIN and SERIAL NO. 1070; accompanied by a candid color snapshot of David Gilmour playing this guitar in 2001 Length of back 17 7/8 in. (45.3 cm.)
Following the release of the White Falcon, Gretsch decided to target the established solid-body electric market by producing a solid-body companion to the Falcon as they had done with the 6120 Chet Atkins. The guitar would share all the gold-plated appointments and snow white finish of the 6136, but with a body built around the Duo Jet’s 13 ½ inch wide template. It would not be hyperbole to say that White Penguins are one of the rarest American vintage guitars to exist in the market. Gretsch guitar historian Edward Ball clarifies the rarity in his research on Gretsch production numbers during the 1950s. Gretsch produced these spectacular instruments intermingled within the batch numbers used for the White Falcon. Without solid numbers, he can only estimate the total output to be, at the very most, 50 guitars. Among the pantheon of rare and collectable guitars, a 1950s White Penguin would be comparable to a 1958 Gibson Korina Flying V or Explorer or a pre-war Martin D-45. As David Gilmour had coveted a Gretsch White Penguin for some time, he jumped at the chance when longtime guitar technician Phil Taylor received a tip off from friend and guitar maker Grover Jackson. Jackson led Taylor to the Georgia based guitar dealer Tut Campbell, who managed to track one down. The White Penguin was purchased for Gilmour’s collection in July 1980 and kept for home and studio use. Gilmour told us: At some point I heard there was a sister or brother guitar to the White Falcon and set around to find one of those. It’s a lovely instrument with something all of its own. These guitars can be so similar, same make, but they sing out in a different way. I’ve played it a lot, it’s a lovely, lovely thing.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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