Gretsch Model 6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body Arch Top Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1955)

Gretsch  Model 6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body Arch Top Hollow Body Electric Guitar  (1955)
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Item # 12941
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Gretsch Model 6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body Model Arch Top Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1955), made in Brooklyn, NY, serial # 16980, Western Orange lacquer finish, laminated maple body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, original Cowboy hard shell case.

The 1950s Gretsch Chet Atkins hollowbody model 6120 is one of the most iconic of the decade's American guitars, identifiable to even most casual guitar fans. Over the course of less than five years, the 6120 model's features transitioned from the full-out western kitsch appeal of this first 1955 model to the sleeker '60s stylings while always retaining the distinctive "Western Orange" body finish. This particular guitar is a rare find, very clean, all original and one of only the second serial number batch made in early 1955, with the specific features found only in this first model year.

While the iconic "G" branded into the top is the most immediately eye-catching, it also has several features that are specific only to the first 1955-6 models. These include the fixed-arm gold-washed Bigsby, soon replaced with an unplated and then swing-arm variants, "arrow" (non-G-logo) knobs, the distinctive pearloid fingerboard inlay engraved with western motifs and a matching Steer's head inlay in the headstock, with a smaller truss rod cover. According to the definitive book "Gretsch 6120" by Edward Ball, only three batches of the new 6120s were built in 1955 with this combination of features, all also containing matching Model 6121 solidbodies. According to this reckoning a maximum of around 250 of these first-year 1955 6120's ever existed.

The serial #169xx batch is famous among 6120 connoisseurs not just for being the second ever run of this model; it also contained one of the most famous of all 6120s: that one belonged to Eddie Cochran. While his guitar was somewhat modified early on, it is still the definitive example of a 1955 6120 in action and finding another from this batch has been many a Gretsch-head's dream! We are thrilled to feature this all-original beautifully preserved "Full-western" Chet Atkins hollow body in our showroom. It is simply one of the coolest Gretsch guitars we have ever had, now back home in Brooklyn!
 
Overall length is 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm.), 15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 13/16 in. (7.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 1/2 in. (622 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).

This guitar remains in VERY clean and original condition, a very well-cared-for instrument showing only very light wear and checking, with all the original hardware intact. The finish has general scuffing and a few dings and dents; one dinged spot just over the fingerboard has light touchup. The tortoise celluloid riser rings under the pickups have been replaced; the bridge pickup had offgassed just a bit affecting some of the plating on the pickup cover directly above it.

The guitar looks to have never had or needed neck reset and there are no other issues; no binding deterioration or other typical Gretsch maladies. With an excellent neck angle his is a fine-playing and sounding example of this extremely rare 6120 variant, from what some consider the most desirable year. The original rocking Bigsby-saddle bridge and gold-washed fixed-arm Bigsby tailpiece are both intact; these parts have often been changed on these early models.

This is easily one of the nicest 1950s Gretsch guitars we have ever had, with the expected classic sound and feel as condition-wise about as good as they usually come! It includes the original Gretsch "cowboy" case (showing some general wear) AND strap, an original 1955-6 catalog and repro "OK Card" and Gretsch Guarantee papers. Overall Excellent Condition.