Gretsch 6121 Round Up

Mine is a 2004, with Dynas, made in Japan. I got it used, but it wasn't much used. Purchased by a small shop owner from a larger store liquidation. He held if for a couple years, didn't want to sell it 'cause it's such a nice instrument. Finally he brought it out front and sold it to me. It's as described by other reviewers. Big old shiney bigbsy, Gibson-scale fretboard with cool western inlays, "G" brand on the upper bout, orange (or should I say ORANGE!!). Chambered solid body. It's a light instrument, small like a LP but way lighter. Came stock with a sort of hybrid floating bridge ... rosewood base, notched Bigsby aluminum top piece, adjustable. Single cutaway. Layered pickguard. Master volume, one tone, one volume. 3 way p/u selector. Gold finish on controls (not Bigsby or bridge). Came in a fine little burgundy plush case. One notable feature is the input jack. Firm, solid, just-right tight. Feels precise. Neck is a shallow C shape. Frets are on the small side. It has exactly the features I need, and no more.

Very different sound. The Dynas are unlike the other single coils I play (ranging from tele to strat to CC to Supro Valco to Kleenex top, 2k and other sorta-like P-90ish p/us.) They have a big, spanky clean kind of sound. Tight, full bass right up through a pretty extended high end. No gaps or scoops. When I got it home, I was hearing some not good things. Too much bass in the neck p/u, a "plinky" kind of sound from the G string, good treble on the top two but somehow not really together with the bass strings. Thought it was the amp, but not so. It's that hybrid bridge. Got some input from www.gretschpages.com (a great group BTW), and switched to a "rocker bar" bridge. Lots of Gretsch-savvy types speak kindly of it, and now I know why. It's a round, heavy slug of metal, slotted full round, set on adjustable posts over a rosewood bass. Aside from adding a bit of sustain, this bridge removed the plink and somehow blended the lows and highs. Now I can hear the Dyna magic. Not exactly jazzy on neck only, but a deep, clear tone that does well with tone roll-off for mellower, just as well or better tone full up for much louder stuff. The bridge isn't weak, but is a much narrower, more stark sound compared to the neck only. Sharp, penetrating but not somehow not ice picky. The middle position is unreal, a huge sound with real character. Can you tell I like how this guitar sounds?

It can do twang, big, shimmery clean, can also wail depending on the amp. I'm using a Twilighter 260 (same as Magnatone), Sewell Wampus Cat (1x15, tweed pro class), Clark Tyger. Nothing high gain. Running clean boost, delay, outboard reverb. "Rich" is an overused word, but the 6121 is that way. As versatile an instrument as I've played. Seems equally at home with Duane Eddy twang, stinging blues, Link Wray raunch. Sounds just as classy and distinctive as it looks. The bonus point goes to the Bigsby. It's so smooth, precise, controllable. I'm hooked on it!

Action just a mite high when I got it. The frets are well-dressed, no problems up and down the neck. The pickups took some work. At first I put them up too high. After the bridge swap, figured out that (at least on the neck), these pickups sound much better with the pole pieces closer to the body of the pickup. There are no flaws on this instrument that I can see. The closer you look, the better it looks.

The one flaw is electronic, not visible. Started hearing strange amp noises, actually went and bought tubes before realizing it's the p/u selector. Neck only, bridge only, fine. In middle position, it send some kind of static along with signal. Really fooled me, sounded like tube rattle. Have to change that.

That stock bridge definitely held it back. In stock form, I'd rate it an 7, with the new bridge, 9 (point off for the selector switch.)

Too early to tell, but it sure feels solid. I haven't gigged with it yet, but plan on doing so soon. You never know 'til you stand on a stage just what the guitar can do, but the signs are good so far.

No need yet. I know nothing about Gretsch support, or even whether I'd be entitled to any.

Been playing for 40+ years. My main guitars are an old strat, G&L ASAT Classic, old 335. Finally, my long curiosity about Gretsch is being explored. It is so different somehow from my other instruments. I traded a guitar, Premier reverb tank and some other stuff for this .. it just had that right feeling when I picked it up. That's all it takes for me. Aside from being so very attractive and toneful, the 6121 is having another benefit I hadn't planned on. It seems to pull different sounds out of me than other guitars. Probably due to the unique Dyna sound, and the way you can shape it with that Bigsby. I find myself trying stuff I might not otherwise play. There is no greater compliment for an instrument than that.

