This Gretsch G6120SSU Brian Setzer, built from 1993 to 2014, was one of the earlier of the Setzer Signature models based on the 1960 6120s used in the Stray Cats, Brian Setzer Orchestra and various solo projects.
Here we’re looking at a Gretsch G6120SSU Brian Setzer built in Japan by Terada in 2004. As a Brian Setzer model, it is based his 1960 6120 models used in countless performances and recordings. It has a number of features specific to this model, in particular the use of Sperzel locking tuners, intonation-adjustable bridge, and ‘Dice’ knobs for the pickup volumes. The body is of awesome highly flamed Maple laminate. Later models add a ‘pinned’ bridge base, which Gretsch does in a particular way. Under the bridge base, a pair of headless Allen screws are inserted into the top above the braces. The bridge base is routed to fit onto these screws or pins. This allows the bridge base to move forward or back for significant intonation adjustments, while preventing the player from accidentally pushing the bridge to the side. The floating bridge is a standard feature of most archtop guitars, and many players use double-sided tape to secure the bridge. Gretsch’s approach allows for easy removal of the bridge, making service and cleaning easier.
Introduced in 1954 as a Chet Atkins model, the Gretsch 6120 featured a fully hollow, 16 inch wide and 2 7/8 inch deep Maple Laminate body with bound F holes, tone bar / sound post bracing and a Maple neck with Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard and bridge base. The body, neck, headstock and F-holes are all bound. This version comes with the Bigsby B6 tailpiece. As was the practice at the time, the Bigsby, like the pickups and bridge, are not gold-plated. Naturally, its pickguard bears the Brian Setzer signature and the Gretsch Nashville logo. At the time this guitar was built, Gretsch did not have the rights to the Chet Atkins name; that was lost in 1980 and renewed in 2007, so the term ‘Nashville’ was used instead. Though the post-2014 models represent an evolution in the Gretsch Brian Setzer lineup, focusing on modern playability and feedback control, this pre-2014 models holds her distinctive charm, especially for players seeking a more vintage-authentic experience.
She is in overall excellent condition with only light wear: a couple of small dings on the back, light corrosion patina on pickups and knobs and very light pick marks. Fretwork is very good. She has a very comfortable, slim V profile neck and is really easy to play. And of course, she’s fitted with a pair of Setzer signature TV Jones Classic pickups. These pups are known for their clear, chimey, and articulate with a vintage-inspired sound with balance across bass, mids, and treble. Their moderate output closely replicating the sound of late 1950s Filter’Tron pickups with their tight lows, detailed mids, and a bright but not piercing high-end.
Combined with 20 years of aging of the wood, this explains the wonderful warm and delicious notes, ideal for jazz, old-school rock, or country players who emphasize rhythm and don’t rely heavily on modern lead techniques. Listen to a sound impression by the man himself here:
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