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Gretsch G6120T-59 Vintage Select 1959 Chet Atkins - Western Orange Stain, Bigsby

Hollowbody Electric Guitar with Maple Body, Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, 2 Humbucking Pickups, and Bigsby Tailpiece - Western Orange Stain
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Gretsch G6120T-59 Vintage Select 1959 Chet Atkins - Western Orange Stain, Bigsby
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Period-correct Chet Atkins Hollowbody

Trestle bracing connects the Gretsch G6120T-59 Vintage Select 1959 Chet Atkins hollowbody electric guitar's top and back, yielding a beautifully snappy tone that compliments its vintage-voiced TV Jones Classic humbuckers magnificently. This stunning guitar's comfortable Vintage V-shaped maple neck is topped with an elegantly slick ebony fingerboard, delivering a classic playing experience. A Bigsby tailpiece creates heaps of classic twang without sacrificing intonation. Built to period-correct specs, the Gretsch G6120T-59 Vintage Select 1959 Chet Atkins hollowbody is a guitar aficionado's dream come true.

Arched maple body provides your tone with excellent definition

Maple has to be one of the most lively, bright, and colorful tonewoods out there, which is exactly why Gretsch decided to make their G6120T-59 Vintage Select 1959 Chet Atkins almost entirely out of this wonderful wood. At Sweetwater, we've found that this hollowbody's arched body yields a wonderfully snappy, open tone that, when combined with the dynamic sound of its TV Jones Classic pickups, cuts through a dense mix and sounds great in any situation.

TV Jones Classic pickups deliver timeless Gretsch tone

When you want that classic '50s-era Gretsch tone, you need real TV Jones humbuckers. That's why Gretsch gave their G6120T-59 Vintage Select 1959 Chet Atkins a pair of TV Classic pickups. Designed to sound just like the humbuckers found in '50s and '60s Gretsch guitars, these pickups give your guitar a bright and open sound that's jangly on your highs with the kind of bite you'd normally associate with single-coil pickups. It's the perfect sound for rock, rockabilly, blues, country, and more.

Two volume controls + one tone control = exceptional sonic flexibility

It's easy to stereotype the Gretsch G6120T-59 Vintage Select 1959 Chet Atkins until you play it, and then you realize you can pull of a lot of tonal tricks with it. With a volume control for each pickup, you can create your perfect balance between warmth, bite, and brilliance when both pickups are engaged. The master tone control lets you fine-tune your sound once you've got the pickups dialed in. And thanks to the master volume control, you can take your tube amp from clean to growling without changing the balance between your pickups. Of course, you'll get sweet tone from the neck and bridge pickups individually, but there's a lot of territory to cover when you combine them.

Bigsby tailpiece yields smooth vibrato action

Nothing beats the character and vintage vibe that a real Bigsby-style tail piece adds to the Gretsch G6120T-59 Vintage Select 1959 Chet Atkins. Based on the original design created by Paul A. Bigsby, this Bigsby Licensed tailpiece requires next to no effort to use, making it particularly easy to pull off slow, subtle, and extended bends.

Gretsch G6120T-59 Hollowbody Electric Guitar Features:

  • Period-correct version of Chet Atkins's hollowbody electric guitar
  • Arched maple body delivers a deliciously snappy, open tone
  • TV Jones Classic pickups yield sweet vintage character
  • Highly playable Vintage V-shaped maple neck with ebony fingerboard
  • 2 volume controls and 1 tone control create exceptional sonic flexibility
  • Bigsby tailpiece provides smooth vibrato action

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Tech Specs

  • General
  • Number of Strings 6
  • Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
  • Body
  • Body Type Hollowbody
  • Body Shape 1959 Chet Atkins
  • Body Material Laminated Maple
  • Top Material Laminated Maple
  • Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Color Western Orange Stain
  • Neck
  • Neck Material Maple
  • Neck Shape Vintage V
  • Neck Joint Set Neck
  • Radius 12"
  • Fingerboard Material Ebony
  • Fingerboard Inlay Offset Pearloid Thumbnails
  • Number of Frets 22, Vintage Small
  • Scale Length 24.6"
  • Nut Width 1.6875"
  • Nut Material Bone
  • Hardware
  • Bridge/Tailpiece Rocking Bar Bridge with Pinned Ebony Base, Bigsby B6C Vibrato Tailpiece
  • Tuners Grover Sta-Tite Open Gear
  • Electronics
  • Neck Pickup TV Jones Classic Humbucker
  • Bridge Pickup TV Jones Classic Humbucker
  • Controls 2 x volume (neck/bridge), 1 x master volume
  • Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
  • Miscellaneous
  • Strings Nickel Plated Steel, .011-.049
  • Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 2401353822

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Gretsch 6120, Rock On!

