Nice… I swear, over the last twelve months or so Gretsch has put out more truly drool-inducing Limited Edition guitars than you can shake a stick at.
Latest in this lineup is the just-announced G6120-CGP––a recreation of the prototype “Stereo” guitar that Gretsch built for Chet Atkins back in 1956.
So early was the prototype given to Atkins that the instrument’s f-holes were only inlays…. they hadn’t even been routed yet. Only one was ever created.
Chief among the guitar’s innovations though, was a so-called “split-dual-coil pickup” which allowed for two separate audio signals: one for the bass strings, and one for treble.
According to Gretsch––
Chet used this special, one-of-a-kind instrument on his ground breaking 1957 album, “Finger-Style Guitar”. Wired with two output jacks, the signal from the bass strings would run through the echo input on his amplifier while the treble strings were fed dry through the normal channel. Though at the time the concept of a “stereo” guitar was a brilliant idea, it was deemed impractical as the cost to produce it put it out of reach of the general buying public. The project was shelved.
The Chet Atkins Stereo Guitar will feature a body of Laminated Maple, a three-piece Maple neck (24.6“ scale length,) Rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets and vintage ”Wide-Block“ Pearloid position markers, ”G“ Brand and Simulated ”F-Hole“ inlays on body, and full headstock and fretboard binding.
Inlays on the Body,
Electronics will include a pair of Special Designed TV Jones Dual-Coil pickups (neck pickup features both Stereo and Mono capabilities,) 3-way pickup switching, Stere/Mono switch, individual volume controls, plus Master Volume knob.
The guitar will be built in a limited run of just 75 units worldwide for 2008, and will ship with a G6241 Deluxe Hardshell Case included. No word yet on pricing.
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- New York’s Music Zoo Gets Exclusive Gretsch “Axe”
- Raisin’ Hell: Gretsch Unleashes Reverend Horton Heat Signature G6120
- Fuller’s Vintage Guitar Gets LTD “Deluxified” Gretsch Models
- Video Demo Of The New Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress
- Mmmmm, The ‘55-Era Gretsch White Falcon
- Rockabilly Bad Boy: Gretsch Releases Brian Setzer Hot Rod
- Gretsch Releases High Style, Low Cost Electromatic Junior Jet II
- Price Drop! Gretsch G5120 Electromatic
- Gretsch Introduces The Country Classic Twelve String… And It’s A Beauty!
- Get Into A Gretsch On The Cheap… Electromatic Pro Jet With Bigsby
August 17th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Well, I will make a token comment. I too love Gretsches and there are many more I would love to own. They really have come into their stride with the quality to go with it since Fender has handled their distribution and manufacturing. They are finally digging into their heritage to bring back some truly amazing guitars. They keep tempting my credit card with some amazing stuff in the last couple of years. I have a Duo Jet reissue with Dynasonics (Dearmonds) that I love. I also have my homebuilt mahogany and maple bodied, Bigsby equipped Frankenstein Telecaster with TV Jones Filtertrons that has tone to die for. You just can’t get that Great Gretsch sound without a Gretsch. Too many people ignore them and seem to go for either Gibsons or Fenders (which I also love and have). Try a Gretsch and discover a musical palette of sounds not available from the other big American companies.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:56 am
After years of playing strats, telecasters and every cheap piece of crap guitar I could afford I finally gave myself a present and bought a GRetsch. It was the best decision I ever made. I decided from now on I am only buying Gretsch guitars. I love my Brian Setzer Hot Rod. ROCK!