Based on the 1962 Chet Atkins Tennessean, the Gretsch Tennessee Rose G6119 was introduced in 1995, but wasn’t a ‘Chet Atkins’ model until 2007 when Gretsch re-acquired rights to the Atkins name. Consequently, the pickguard on this example has only the words ‘Tennessee Rose’ and the Gretsch logo. The 6119 Tennessean appeared in 1958 as a full size, single pickup archtop. In 1962, it was drastically revised with a new, thin body using the sealed ‘ElectroTone’ concept for feedback resistance. This design has faux F-holes, either painted or decals. It bore a pair of either Filter ‘Tron or HiLo ‘Tron pickups and the model was discontinued in 1980. Gretsch, then owned by Baldwin, folded in 1983 with Baldwin’s bankruptcy.
Chet Atkins
Guitar makers and players sometimes don’t want to go for an understated approach, and the Gretsch Sparkle Jet G6129T is a case in point. Featuring a wildly metallic sparkle layer on top of chambered, single cut Mahogany body with Maple laminate top, the Sparkle Jet is anything but subtle. The Gretsch Jet models were introduced in 1955 as a response to the Gibson Les Paul. At the time, Gretsch was resistant to solidbody designs and so the Jet is heavily chambered. The Mahogany back has spaces routed into it, and a Maple laminate top is applied.
Here we’re looking at a Gretsch Chet Atkins 6122 Country Gentleman built during 1963, the same year as Harrison’s. This fine example is in very good condition, and is original except for the addition of a Gibson style, gold plated tune-o-matic bridge in place of the rocking bar bridge. The finish is worn on the neck where it’s been played – the frets are original and have expected wear – but the guitar has been well cared for and the finish is in overall good condition.
The Gretsch G8128TCG, now superseded by the G6128T-57 Vintage Select, reproduces the 1957 Duo Jet in Cadillac Green and with TV Jones T-Armond pickups. These guitars vividly evoke the sounds of the 50’s Gretsch models, with plenty of twang and power. We have only one of these.
This instrument has sold
MORE →