Ok Hypes, I always wondered why they have this numbering system. They are just like Marshall in that way. Love the TH-cam award behind you. Congrats!! I love the images you use in this short history.
Rick and I have been friends since 1987. Hypes is a nickname we’ve always used for each other because we’re always both rushing around. Simple as that.
i dont have a 6120 (yet) but this year i got a 5410T Rat Rod. and really wish I wouldve gotten one long ago. to be honest, i would rather have the gretsch hollow body in place of an acoustic... but like you, one day ill have a 6120
@Tommy Culver does the 6120 you love have trestle-bracing, single sound-post, or is it just ‘empty’ inside ? I LOVE 6120s: but I couldn’t believe how much the bracing style matters. The single sound-post is great for me: I think a lot of Gretsch’s special sound comes from the vibrating top. When I bought a post-Fender 6120, it was soooooo not right for me: the trestle-bracing restricted the magic.
Hi Keith, loved this video. When I was 15 living in Guayaquil, Ecuador (South America) I had a big Beatles poster hanging over my bed and George Harrison’s Gretsch was like an unattainable dream. A few months later a teacher from my high school told me that a friend of his was selling a Gretsch so my father took me to a very shabby part of town where a salsa bandleader had a very badly beaten hollow body Country Club hanging from a wall with a clothes hanger wrapped around the neck. My father saw the destroyed guitar but also saw that I wanted it very badly so he bought it for me for what is now the equivalent of 25 dollars. In my teenage ingenuity y cleaned it and took it apart and kept every nut and bolt in a bag, almost ten years later I took it to a proper luthier to be rebuilt. I’m 45 now and I play that guitar every single day. I haven’t really restored it in full (apart from a big dent that it had in the wood near the jack) because for me every scratch and old knob represents a life of sounds and vitality that this particular Gretsch Country Club from 1977 has brought to me. It’s my treasure. Thank you for this.
Was the top cracked or dropped ? I think if these hollowybodies fall on their face, they wind up hurt so drastically they require a luthier and a rebuild (as you said). Reason I ask: I found a 6120 on Reverb that has my preferred bracing style, but it appears sooooo beat up…
@@miahconnell23 hi, the top wasn't cracked, and the dent near the jack was fixed with a plate that helped keep the jack in place. the neck lost some of the gloss but i like it like that
@@jaschul it’s probably because they’re short scale and easier for a guitarist to adjust to and I’d imagine a lot of guitarist are doing home recording
My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I told her a g5220. Fingers crossed I was good this year. My main is a USA performer tele HB at the neck and I LOOOVE that thing. But, there is something about a gretch that fills a gap that other guitars simply do not. Keep on playing young man.
Has Joe Walsh ever given someone a guitar that didn't rock their world? One of my fondest memories was going to see The Eagles at Soldier Field in Chicago as a birthday present for my Wife, who's a big Eagles fan. It was a pretty tame show until Joe Walsh decided it was time to rock the house. A roadie strapped him into his talkbox rig, and he blew us away with some of his best solo material. I'm sure anyone who's seen Joe play live can relate to how creative he can be.
Great story ! Leslie West was another guy who gave guitars away and one was a sb Les Paul Jr given to Joe Walsh. Maybe his main slide guitar with The Eagles.
Great video Keith! Thanks so much for having me be a part of it. I love my 6120. Now if I can get my 56 Gretsch Firebird fully restored I might have a contender.
I remember playing a Country Gentleman waaaay back in the mid '70's, and not being impressed. I really thought of Gretsch as a drum company, and that their guitars were an afterthought. But last year, I picked up a brand new Gretsch Streamliner 2420, and I couldn't believe how great it played and sounded. Holy crap. I bought it immediately. I cannot believe this is their "mid-priced" guitar. I paid just over $500 for it; first new guitar I've ever bought. It came out of the box almost perfectly set up. A great guitar and an even greater value. Count me in as a Gretsch believer.
I'm the opposite. I've always thought of Gretsch as a primarily Guitar focused company and the drums being an afterthought. But then again, I am purely a guitarist with next to no clue about drums
@@capefearcapt4679 totally agree man! Have an 5120 made in korea and it‘s a great guitar! Also have a 6120 which is my main guitar. Both modified a little to fit my taste. But still, the korean made gretsch guitars are amazing even if you don‘t change a thing!
They're amazing. I reckon the Japanese stuff is right on par with the Fender Custom Shop and the Korean stuff with the American line. I'd like to say that the Chinese Gretsches are like Fender Mexico so we could have a perfect symmetry between the two brands but I've never played a Chinese Gretsch that was particularly good, and the Fender Mexico stuff is just as good the U.S line in my opinion.
@@didds8869 While I agree that the Japanese Gretsches are exceptional and I find them (surprisingly) right on par with my Fender and Gibson custom shop guitars I haven't had the best experience with their Korean guitars and consider my "standard" American made guitars to be superior. And I've played quite a few wanting it to work out. That said, they are still a lot of guitar for the money.
My wife got me the best Christmas gift ever! A five watt world t- shirts. I will never take it off. Best Christmas ever!!!!!!. Keep up the great work!!!