Gretsch 6121W with dual single-coil Dynasonic pickups, western orange, cow and cactus fretboard inlays, steer head on headstock, G-brand, etc., chrome Bigsby. Original hardshell Gretsch case. Made in Japan in 2003, after Fender took over. One master volume, one master tone, volume controls for each pickup.

I really like the sound of the Dynasonics. They really have that big '50s twang to them. Very rich sound for single coil pickups. Excellent for rockabilly or country. They don't sound that great with distortion, but who cares. The neck pickup is very bassy and full. Not really a jazzy sound like your typical neck pickup, but mellow enough to play some old Chet Atkins tunes from his mid-'50s period.

Bridge pickup is similar to a Tele, but not as harsh. The bridge pickup seems a little weak to me, but I think that may be the nature of the beast with Gretsch single-coils.

With both pickups on? Holy crap. What a sound! Rich and full like Filtertrons, but with a high-end "shimmer" and more bass. I mostly play it in my country band, but even the guys in my rock band love the sound. Not a lot of sustain like a Les Paul, even though the body shape is similar.

You can't really compare Dynas to Filtertrons or even Hilotrons. They're all great pickups. Each one sounds great and does what they're made to do very well.

Absolutely no issues that I can see, and I bought this guitar used! Fender has really stepped up to the plate and improved the entire line of Gretsch guitars. Their involvement has been a huge blessing. The guitar is beautiful, and really light! At least two or three pounds lighter than my Les Paul, but that's because the body is chambered, unlike the Paul.

The pickup switch crackles a little, but I think that's the only thing I will ever have to replace on this guitar. Everything else seems quite durable.

I haven't dealt with the old Gretsch or the new Fender customer support, so I can't really give an opinion.

Been playing for over 20 years, now. I've played and owned every type of guitar you can imagine, but I keep coming back to my Gretsches. Nothing else even comes close in sound or looks. I like the big hollowbody Gretsches, but it's nice to have the Gretsch sound in a solid body. It's a lot more comfortable, for one thing. I think solid body Gretsches, especially the Roundup, have really been overlooked. They're great guitars, and for $500 less than a Gibson Les Paul, they're also a bargain. I love this guitar. It doesn't sound or look like anything else. The Dynasonics are fantastic. I can't understand why Chet didn't like them, but hey, Duane Eddy and George Harrison did!

A review for my french musician friends around the world.
Voyez en dessous la description de Paul pour l'?num?ration technique de l'instrument,elle est compl?te.Cette guitare est fabriqu?e au Japon et tr?s bien construite, sans reproche et le case qui vient avec celle-ci est de qualit?.Les frets ne sont pas jumbo, mais pour les habitu?s des guitares japonaises ( ex; Fender )ils seront en terrain connu.?viter d'?tre chauvin, ? ce prix vous trouver facilement des Gibson made in USA, mais ce ne sont pas des Gretsch.Une bonne guitare reste une bonne guitare peut importe de quelle partie du monde elle provient.

Cette guitare a un excellent registre.Je joue de tout style; des ann?es 50 ( rock'n'roll )au rock des ann?es 2000.J'utilise pr?sentement un ampli Fender hot rod deluxe, le son est excellent.Le pick-up du manche produit un bon son feutr?, un peu jazz et de bonne facture, assez surprenant pour un single-coil. Par contre le pick-up du pont semble un peu faible et doit ?tre r?ajust? pour l'?quilibre. Le bigby r?pond bien et la guitare reste juste.
CETTE GUITARE N'EST PAS FAITE POUR JOUER DU HEAVY M?TAL, ne l'acheter pas pour la modifi?e, il y a d'autres marques qui sont fabriqu?es pour cela.On aime une Gretsch ou on ne l'aime pas, point.
Par contre en utilisant un Vox Brit Boost ou Ibanez Tube King, elle chante.Ou utiliser l?g?rement l'overdrive de l'ampli, son rock naturel garanti, surtout avec le pick-up du pont (le son de The way de Fastball ou de Surf music)

Tel que sp?cifi?, ? part le pick-up du pont ? r?ajuster car le set-up ? l'usine n'est pas ?quilibr? (dans mon cas, mais ce n'est peut-?tre pas g?n?ral). La finition est parfaite, sans d?faut.Je voudrais bien trouv? quelque chose ? redire, mais impossible.Remarquez qu'au prix de vente,je l'avais ?tudi?e sur toute les coutures.

