In 1954, the Fred Gretsch Company introduced
its own artist-endorsed guitar in
response to the success of Gibson’s Les Paul
model. The virtuoso country artist Chet Atkins
was chosen, and with his input, the model
6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody was born.
The guitar included features requested by
Atkins, such as a 24 ¾" scale length, a metal
nut, and a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. It also
initially sported “kitschy” Western designs
intended to appeal to country music fans,
although Atkins disliked the extra cosmetic
decorations. They were gradually removed
as he and the guitar became more popular.
The early 1961 version featured this month
has the typical characteristics of 6120 models
produced that year. These include an
ebony fretboard with neoclassical inlays
(1958), Filter’Tron humbucking pickups
(1958), a zero fret (1959), V-style Gretsch
by Bigsby tailpiece (1960), and a bar bridge
(1957). By 1961, the body depth had thinned
to just 2.25" (from 2.75" in ’54, to 2.5" in
’60). Possibly due to the thinner body, the
neck joint changed from a dovetail to a mortise
and tenon. The reinforcing dowel was
moved from the back of the heel to the side
located in the cutaway. Later examples from
’61 would also be equipped with a standby
switch before the model changed to a double-
cutaway design in 1962.
Detailed, in-depth information on 6120s can
be found in the new book
Gretsch 6120—The
History of a Legendary Guitar by Edward Ball.
More information on Gretsch guitars can be
found in
The Gretsch Book by Tony Bacon
and Paul Day, and in
The Guitars of the Fred
Gretsch Company by Jay Scott.
Dave’s Guitar Shop
Daves Rogers’ collection is tended to by
Laun Braithwaite and Tim Mullally
Photos and words by Tim Mullally
Dave’s collection is on display at:
Dave’s Guitar Shop
1227 Third Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
davesguitar.com
