Gretsch 6122JR Country Classic

Bigsby Flat Trem arm works great, only marginal intonation issues when using Bigsby (to be expected). Controls great, bit of learning curve on that. I like the idea of a swith to control the tone. It's handy. The guitar is beautiful. So easy to play that it is inspriring. My one peave on the features issue is that it is top heavy, or should I say body light. This causes the neck to go south (that gravity thing). I developed a strap that corrects that for this and other instruments. (ie; the useless classical guitar straps that are out there) I will be marketing strap post patent issues. Look for it on web soon (I hope) when it's marketed. The top heavy issue prevents a 10. But 9 is "special too".

Filtron p-ups do have a distinctive, beautiful sound. I use "Jr" for all kinds of chord melodies and soft rock at weddings and other catered affairs. The Bigsby allows for a pretty wave at the end of phrases. A wonderful rich creamy sound with the settings I use, but not limited to that.

So easy to play that it is inspriring resulting in growth in my musical expression. The used one I bought is mint. I set it up with "12s" and it plays real smooth. Cosmetically flawless too. Many compliments on its looks. Bridge - fine, p-ups - fine, I adjust to my taste. Gold plated hardware mint.

It will hold its cosmetically and functionally if taken care of.

No experience with this issue. I think 5 is required as a neutral input.

Playing 46 years. I have three "strats", Gibson, LP, Larrivee flat top, two Goden S/A, three higher end Ibanez, Alvarez classical.

The guitar has a medium gloss (lacquer, I believe) finish over a walnut stain. It's a slightly reduced size, but the same shape as the Country Gentleman, but with real F-holes. The body shape, as a result, is almost like a Gibson ES-335. It has wide binding with gold hardware for the pickups, tuners, switches and bridge. It has a Bigsby tremolo. The 22-fret neck is full scale, and the fingerboard is ebony with the dot markers consisting of pearl triangles at the top end of the frets. It has on-off and phase controls for both of the Filtertron pickups along with separate tone controls for each. It has a master volume knob on the lower horn. I believe it was made in Japan.

I like to play some jazz and rockabilly, so this guitar suits my needs perfectly. I use it with a Fender Deville amp which suits its' sound perfectly. It has a very rich sound with a lot of flexibility offered by the pickups and associated controls. If you want twang, you can certainly get it, and you can also get some interesting blues crunch under certain settings. I use it primarily for jazz (chord soloing and the like.) It has a wonderful clean tone and it's very easy to balance the sound of the strings to a tee based on the tone and pickup settings.

I like the fact that the body style is smaller in that it seems to make it easier to switch between my other solid bodies, and I love the neck -- smooth, thin and fast. A wonderful player. The only dislike is the extra attention required for the gold plating on the hardware, but I guess that's the price of the extra bling.

I had it set up at the guitar store, but the workmanship from the factory seems flawless. No gaps or blemishes are visible. I had the action set pretty low, and I've required no additional adjustments other than the period adjustments for intonations and the like. I've found no loose controls or hardware, but I've kept a pretty close eye on the hardware to keep it looking nice.

I've not used it live yet as the type of music at my gigs isn't really suited to the hollow body, but I wouldn't hesitate to do so. It seems very sturdy, but with a hollow body, you always run the chance of it getting damaged in transit. I don't worry about the strap buttons coming loose or anything (it comes with screw-on strap locks). I would have no problem using it at a gig without a back-up, but I would worry about dings, so I usually take one of my other guitars.

I've not tried to get it repaired. The warranty is for one year.

I've played for 35 years. I own another Gretsch, a Tele, a Strat, and a Jagstang. I also have an assortment of acoustics (Martins, Yamaha, etc.) This is the best playing guitar I have, and it's the one I play the most during my private practice. The only thing I would have asked was for any sort of service documentation with the guitar as I had to search the web to get the features, wiring and controls information.

If it were stolen, I'd try and find one like this as it's a great guitar -- the smaller body makes it an extremely comfortable guitar. The range of tonal controls really gives it great flexibility as well.

My Country Classic Jr. has all the same features that the previous reviews have described. The guitar is absolutely beautiful with the walnut stain, gold-plated hardware, and the Bigsby vibrato. It is slightly smaller than the Country Classic, being that it is the junior model. I love the smaller body size. It's closer to the size of a Gibson ES-336 rather than 335 and it is extremely comfortable. The binding work on the body and neck is flawless, as is the body wood. I bought mine used so there is a bit of tarnish on the gold hardware, but it looks better that way, at least to me. It looks like a loved but played, high-quality instrument.