C'est du solide, apr?s plusieurs spectacles et gigs, elle a pass? le test.Je suis assez dur avec mes instruments, pas d?licat pour deux sous, tout a tenu le coup. Aussi solide qu'une Telecaster ou Gibson Les Paul (de beaucoup plus l?g?re que cette derni?re car le Gretsch n'a pas une caisse pleine (chambres de raisonnance)). Par contre je ne crois pas que le gold hardware fasse long feu.C'est toujours beau mais pas durable.

Des questions et commentaires envoy?s via le site Gretsch et ?crites en anglais sont rest?es sans r?ponse, pas fort.Le site web n'est pas tr?s emballant et ressemble plut?t ? un catalogue en ligne.

Je joue depuis plus de 30 ans de fa?on plus ou moins semi-professionnel.Je ne gagne pas ma vie avec la musique mais joue en club, festival etc... de mani?re plus ou moins continu.En 30 ans,j'ai tout eu et essay?.Mais la Gretsch restait le r?ve ultime, et pas evidente ? trouver usag?e.J'ai achet? la Roundup car elle poss?de un look exotique et une couleur orange tr?s attirante.C'est ma guitare #1. Ses back-ups; une Rickenbacker 360 et une Fender Telecaster Deluxe plus 1993.Cherche pr?sentement ? acqu?rir Fender '65 deluxe reverb ou un Vox AC30 pour remplacer le Fender hot rod.

I THINK EVERYTHING WAS SAID BY PAUL JUST BELOW. I LIKE THE GENERAL VOLUME CONTROL POSITION,PRACTICAL FOR ME, AND THE COLOR ORANGE TOO (VERY SPECIFIC, IT'S A GRETSCH).BEAUTIFUL INLAYS STYLING, THIN FRETS(IT'S A MATTER OF TASTE) AND A GOOD HAND FOR THE SOLID CASE.I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE FACT IT WAS MADE IN JAPAN, A FENDER JAPANESE EXPERIENCE PROVE TO ME ONE THING,SOMETIMES YOU GET MORE QUALITY FROM OVERSEAS, BE PROFESSIONNAL WITH SOME JUGEMENT.

I PLAY SOME OF STYLES FROM 50'S TO THESE DAYS WITH A FENDER HOT ROD (FOR THE MOMENT, I EXPECT TO GET A FENDER '65 DELUXE REVERB OR A VOX SOON).RICH AND FULL BASS SOUND FROM THE PICK-UP NECK, A LITTLE WEAK FOR THE BRIDGE (FACTORY SETTING) BUT I CHECK THAT WITH MY TECH., HOWEVER EVERYTHING IS PERFECT.THAT GUITAR IS ALLERGIC FOR THE METAL SOUND, SO DON'T TRY TO MODIFY THIS BEAUTIFUL INSTRUMENT, JUST RESPECT THE NATURAL OF GRETSCH PERSONALITY.SOMES AXES OUT THERE ARE MADE FOR THAT. BUT WITH A LITTLE BIT OVERDRIVE SOUND FROM AMPS OR FOR EXAMPLE A IBANEZ TUBE KING OR VOX BRIT BOOST , THAT SING.

AS I SAID, A LITTLE AJUSTEMENT FOR THE BRIDGE PICK-UP. NO FLAWS, NO NOISES, GOOD QUALITY WOOD,GOOD FINISH ETC.. THE HARDWARE IS GOLD , SO I EXPECT TO LOSE SOME FINISH ON THE PICK-UPS, THAT'S NORMAL.

I GIVE A 5 FOR A POOR WEBSITE AND QUESTIONS BY E-MAIL AND NO ANSWERS.

