The 6130 Round Up introduced its most famous flattop—the Rancher—in 1954. The Rancher was a 17"-wide jumbo acoustic with a triangular soundhole based on Gretsch’s earlier 125F, but with Western-themed decorations similar to the Chet Atkins 6120, 6121, and the 6130 Round Up. The model boasted a Golden Red finish, and you can see one of these eye-catching guitars being violently strummed by Paul Peek of Gene Vincent’s Blue Caps in the classic 1956 film The Girl Can’t Help It.
The stunning orange 1957 behemoth spotlighted this month has the features typical to the model’s evolution that year. These include an extremely figured maple back and sides, large triangular rosewood bridge supporting an adjustable rosewood saddle, a “G” brand, a 25 1/2"-scale rosewood fretboard on a maple neck, pearloid humped-block fretboard inlays (replacing the original block inlays engraved with cow and cactus designs), a horseshoe headstock inlay (replacing the original steer’s head), and a plain gold pickguard (replacing the earlier tortoiseshell ’guard).
The large triangular rosewood bridge and adjustable
rosewood saddle are among this instrument’s unique features.
On April 20, 1957, the guitar was originally purchased new for $275, including case and strap, at Zadworny Accordion Studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. A trade-in allowance of $65 was given for a Harmony Monterey guitar, leaving a balance of $210. The original hang tag, Gretsch Guitar Guarantee, polish cloth, and strap have been preserved in great condition inside the case.
Gretsch offered a lifetime guarantee against defects
in workmanship or materials to the original owner.
More information and photos of Ranchers and other Gretsch guitars can be found in Gretsch: The Guitars of the Fred Gretsch Company by Jay Scott.
Original price: $275
Current estimated market value:
$3500
Dave ’s Guitar Shop
Dave Rogers’ collection is tended by Laun Braithwaite and Tim Mullally and is on display at:
Dave’s Guitar Shop
1227 Third Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
davesguitar.com
Photos by Mullally and text by Braithwaite.
Hotone Wong Press
Cory Wong Signature Volume/Wah/Expression Pedal
Renowned international funk guitar maestro and 63rd Grammy nominee Cory Wong is celebrated for his unique playing style and unmistakable crisp tone. Known for his expressive technique, he’s been acclaimed across the globe by all audiences for his unique blend of energy and soul. In 2022, Cory discovered the multi-functional Soul Press II pedal from Hotone and instantly fell in love. Since then, it has become his go-to pedal for live performances.
Now, two years later, the Hotone team has meticulously crafted the Wong Press, a pedal tailored specifically for Cory Wong. Building on the multi-functional design philosophy of the Soul Press series, this new pedal includes Cory’s custom requests: a signature blue and white color scheme, a customized volume pedal curve, an adjustable wah Q value range, and travel lights that indicate both pedal position and working mode.
Cory’s near-perfect pursuit of tone and pedal feel presented a significant challenge for our development team. After countless adjustments to the Q value range, Hotone engineers achieved the precise WAH tone Cory desired while minimizing the risk of accidental Q value changes affecting the sound. Additionally, based on Cory’s feedback, the volume control was fine-tuned for a smoother, more musical transition, enhancing the overall feel of volume swells. The team also upgraded the iconic travel lights of the Soul Press II to dual-color travel lights—blue for Wah mode and green for Volume mode—making live performances more intuitive and visually striking!
In line with the Hotone Design Inspiration philosophy, the Wong Press represents the perfect blend of design and inspiration. Now, musicians can channel their inner Cory Wong and enjoy the freedom and joy of playing with the Wong Press!
Reverend Vernon Reid Totem Series Electric Guitar - Shaman