I have one electric guitar, been playing 43 years and my guitar is a 6120. It's everything I have looked for in a guitar. Thanks for doing this video. They are magical mojo guitars.
Thank you for the obvious hard work on this video, Keith your “if only” comment said it all. Gretsch guitars have a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the most unique and beautiful tones ever heard. THAT GREAT GRETSCH SOUND is a real thing.
Whenever I am in a guitar shop...Fenders are nice, Gibsons are expensive, then there are other brands full of jagged edges for the hard stuff...but I always slip among the Gretsches. Classic shape and all the colours you can imagine and not that big that you would hide behind them...oohh. And then there's the sound.
I've always thought the Gretsch stuff was cool. But after getting the five watt treatment a few times now I really love them. Rich history. I'll have to try one of these 6120s out next time I'm at the local shop! Thanks Keith! You rock.
Bachman, Turner, Overdrive: their guitarist Randy talked came up studying jazz and under the tutelage of the great master and one of my all time favorite players, Lenny Breau. They were both from Canada. He’s the documentary that Lenny’s daughter produced. Chet Atkins, another Gretsch legend is featured as Lenny’s surrogate father figure and recorded several of his albums in Nashville.
To me, Gretsch is that more classy, cool older gentleman that's just cool to have and be around, While Gibson is that youthful, full of spunk and attitude adolescent who tries to be cool but tries to show off.....like say a Les Paul......
How the gretsch stole Christmas, i see what you did there, Keith, now if only santa would actually gift me a 6120, now that'd be a Holly Gretschy Christmas.......
Great history lesson! Nice to see the picture of the brilliant Poison Ivy, but in the punk days of the 70s she was playing obscure Lewis guitars. She didn’t get her 6120 until 1985.
@@fivewattworld Will I get an Emmy award for my voice over? LOL I was fortunate growing up on the lower east side of Manhattan in the early 1960's. I would take the train to West 48th Street and drool over the guitars and amps at Manny's, Terminal, Jimmy's, Gracin's. This was before they moved further west to 7th ave. BTW, I have a 1992 copy of "The Guitars of the Fred Gretsch Company" by Jay Scott. I'll have to get the books you referenced. Thanks again for the kind words. Merry Gretschmas to all.
Thanx again these shows make my day. The world of electric guitars owes you a huge thanx for saving the history of the electric guitar in a video format!!!
Great video! To your end statement, I'm actually glad they didn't blow up like Fender. It's always a treat to see someone pull out a Gretsch instead of the standard and ever so common Fender or Gibson.
I am a major GRETSCH fan...have been for years...this FIVE WATT WORLD is an excellent series. Well assembled, well delivered, and it sticks in your mind for days or more....great series! GB........next election, I am voting for 6120.
People expect the Electromatics to be affordable imitations of the classic Gretsch tone, But Gretsch are smart, they made them completely different instruments, they are onto them selves and I am head over heels over mine.
Hi Keith Here is my Gretsch story…it’s a bit long but I think you all will enjoy it. I love the Revered Horton Heat and I wanted his Gretsch model. I first tried to oder one through Guitar Center, but they couldn’t get me one for almost a year. So I turned to Reverb and found three. One from a Texas shop called Tone Shop. We agree on a price and soon my Gretch came to me. To my surprise it came sign by the Revered with a picture of him holding the guitar! It made my Christmas that year! It sounds and plays awesome! Wish I could post a picture. I am so glad Guitar Center didn’t have one on hand! Hope you enjoy my story! I became an instant fan of 5 watt! I bought a t-shirt and I am slowing watching all your videos! You can thank Rick Beato for me finding you! Keep doing what you do!
Great video as always! I have always been a Gibson guy, but last Father's Day my son bought me a Gretsch (best Father's day gift ever!) and I got hooked. I don't know how I ever got along without a Bigsby!
Wonderful! Thank you, Keith for the tour here! I've got a 6120 and a Country Gentleman; Both are fairly "new" Gretschs; I was late to the Gretsch party; but historically the music these guitars call forth, their look & their sound are something bordering on the regal, the majestic, a voice of pure rock & roll;
I have a 6120 Nashville 1960 reissue I bought 20 years ago and I still love it. I also bought an electromatic pro jet about five years ago and it’s pretty cool as well but the Nashville is still my favorite. Thanks for mentioning Poison Ivy from The Cramps! She is an awesome guitarist and is one of my favorites as well as Setzer and Horton Heat.
I bought a 6185 in 1954. Played the heck out of it. Bought a complete Gibson Humbucking kit, two pickups, controls, switch already assembled, and an exacto saw and did my own install. Tried two different luthiers asking if they could make it a cutaway. Both turned me down so I bought a '68 Telecaster and left the Gretsch as is. Love 'em both.
