Gretsch Model 6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody Model Thinline Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1962), made in Brooklyn, NY, laminated maple body; laminated maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original blue/grey hard shell case.
A very nice example of a first-year double cutaway Chet Atkins Model 6120, one of Gretsch's classic 1960's designs. The 1950's-style 6120 with a single cutaway, open-F hole body was retired at the end of 1961 in favor of this new design, thinner at the rim with the "F-holes" only simulated and a symmetrical double cutaway. The finish remained a vibrant orange and the electronics (2 Filter'Tron pickups and a 3-knob, 2 switch rig) were unaltered, save for the addition of a "standby" cutoff switch. Another new addition was the mechanical mute assembly; this particular guitar would have been one of the very first with the lever action "Muffler" seen on many '60's Gretsch models.
This model was a very poplar instrument among professional users in the 1960's; although not technically a "Beatle" guitar all the Atkins models benefited greatly from the brand's association with the group, and John Lennon did in fact play one at least briefly in the recording studio in 1966. This is the best double-cut 6120 we have seen in some time, and a really good sounding 60's Gretsch.
Overall length is 42 in. (106.7 cm.), 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 in. (5.1 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.). Very clean overall, some light scratches but no serious finish wear of fade. Binding is solid with no cracking or decay except the small panel on the bass side of the neck heel. Hardware is all original, this guitar was fitted with Kluson tuners at some point but now restored to original Waverly open-backs with metal buttons. Original fabric-covered back pad is included but somewhat tatty, with tears in the center section and the padding removed. Good neck angle, excellent original frets with hardly any wear...a really nice playing first-year Electrotone 6120. Excellent Condition.