Solid Body, Single Cutaway
SCALE LENGTH 24.6" (625mm)
TOP Arched Laminated Maple
BACK AND SIDES Semi-Hollow Mahogany Body, 13.5" Wide, 1.75" Deep
NECK 2-Piece Mahogany
PICKUPS 2 DynaSonicTM Single-Coil Pickups
PICKUP SWITCHING 3-Position Toggle:
CONTROLS Volume 1. (Neck Pickup),
Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup),
Master Volume,
Master Tone
WIDTH AT NUT 1-11/16" (43mm)
FRETBOARD Rosewood, 12" Radius (305mm)
BRIDGE Polished Aluminum Compensated Bigsby?
TAILPIECE Bigsby? B3CB Vibrato Tailpiece
HARDWARE Gold-Plated
NO. OF FRETS 22
MACHINE HEADS Gold-Plated Grover? V98G Sta-TiteTM Die-cast Tuners
UNIQUE FEATURES Aged Vintage Wide-Block Pearloid Inlay Position Markers with Western Motif of Cactus and Steerheads and Fences,
"G" Brand on the Body,
Aged Fingerboard and Headstock Binding,
Multiple Aged Body Bindings,
Inlaid Aged Pearloid Steerhead and Gretsch Logo on Headstock,
Gold Plexi Pickguard,
Arrow Knobs,
Knurled Strap Retainer Knobs,
Adjustable Truss Rod

I don't know how many more features one needs. The master volume alone makes it unique and full featured.

I admit I had somehwhat lowered expectations. I wanted the Gretsch for a romantic, nostalgic reason and I just hoped it would be a reasonably good player. Was i surprised. This is a very modern, high quality, great sounding, easy playing guitar that happens to be a Gretsch. Tone in the neck pickup is almost what you would expect from this configuration. It is very much a single pickup tone mounted on a mahogany/maple guitar. What I might imagine a cross between a strat and a Paul. The bridge pickup is country pickin' with a touch of Beatlesque (think Day Tripper). The tone is a very welcome addition to my stable of guitars. I love the tone of those Dynasonics. It doesn't try to be like anything else. Not like a fender single coil and not like a version of a humbucker. I really like them both - great versatility. You can get some really deep and resonant bass without muddying up the highs and mids. You can tell, I like the sound.

I see no flaws in the fit or finish. It has a perfect fret job. All are well dressed with no sharp edges or irregularities. Nice wood with odd colors or grain. I took the case out of the box and the guitar our of the case, changed strings, plugged in and felt immediately comfortable. No additionsl setup was needed. Nice fast neck with low action. I can find no fault that would have me take off points.

Have to wait and see. Gretsch guitars have been around a while. Feels very solid and structrally sound.

Don't know yet. I am a little dissapointed in the 1 year guarantee. Seems that is a little short in the industry.

Playing for 34 years. Have had a slew of great and not so great guitars. Have been in several regularly playing bnds. What I like about this one is that I like its unique tone and feel. It is nothing like any of my other guitars and that is a refreshing and welcome change. I was very pleasently surprised by its very modern feel and playability wrapped in this classic Gretsch personna.

This guitar truly gives you the best of all worlds. First as far as looks it is the prettiest sexiest guitar ever made. The orange finish is simply to die for. Second, it is a solid body so it competes with the best and most expensive les paul Gibsons. Third, it has the best sounding pickups ever made. Fourth, the controls are in the most convenient locations ever disigned. Fifth, it has the cutest and most delicate craftsmanship and the western motifs fret markers and the G branded on the body give it a very unique look. Fifth, you don't have to pay through the nose because it is not a hollow-body Brian Setzer model although it sounds every bit as good or better.

The tone this guitar gives you is in all honesty and without prejudice the best you can ever imagine. Every one who has heard this, including people with vast and extensive experience with a great number of expensive instruments, has fallen in love with the tone. To the a@#hole below who gave every category a low score of 1 for this Gretsch I say F#@%K you, you don't even own this, you justed lusted for one in the store, couldn't afford it, and so you denounce it. People who don't own one should not be allowed to rate it.