I spied a 6120 Setzer Hot Rod on the wall at Wildwood back in Jan 2020, while i was in the middle of purchasing my dream ES335 dot. I went back to Wildwood 5 times to play that dang guitar - it was so pretty, shiny, and a work of art... with a flame maple burnt pink top and salmon flame maple back and sides. It glistened, like no other guitar I’d ever seen. The Bigsby was just perfect. I couldn’t stand it any more... it’s now the centerpiece of my home studio. They are the prettiest guitars ever made and a joy to look at and to hold - and to play. That guitar, and the 335 have got me through a heartbreaking break up, and through 2020. Thank you Gretsch.
Love these videos. In 1979 I was a freshman at Oregon State University. There was a music store in downtown Corvallis with a 6120 hanging on the wall. I don’t know what year it was but the finish was crazed and they wanted $150. I didn’t have that kind of money to spend and it was before the Stray Cats broke in the US so almost nobody was playing old Gretsch guitars. Opportunity missed.
While I'm a Gibson ES-335 fanatic, the first "expensive guitar" I ever owned was a Gretsch 6120 (thank you Mr. Setzer). And while Filtertrons always get pigeonholed with a certain sound and genre I am a firm believer that they are a superior pickup to Gibson's humbucker with greater sonic range. And there is video evidence of Chet playing a Ray Butts humbucking pickup as early as 1954. Butts created it first but Gibson filed the patent first so history will tell you that Seth Lover invented the humbucking pickup. And I'm suspect of any New Yorker who refers to the Williamsburg Bridge as the Delancey Street Bridge. Sorry Mr. Padula :) Thanks for another great video. Love this series.
Keith, you never cease to amaze me with your "short stories". They are outstanding and are head and shoulders above anything else out there. I actually am the proud, original owner of a 2015 G6120-BSHR-AFG, translated it is a Japanese made 6120, Brian Setzer, Hot Rod in Anti-Freeze Green (a/k/a bright green metal sparkle). It has Grover Locking Tuners, an Ebony Fretboard, Neo-Classical /"Thumbnail" fret markers, Brian Setzer signature humbucker pickups made by TV Jones, and other than the 3 way switch for the pickups, it only has a volume knob. It is a beautifully crafted instrument (not a single blemish) and from a feel perspective it is an absolutely amazing instrument to play. Sonically , it is as good as any hollow body acoustic and when plugged in, it is an absolute sleeper because it can wham-bam, jang-a-lang keeping up with any Gibson ES-335. People are amazed how great it sounds. It is a one instrument gigging machine when I am out jamming with it. It is such a versatile instrument. Your research and presentation are riveting (I've watched this video 3 times already). Thank you for your "short stories", I cannot wait until the next installment. Wishing you and yours a very happy and safe holiday season and prosperous new year.
I presently own a 2011 Terrada built 6120 DSW Chet Atkins Dynasonic equipped model. It has the G brand and other C/W features. Incredible instrument and workmanship.
I don't think I ever played a vintage Gretsch. The ones I held in my hands (I couldn't deny their beauty) always had some issues. Talking about just a few guitars now. I've heard people saying that the modern Gretsches are better than they've ever been before. That I don't know, but I do know these modern Gretsches look as stunning as the older ones, they play like a dream and they sound absolutely amazing! But even their very affordable Electromatic series are killer! I bought my first Gretsch a couple of months ago. An Electromatic G5622T. I love that guitar! Thank you for another great episode. I appreciate your fine work. ❤️
Despite having played a bunch of big body Gretschs through the years, my fondest Gretsch memory is my high school buddy's Corvette - exactly like the one Johnny Pedulla is playing in that photo - a great guitar.
What a wonderful and concise look at a true classic. My dad (& later, I) was a fan of Chet, so I have always loved the look and sound of Gretsch. Well done again, Keith!
That was a great video & great black and white pictures. I love it when you mention Elvis & clearly his Axe slinger Scotty Moore standing in the background.
In my 53years of being a professional musician, I've always admired Gretsch's from afar. A hard core Gibson fan, I've had my flings with Fender, Rickenbacker, Epiphone and so many others always returning to Gibson. The one Gretsch that I did own, back in the 80's was a Viking which I bought for a song and found to be way too quirky, inspite of being very beautiful. I have just run across an Eddie Cochran Signature that I found to be truly inspiring. After a quick set up with a set of 11s with an unwound G (Check out the compensated bridge for a plain instead of wound string) this guitar just might be what I've been searching for! Thanks for all the great info on this model, the model numbering system had me stymied. LOL!
I can't stop watching these. Informative and to the point. I will be watching all of these model history videos. Really good stuff. Highly underrated channel.
Thank you, Keith! Enjoyed the info. Bought my 1st Gretsch (GRETSCH G6122T PE CG) this past September (2020) from DGS in La Crosse, WI. Love that place! It's a pilgrimage for me. Dave Rogers is "buena gente!"
