The Entity of “Unsold Original”
Gretsch fanatics at Sweetwater know there’s just nothing quite like the look, sound, and feel of the original — the real original — Chet Atkins signature model that debuted in 1954. Gretsch master builder Chad Henrichsen understands this sentiment as well, which is exactly why he painstakingly recreated this first-batch-accurate G6120-55 Nashville Chet Atkins Masterbuilt hollowbody electric guitar. Save for an extra 22nd fret and its accompanying inlay, you could scour the planet and never find a closer replication of the real deal. From the all-maple body and neck with a rosewood fingerboard to the iconic “G” branding, western motif, gold hardware finishing, and Bigsby B6 BGVF vibrato, all the pieces of the period-correct puzzle are here! That also means a duet of charismatic Dynasonics by Seymour Duncan to deliver your preferred vintage Gretsch tone, be it clean and charming like Chet or unleashing unapologetic energy a la Pete Townshend. Handcrafted in the USA at the Gretsch Custom Shop and finished in a stunning NOS lacquer, this 6-string beauty is as true of a time capsule as you’ll see.
Tried and true tonewoods
Meticulously crafting a truly era-appropriate masterpiece requires a detailed look at all aspects of the instrument, starting with its tonal foundation. The G6120-55 Nashville Chet Atkins Masterbuilt boasts a single cut, full-hollow, and all-maple body, from its laminate top to the back and sides, and even up the comfortable “C”-shaped neck. Light and bright, you’ve got excellent note articulation with plenty of natural resonance and depth to back it up. Also true to the original is this guitar’s rich and sustain-filled rosewood fingerboard, sporting 22 vintage frets marked by iconic western motif pearloid inlays that provide plenty of room to roam the octaves.
Dutiful Seymour Duncan Dynasonics
An exact wood combo is one true facet, but when it came to the pickups, the Gretsch Custom Shop went full-on boutique mode with a pair of Seymour Duncan-built Dynasonics. Expertly tributing the original single-coils from the mid-'50s guitar, these Seymour Duncans supply not only the twangy and undeniably unique tonality of their namesake forefathers, but they play with a flawless responsiveness that refuses to leave any accentuation unaccounted for. All playing styles are welcome! Whether you're a country western traditionalist, certified Travis-pickin' pro, jazz guru, or classic rock revivalist, your top tone is queued up. Classic Gretsch controls are onboard as well, including a 3-way pickup selector, per-pickup volumes, a master tone with treble bleed, and the iconic master volume up at the cutaway.
Time capsule qualities abound
Head to toe, inside and out, the American-made G6120-55 Nashville Chet Atkins Masterbuilt exudes vintage accuracy with a handsome curb appeal like no other Gretsch. Starting with its hardware, you’ll note its all-gold-plated finishing — right down to the pickup plates! That also includes its arrow-stamped control knobs, open-gear Gotoh tuning machines, strap buttons, bridge, and enormous vintage-style Bigsby B6 BGVF break-away tailpiece — all gold and all period-correct. The body also features Chet’s signature pickguard plus the legendary and original “G” branding at the lower bout. Fully bound and finished in a lovely NOS lacquer, the G6120-55 Nashville Chet Atkins Masterbuilt embodies that frozen-in-time, unsold original vibe through and through. Its deluxe hardshell case even nods to the original tweed!
Gretsch 6120-55 Nashville Chet Atkins Masterbuilt Hollowbody Electric Guitar Features:
- Full-hollow maple body with single cutaway provides a bright, articulate, resonant, and projective tonal foundation
- Comfy and classic “C”-shaped maple neck houses a smooth feeling 22-fret rosewood fingerboard
- Seymour Duncan Dynasonic single-coils inject boutique-grade tonality and response to “That Great Gretsch Sound!”
- Thorough control layout including per-pickup volumes, master tone with treble bleed, master volume, and 3-way pickup selector
- Western motif pearloid inlays and signature pickguard tribute the original Chet Atkins model
- Gold-plated hardware, including arrow knobs, open-gear Gotoh tuners, strap buttons, bridge, and tailpiece
- Breakaway-designed and period-correct Bigsby B6 BGVF vibrato arm offers classic and optimized tone dipping
- Legendary “G” branding at the lower bout is reminiscent of the earliest examples
- Full binding and NOS (New Old Stock) lacquer finishing add a frozen-in-time sheen
- Includes deluxe hardshell case that nods to the tweed cases of the ‘50s
- Handcrafted in the USA at the Gretsch Custom Shop