With the Filter-Tron pickups and the hollow body it definitely has the classic Gretsch sound. It's called the Country Classic so you would expect it to do the country twang quite well, and it does, but it's not limited to that sound. It's fantastic through an overdriven tube amp where it will give you a nice, raunchy, rock tone. Of course if you have the gain up too high you will get some feedback, but it can be quite fun to do the whole controlled feedback thing as well. The sound is extremely full, as you would expect from the hollow body.

I run the guitar through a Fender Blues Junior amplifier. When I want a bit more punch I kick on my Boss SD-1 or Ibanez Tubescreamer, and when I want a bit more of the indie rock vibe I also kick on my Guyatone MD-3 delay. Clean or overdriven this guitar sounds fantastic. It's hard to go wrong.

The fit and finish on the guitar is perfect. Truly high quality craftsmanship. I bought it used so I can't comment on how the guitar was set-up at the factory.

It's a hollow body so it's not as durable as a solid body guitar, but it is definitely solidly built. The hardware will definitely last, though I'm sure the gold-plating will continue to tarnish over time. The strap buttons are the weak part about Gretsches in general. When I got the guitar the strap button on the upper bout was a little loose so I had to do the old toothpicks and wood glue trick, but that worked well. I did it to the strap button on the end as well, just to be safe. I know a lot of people who play Gretsches live end up putting strap locks on them because of the unreliability of the stock ones.

I had a question about the mounting screws for the pickguard and I emailed customer support. Within two hours they got back to me with the part numbers and said all parts could be purchased through authorized Gretsch dealers but not through the company itself. Fair enough. I have not contacted them otherwise.

I've been playing for about 7 years. I own a Squier Pro Tone Fat Telecaster that is incredible, a Martin 000-15, a Fender Blues Jr., a Guyatone MD-3 delay, Ibanez Tubescreamer, Boss SD-1, Big Muff, and a Line 6 POD.

If this guitar were stolen I would definitely try to find a replacement, though it could be difficult since so few of these were made.

I love the airy, rich sound of this guitar, the size of the smaller body, and the Bigsby. It's a truly fantastic instrument. It also happens to be painfully beautiful, which doesn't hurt. If you can find one of these, buy it!

I believe all the features are either shown here already, or can be found on Gretsch's website or elsewhere. I'm unclear on one feature that is listed, however-- "Gretsch High-Sensitive FilterTron Humbuckers." I don't know if this is just a fancy name for all of their FilterTron's or whether these are different. But they sure sound different than my other Gretsch's-- much better, in fact!

This guitar sounds incredible. When I'm recording, I'm like a cook in a spice-cabinet, to find the right sound. I've frequently pulled out this guitar over various and many newer or vintage Gibson's that I own, for that perfect "Gibson" sound. If you want gritty bite, it's here. If you want mellow, it's here. If you want just about anything that you could want in the way of a humbucker-style sound, it's here. Adjusting the pickup height, or the posts-height, even slightly, provides incredible sound-changes and a wealth of opportunities to basically tune your own sound on this guitar.

Superb action, fit, finish, you name it. Not a single flaw. I didn't mention that I own two of these-- a 2001 and a 1999. I bought them both used, but both were in like-mint condition.

Leads? I've used this on a lot of recordings-- very smooth action all the way up and down the neck.

My only surprise when I bought my first one, is that the body is nearly standard-Gent thickness. I'd expected a Jr-type of thickness. It took a brief while to get used to, but hey it adds to the sound.

I've traveled a lot with mine. It's built rock-solid. I travel frequently with a van-load of guitars, usually in gigbags. The Rickenbacker's and this guitar are not a concern as far as any damage. I would never think of it with my Gibson ES-335's, I doubt they would hold up as well.

Although I bought both of mine used, I've contacted Gretsch about various guitars or features and have always had friendly personal replies and offers to help. Great.

If it were stolen, well......... maybe that's why I have TWO of these!

I presently own over 250 guitars. Many are vintage (pre-1975) Gibson's, Gretsch's, Guild's, etc.

Occasionally, people will ask that stupid question-- "if you were stranded on a tropical island with only one guitar, which one would it be?" This one.

