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Description

Step back in time with the Gretsch G6123 Monkees Model, a tribute to the iconic band and the instrument that helped define their sound. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a celebration of both musical history and exquisite craftsmanship, making it a must-have for collectors and performers alike. It captures the spirit of the 1960s with its vintage-inspired design while delivering modern performance and reliability.

At the heart of the G6123 is its dual HiLo’Tron pickups, known for their clear and balanced tone, perfect for both rhythm and lead sections. The semi-hollowbody design provides a rich resonance, offering a warm and full-bodied sound that seamlessly blends with any musical ensemble. The guitar's maple body and neck ensure durability and sustain, making it a reliable choice for stage and studio.

A vintage Bigsby B6C vibrato tailpiece adds to the classic feel and allows for expressive pitch modulation, while the traditional Gretsch controls give you intuitive access to tone-shaping possibilities. With its comfortable U-shaped neck and rosewood fingerboard, the G6123 Monkees Model offers smooth playability, whether you're strumming chords or exploring intricate solos.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced resonance
  • Dual HiLo’Tron pickups for clear and balanced tone
  • Maple body and neck for durability and sustain
  • Bigsby B6C vibrato tailpiece for pitch modulation
  • U-shaped neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Vintage-style Gretsch controls for intuitive tone shaping
  • Rosewood fingerboard for a smooth playing experience

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch G6123 Monkees Model.

Build quality

  • Disintegrating binding, or "binding rot," is common on 1960s Gretsches due to celluloid plastic decomposing, potentially releasing corrosive fumes harmful to electronics.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The neck pockets were milled too large, filled with glue, and stabilized with a large screw, often requiring neck resets on older Gretsches.

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  • Vintage Gretsch models may require professional binding repairs due to the original glue failing over time.

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  • The glue used in mid-60s Gretsch necksets was subpar, contributing to the need for frequent neck resets.

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Features and functionality

  • Neo-Classic inlays on both sides of the fingerboard are almost unique to the Monkees model, with few exceptions on other Gretsch models.

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  • The original pickups on this model have a distinct "twang" sound, which is characteristic of Gretsch guitars.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Gretsch G6123 Monkees Model

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

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Verified via Photo

In this photo, Billie Joe is playing Gretsch G6123 model. This guitar was also used for Trilogy recordings, and it can be seen in a lot of short videos uploaded from Green Day.

See how Paul Weller uses Gretsch G6123 Monkees Model

Paul Weller

Keyboardist, Composer

The Style Council

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Verified via Photo

Here Paul is playing a somewhat rare 1967'ish Gretsch G6123 Monkees model guitar in what appears to be the period when he was with The Jam. This guitar is very distinctive because is has the "Neo-classic" fretboard markers on both sides of the fretboards.

See how Rick Nielsen uses Gretsch G6123 Monkees Model

Rick Nielsen

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

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Verified via YouTube

Was used in the music video for When I Wake Up Tomorrow

See how Glen Campbell uses Gretsch G6123 Monkees Model

Glen Campbell

Singer, Guitarist

The Beach Boys

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Verified via Glencampbellforums

[From Glen Campbell Forums]

The Gretsch Monkees model guitar is a rare relic of one of the more off-the-wall of 1960's Gretsch endeavors-an endorsement deal to provide instruments for the Monkees TV show. The "Monkees Rock"N"Roll Model" was specifically designed to be a relatively affordable but flashy guitar to hopefully appeal to the group's giant teenage audience. Having seen a massive spike in demand for the company's guitars after Beatle George Harrison appeared with one in 1964, Gretsch likely saw the Monkees TV exposure as another marketing coup. Although it didn't quite work out that way, the Gretsch-Monkees link did create this fairly unique instrument and lead to a lasting association between the company and the group. The actual Monkees Model appeared in only 4 episodes, part of the last batch filmed in the autumn of 1967. The Monkees model never appeared in Gretsch literature, but a limited number were produced from late 1966 through the summer of 1967. There were less than 150 made. Rick played guitar on There's No Me... Without You, on the Ghost on a Canvas album. I assume Rick brought the Gretsch 6123 and Glen was able to use it while they did the Ghost on a Canvas video.

See how Michael Nesmith uses Gretsch G6123 Monkees Model

Michael Nesmith

Guitarist, Singer

The Monkees

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Verified via Photo

Used in TV show only, not live or on record.

Album Usage

The Gretsch G6123 Monkees 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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    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120856