The best, simply and truly, the absolute best finish, ablolutely no flaws, nothing even remotely cheap on this. The action is difficlut to adjust because it has a floating bridge. On the other hand, there is a lot of room for adjustment and for example one way to raise or lower action is simply with the floating bridge. It takes some patience to get this the way you really want it but the rewards are certainly there if you put in the time.

Looks like it will last forever and just destined to become a classic. Strap buttons are screw in, so it sort of comes with locking straps already.

Never dealt with Gretsch but I know they have a great supply of parts etc so and an extensive website. I will give them a good score based on this.

I have been playing for 33 years. I have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe which is an all tube amp, and I recommed an all tube amp fo this guitar. I would definitely replace this if it were stolen (after I'm done crying). I love the sound, the looks, the feel, the controls, in short everything. Over the years I have had dozens of guitars. Currently I have six other guitars. For most of my career I stayed loyal to Gibson but I now regret not trying the Gretsch line earlier. There is simply no comparison in sound quality. Suffice to say: Brian Setzer and the Beatles.

Burnt-orange stained top with simulated Gretsch brand. Everyone who has seen this guitar has commented on how attractive it is. There is a high-gloss finish on the top and back, which is also used behind the neck. I prefer this. Fortunately my fingers don't stick to it.

22 frets without buzzes. Decorative western inlays (which I like, as I play a lot of country). Easy to access high positions. No curvature to the fretboard, so I haven't found it very useable for slide.

Gold hardware, including a Bigsby. Master volume and individual volume pots for each pickup. Master tone control could use a little more range (to get a jazzier sound).

Filtertron pickups -- I'm not sure if they are Alnico or ceramic, but generally, I like the sound. Passive electronics. 3-way selector is a little noisy.

Body style is similar to a Les Paul, but a little thicker. Pretty sure it has some hollow cavities in it, as it is very light, and shares sound characteristics with semi-hollow electrics, but it doesn't feed back much.

I feel that this is nearly the ideal country guitar. Gretsches are a natural, of course, for playing classic rock and roll -- but if you like a bright sound for the blues, there are also some attractive sounds available on this guitar.

I chose the Filtertron pickups because they are less susceptible to hum than DeArmonds. The bridge pickup is fat and bright sounding. It has a sound that, with a little delay, can also be perfect for Rolling Stone songs like "Honky Tonk Women" or "Brown Sugar" where a player might think of reaching first for a Telecaster.

Interesting, as I believe that effects that work best with single-coil pickup instruments (like the Ibanez tube-screamer) sound very good with Filtertrons. For me, the Filtertron pickups have a bit more flavor and personality than Humbuckers (though I'm not about to lose my SG). But they have more output and sustain than single-coil pickups.

The guitar was recently used in a recording session after the player commented that they weren't satisfied with their classic stratocaster for that song's rhythm guitar part. They were impressed with the additional shimmer of "that great Gretsch sound."

I bend strings a lot, and this can lead to some problems with the floating bridge assembly. At Brian Setzer's suggestion, Gretsch is experimenting with tune-o-matic bridges screwed into the body top of some new Gretsch guitars (like the New Jet and the Brian Setzer signature Hot Rod models).

I like having this guitar in my arsenal. It has a sound none of my other guitars can quite match

The action was okay, but I like it a little high. I did eventually have it reset professionally.

I know some people feel the neck pickup drives over the bridge pickup, but I actually preferred to have the neck pickup raised a bit, and I balance them with the tone control.

The bridge needs attention, as it can slip a bit with strong bends, which can knock off intonation.

The finish on the guitar is excellent. While the top is Gretsch burnt-orange, the back and sides are a dark-wood color like rosewood, but I think it's an attractive veneer.

I haven't had too much of a problem with the tuning pegs so far.

However, the pickup selector is noisier than it should be.

The Bigsby tailpiece works well and looks beautiful, but I haven't used it much.

So far, after 1 year's playing, the guitar is holding up well.

I have some concerns about the gold finish on everything holdin up -- but so far there are no signs of wear. I bought the guitar brand new for $1,000 on a special that was too good to pass up. My guitar-playing friends have been very jealous.

The Gretsches have a screw-on strap holder that is very effective. Plan on removing the strap over your head.