Beautiful! My favorite to date. Maybe I have a soft spot in my heart due to the fact that Chet Atkins was my first guitar hero starting when I was probably 9 or 10. 🙌
I’ve got my dad’s at my house right now and I love this thing. I think it’s an early 70s. The binding is absolutely wrecked on the neck and body but it sounds killer and the neck feels really good. I’m hoping we can get the binding replaced soon. ❤
Thanks once again Keith. Another really entertaining and educational video. My dad used to tell me that he always longed for a Gretsch (the Tenessean, rather than a 6120) and his favourite player was Chet Atkins. When he served in the Merchant Navy in the 60s, he was on shore leave in America and went into a guitar shop. On seeing his dream guitar, he asked the bursar for an advance on his wages, which was refused. Half way back to England my dad was playing an old acoustic in the mess, while some of the crew were having a small party with dancing etc going on. In walks the bursar who immediately said “if I’d known you could actually play the guitar I would have given you the advance!” Sadly he never got the Gretsch, but in his honour I have a Streamliner, which is the more affordable 6120 derived model.
Great video, I loved it. I have a Gretsch 6120 W, 1989 model that I bought online through Guitar Center. I had always dreamed of having one and I could not resist when I saw this one. I got it opened it up and it’s still in my collection about 20 years later. I love my grinch 6120
Great history, 5WW. I am a proud owner of a RHH 6120. I had wanted a Gretsch ever since I was a teenager, the first time I saw Neil's White Falcon. Fast forward to two years ago and the opportunity to buy a new RHH presented itself, and now I couldn't be happier. It is a wonderful, versatile instrument, it sounds amazing, can do anything, and has such a great feel - it was built right and wants to be played.
My 5420t was purchased on sale from guitar Center three years ago for around $650. I have a Taylor 414CE, an American standard Strat from 2014, D’Angelico, and a couple of other guitars. This is by far and away the greatest guitar I have ever played for the price. I play almost every day. I am in love with this guitar. I have never met anybody who owns this who does not absolutely love it. Perfect for jazz and the blues, not just rockabilly. Very versatile guitar. Stunning to look at. The quality of sub $1000 guitars nowadays is mind blowing. No need to spend thousands.
Keith - Like you, my Gretsch 6120 1960 "Nashville" RI didn't make it through one of my "guitar purges". However, I can still hear that sweet sound from those wonderful Gretsch pickups with a Bigsby to add a bit of nuance. What a great sounding and playing guitar despite tuning stability issues. Thank you for filling in the knowledge gaps as you do so well and the trip down memory lane!
Great overview of Gretsch 6120. Eddie Cochran was gone too young, his music still alive. You mention the White Falcon...Stephen Stills, underrated Guitarist...of Springfield, CSN, CSNY, Manassas, Solo, and more - plays a White Falcon, Gretsch Atkins Country Gentleman, Martin Acoustics, Gibson Firebird, Flying V, 1954 Fender Strat, and more. Suggest you look into and feature his work and guitars...
Thanks for this, Keith. I chuckled at the mention of the Mud Switch. My 1962 6120 was my first serious electric 6-string. I still have it. Nowadaze I play my Strats most of the time, but every time I pick up the 6120 I come up with something I've never done before. It's my Inspiration Machine. 😎
Back when I knew little about guitars I just assumed that "Won't Get Fooled Again" and other songs on _Who's Next_ were recorded with the Gibson SG-through-a-Hiwatt rig that Pete Townshend used live in the late '60s. (A smaller Hiwatt.) Little did I know...
Love your short histories Mr. 5 Watt. Learn so much from these, thanks for making these, obviously a labor of love. I remember in the early 90's having some catalogue with a Gretsch Roundup Western Orange and just loved it, and would look at the pictures of it often, it was just the coolest thing to me, and I'm no cowboy.
Putting this instrument in its historical cultural context was quite a revelation. It seems Gretsch's success was due in large part to being in the right place at the right time. Thanks for creating another excellent history lesson. Rock on Keith!
I don’t normally leave comments. I own a white falcon and a tennessean. I have bought and sold many guitars, but these two have always remained. Great video!!
Jeez , i love these Short History's !!! Another Gretsch player for a time was Ronnie Montrose. Back in '84, GP did a semi cover story (Corner live shot and caption) which featured him playing a black Tennessean. Story offered from him was that he found it at Studio Instrument Rentals in SF and it was pretty much in pieces,,,everything was missing but he loved the look and the feel of the neck and body so had it rebuilt. He said it became one of his favorite guitars. He wasn't lying. Just a few months later, the co guitarist of a band i played in offered to buy tickets to see him if i drove. Yep !! Keystone Palo Alto. He was Great ! ha, Played the Gretsch almost the whole show, using a Strat for just a few tunes, I Got The Fire and Voyager are ones i remember. I saw him with Sammy, Bob and Davey. They covered everything that night. Singer was pretty amazing. Rest In Peace, Ronnie Montrose.
All I can say is thank you! I thoroughly enjoy your videos. How anyone can give them a thumbs down is beyond comprehension! Keep up the good work! Cheers!!!
Funny thing about “making it the way you want it”, about four years ago I scored a fender HH Mexican Jaguar and a Elecromatic G5120 in a steal of a package deal on Reverb. Both were rough. I had visited my future wife in Italy and while stuck at the Charles DeGaulle Airport ordered a set of TV Jones Filtertrons. After leveling the frets and installing the pickups with 1meg pots and a .047 sprague cap, this guitar is the Gretsch that I’ve always wanted. Vintage ones don’t hold a candle to my love affair with this axe. I always remember buying the pickups at the airport and hold the whole experience dear. I don’t play it often, but when I do I get lost for several hours. It does something to me, it’s a time warp.
