Gretsch 6122S

2003 Gretsch 6122s Country Classic I. Singe Cutaway 2 1/4 thick walnut finished Mahagony ply body honest to goodness archtop. Fingerboard is ebony with 60's style neo-classic fret markers (half circle pearl markers on the top side of the fingerboard) with the standard dot on the appropriate frets. Gold Bigsby tailpiece. Bridge is ebony with individual intonation setting gold string sets each with a roller for bigsby use. Two Gretsch filter-tron pickups (gold), three position pickup selector switch, two pickup volume knobs, one tone knob, one master volume knob. Output jack is located on the lower edge (not control surface) of the guitar. Grover like tuners (may actually be grovers). Gretsch case included. Finish is very high gloss poly. Neck is 3 piece laminated maple with truss rod. Screw lock strap buttons

I bought my first gretsch in 1962. I was very interested in how this instrument would sound vs: the Gentleman. Well, I will say that it is as good, if not a bit better. It is a bit cleaner, a bit more defined and yes, it does have 'that gretsch sound'. The filtertron pickups work - period. I have tested them under florescent lights, in the studio under a variety of dimmers, on a line that also powers a commercial photography processor with dozens of relays and pumps and under a full concert lighting rig -- no noise - period.

I play through two amps : A Vox and an Ampeg. The instrument mated to the vox gives you that unmistakable beatle sound - very british and very vintage. When played through the ampeg (a new rocket reverb) the instrument is very full, thick and lush. The band plays some jazz gigs and some rock gigs. Sometimes we will do both on the job. This should not be thought of as a guitar that is only good for one thing. As a jazz box it is extraordinary, very archtop sounding and lush. As a roxk instrument (zz top to the eagles) it works. Having two wonderful amps certainly helps, but if you don't send the amp a good signal, you don't get good sound - regardless of the amp. I purchased a new gibson 335 and sold it, bought a new 137 classic and returned it. Nice instruments, but they sounded like the wood hadn't been dryed. Sort of green wood sounding. An old trick to check on the aging of the wood is to feel the inside of the top at the f hole. If it sounds dry, sort of like sandpaper - it is right. The gibsons sounded wet. The gretsch sounded well aged before it was built.

I have been playing professionally since 1961 (lets see - thats 42 years - ouch) and having owned some wonderful instruments, I believe I can state in total honesty that this is the finest setup I have seen on delivery. The action was set for the 11's on the instrument. The finish is flawless as you should expect from an instrument of this price, which was not the case with the Gibsons. The bone nut was expertly cut the the intonation was verified perfect . It was just-flat right! Yes Players everywhere - some instruments are properly setup. I do play quite a bit of jazz so I have set ut up for boomer slinkey's, 10's on the bottom and 9's on the top. Action down a bit , light fret dress (to match my other instruments, certainly not needed) with no neck adjustment needed (right to start out).

Built to be played not looked at (although it certainly a looker!) The gold is perfect, and appears to be thicker than some instruments. The screw on strap buttons are solid and give me a very safe feeling The bridge is substantial and stays put (a problem with some archtops when you get heavy handed) The neck/body joint is seamless. Knobs are big and have a grip pattern in them. Very easy to control. Also, no noise at all when switching between pickups. The switch is substantial too!

Calls returned, letters answered - what a concept.

I was looking to replace my backup instrument, a 335, and play the primary instrument on most gigs and most sessions (also a 335). The Gretsch has surpassed all of my expectations and clients and the guys in the band have all promoted the 6122 to primary instrument. 40+ years of playing have told me that it is all about Combinations : speakers and amp, amp and guitar, guitar and pickup type, strings and picksize, etc, and everything about this instrument makes the rest of whatever combination shine. For the record, I am NOT endorsed by Gretsch. All of the comments here have been earned by an excellent instrument and the company behind it. Get the new color catalog and see how it used to be done in the music business in the 60's - honest and great value.