December 2013
1957 Gretsch 6130 Round-Up
The Round-Up was devised in 1953, when country and Western music was gaining recognition on the pop charts. Its over-the-top cowboy-style decorations were aimed at aspiring C&W guitarists. The 1955 catalog described the guitar as having “Masculine beauty in real Western finish. Tooled leather shoulder strap and body binding; gold plated metal parts.” The fretboard inlays were etched with the same steer heads and cacti that appeared on the leather trim and strap. A pearloid steer head was also inlayed under the Gretsch logo on the headstock. A dramatic “G” brand embellished the top (often knotty pine). These decorations were reused the next year on the Chet Atkins signature models and the acoustic Rancher.

Original price: $325 in 1955 catalog
Current estimated market value: $12,500 for 1957 version (pictured)