I've been lucky enough to have owned a '66 double cutaway Chet Atkins Nashville since 1995. A beautiful guitar. Never did find a use for the string mute though. Thank you Keith for yet another wonderfully informative video.
Yea! I’ve waited for this! The two guitars I take to every gig/(hosted) jam, are my 2011 White Falcon ‘55 reissue and one of my five teles! Thanks for this one! Anything Gretsch is soooo appreciated! Peace
While I grew up listening to the likes of the Moody Blues and the Rolling Stones... My parents loved Chet Atkins, and to his credit (and my enjoyment too), there wasn't much he couldn't do on any Guitar he laid his hands on... He was that great, and that influencial also to many who would follow. Another great video history, thank you.
Slide guitar maestro Sonny Landreth says that his style came about as an attempt to meld Chet Atkins with Robert Johnson! Most slide guitar players really only use 4 fingers at most, one for the slide and two or three for picking, but Sonny uses all ten, plus both palms.
I appreciate the mention of Poison Ivey of the Cramps! 👍
Ok Hypes, I always wondered why they have this numbering system. They are just like Marshall in that way. Love the TH-cam award behind you. Congrats!! I love the images you use in this short history.
Hypes! Thanks man!
Guild star fire next 🙏🙏🙏
Ibanez is the worst for that
i'm so confused. why does rick comment on all of this guys videos and why do all his comments address keith as "hypes?"
Rick and I have been friends since 1987. Hypes is a nickname we’ve always used for each other because we’re always both rushing around. Simple as that.
I can narrow my personal history as an artist down to two eras; before I had a 6120 and after. It was worth every dime.
i dont have a 6120 (yet) but this year i got a 5410T Rat Rod. and really wish I wouldve gotten one long ago. to be honest, i would rather have the gretsch hollow body in place of an acoustic... but like you, one day ill have a 6120
that's the continuing myth about this lovely Gretsch. Here's an owner of his most affordable-brother: the 5120.
@Tommy Culver does the 6120 you love have trestle-bracing, single sound-post, or is it just ‘empty’ inside ? I LOVE 6120s: but I couldn’t believe how much the bracing style matters. The single sound-post is great for me: I think a lot of Gretsch’s special sound comes from the vibrating top. When I bought a post-Fender 6120, it was soooooo not right for me: the trestle-bracing restricted the magic.
Hi Keith, loved this video. When I was 15 living in Guayaquil, Ecuador (South America) I had a big Beatles poster hanging over my bed and George Harrison’s Gretsch was like an unattainable dream. A few months later a teacher from my high school told me that a friend of his was selling a Gretsch so my father took me to a very shabby part of town where a salsa bandleader had a very badly beaten hollow body Country Club hanging from a wall with a clothes hanger wrapped around the neck. My father saw the destroyed guitar but also saw that I wanted it very badly so he bought it for me for what is now the equivalent of 25 dollars. In my teenage ingenuity y cleaned it and took it apart and kept every nut and bolt in a bag, almost ten years later I took it to a proper luthier to be rebuilt. I’m 45 now and I play that guitar every single day. I haven’t really restored it in full (apart from a big dent that it had in the wood near the jack) because for me every scratch and old knob represents a life of sounds and vitality that this particular Gretsch Country Club from 1977 has brought to me. It’s my treasure. Thank you for this.
That’s a great story! Love it!
Was the top cracked or dropped ? I think if these hollowybodies fall on their face, they wind up hurt so drastically they require a luthier and a rebuild (as you said). Reason I ask: I found a 6120 on Reverb that has my preferred bracing style, but it appears sooooo beat up…
@@miahconnell23 hi, the top wasn't cracked, and the dent near the jack was fixed with a plate that helped keep the jack in place. the neck lost some of the gloss but i like it like that
@@amoramanzano Happy that guitar found you, bro !! 🙌
What a cool story!! Thanks!
I can't wait for, "The Fender Mustang: A Short History"
It's especially interesting how the new Fender Mustang bass -- Mexican and US versions -- have become so popular. They're selling quite well.
I’ve owned a BUNCH of mustangs. Hit me up for photos if you are looking for any.
Was just going to say that
Hey oh!!
@@jaschul it’s probably because they’re short scale and easier for a guitarist to adjust to and I’d imagine a lot of guitarist are doing home recording
I'm 63, been playing guitar for 50 years and just got my first Gretsch. I feel like I'm starting over.
My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I told her a g5220. Fingers crossed I was good this year. My main is a USA performer tele HB at the neck and I LOOOVE that thing. But, there is something about a gretch that fills a gap that other guitars simply do not. Keep on playing young man.
Has Joe Walsh ever given someone a guitar that didn't rock their world? One of my fondest memories was going to see The Eagles at Soldier Field in Chicago as a birthday present for my Wife, who's a big Eagles fan. It was a pretty tame show until Joe Walsh decided it was time to rock the house. A roadie strapped him into his talkbox rig, and he blew us away with some of his best solo material. I'm sure anyone who's seen Joe play live can relate to how creative he can be.
Great story ! Leslie West was another guy who gave guitars away and one was a sb Les Paul Jr given to Joe Walsh. Maybe his main slide guitar with The Eagles.
Love Joe!
Great video Keith! Thanks so much for having me be a part of it. I love my 6120. Now if I can get my 56 Gretsch Firebird fully restored I might have a contender.
I remember playing a Country Gentleman waaaay back in the mid '70's, and not being impressed. I really thought of Gretsch as a drum company, and that their guitars were an afterthought. But last year, I picked up a brand new Gretsch Streamliner 2420, and I couldn't believe how great it played and sounded. Holy crap. I bought it immediately. I cannot believe this is their "mid-priced" guitar. I paid just over $500 for it; first new guitar I've ever bought. It came out of the box almost perfectly set up. A great guitar and an even greater value. Count me in as a Gretsch believer.
I'm the opposite. I've always thought of Gretsch as a primarily Guitar focused company and the drums being an afterthought. But then again, I am purely a guitarist with next to no clue about drums
I love the Japanese Gretsches, so well constructed.
I've been pretty impressed with my Korean made 5420T.
@@capefearcapt4679 totally agree man! Have an 5120 made in korea and it‘s a great guitar! Also have a 6120 which is my main guitar. Both modified a little to fit my taste. But still, the korean made gretsch guitars are amazing even if you don‘t change a thing!
I have a Rancher acoustic made in Indonesia, the thing stays in tune for weeks at a time. Love it
They're amazing. I reckon the Japanese stuff is right on par with the Fender Custom Shop and the Korean stuff with the American line. I'd like to say that the Chinese Gretsches are like Fender Mexico so we could have a perfect symmetry between the two brands but I've never played a Chinese Gretsch that was particularly good, and the Fender Mexico stuff is just as good the U.S line in my opinion.
@@didds8869 While I agree that the Japanese Gretsches are exceptional and I find them (surprisingly) right on par with my Fender and Gibson custom shop guitars I haven't had the best experience with their Korean guitars and consider my "standard" American made guitars to be superior. And I've played quite a few wanting it to work out. That said, they are still a lot of guitar for the money.
My wife got me the best Christmas gift ever! A five watt world t- shirts. I will never take it off. Best Christmas ever!!!!!!. Keep up the great work!!!
Best comment of the day! Thanks William...and Mrs William.
Great job! I am a huge Gretsch fan so very much enjoyed your very well put together video.
I have one electric guitar, been playing 43 years and my guitar is a 6120. It's everything I have looked for in a guitar. Thanks for doing this video. They are magical mojo guitars.
Thank you for the obvious hard work on this video, Keith your “if only” comment said it all. Gretsch guitars have a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the most unique and beautiful tones ever heard. THAT GREAT GRETSCH SOUND is a real thing.
Jason Loughlin is the best. Nice job, Keith.
You know your day gets better when 5 Watt uploads :)
Indeed
Yes! Thank you for shouting out Poison Ivy, the Cramps rule
Whenever I am in a guitar shop...Fenders are nice, Gibsons are expensive, then there are other brands full of jagged edges for the hard stuff...but I always slip among the Gretsches. Classic shape and all the colours you can imagine and not that big that you would hide behind them...oohh. And then there's the sound.
I'm so glad you mentioned Joe Maphis. An amazing guitar player who should not be forgotten.
So happy you mentioned Poison Ivy of the Cramps! Have seen her play live many times with her Gretsch! Sadly the band is no more.
I've always thought the Gretsch stuff was cool. But after getting the five watt treatment a few times now I really love them. Rich history. I'll have to try one of these 6120s out next time I'm at the local shop! Thanks Keith! You rock.
Bachman, Turner, Overdrive: their guitarist Randy talked came up studying jazz and under the tutelage of the great master and one of my all time favorite players, Lenny Breau. They were both from Canada. He’s the documentary that Lenny’s daughter produced. Chet Atkins, another Gretsch legend is featured as Lenny’s surrogate father figure and recorded several of his albums in Nashville.
To me, Gretsch is that more classy, cool older gentleman that's just cool to have and be around, While Gibson is that youthful, full of spunk and attitude adolescent who tries to be cool but tries to show off.....like say a Les Paul......
How the gretsch stole Christmas, i see what you did there, Keith, now if only santa would actually gift me a 6120, now that'd be a Holly Gretschy Christmas.......
That would be an amazing Christmas, of course I’d prefer a jet
Great history lesson! Nice to see the picture of the brilliant Poison Ivy, but in the punk days of the 70s she was playing obscure Lewis guitars. She didn’t get her 6120 until 1985.
How could I not give a thumbs up? Keith, you are the best. Glad I could contribute a bit of nostalgia.
Well Johnny Gretsch Pedula himself! Thank you again John. I think that story made the video.
@@fivewattworld Will I get an Emmy award for my voice over? LOL I was fortunate growing up on the lower east side of Manhattan in the early 1960's. I would take the train to West 48th Street and drool over the guitars and amps at Manny's, Terminal, Jimmy's, Gracin's. This was before they moved further west to 7th ave. BTW, I have a 1992 copy of "The Guitars of the Fred Gretsch Company" by Jay Scott. I'll have to get the books you referenced. Thanks again for the kind words. Merry Gretschmas to all.
Merry Gretschmas to you Johnny!
Thanx again these shows make my day. The world of electric guitars owes you a huge thanx for saving the history of the electric guitar in a video format!!!
Great video! To your end statement, I'm actually glad they didn't blow up like Fender. It's always a treat to see someone pull out a Gretsch instead of the standard and ever so common Fender or Gibson.
Opens Keith's video... Presses like as soon as video starts. Ha. And I don't even own a Gretsch :P
I hit Like immediately too....although, I do own a Duo Jet.
I am a major GRETSCH fan...have been for years...this FIVE WATT WORLD is an excellent series. Well assembled, well delivered, and it sticks in your mind for days or more....great series! GB........next election, I am voting for 6120.
I only have two recent Electromatics, but they’re incredibly well made, good looking and great sounding. Go, Gretsch!
People expect the Electromatics to be affordable imitations of the classic Gretsch tone, But Gretsch are smart, they made them completely different instruments, they are onto them selves and I am head over heels over mine.
I love my Electromatic. They still have that snarl, and they're nicely made.
Hi Keith
Here is my Gretsch story…it’s a bit long but I think you all will enjoy it.
I love the Revered Horton Heat and I wanted his Gretsch model. I first tried to oder one through Guitar Center, but they couldn’t get me one for almost a year. So I turned to Reverb and found three. One from a Texas shop called Tone Shop. We agree on a price and soon my Gretch came to me. To my surprise it came sign by the Revered with a picture of him holding the guitar! It made my Christmas that year! It sounds and plays awesome! Wish I could post a picture. I am so glad Guitar Center didn’t have one on hand! Hope you enjoy my story! I became an instant fan of 5 watt! I bought a t-shirt and I am slowing watching all your videos! You can thank Rick Beato for me finding you! Keep doing what you do!
Thanks Alan! I thank Rick when I talk to him tomorrow.
Gretsches taught me to love the middle pickup/combined humbucker sound.
Lovely story, great editing, excellent playing. Wonderful way to unwind after the workweek.
Do you ever make a bad video? Nope. You’re an engaging and thoughtful guitar historian.
Right...? I love every video
Hold on to your hat, cowboy! The 6120 is in the house....
Great video as always! I have always been a Gibson guy, but last Father's Day my son bought me a Gretsch (best Father's day gift ever!) and I got hooked. I don't know how I ever got along without a Bigsby!
Wonderful! Thank you, Keith for the tour here!
I've got a 6120 and a Country Gentleman; Both are fairly "new" Gretschs; I was late to the Gretsch party; but historically the music these guitars call forth, their look & their sound are something bordering on the regal, the majestic, a voice of pure rock & roll;
I have a 6120 Nashville 1960 reissue I bought 20 years ago and I still love it. I also bought an electromatic pro jet about five years ago and it’s pretty cool as well but the Nashville is still my favorite. Thanks for mentioning Poison Ivy from The Cramps! She is an awesome guitarist and is one of my favorites as well as Setzer and Horton Heat.
I bought a 6185 in 1954. Played the heck out of it. Bought a complete Gibson Humbucking kit, two pickups, controls, switch already assembled, and an exacto saw and did my own install. Tried two different luthiers asking if they could make it a cutaway. Both turned me down so I bought a '68 Telecaster and left the Gretsch as is. Love 'em both.
I once tried a Brian Setzer G6120T "Smoke" model w/ a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV at my local Long and McQuade, and the sound was just UNREAL.
These videos are some of the best researched info on music and guitars available on TH-cam.
I spied a 6120 Setzer Hot Rod on the wall at Wildwood back in Jan 2020, while i was in the middle of purchasing my dream ES335 dot. I went back to Wildwood 5 times to play that dang guitar - it was so pretty, shiny, and a work of art... with a flame maple burnt pink top and salmon flame maple back and sides. It glistened, like no other guitar I’d ever seen. The Bigsby was just perfect. I couldn’t stand it any more... it’s now the centerpiece of my home studio. They are the prettiest guitars ever made and a joy to look at and to hold - and to play. That guitar, and the 335 have got me through a heartbreaking break up, and through 2020. Thank you Gretsch.
Love these videos. In 1979 I was a freshman at Oregon State University. There was a music store in downtown Corvallis with a 6120 hanging on the wall. I don’t know what year it was but the finish was crazed and they wanted $150. I didn’t have that kind of money to spend and it was before the Stray Cats broke in the US so almost nobody was playing old Gretsch guitars. Opportunity missed.
