1960 Gretsch 6120, Western Orange, ex-Brian Setzer

A superb and highly collectible 1960 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body, finished in its wonderfully vibrant Western Orange and previously owned by the one and only Brian Setzer. This guitar was sold via Willie’s American Guitars in Minnesota in 2016 and comes with written provenance from them confirming the Setzer connection. Add to that its place within the coveted 367XX serial number batch, widely regarded as one of the most desirable periods of 6120 production, and you have a very special example indeed. The Gretsch 6120 is one of the most instantly recognisable electric guitars ever made. Introduced in the mid 1950s as the first of Gretsch’s Chet Atkins signature models, the 6120 quickly moved beyond its country roots and found favour with players including Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddy, Neil Young and, of course, Brian Setzer, whose association with the model helped cement its rock ’n’ roll status for a whole new generation. By 1960, the 6120 had evolved into what many consider the definitive spec. The earlier full Western appointments had been pared back, and the 16" Maple bodies were now lightly trestle-braced measuring 2 1/2” deep with open bound f-holes, bound top and back. The three-piece maple/ebony/maple neck is joined using Gretsch’s dowelled heel method, with an ebony fingerboard, white binding, red side dots and Neo-Classic thumbprint inlays. The headstock carries the Gretsch T-top logo and horseshoe inlay, with the correct gold-plated open-back Grover Sta-Tite tuners. Serial number 36785 is shown on the correct Gretsch “The Fred Gretsch Mfg. Co.” label used during this period. It retains its superb sounding early PAF Filter’Tron pickups along with their original gold-plated covers and etched plastic surrounds. These read 4.08k in the neck and 4.17k in the bridge, sitting right in the sweet spot. The individual volume controls and pickup selector work correctly, while the tone switch currently only has two of its three positions functioning. Hardware includes the gold Lucite Gretsch/Chet Atkins signpost pickguard, correct Gretsch bar bridge on ebony base, Gretsch Bigsby B6 vibrato and the correct gold “G” arrow knobs used during this period. As expected, there is some light dulling and wear to the thin gold plating, but overall the hardware presents very well. Condition is excellent throughout. The Western Orange finish remains strong and vibrant, with very little wear or fading to the body. The neck shows some honest playing wear, most notably along the thumb side between the 1st and 7th frets, giving the guitar a properly played-in feel without detracting from its overall appearance. The binding has resisted degradation seen so often on vintage Gretsch guitars. The original frets retain good height and the guitar plays very well. The neck is a very comfortable slim/medium C profile measuring 19mm depth at the 1st fret and 24mm at the 10th. The nut measures 43.4mm. This is a hugely desirable 1960 6120 from one of the most collectible batches, with excellent originality, superb condition and the added provenance of Brian Setzer ownership. A standout Gretsch by any standard, it would be a centrepiece in any serious collection. Comes with a slightly later hard case with burgundy lining.