A Gorgeous Gretsch Built for Performing Onstage
Nigel Hendroff, music director and lead guitarist at Hillsong Church, has teamed with Gretsch to produce an instrument that’s all his own. Dubbed the G6134TFM-NH, the Nigel Hendroff Signature Penguin is not the average Penguin. It all begins with a chambered mahogany body, a stunning flame maple top, and a classic banjo armrest that supplies a comfortable and lightweight platform that’s perfect for Sunday morning worship with the congregation. From there, Nigel applied small but impactful design adjustments that took the design to the next level. The tone is supplied by a pair of Tim Shaw-designed BT65 humbuckers, while simplified master volume and tone controls shape the sound before it hits your effects; playability is second to none, thanks to the "U"-shaped mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard. All-in-all, the Gretsch G6134TFM-NH Nigel Hendroff Signature Penguin is the ultimate guitar for praise and worship — and beyond.
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“This guitar represents everything about who I am, what I love doing, and the music that I love making.”
— Nigel Hendroff, Hillsong Church musical director and lead guitarist
Tim Shaw-designed Broad’Tron pickups
Traditionally, Gretsch Penguin guitars come equipped with Filter’Tron pickups. But for his signature Penguin, Nigel specified a pair of Tim Shaw-designed Broad’Tron pickups — and you’ll understand why when you plug in. Broad’Tron pickups offer a meatier tone with noticeably more power. Combined with the chambered mahogany body and the maple top, these pickups pump out robust lows and punchy mids without sacrificing that trademark Gretsch clarity and top-end sparkle.
Simplified electronics and thoughtful appointments
When he sat down with Gretsch to design the G6134TFM-NH, Nigel wanted to build a guitar tailored for live music. And Sweetwater is pleased to report that they hit the nail right on the head. His signature guitar foregoes the traditional Penguin control layout in favor of simple master volume and tone controls, plus a 3-way switch. Meanwhile, a shallower neck angle allows the bridge to ride lower, resulting in a pillow-soft playing feel. Nigel spec’d Grover locking tuners and a string-through Bigsby tailpiece for reliable tuning stability and lightning-quick string changes. Grover Strap Locks also ensure that your guitar always stays on your shoulders. Nigel’s subtle but impactful modifications make this guitar a true joy to play and hear.
About Nigel Hendroff
A native of Perth, Western Australia, Nigel Hendroff has been with Hillsong Church since the early 2000s. Known among friends and fellow musicians as “the Droff,” he serves as the lead guitar player and musical director at Hillsong Church. Over the years, Nigel has appeared on numerous Hillsong Church recordings and toured around the globe. His trademark shimmery, ambient tone has made a lasting impact on today’s contemporary Christian music scene and continues to influence worship musicians worldwide.
Gretsch G6134TFM-NH Nigel Hendroff Signature Penguin Solidbody Electric Guitar Features:
- A solidbody electric guitar designed with Hillsong’s Nigel Hendroff
- Chambered mahogany body supplies a warm, lightweight tonal foundation
- Flame maple top adds a bright treble snap
- Broad’Tron BT-65 humbucking pickups create a powerful tone
- Simplified master tone and volume controls give you immediate, impactful sound shaping
- Standard "U"-shaped mahogany neck provides a comfortable feel
- Ebony fingerboard and medium-jumbo frets offer smooth playability
- Grover Imperial locking tuners enhance your tuning stability
- String-through Bigsby tailpiece ensures easy string changes and enables expressive playing capabilities
- Grover Strap Locks ensure your guitar never takes a nasty fall during performance
- Banjo armrest makes playing even more comfortable
- Jeweled knobs and block inlays add a subtle touch of luxury