I recently purchased a used Gretsch 6122 Jr with gold hardware and walnut brown finish. It appears to be virtually unplayed, with no noticable fret wear or finish flaws. The Bigsby expression arm is wonderful for slight pitch variation, and goes up or down as well. The neck is superb, and I'm comparing it to my two other electric guitars when I say this, a 2001 American Fender Deluxe Fat Stratocaster with maple neck and a 2003 Gibson Les Paul Classic. I believe it was manufactured in 1999 but as I said, it is indistinguishable from new condition.

I bought it from a dealer here in Florida who sells high end guitars such as Suhr, PRS, G&L and others as well as Carr, Rivera, Speedster,and Fuchs boutique amplifiers. I went there to buy the Fuchs BlackJack 21 tube amp head and the owner had just taken this guitar in trade that day. Of course I had to have the Gretsch to go along with my new Fuchs BlackJack 21. Man, does it ever sound good through the Fuchs. This is a fine musical instrument and I know a good one when I pay it.

Everything is perfect on this guitar, action, craftmanship, etc.

I think this instrument is slightly more delicate than my Les Paul or my Stratocaster. It is noticably lighter in weight than the Fender or Gibson I mentioned earlier. I don't antisipate any structural or electronic malfunction, but ya never know. At gigs, I always bring a back-up for everything, back-up guitar, back-up amp, back-up cables, you name it.

N/A I bought it used, so no warrany. I'm not particularly concerned about it falling apart on me though. It is a very well made instrument.

I began playing guitar 40 years ago at age 11. I've owned many guitars and amplifiers over the years. I'd buy another one if it were stolen or accidentally lost due to a fire for instance. I really like the look, feel and sound of this guitar. I especially like the expression arm. The guitar stays dead on in tune, and I believe the bridge rocks back and forth ever so slightly with the strings when the expression arm is moved up or down.

Finish on this guitar is very classy. A nice walnut stain with gold hardware makes it an eye catcher but its not too flashy. the specs listed in the other reviews are right so im not going to rewrite them.

the sound was perfect for me. very sweet sounding. Sweet, Bright, and full is the best way to describe the guitar. However the range of sounds is limited. Switching from the neck to bridge pickup does not make as big of a difference as in most guitars(it might just be my guitar i have to look into that). Not to mention its clarity of sound. Sounds best when played clean, or slightly overdriven. It doesn't sounds good played with distortion, something is just missing or doesn't sound right if you crank up the distortion. In my opinion its not very versatile, but its exactly what I want.

Never had to adjust the action. Felt great from the start, unlike my other guitars which i can't find the right action. The neck is SMOOTH, and fits my hand like a glove! only neck ive ever played that was smoother was an unfinished oil rubbed neck. Finish like i said before is great.

can't answer this, I dont travel with my guitar.

never had to use it yet.

Ive been playing it for 6 months now, and i have loved every second of it. ive gone through 4 guitars, and finally found my fit. Gretsch made themselves a lifetime supporter. If it were stolen or lost, I'd definetly get another gretsch. I compared this with a few guitars in its class including 4 different PRS($2000 and down), a standard les paul and a few reissue lespaul's and the gretsch won. However Im thinking about changing the pickups to gibson 57's, im thinking that will make it really sing, but i may be wrong. email me if you think thats a good/bad idea.

MSRP: $2,645 with case

Purchased this 2001 Gretsch "Country Classic Junior" in 0ctober of
2001. This is the downsized(14 inch body)version of the legendary
"Country Gentleman" which is synonomous with George Harrison(Beatles)
and Chet Atkins which as the large 17" body! This "Junior" edition
is currently used by Joe Walsh, lightening-fast guitarist of the
Eagles. In fact, this type of guitar was featured in an episode of
The Drew Carey Show whereby Joe Walsh cameoed singing to a comatose
Drew Carey! Gorgeous walnut stained finish/gold plated hardware with
the famous Bigsby vibrato. The usual Gretsch goodies.

A Gretsch has a sound of it's own. No wonder groups such as the Eagles
have featured that distinctive Gretsch sound from their beginning! The
bright, twangy sound is there just as my 1967 Gretsch Country Gent!!!

Certainly a more comfortable and fast playing neck than my 1967 Gent!
Wonderfull neck feel on this axe; almost a Les Paul feel to it.

Believe this guitar to be quite reliable and durable; but more care
goes into maintaining a hollow and/or semi-hollow body guitar with
on tour. For years, Patrick "Pat" Simmons of the Doobie Brothers
travelled worldwide with a huge array of Gibson ES-335/345/355's! I
think with proper care these would do quite well on tour. Afterall,
Joe Walsh and Don Felder did so for years with the Eagles for many
Eagle hits that required that Gretsch sound!

