Gretsch Black Penguin

$4,533.34 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (4)

1 Review

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8 wishlisted

12 saved

Page last updated Jun 20, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

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5.0 (2)

$4,533.34 2 available Used

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Average Price: $4,533

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Gretsch Black Penguin is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Gretsch Black Penguin is a distinguished addition to the world of solid body electric guitars, embodying the rich legacy of Gretsch craftsmanship with a modern twist. This guitar is renowned for its exceptional tonal clarity and striking design, making it a favorite among musicians who appreciate both style and substance. The Black Penguin is equipped with dual Filter'Tron pickups, which deliver a unique blend of warmth and punch, perfect for a wide range of musical styles.

Crafted with a mahogany body and arched maple top, the Black Penguin offers a robust and resonant sound. The neck is fashioned from mahogany as well, providing a smooth playing experience across its ebony fingerboard. The guitar features a 22-fret layout and a 24.6-inch scale length, making it versatile for both rhythm and lead performances. Its gold hardware and Grover Imperial tuners not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also ensure reliable tuning stability.

The Black Penguin's elegant aesthetics are matched by its playability, thanks to its comfortable U-shaped neck profile and medium jumbo frets. These features make it easy for guitarists to navigate complex chords and intricate solos with ease. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar is designed to make a statement both visually and sonically.

Key Features:

Dual Filter'Tron pickups for versatile sound
Mahogany body with arched maple top
Ebony fingerboard with 22 frets
24.6-inch scale length
Gold hardware with Grover Imperial tuners
U-shaped neck profile for comfortable playability

Product specs

Brand	Gretsch
Model	G6134B Black Penguin
Finish	Black
Year	2003 - 2014
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	Black
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

What kind of pickups does the Gretsch Black Penguin have?: The Gretsch Black Penguin features a single-coil pickup configuration with two DynaSonic pickups, known for their clear, bright tones ideal for rock, blues, and jazz.
Is the Gretsch Black Penguin suitable for beginners?: The Gretsch Black Penguin is a high-end guitar, typically more suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its premium build and specific tonal characteristics.
What is the neck profile of the Gretsch Black Penguin?: The Gretsch Black Penguin has a set-neck construction with a comfortable, medium-sized neck profile, making it easy to play for extended periods.
What materials are used in the construction of the Gretsch Black Penguin?: The Gretsch Black Penguin features a mahogany body with a maple top and an ebony fretboard, offering a rich, resonant sound with a smooth playing surface.
How does the Gretsch Black Penguin sound compared to other Gretsch models?: The Gretsch Black Penguin delivers a distinctive blend of bright, articulate tones with a warm, resonant body sound, setting it apart from other Gretsch models like the White Falcon or Jet series.

Videos

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ProGuitarShopDemos

Gretsch Black Penguin

ProGuitarShopDemos

Gretsch G6134B Black Penguin at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Quick Riffs: Gretsch Black Penguin

Swee Lee

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The pickup selector in the middle position offers a unique sound, noted for its percussive, country-pop tone when played just under the strings.
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Available with Filtertron or DeArmond pickups, each offering distinct Gretsch tonal characteristics.
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The chambered body construction contributes to the unique Gretsch sound, offering more resonance even when played unplugged.
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Comparisons

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Weighing a little over eight pounds, the Black Penguin is lighter than a typical Les Paul due to its chambered body and arched top.
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The Black Penguin's fit, feel, and sound are akin to the Duo Jet, but with a finish quality comparable to the White Falcon.
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The Penguin is compared to the Country Gentleman, which is noted for its large 17-inch lower bout, making it less comfortable for some players.
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User experience

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A guitar that had been mostly unused by a collector showed minimal fret wear, indicating strong durability even with prolonged non-use.
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Owners note the rarity and exclusivity of the Black Penguin, enhancing its appeal despite the high price point compared to more common models.
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Use cases and applications

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The Legendary Dynasonic pickups are praised for their iconic sound, commonly heard on many beloved albums.
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Setup and maintenance

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Adjustment to the Melita bridge requires acclimatization, but offers a distinct tonal benefit once mastered.
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Build quality

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Part of the Gretsch Professional series, the Black Penguin is renowned for exceptional build quality, consistent across models starting with number 6.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some owners swap the stock Filtertron pickups for TV Jones Powertron Plus for a more aggressive tone suitable for rock and blues.
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A Tru-Arc bridge is recommended over the stock Space Control bridge, reportedly improving tone and playability significantly.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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franklyn_raicoski

141

about 11 years ago

The ultimate blend of style and sound in a Gretsch guitar

The Gretsch Black Penguin could be the ultimate Gretsch guitar, combining all the bling of the Falcon with the elegant shape and styling of the Duo Jet. The resonant thump of the chambered mahogany body and maple top melds perfectly with the bite of the DynaSonic Single Coil pickups, resulting in a tone that has as much warmth as it does grind.

Artist usage

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Caleb Shomo

Singer, Guitarist

Beartooth

Verified via Photo

Messing arond with riffs on the new pwerhouse. The riffs are sloppy but the guitar is POPPIN OFF! #gretsch #polarbearPJs #indigowild

Roddy Radiation

Singer, Guitarist

The Specials

Verified via Photo

In this image Roddy can be seen playing a Gretsch Black Penguin.

Joji Malani

Guitarist

Gang of Youths

Verified via reverb.com

Color/Finish: Black Year: 2017

Joji Malani is confirmed to use a Gretsch Black Penguin, as evidenced by a Reverb listing titled "Gretsch G6134B Black Penguin- Ex- Gang of Youths lead 2017." The guitar was purchased from Chicago Music Exchange after the band's performance at the store, according to the listing on reverb.com.