What can I even say?  This kind of stuff just doesn’t happen.  A mint condition 1960 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins in its original hard shell case with original leather strap, original certificate of authenticity, and original receipt of purchase (handwritten from a local St. Louis music store).  Just walks in the door.  Last Thursday.  Hmm.

WHAT?!?!

This beauty has a maple body with a single round cutaway, a gorgeously figured maple top, bound top and back, two bound f-holes, a maple neck with 22-fret ebony fingerboard, two Filter Tron pickups, and a Gretsch/Bigsby vibrato.

Guitar is all original.  One previous owner.

Original hardshell case and documentation included.

    

Here is a demo of it being played through a Gretsch 1652 amp by James Comparato.

And another demo by Brian Curran going through a 70’s Fender Deluxe Reverb.

There really isn’t much I can say about a guitar like this.  I think most know what it is and the history of it, but here’s a little background on Gretsch.

Via Wikipedia…

“Gretsch is an American company that manufactures guitars, basses and drums. The company was founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, a 27-year-old German immigrant, shortly after his arrival to the United States. Friedrich Gretsch manufactured banjos, tambourines, and drums until his death in 1895. In 1916, his son, Fred Gretsch Sr. moved operations to Brooklyn, New York where Gretsch went on to become one of the most prominent manufacturers of American musical instruments.

Most modern-era Gretsch guitars are manufactured in the Far East, though American-made “Custom Shop” models are available. In 2003, Gretsch entered a business agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). Under the terms of that agreement Fred W. Gretsch would retain ownership while FMIC would handle most of the development, distribution and sales.”

The 6120 model is essentially the face of Gretsch, and used by greats like Brian Setzer, John Lennon, and Eric Clapton to name a few.  I’m going to let the pictures do most of the talking on this one!

                   

It is totally an honor to have a piece of musical history like this in our shop, and it has been amazing to see the response of all the local musicians when they get to share its experience.

As always, you can check out and buy all of our gear on our website at www.musicgoroundstlouis.com