I like having guitars available with different tunings. As previously mentioned, there are some effects that I like to use -- like the Bosstone distortion pedal, that I believe sound better through humbucking pickups, so I would probably at least want to bring a guitar with those pickups along with me. However, I might be tempted to leave my strats at home for a gig.

Performance failure of this instrument doesn't concern me -- I believe it to be completely reliable. I buy different instruments for their different sounds. I'm tempted to buy more Gretsches and try them with the T.V. Jones filtertron pickups I've been reading about.

I never used the warranty.

I have guitar tech friends locally who I trust completely and who charge reasonable prices.

Aside from strings, I believe I've only spent about $75 for adjustments since I bought the guitar.

I've been playing since 1966.

I play through a reconditioned Fender silver-face Deluxe Reverb (c. 1970), which I like a lot. I own 2 stratocasters, a Fender Baritone Nashville telecaster, a Gibson acoustic-electric, a Seagull acoustic-electric, a Gibson SG standard with high-output humbucking pickups (per my tech), a Danelectro 12-string, and my original Aria electric, which I mounted with humbucking pickups (looking similar to an ES 335.

I previously owned an Ovation acoustic-electric and an Ibanez Artist with active EQ.

I also have lots of effects pedals including a Rat, a Fulltone distortion pedal (like a Fuzzface), a Danelectro analog delay, an original 1950's Echoplex tape delay (#33), a DOD classic flanger, an original Clyde McCoy Vox Wah-Wah pedal, an Ibanez PT-5 digital multi-effects pedal board, and a Johnson J-Station.

Also lots of synthesizers and Roland digital recording equipment.

If I lost the Roundup, I would probably buy another one or a guitar like it, like a re-issue Penguin, sparkle jet, or a duo jet.

More than anything, I like "that great Gretsch sound," and appreciate that the Roundup isn't quite as gaudy as some of their other guitars.

I'd like a little wider sweep to the tone control.

I tried the Gretsch guitars with the DeArmonds and also several vintage Gretsches including a 1960's Nashville and a 1950's Duo Jet.

I believe the reissue guitars actually have more consistent workmanship.

1999 22-fret mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, with western inlays. Orange stained maple top. 3way selector switch, 2 volume and 1 tone control plus 1 master volume. 2 Filteron pick-ups. same body shape as Duojet. Gold hardware, bigby tremelo tailpiece. I would rather have seperate tone controls for each pick-up, but other than that, a gorgeous looking guitar with tones of different tones able to be achieved.

I was playing Metal, blues and hard rock and am currently moving into Jazz. Could get the tone out of this instrument for any style, if you are set up correctly. Has a very full, warm sound with the neck pick-up and a bright sound from the bridge ( maybe a little too bright - it can sound harsh at times) the two pick-ups definitly have a difference in volume also - the neck one being noticably louder than the bridge one no matter how low you place the neck one or how high you place the bridge one. the 3 way togle stwch is a little noisy for my tastes, but is livable. Other than that I Love this instrument, I can sound good with just about anything, very full tone.

The action was set up o.k. at the factory, it needed minor adjustments (I like a higher action) and the intonation also needed adjustment, but that was more likely due to numskulls at the store playing it and banging the floating bridge out of wack. A side note for people who don't know any better - floating bridges are supposed to come off if you remove all the strings. When you change strings you should take them off and replace them one at a time anyway. Note: most "fine" instruments also have floating bridges - ever played a violin, cello, or archtop guitar?
pick-ups were adjusted O.K. but notice my previous discussion of volume differences. Finish was flawless, gorgeous I can't say enough about it the gold hardware really accented the beautiful orange finish. There was one loose volume control, but that was easily remedied

This guitar will definitly withstand gigging, if you know how to play without banging the floating bridge out of wack. I you rest your right hand on the bridge or bang to hard on the low string - you may shift the bridge and throw off your intonation. Everything seems like it will go the distance, hope to be gigging with it another 20 years.

never tired. - the music store said they would honor any warranty there anyway.

