This Gretsch G6128T-59 Vintage Select ’59 Duo Jet is about as near-mint as it gets, while still technically being a used example. ’59 Duo Jet is about as near-mint as it gets, while still technically being a used example. With its construction dating to March of 2021 and built by Terada at Nagoya, Japan, this has had so little use that the protective paper liner is still underneath the Ebony base for the Space Control bridge.

As the name suggests, the Gretsch G6128T-59 Vintage Select ’59 Duo Jet is based on a 1959 model. The Duo Jet first appeared in 1953 as a response to the Gibson Les Paul, with the intention to provide the same feedback resistance but with chambering to give archtop-like resonance. Original Jet models used DeArmond DynaSonic pickups. Chet Atkins was a key endorser of Gretsch guitars, and like every other player had continual issues with 60-cycle hum. Chet had discussions with his friend Ray Butts at Gretsch, and in 1957 Ray came up with and patented a unique hum-cancelling design called the Filter ‘Tron. This appeared at the same time as Seth Lover at Gibson patented their humbucking pickup. Here, the Filter ‘Trons are TV Jones Classic models, which can be described without reservation as excellent. They are crisp, clean and clear with plenty of definition and separation. The Filter ‘Tron design works well with both clean and overdriven amp setups, as can be heard in the late Malcolm Young’s rhythm guitar work on any AC/DC tune. Brian Setzer uses TV Classic pickups on all of his (non-vintage) touring guitars.

For other hardware, this outstanding 1959-styled guitar features open-gear Grover Sta-Tite tuners, a Bigsby B3CB tailpiece, and Space Control bridge (string spacing is adjusted by simply rolling the saddles on a threaded bar. The wiring layout provides individual and master Volume controls, pickup selector and a tone switch.

The original Gretsch-branded hard shell case with its full documentation is included.

Here’s the builder on the Gretsch G6128T-59 Vintage Select ’59 Duo Jet:

“Inspired by the pivotal and prolific years of Gretsch’s 1950s and early ’60s golden age, Vintage Select Edition guitars are designed for the player who appreciates the finest in musical instrument heritage. The new Gretsch G6128T-59 Vintage Select ’59 Duo Jet™ with Bigsby® rocks that legacy to perfection.

The Duo Jet is the Gretsch flagship “solid body” guitar, with signature power and punch coming from its chambered mahogany construction, which magnifies harmonic richness by letting air resonate between the top and body for livelier and more articulate tone. 1959 marked the first year that Filter’Tron™ pickups appeared on the Jet, and the dual TV Jones® Classic™ pickups on this vintage-style baby replicate that unmistakable vintage Filter’Tron sound to fabulous sonic effect.”

Gretsch G6128T-59 Vintage Select ’59 Duo Jet Specifications: