Full description with playing examples, through actual real amps, and lots of play a longs. Mostly Rockabilly/Country/Swing.......heavier tones to come ...soon!
When i listened to this demo, the unaccompanied playing was very good, but when you start playing with the backing tracks your playing just leveled up, that was cool to watch, like a motorcycle going from first to second gear, very cool!
I’ve owned several professional made in Japan Gretsch’s over the years but every time I hear a demo of this Smoke guitar it just seems to be on another level! The clarity of the butts pickups seems again like on another level. Before I spring for one I might drop a set of the butts pickups in one of my existing Gretsch’s. My only concern is they are not wax potted and I occasionally like to play with some higher gain settings.
Played one in a guitar store yesterday, and apart from the Setzer modifications (tuners, bridge) it sounds and feels pretty close to what a brandnew 6120 in 1960 must have been like. I'd say almost custom shop level. The Ray Butts pickups deliver a true vintage Gretsch feel unlike any other modern Filtertron. There is one fantastic alternative of equal quality and authenticity - Mojotrons (the ones from the UK, not the US ones). Marc winds pickups to any desired output, waxed or unwaxed.
JHiMike. I hear you. I think it's very hard to maintain the clarity and definition when they are wax potted, and these really do nail that classic vintage Filtertron tone.
Excellent demo, sounded very musical. One note - the guitar in your hands is actually based on a 1960 model and not a 1959. This is the same case with Setzers originals - they were made in 1960. You can tell by the shallower body - 2.75” in 1959 versus 2.50” in 1960. Further complicating matters is the earliest batch of 6120s in 1960 still had the 2.75” body. But 2.50” is specific to 1960 though Setzer wouldn’t have known all this since the information is only coming to light now (hence why he called his ‘59s)
Gretsch had a knack for changing things mid production year. Like the trestle bracing can be seen in guitars as early as 1958 and the body depths did get shallower during 1959. Probably the tail end of 59 going into 1960, but I digress. The guitar is great. Definitely the best I've owned and played.
Nice demo, been wondering if it's worth changing from a Hot Rod Model. I really love this line of Gretch guitars. Wish I would have tried one years ago.
Now that is a very hard question! Setzer , Almost a perfect take on Nashville 6120, whereas the Wariner is a very versatile more modern style instrument. Both are amazing, but very different, try.both of them ,ifyou can find them!! Thanks for watching
@@damonthegnomeoftonechivers The necks differences, are they really appreciable? I’ ve read the Sezter specs are rolled edges, v shape, but Wariner is more a standard U shape only
Hi Bob. I have worked for Fender here in the UK for 20 years in January. 15 years as product demonstrator and the last 5 years as sales manager for Specialty Brands. This is my private channel though, nothing official !!
Man, my Gretsches are both amazing. My G5410T is very vibey and old sounding in all the best ways, fast as lightning and scary easy to play. The last several friends to play it have ordered their own. My G5622TCB is being repainted custom now, but it is the most sizzling, clear, ringing guitar to ever throw down in the house parties. Party on man! My favorite thing about Gretsch is their understanding and embracing of their uniqueness rather than implementing features that are popular in other brands. They have a legacy, but a largely unappreciated one that allows for change and progress, in both product and genre arenas.
When i listened to this demo, the unaccompanied playing was very good, but when you start playing with the backing tracks your playing just leveled up, that was cool to watch, like a motorcycle going from first to second gear, very cool!
You are so good!
Thank you for the history behind this auditory masterpiece. 🎸
Duuuude....best comment ever! 😆😆😁😁😁👍👍👍
So much helpful information for a (very nervous) first-time buyer! Thanks a ton!
Glad it was helpful! It's probably the best guitar Gretsch make at the moment.
I’ve owned several professional made in Japan Gretsch’s over the years but every time I hear a demo of this Smoke guitar it just seems to be on another level! The clarity of the butts pickups seems again like on another level. Before I spring for one I might drop a set of the butts pickups in one of my existing Gretsch’s. My only concern is they are not wax potted and I occasionally like to play with some higher gain settings.
Played one in a guitar store yesterday, and apart from the Setzer modifications (tuners, bridge) it sounds and feels pretty close to what a brandnew 6120 in 1960 must have been like. I'd say almost custom shop level. The Ray Butts pickups deliver a true vintage Gretsch feel unlike any other modern Filtertron. There is one fantastic alternative of equal quality and authenticity - Mojotrons (the ones from the UK, not the US ones). Marc winds pickups to any desired output, waxed or unwaxed.
JHiMike. I hear you. I think it's very hard to maintain the clarity and definition when they are wax potted, and these really do nail that classic vintage Filtertron tone.
Really nice playing. thanks for the full demo.
Hi mate. Many thanks for watching and the kind words sir!!
Excellent demo, sounded very musical. One note - the guitar in your hands is actually based on a 1960 model and not a 1959. This is the same case with Setzers originals - they were made in 1960. You can tell by the shallower body - 2.75” in 1959 versus 2.50” in 1960. Further complicating matters is the earliest batch of 6120s in 1960 still had the 2.75” body. But 2.50” is specific to 1960 though Setzer wouldn’t have known all this since the information is only coming to light now (hence why he called his ‘59s)
Gretsch had a knack for changing things mid production year. Like the trestle bracing can be seen in guitars as early as 1958 and the body depths did get shallower during 1959. Probably the tail end of 59 going into 1960, but I digress. The guitar is great. Definitely the best I've owned and played.
Nice demo, been wondering if it's worth changing from a Hot Rod Model. I really love this line of Gretch guitars. Wish I would have tried one years ago.
This is step up from a Hit Rod , most definitely. This is one of the best I’ve ever llayed
Owned maybe 20 Gretsches, vintage and modern, this is the best.
Thanks for your review
It.s amazing!!!
Thanks for your review, Damon. Which one do you think is better, this Setzer Nashville or the Steve Wariner 6120?
Now that is a very hard question! Setzer , Almost a perfect take on Nashville 6120, whereas the Wariner is a very versatile more modern style instrument. Both are amazing, but very different, try.both of them ,ifyou can find them!! Thanks for watching
@@damonthegnomeoftonechivers The necks differences, are they really appreciable? I’ ve read the Sezter specs are rolled edges, v shape, but Wariner is more a standard U shape only
Great video Damon,what would be your choice out of this guitar and a 59 select Falcon?
This has more modern playercentric touches, like locking tuners, pinned bridge, etc. the ‘59 is an accurate recreation of a vintage guitar
Thx Damon. You say "we". Do you work for Fender/Gretsch?
Hi Bob. I have worked for Fender here in the UK for
20 years in January. 15 years as product demonstrator and the last 5 years as sales manager for Specialty Brands. This is my private channel though, nothing official !!
@@damonthegnomeoftonechivers thx. Nice job to have. :)
@@Bob.W. I've been very luck mate. Met some amazing people and musicians.
Man, my Gretsches are both amazing. My G5410T is very vibey and old sounding in all the best ways, fast as lightning and scary easy to play. The last several friends to play it have ordered their own. My G5622TCB is being repainted custom now, but it is the most sizzling, clear, ringing guitar to ever throw down in the house parties. Party on man!
My favorite thing about Gretsch is their understanding and embracing of their uniqueness rather than implementing features that are popular in other brands. They have a legacy, but a largely unappreciated one that allows for change and progress, in both product and genre arenas.
Your guitars sound amazing! What colour is the refin?
@@damonthegnomeoftonechivers Black with rainbow sparkle flakes
@@drewburgess525 Must see a photo dude!!