I have been playing for about 18 years. would definitly replace this if it were stolen, I like it so much,I am looking forward to buying more Gretsch guitars. I originally went to the store to buy a PRS CE24, but left with this instead. I played the PRS as well as coutless other guitars and then tried this one as a joke (didn't really relate to the "western" motif) - This intrument made the PRS sound mushy, dull, and cheap. I bought it because I couldn't put it down - it was brilliant.

1999 made in Japan. 22-fret. Amber-orange stained maple top with a big G logo. 3way selector, 2 vol. 1 tone plus 1 master vol. control. 2 90's Filteron. Mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard with interesting western motif on inlay. same body shape as Duojet. Gold hardware with a bigsby and roller bridge.

It sounds like the Gibson BB king signature model a bit. Same kind of hollowness which I believe should supposed to be associate with older Es335 model ( not the current one, i got one so i could tell; the new 335 sometimes just sounds like a fatter Les Paul Standard). The sound of 6121 got so much texture in it.
It is bright but not harsh to my ear, i could use it to do sweet jazz chord + licks as well as some 50's chicago blues licks, same kind of tone! i could copy the sound exactly. The neck pickup is loud and when I switch to distortion, I can do some bernard bulter type licks and swing the bigsby to achieve same sig. tremelo effect as in his early suede days. The bridge pickup sounds like my ES335 in middle position.
I basically use it in conjunction with Korg 104DS and pignose Hog20 amp. Korg 104ds allow you to use it simply as a tone modifier on clean sound while let you dial in your favourite dist tone, (from old chicago blues to heavy metal and alternative), as it allow you saving to settings. This little box with pignose work extremely well with 6121; better than with my custom shop relic strat and 1995 ES335. 6121 just has those lovely ringing tone when you play appregios and scream like crazy with distortion on.
As I mention before, the tone of 6121 is quite hollow and it could sound more acoustic than my Ovation through guitar amp! Incredible! It make lot of so called authetic acoustic add on pickup like a joke.
The only bad thing is no matter how high i adjust the bridge pickup to, the neck pickup still louder than it, What a guitar with character!

The setup is shit! I did it all first day i had it. The things annoy me are the brigde can come off while you change the string and you have to do all intonation adjustment again, unless you glue ity on the top. The bending of the first string is also damped by the roller on the roller bridge and i must lose the sustain if i want to bend it.

not able to tell yet. tell you 5 years later.

They are famous for not support the customer. Note that no contact address or email on their official web page. Also check the Gretschpage, recommanded. http://www.gretschpages.com/

I have a Gibson ES335, Fender 60's Relic Strat, Ovation, Godin Nylon String with Midi access, a Les Paul Classic. I have myself probably use gretrsch as my main guitar in next 2 years at least.
I probably buy a new one if it was stolen, or may be get the DuoJet instead as it shares the same feature and is cool as well!

I looked at a new model and had the money in my pocket, ready to buy and I just knew I was going to buy it before I went in the store. Then came reality....the tone was horrible! Not that full Gretsch sound that Gretsch is noted for. Also not made in America but in Japan, yet a spiffy looking guitar. The frets were un-even, the action was fair to good but the intonnation just soured me on this model totally. The guitar, a Les Paul style sort of, fit good but the smaller frets told me it was an import. Not for that amount of $$$. Plus after reading how Gretsch doesn't honor their warranty set up at all, I'm really tickled that I just walked out of the store.

I completely dis-liked this guitar other that it does catch one's eye with it's gold plating, ranch motiff, etc.

I can't believe that any guitar factory's quality control would send this unit out for the public to buy.

I wouldn't trust this thing anywhere! The store price with case, I didn't stick around long enough to see any case, was $1550 plus taxes. Not for my money.

Thank goodness for Harmony-Central! Just read what new owners are saying about Gretsch's products and their refusal to honor any guarantee or warranty problems on their new and expensive instruments. I suggest getting some good legal help and fire back at them, then watch Gretsch change habits pronto. Keep up the good work, Harmony-Central!!

During the 60's I had a Gretsch Country Gent and a 6120 Nashville and they were two of the finest instruments one could ever want. When I entered the store to check out this model, I expected a somewhat familiar Gretsch sound. Man, what a shock!!! My Heritage H535 plays and sounds much greater.