❌SOLD❌ Gretsch 6120 Double Cutaway Thinline Electric, Orange 1962

In 1962, the Gretsch 6120 Double Cutaway model appeared, displacing the classic but aging single-cutaway deep body 6120 and bearing the new, sealed Electrotone body. This closed body first appeared on the 1961 Tennessean.

The new double cutaway version came about through a number of influences. In particular, Gibson hand introduced their very successful ES-335 models, and Chet Atkins felt the Electrotone body worked better at stage volumes.

The new model was a success, selling well, and these guitars were used on many stages and recordings.

Here we’re looking at a Gretsch 6120 Double Cutaway in largely original condition. Its serial number places it solidly into 1962, but it has a lever-operated string mute. When the new version was released in 1962, the mutes used a ‘dial-up’ mute system. A standard G-Arrow knob was placed on a rotary control, and turning this raised or lowered the mute. Late in the year and for the 1963 model year, the mechanism changed to a lever control. To protect the top, there’s a felt washer around the lever switch tip, and from the start until 1965, the felt was red. In late 1965, this changed to black felt.

Body construction is Maple laminate, with a Maple neck and bound Ebony fingerboard. The distinctive ‘neo-classic’ thumbnail inlays were used. At this point, the headstock ornamentation was a horse-shoe.

The parts are original and in good working order. The frets appear to be original as the binding ‘nub’ is still visible at some of the fret ends. This model uses a Zero fret, and that does appear to have been replaced – this is to be expected since it receives quite a bit of wear.

The electronics include gold-plated Filter ‘Trons, with the Tone Switch circuit; the Bigsby is not plated, and the standard Rocking Bar bridge sits on an Ebony base. There is also a Standby switch, to quickly disable the guitar when it needs to be silent.

The finish is in good condition. There is an amount of binding deterioration, which is common to the models from this period due to an interaction between the plastics and glues used for the binding. The G-Arrow knobs show some corrosion as well.

This guitar plays well, it’s very comfortable, and sounds great – like and early 1960’s Gretsch!

The original Gretsch arched hard shell case is included.