Custom Gretsch Model 6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody Thinline Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1964), ser. #73993, original grey hard shell case.

Gretsch Model 6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody Model Thinline Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1964), made in Brooklyn, NY, serial # 73993, Western Orange lacquer finish, laminated maple body; laminated maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original grey hard shell case. This is a nice example of a 1964 double cutaway Chet Atkins Model 6120, one of Gretsch's classic 1960's designs. The iconic 1950's-style 6120 with a single cutaway, open-F hole body was retired after a seven year run at the end of 1961 in favor of this new design, more in keeping with the "modern" '60's Gretsch aesthetic. The new 6120 was still fully hollow but thinner at the rim- only 2" deep with the "F-holes" only simulated by decals and a symmetrical double cutaway. The finish remained a vibrant orange and the electronics (two Filter 'Tron pickups and a 3-knob, 2 switch rig) were unaltered, save for the addition of a "standby" cutoff switch on the lower treble bout. The Atkins-specified Bigsby vibrato unit and metal bar bridge were also retained. Another new addition was a mechanical mute assembly; the lever action "Muffler" seen on many '60's Gretsch models was never a popular feature with players and many have been discarded-this one is still intact. This mechanism required an access hatch cut in the back, conveniently covered by a gold-trimmed black vinyl pad that was described as a comfort-enhancing feature.Despite all the changes model remained a very popular instrument among professional users in the 1960's despite a fairly high price tag. Although not usually remembered as an iconic "Beatle" guitar all the Gretsch Atkins models benefited greatly from the brand's association with the group, and John Lennon did in fact play a 6120 at least briefly in the recording studio in 1966. Many other 1960's bands featured the instrument in both the US and the UK, and the 6120 remains a prime "beat group" instrument, as well as a perfect vehicle for the sort of fingerstyle playing its namesake Chet Atkins specialized in. Not too long after this example was made the guitar was re-named the "Nashville" and carried that moniker on the pickguard and an added headstock plate, making this a "pre-Nashville" example. This is one of the nicer double-cut 6120's we have seen in some time, and a really good sounding and playing 60's Gretsch.Overall length is 42 in. (106.7 cm.), 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 1/2 in. (622 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). This guitar remains in quite clean and all original condition, with no alterations except for a new piece of foam on the mute. All other fittings are original; the pickguard shows one tight crack through the lower mounting screw. The finish shows some light wear and checking with a few chips here and there, but still retains excellent color with very little fade. The gold plating shows some typical wear, and the bridge top has lost some plating as well. The oft-troublesome binding is in fine shape, solid and shows no deterioration anywhere except for a couple of tight checks in the thick piece along the treble side of the neck heel. This particular guitar also shows a particularly excellent neck angle, with plenty of height to the bridge-in fact this is about the best we have seen from this period. The frets have some wear in the lower positions and have been taken down a bit but still have life in them. This is a very good playing and sounding 6120 from one of the last classic years, a very comfortable to play and great-sounding guitar. Includes the original two-tone HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.

Product Specs

Condition:Excellent Make:Gretsch Model:Model 6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody Finish:Western Orange Lacquer Categories:Semi-Hollow Year:1964