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Average Price: $2,840

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley electric guitar is a distinctive instrument that pays homage to the legendary blues guitarist Bo Diddley. With its unique rectangular shape, this solid body electric guitar stands out on any stage, making it a favorite among musicians who value both great sound and visual flair. Equipped with dual high-sensitive Filter'Tron pickups, this guitar delivers the iconic Gretsch tone, known for its clarity and powerful projection. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard offer smooth playability, ensuring that your hands glide effortlessly along the frets.

The G6138 Bo Diddley features a master volume control, a master tone control, and a three-way pickup selector switch, giving you versatility in crafting your sound. The Adjusto-Matic bridge with a Bigsby B50 tailpiece provides excellent tuning stability and allows for expressive vibrato effects. Whether you're playing rock, blues, or any genre in between, this guitar is equipped to handle it with style and grace.

Built for performers, the Gretsch G6138 combines vintage aesthetics with modern reliability, making it an excellent choice for both collectors and active musicians.

Key Features:

  • Unique rectangular body shape inspired by Bo Diddley
  • Dual high-sensitive Filter'Tron pickups for clear, powerful sound
  • Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Master volume and tone controls with three-way pickup selector
  • Adjusto-Matic bridge with Bigsby B50 tailpiece for stable tuning and vibrato
  • Vintage aesthetics with modern reliability

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model G6138 Bo Diddley
Finish Red
Year 2000 - 2020
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Bo Diddley
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Non Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gretsch Bo Diddley
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Gretsch Artist Signature
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley?

The Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley features a comfortable set-neck construction with a maple neck, which provides a smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley?

The Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, delivering a rich, full-bodied tone ideal for rock, blues, and classic Bo Diddley-style rhythms.

Is the Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley suitable for beginners?

While the Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley offers professional-grade features, its unique design and straightforward controls make it accessible for beginners interested in exploring its iconic sound.

What is the body material of the Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley, and how does it affect the sound?

The Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley features a solid mahogany body, which contributes to its warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain, making it perfect for rhythm-driven music.

How does the Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley's non-cutaway body shape influence playability?

The non-cutaway design of the Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley provides a distinct aesthetic while maintaining a comfortable playing experience, though it may limit upper fret access compared to cutaway models.

gakkicentertokyo

gakkicentertokyo

まさぐり王子 - Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Video thumbnail for まさぐり王子 - Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley by gakkicentertokyo

まさぐり王子 - Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

gakkicentertokyo

gakkicentertokyo

Video thumbnail for Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley Firebird Red played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo by TFOA Demos

Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley Firebird Red played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dan Auerbach uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via YouTube

Here is Dan at The Wiltern on Sept 19, 2019 playing "Howlin' for You" on a Gretsch Bo Diddley with a Bigsby tailpiece and slightly modified knobs. This show kicked off their 2019 "Let's Rock" tour after an almost 5-year hiatis.

See how King Krule uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

King Krule

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

He is seen playing this guitar when Jack Towell takes the solo. It must be noted that the version seen here has a white pickguard added to it, which was not on the factory line.

See how Alison Mosshart uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Alison Mosshart

Keyboardist, Guitarist

The Kills

...
Verified via YouTube

Alison Mosshart can be seen using a Gretsch Bo Diddley guitar in this video of Dead Weather on Live with Jools Holland, at 0:40.

See how Bo Diddley uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley

Guitarist

The Louisiana Gator Boys

...
Verified via Photo

Bo Diddley can be seen here with his signature G6138 guitar, based on the custom rectangular1958 Gretsch.

See how Mauricio Durán uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Mauricio Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Mauricio usó una Gretsch Bo Diddley en la gira "ven aquí por chile en verano de 2024, por el tailpiece es probable que sea la G6138

See how Dave Fielding uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Dave Fielding

Guitarist

The Chameleons

...
Verified via Photo

In this 2014 photo shot during the recording of the Red Sided Garter Snakes' debut album, Fielding is depicted tuning a Bo Diddley signature guitar.

See how John Flansburgh uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

John Flansburgh

Guitarist

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via Tmbw

According to the official wiki :

Gretsch Bo Diddley prototype (firebird red) - Borrowed for use in the video for "(She Was A) Hotel Detective" (1986).

See how Gonzalo López uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Gonzalo López

Bassist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Gonzalo usó esta guitarra para la canción "quién fuera" durante toda la gira "ven aquí" por chile en verano de 2024

See how Jeff Pinkus uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Jeff Pinkus

Bassist

Melvins

...
Verified via Photo

In a Facebook post, Jeff Pinkus shared a photo featuring his Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley guitar, which was recently returned to him.

See how Andy McCoy uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Andy McCoy

Guitarist

Hanoi Rocks

...
Verified via Custom Boards Finland

Used onstage in open-E tuning for slide during Hanoi Rocks' millenial rebirth era (2002-2009), notably on the song Gypsy Boots

See how Jon Batiste uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Jon Batiste

Singer, Keyboardist

The Late Show Band

...
Verified via Photo

In his tiny desk concert, Batiste uses the G6138 BO DIDDLEY During the song Tell the Truth. It’s the third song played at the concert.

See how Saul Adamczewski uses Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley

Saul Adamczewski

Singer, Guitarist

Insecure Men

...
Verified via Photo

Saul can be seen holding this guitar here, this picture was taken in Glasgow on an NME tour in 2015 - Photo from Dave Mankind

Album Usage

The Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gretsch G6138 Bo Diddley, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    michael
    michael

    Gear IQ 42641