Gretsch Model 6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody Model Thinline Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1965), made in Brooklyn, NY, serial # 80910, Western Orange lacquer finish, laminated maple body; laminated maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original two-tone hard shell case.
This is a fine playing example of a late 1965/early 1966 double cutaway Chet Atkins Model 6120, one of Gretsch's classic 1960's designs. It has some typical early-stage deterioration to the body binding but remains a great playing and sounding instrument. A large percentage of 1960s Gretsch guitars have this issue, many far more seriously than this one.
The iconic 1950's-style 6120 with a single cutaway, open-F hole body was retired after a seven year run at the end of 1961 in favor of this new design in keeping with the "modern" '60's Gretsch aesthetic. The new 6120 was still fully hollow but thinner at the rim- only 2" deep with the "F-holes" simulated by decals and a symmetrical double cutaway. The finish remained a vibrant orange and the electronics (two Filter 'Tron pickups and a 3-knob, 2 switch rig) were unaltered, save for the addition of a "standby" cutoff switch on the lower treble bout. The Atkins-specified Bigsby vibrato unit and metal bar bridge were also retained.
A new addition was a mechanical mute assembly; the lever action "Muffler" seen on many '60's Gretsch models was never a popular feature with players and many have been discarded; this one is still intact and working. This mechanism required an access hatch cut in the back, conveniently covered by a gold-trimmed black vinyl pad that was described as a comfort-enhancing feature.
Despite the changes this model remained a very popular instrument among professional users in the 1960's even with a stiff $500 price tag. Although not usually considered an iconic "Beatle" guitar all Gretsch Atkins models benefited from the brand's association with the group, and John Lennon did in fact own and play a 6120 while recording in 1966. Many other 1960's bands featured the instrument in both the US and the UK and the 6120 remains a prime "beat group" instrument, as well as a perfect vehicle for the fingerstyle playing its namesake Chet Atkins specialized in.
This 6120 is from the last documented serial number batch of the model using the older serial number series stamped into the top edge of the headstock. It is also one of the first to feature the "Chet Atkins Nashville model" gold headstock plaque, which is pinned over the older horseshoe inlay still in the headstock veneer. Later this name appeared on the pickguard alongside Chet Atkins' signature. This is one of the best playing double-cut 6120's we have had in some time, and a really good sounding classic 60's Gretsch. It comes with a very cool receipt showing if was bought at Manny's in Manhattan in the summer of '66 for $305.00, possibly already used as if new that would have been a seriously discounted price!
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.).
This guitar remains in all original condition, with no alterations except for a new piece of foam on the mute. All other fittings appear original. The body binding is in the first stage of celluloid deterioration with some shrinkage many small cracks all along the edges but no flaking or crumbling spots. The heelcap and binding sections on either side of the heel have been replaced; usually these are the first to seriously go bad. The fingerboard and headstock binding have no deterioration and are clean and solid.
The original finish is also quite clean; it shows some very light wear with minor dings, chips and scratches here and there, but still retains excellent color with minimal fade. The gold plating shows some typical wear. The guitar has had the neck reset and shows a very good neck angle with plenty of height to the bridge, one of the best we have seen from this period. The original frets hardly any wear. This is a very good sounding 6120 still very comfortable to play and great-sounding guitar; the binding issue is progressive but far less advanced than many from this era. The guitar includes the original purple-lined HSC. Overall Very Good + Condition.