Not had to use their support services!

I've been playing guitar on and off since 1967 when I purchased my
1967 Gretsch "Country Gentleman" brand new. The "Junior" and my "Gent"
both sound great in my Fender Super Reverb" reissue amp with 4-10's
and tube sound! Currently have an Optek "Artist" computer guitar and
a Custom Shop "Ritchie Sambora" signature Stratocaster. The Gretsch
Junior is a keeper!!!!

This is a beautiful 1999 Country Classic Jr. It is only junior in size (the full bodied Gretsch's are huge). Its a double cutaway hollow body with dual humbuckers, dual f-holes, Bigsby tremelo, gold hardware, and gorgeous walnut-stained finish.
Lots of tone/volume control: 1 master volume, and a tone and volume control for each each pickup.
Included original Gretsch hardshell case.

I thought this guitar would fill out all the other sounds that my Les Paul couldn't. As it turns out the Gretsch gets all those other sounds and does great with hard rock, as well! Of course it doesn't have the great sustain of the Les Paul.
On its own, this guitar leans towards the rich/full sound end of things rather than brightness (dual humbuckers ya know). Played through my guitar effects processor, Digitech GNX1, it gets the bright stuff, too.

All perfect. Strung with .11 flatwounds this guitar impresses like the top-of-the-line professional instument that it is.
The most amazing thing about this guitar is the feel of the neck. I never knew a neck could be so smooth. It makes playing my Les Paul feel like my left hand is stuck in concrete. The Gretsch is so smooth!!!

Everything seems reliable and durable if the guitar is treated right. It doesn't seem like it could withstand much banging around since it is a lightweight hollowbody guitar.

I've owned this guitar for 6 months and have had no need of customer support.

I've been playing for 22 years and this is the best guitar I've ever owned. Having it sitting in my living room is always an invitation to pick it up. Its inspired me to get my playing up to its level (no easy feat).
If it were stolen I would definitely want to own another Gretsch. For the price I paid for this I believe I got a great value for top-line Gretsch quality.

This semi-hollow body guitar was given to me as a birthday present a year and a half ago. It was built in 1999 by Gretsch in Japan. This is the "junior" size model, 14" wide and 2.25" deep. The body is made of laminated maple, and the neck of laminated rock maple. The neck has 22 frets, joined with the body at the 18th fret (and not the 14th, as with most guitars). The fingerboard is made of ebony-stained rosewood. It has an adjustable truss rod, and deluxe high gear ratio enclosed tuners. The double cutaway body is walnut-stained (hand polished) with open-bound sound holes and gold-plated hardware. The pickguard is also gold colored. It has dual high sensitive FiltertronTM pickups, pickup selector switch, tone control, individual volume controls, and a master volume control. The knobs are solid brass, gold-plated. It comes with an adjustamatic roller bridge and Bigsby flat handle vibrato tailpiece. A Gretsch hardshell, velvet-lined case was included.

I play fingerstyle jazz, blues, country, and pop. This guitar is custom made for it, with a sweet, soulful sound. I play clean, using a Fender Blues Junior with no effects. The tone is bright, full, and rich, but I would prefer a little greater response in the range. Being a "junior", the body is not quite as large, making handling and maneuverability easier.

I've never adjusted the action, finding it fine. Others might want a little lower action. I do retune it frequently, and this may be due to the roller bridge, though I also play it daily. Initially, the pickup selector switch didn't work in the "down" position, but a squirt of pressurized air easily fixed it. After a year + of playing, the gold-platings around the top corner of the bridge and the nearest fret are beginning to tarnish.

I only play as a hobby, so I can't attest to its durability as a stage instrument. I will say that, except for the little specks of tarnish previously mentioned, the guitar looks brand new. The finish looks just as it did when I first received it. The screw-on strap buttons have never loosened on me, but I usually play from a sitting position. Of the guitars that I've had over the years, this appears well-constructed, and, as with other quality Gretsches, anticipate it to increase in value over time.

I've never dealt with Gretsch. My wife purchased it at Guitar Center, and they fixed the pickup selector switch for me, free of charge.

I've been playing on and off for 30+ years, owning a Strat clone, a couple of no-name acoustics, and a Cordoba FWCE (my latest acquisition). If I lost this, I'd buy another in a heartbeat. The size and weight is perfect, yet the tone is that of a bigger body. It's biggest attributes are its looks (is there a better-looking guitar out there?), sound, and playability. I just wish I could prevent the gold-plating from tarnishing.