The Gretsch 6120-1959

[JakeK]

On Tuesday, when I went down to International Vintage Guitars, along with the Rics they had in stock, I tried a Gretsch 6120-1959 Chet Atkins.

I tried the guitar acoustically, and was shocked at the amazing resonance this guitar had! Then, I plugged into a Fender Deluxe Reverb '65 RI, and tried it out. I was just shocked at how loud the pickups were-- with the guitar's volume at 5 and the amps setting at 2, I got a nice, loud, clean sound, which I was sold on. I played some tracks from The Who's "Who's Next" album as well as "Let's See Action" and "Join Together", and was shocked at how good the guitar sounded. I tried some of their early Ric tunes ("Can't Explain", "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere", "The Kids Are Alright") and got something similar to the bright sounds of a Rickenbacker. (and I'm sure with a Janglebox, I could get even closer)

For a Christmas guitar from the family (which is happening, for sure at this point, should I make the grades), I'm torn between this Gretsch and a Rickenbacker Rose Morris reissue...that's how good this Gretsch is!

Who else here has played/owned a Gretsch 6120-1959 and loved it?

[jps]

I haven't played on of those but I do love my 1961 6117.

[lennon211]

Jake, I sincerely hope that one of these will work out. A Gretsch with the Filtertrons will be very cool. I love me some Gretsch.

The pickups will give a great clean tone with lots of the Gretsch "snap" and will drive an amp quite well. You really can't go wrong with a Gretsch like this, as it has many of the classic features, but you might want to look at the standard 6120 as you might be able to save some bucks.

[deaconblues]

Pete Townshend has said his '59 Gretsch 6120 (given to him by Joe Walsh) is one of his favorite recording guitars - it's all over classic albums like 'Who's Next.' I love Gretsches, but I've never had the pleasure of owning an electric model. Stick with the RM Rick, btw.

[whojamfan]

Ultimately, you are going to have to make up your own mind, and live with your decision. Luckily, you can't go wrong with either. If the Gretsch you are looking at is brand new, than get the Rick. As time goes on, the Rose Morris reissues will get harder to find, and the Gretsches will continue to be readily available. You can always have your family buy you the Gretsch for your next birthday or whatever, as long as you continue to make the grades right?

Again, both are fine guitars.

[JakeK]

Hey, rather than changing my mind constantly, I've reached a decision....I'm torn between two guitars.

[jps]

"Buy both and let the creditors decide." ©Jared

[whojamfan]

Hey, rather than changing my mind constantly, I've reached a decision

Can we get that in writing Jake? Just kidding, good luck with whatever you get.

[goofyfoot]

I own a Gretsch G6120 TM (Tiger Maple) Chet Atkins. Totally dig its sonic, tonal, and resonant characteristics. Nothing can achieve that "twang" like a Gretsch. Great rocker guitar, too. There are some subtle differences but for the most part, the G6120-1959 Chet Atkins and mine are very similar. MSRP on mine is now $3450 and the one you played is $3350. Here are some minor differences.

Yours: Trestle bracing / Mine: None
Yours: 2-piece maple neck / Mine: 3-piece maple neck
Yours: 2.75" deep body / Mine: 2.5" deep body
Yours: 9.45" fretboard radius / Mine: 12" fretboard radius
Yours: Rocking bar bridge / Mine: Adjusto-Matic™ bridge
Yours: Polished aluminum, chrome, and gold-plated hardware / Mine: gold-plated
Yours: Gold-plated Grover V98G Sta-Tite™ die-cast tuners / Mine: Gold-plated Grover 102-18G Rotomatic™ die-cast tuners

[kiramdear]

That's an eye-popper there, goofyfoot.

[1965]

How can you not go with the RM? You've made ~1000 posts about 1997/1993s, yet you've only made this one thread about the Gretsch.

[scotty]

Im dying inside........

[kiramdear]

[jps]

Remember, Jake, PT played a Rick, Chet Atkins played a Gretsch, who do you want to be associated with?

[JakeK]

PT played both