Gretsch 6120N

A new model for Gretsch, the 6120N is a thinline version of the 6120 Nashville hollowbody. The 6120N is only 1.75" thick and has a Florentine (or sharp), rather than a Venetian (or rounded) cutaway. There is a center block running the length of the body like a Gibson ES-335 making it a semi-hollow body. Two ceramic Filtertron pickups, master volume control, individual pickup controls, and a master tone control. Finish is translucent Gretsch orange over maple body. Hardware, including Bigsby vibrato, is gold plated. The headstock face is black. Rosewood finger board and pearl inlaid, humpblock markers. Frets are medium. Tune-O-Matic bridge with ebony support. Gretsch case was included in the price.

I played a number of Gretsch electrics before deciding on this new model, including: 6120SSU, 6120-1960, 6120Nashville, Duo-Jet EE, Setzer Hot Rod, and White Falcon. This guitar by far had the best tone of any of the other models. The tone is very similar the the Duo Jet EE model which has alnico pickups. The 6120N with ceramic pickups sounds as good a the alnico pickup Gretsches. I do not plan to change the pickups to alnicos like many 6120 owners have done which saves about $400. The only way to describe the tone is to say "classic Gretsch vibe." I currently have D'Addario Chome flatwound 11's on the guitar. I find I have a great range of sound from classic Chet to Setzer to Easton to Malcolm Young.

In my quest for a perfect Gretsch hollow body, I must have played 30-40 Gretsches. The action, fit, and finish on this guitar is a good as it could possibly be. The intonation is dead on using a strobe. The relief and action are right on specs. The fit and finish of the guitar is flawless - no unseated or sharp frets or other flaws many new Gretsch owners complain about. The neck is medium thickness and has a very fast feel to it. There are no fuzzy switch connections. The electronics are as they should be, perfect. The wood grain is not remarkable like the SSU or the 6120TM, but still beautiful and classic. Binding fit and finish is perfect. Nut looks like it was cut by Dan Erlewine - perfect.

This guitar has a very substantial feel to it. Sort of feels bullet proof. The strap buttons are solid. I have no problem relying on his guitar as my sole guitar for giging.

The people at the Guitar Center in Atlanta were great to work with. The Gretch tech comes up from Savannah every month to check the setup on all their Gretsches (so I am told). In fact the Gretsch tech was there once when I called and I was able to talk to him about this guitar. In addition, GC gives 30 days to check out the guitar. Any problems and you get a full refund. I bought this guitar by mail order after being in the store to try it during a trip to Atlanta. It arrived in perfect condition and very well packed. However, I do not expect I will get much support after the 30 day period is up.

I also have a 1957 Gretch Nashville (purchased in 1965), a Gibson ES-335, and a Strat. I have been playing guitar for 35 years. I have an old Standel amp and a new Blues Junior which I mike at gigs.
What I love most about this guitar is its tone. It is so much better than my 57 with the DeArmond pickups. There is no comparison. Also, I have received raves about the looks of this guitar. Gretsch broke the mold when they made the 6120N. If you want a guitar that has the Gretsch sound with the sustain and crunch of an ES335, this is your guitar. It is a great blend of classic Gretsch and future Gretsch. I think Gretsch showed a lot of guts to make a thinline florentine 6120 and they have received a lot of criticism for it from players who think all 6120s should look like the 1959 6120's. However, let them play this guitar I they will be converted.