I was debating for a long time which type of Gretsch guitar I wanted. After seeing some reviews on this one I decided to spend the money and give it a try. Words cannot describe how amazing it is. It does everything from playing your traditional Gretsch rockabilly to a great classical electric sound to alternative. If you have the money to purchase it, you will not regret it. I wanted to thank rep Cassie OHanlon for keeping updated on it's estimated arrival time. I know I will continue to play guitar and use this wonderful instrument.
Rated 5/5

Festivus Miracle

It's a "Festivus Miracle" …after the Airing of Grievances and Feats of Strength, I was presented with this drop-dead gorgeous Gretsch G6120T-59 Vintage Select 1959 Chet Atkins.

I could write a long dissertation describing the details listed in the product summary, but it's not necessary. This Gretsch is bind blowing in terms of its construction, quality, value and of course classic sound. Its V-Shape Neck combined with the Ebony Fingerboard is buttery smooth. Between the pick-up selection, tone and volume choices the sound is an endless symphony of guitar sound. This Gretsch blows away the sound of my other electric guitars. It's like holding a fine piece of art in your hands, but you're able to make beautiful music with it.

If you're sitting on the fence by all means climb down because life is too short not to own this remarkable iconic guitar.

Lastly…huge shout out to Chris Ishak (Ext. 1717) for always providing me with outstanding advice. Chris' knowledge of all things musical is amazing. Thank you, Chris.
Rated 5/5

marvelous period guitar

I am a collector and this one just shines. Plays beautifully and looks terrific. You really cannot get that great Gretsch twang elsewhere but it also functions well in jazz compositions. Could not be more pleased!
Music background: Collector
Rated 5/5

That Great Gretsch Sound

Am amazing instrument.
This is a "period correct" guitar. I am overjoyed with the 6120.
(I was lucky to be able to grab one of SW's demos. The demos still get their famous 55-point inspection)
Perfect working order.
As a singer/songwriter type who does more than just strum, I'm always looking for that sound that will help inspire, shape and define a song; an instrument that will elevate mood and lyrical themes.
The guitar is incredible playable. The electronics & circuitry well-balanced and responsive.
The tones from the vintage-voiced TV Jones Classic humbuckers are elegant and soulful.

This is my second Gretsch.
I purchased a Gretsch G6122T-62GE Vintage Select Country Gentleman about 3 years ago from Aaron Regenold and the good folks at Sweetwater. my love of '60's West coast "cosmic cowboy" drew me in that direction. That guitar is a major player in my work.
I play it through a Fender Twin or my Fender Blues, Jr (mark IV series); Instant classic sounds.
Touch of trem & reverb? You'll be "converted."
I have become a huge fan of Gretsch & their archtop hollow-bodys.

The 6120?
It has all that righteous twang.
It has the feel and it has the look. (The famous Western Orange stain is like a Louis L'Amour novel with 6strings)
Butter in the hands; Golden tones to the ears
You can rock it between soulful, warm & immediate OR "Setzer-ize" it with a flick of the pick-up selector...
The 6120, like the Country Gentleman, has got the all the perfections that define Gretsch guitars.
The 6120 '59 Chet is an astounding & versatile instrument, with it's V-neck perfectly suited to almost any style.

Other details such as the bone nut & Zero Fret Bridge, the Rocking Bar pinned bridge, the old school Grover tuners & Bigsby just up the ante for what any guitarist (no matter what the level of expertise) wants: great sound & reliability.

Honestly?
With Gretsch guitars (at least the two that i own) you can get the sense, the feel and the organicity of those early days of rock & roll & country music; Gretsch was (and still is) building the hollow-body guitars that "spoke" in that era. It is altogether inspiring.
II don't think anyone who is considering this guitar will be disappointed.

Kudos and much thank again to Sweetwater sales rep Aaron Regenold for a great deal and right on advice.
Music background: Professional Singer/Songwriter, Producer
Rated 5/5

Beyond expectations !

I was guided (as before when I purchased my Les Paul Traditional) by Nick LaMendola who is just about the mots knowledgeable, helpful, and support guy I've ever come across ! Glad he's at Sweetwater so if you call Sweetwater, ask for him ! I wasn't sure if a Gretsch was for me and we spent a lot of time discussing the pro's and con's and basic differences between a Gretsch and a LP (and the Fenders as well). He could answer all my questions and had endless patience without a HINT of pushing me to buy !! I decided to give the G6120 a try because of my love of Chet Atkins and that rockabilly sound and boy am I thrilled ! First ... the guitar is a work of art and I cant decide whether to play it or display it !! Fabulous look and "fits like a glove" feel !! I hate to say this but I have a beginning preference for this Gretsch over my beloved LP Traditional. The sound and feel and quality right out of the box was typical Sweetwater ... just perfect ! I have not a single negative to say other than my playing skills aren't even close to a match for what this guitar can handle ... but I love it so much I will keep tryig until I get at least close !! Go for it ... you win't be sorry ... and ask for Nick !!
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