GRETSCH

One cannot utter the word rockabilly without immediately conjuring images of Gretsch guitars.  Between the distinctive twang of the DynaSonic (originally the Gretsch DeArmond Fidelitone), HiloTron, and FilterTron pickups and the seemingly ubiquitous Bigsby vibrato, Gretsch guitars have a certain vibrant swagger that is unlike anything else.  And, of course, their aesthetics also have an elusive blend of classic curves and hot-rod flare that is just captivating for players and audiences alike.  Who wouldn’t be entranced by all the cool knobs and switches, the striking finishes (e.g., Western Orange, Cadillac Green), sparkly trims (e.g., the White Falcon’s gold glitter binding), or all the slick names like White Falcon, Duo Jet, Country Gentleman?!  Thus, Gretsch guitars have an unquestionable place in the pantheon of classic guitars. Moreover, unlike many more mainstream guitars, Gretsches seemingly have an ability to cast a spell of wonder and glamour on whoever should happen to pick one up—for whatever reason, you can’t shake the feeling that you both look and sound cooler with a Gretsch in your hands!

Within the Gretsch line, there are few models as significant as the “Nashville” 6120, as it was the first guitar produced in what would become a series of models built for and endorsed by Chet Atkins. The first 6120 prototype known as the “Streamliner Special” was presented to Chet in 1954 and it was clear from the start that Gretsch had gone to great lengths to win Chet’s endorsement, given the host of features and the cost of the instrument at the time (the 6120 rang in at $385, relative to the $225 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top and the $189.50 Fender Telecaster).  Chet’s influence was, of course, wide reaching, so it was no surprise that players of all sorts wanted to get their hands on a 6120.  Among these players was Eddie Cochran.  Though he died tragically young at the age of 21 in April of 1960, his hit, “Summertime Blues,” would alone cement his fame in the annals of rockabilly music and go on to inspire players for generations, especially the nouveau greasers of the ‘80s, like Brian Setzer, and the father of psychobilly, The Reverend Horton Heat.  Though it began as a stock 6120, Eddie Cochran found the original DnyaSonic single coil neck pickup to be a little too dark and “muddy” for his taste, so he ultimately modified his guitar with a P90 neck pickup for a brighter and more snappy response.  Also, wanting to be his own man, he erased Chet Atkins signature from the pickguard by sanding it off, along with the silver paint, thus creating a clear pickguard.  This mixture of P90 neck and DynaSonic bridge pickups was clearly a departure from the stock 6120 tone; but, from an objective standpoint, it was still firmly within the Gretsch family of sound.

As part of the famous Japanese-made Professional Series, this 6120EC is Fender's best effort to re-create this famous guitar (Fender is the parent company of Gretsch). Although, if we are being truly honest, this reissue is probably better made than the original, thanks to the Terada factory’s legendary high standards!   Regardless, complete with a crisp but full Lindy Fralin Dogear P90 neck pickup and a powerfully jangly Dynasonic bridge pickup, along with all of the aesthetic fixins, the 6120EC is definitely a fitting homage to the original that is ready to raise a fuss and raise a holler.  (Additional sources: Wikipedia; Michael Dregni, Vintage Guitar Magazine Feb 2017)

Condition

Apparently, this 6120EC has seen very little use, and it has clearly been very well maintained otherwise.  Apart from some light oxidation on the vibrato arm and some of the gold components, it exhibits no wear of note.  EXCELLENT+ to NEAR MINT condition.   

• Professional Series Nashville 6120 Body (MN. 2401259822)
• Venetian Cutaway
• Arched Laminate Maple Top and Back
• Laminated Maple Sides
• Parallel Bracing
• White Body Binding
• Single-Ply Black Purfling
• Double-Bound F-Holes
• Gloss Urethane Finish with Western Maple Stain
• Two-Piece Maple Neck
• Late '50s Gretsch Headstock
• Rosewood Fingerboard
• Etched Western Block Fingerboard Inlays (Steerheads, Cacti, Fences)
• White Fingerboard and Headstock Binding
• Lindy Fralin "Dog Ear" Single-Coil Neck Pickup
• DynaSonic Single-Coil Bridge Pickup
• 3-Way Pickup Selector Switch with Gold Tip
• (2 ) Volume Controls, (1) Master Volume, (1) Master Tone
• Gold Plated G-Arrow Control Knobs
• Bigsby® B6CBVF Vibrato Tailpiece
• Polished Aluminum Compensated Bridge with Rosewood Base
• Polished Brass Nut
• Grover® V98 Sta-Tite™ Open-Back Tuners
• Gold Knurled Strap Buttons
• Clear Plexi Pickguard with Gretsch® Logo
• 1.6875” Nut Width
• 24.6” Scale Length
• 9.5" (241 mm) Fingerboard Radius
• 22 Vintage Small Frets
• 15 1/2” Lower Bout Width
• 2.75" (7 cm) Body Depth
• Original Hardshell Case (PN. 2401259822)