While I'm a Gibson ES-335 fanatic, the first "expensive guitar" I ever owned was a Gretsch 6120 (thank you Mr. Setzer). And while Filtertrons always get pigeonholed with a certain sound and genre I am a firm believer that they are a superior pickup to Gibson's humbucker with greater sonic range. And there is video evidence of Chet playing a Ray Butts humbucking pickup as early as 1954. Butts created it first but Gibson filed the patent first so history will tell you that Seth Lover invented the humbucking pickup. And I'm suspect of any New Yorker who refers to the Williamsburg Bridge as the Delancey Street Bridge. Sorry Mr. Padula :) Thanks for another great video. Love this series.
As always very informative and mature presentation of another classic product us older guys love.
Keith, you never cease to amaze me with your "short stories". They are outstanding and are head and shoulders above anything else out there. I actually am the proud, original owner of a 2015 G6120-BSHR-AFG, translated it is a Japanese made 6120, Brian Setzer, Hot Rod in Anti-Freeze Green (a/k/a bright green metal sparkle). It has Grover Locking Tuners, an Ebony Fretboard, Neo-Classical /"Thumbnail" fret markers, Brian Setzer signature humbucker pickups made by TV Jones, and other than the 3 way switch for the pickups, it only has a volume knob. It is a beautifully crafted instrument (not a single blemish) and from a feel perspective it is an absolutely amazing instrument to play. Sonically , it is as good as any hollow body acoustic and when plugged in, it is an absolute sleeper because it can wham-bam, jang-a-lang keeping up with any Gibson ES-335. People are amazed how great it sounds. It is a one instrument gigging machine when I am out jamming with it. It is such a versatile instrument. Your research and presentation are riveting (I've watched this video 3 times already). Thank you for your "short stories", I cannot wait until the next installment. Wishing you and yours a very happy and safe holiday season and prosperous new year.
Happy Holidays Ed! Thanks for watching man.
I presently own a 2011 Terrada built 6120 DSW Chet Atkins Dynasonic equipped model. It has the G brand and other C/W features. Incredible instrument and workmanship.
I don't think I ever played a vintage Gretsch. The ones I held in my hands (I couldn't deny their beauty) always had some issues. Talking about just a few guitars now. I've heard people saying that the modern Gretsches are better than they've ever been before. That I don't know, but I do know these modern Gretsches look as stunning as the older ones, they play like a dream and they sound absolutely amazing! But even their very affordable Electromatic series are killer! I bought my first Gretsch a couple of months ago. An Electromatic G5622T. I love that guitar!
Thank you for another great episode. I appreciate your fine work. ❤️
Despite having played a bunch of big body Gretschs through the years, my fondest Gretsch memory is my high school buddy's Corvette - exactly like the one Johnny Pedulla is playing in that photo - a great guitar.
What a wonderful and concise look at a true classic. My dad (& later, I) was a fan of Chet, so I have always loved the look and sound of Gretsch. Well done again, Keith!
Thanks Dennis!
this is really too much to ask for. thank you for this! happy Chanukah
Happy Chanukah to you Conner!
That was a great video & great black and white pictures. I love it when you mention Elvis & clearly his Axe slinger Scotty Moore standing in the background.
In my 53years of being a professional musician, I've always admired Gretsch's from afar. A hard core Gibson fan, I've had my flings with Fender, Rickenbacker, Epiphone and so many others always returning to Gibson. The one Gretsch that I did own, back in the 80's was a Viking which I bought for a song and found to be way too quirky, inspite of being very beautiful.
I have just run across an Eddie Cochran Signature that I found to be truly inspiring. After a quick set up with a set of 11s with an unwound G (Check out the compensated bridge for a plain instead of wound string) this guitar just might be what I've been searching for!
Thanks for all the great info on this model, the model numbering system had me stymied. LOL!
I can't stop watching these. Informative and to the point. I will be watching all of these model history videos. Really good stuff. Highly underrated channel.
Thank you, Keith! Enjoyed the info. Bought my 1st Gretsch (GRETSCH G6122T PE CG) this past September (2020) from DGS in La Crosse, WI. Love that place! It's a pilgrimage for me. Dave Rogers is "buena gente!"
Beautiful! My favorite to date. Maybe I have a soft spot in my heart due to the fact that Chet Atkins was my first guitar hero starting when I was probably 9 or 10. 🙌
Once again very thorough work. I yearn for one of these instruments, but I only have a strat and an Aria Acoustic. Much appreciated Keith.
Cool intro, Jason is probably my favorite of all the TrueFire instructors. I've purchased most of his courses.
Jason is a monster!
I love these short history videos. It answers all the questions that have been rummaging around in the back of my brain for so many decades.
I’ve got my dad’s at my house right now and I love this thing. I think it’s an early 70s. The binding is absolutely wrecked on the neck and body but it sounds killer and the neck feels really good. I’m hoping we can get the binding replaced soon. ❤
Thanks once again Keith. Another really entertaining and educational video. My dad used to tell me that he always longed for a Gretsch (the Tenessean, rather than a 6120) and his favourite player was Chet Atkins. When he served in the Merchant Navy in the 60s, he was on shore leave in America and went into a guitar shop. On seeing his dream guitar, he asked the bursar for an advance on his wages, which was refused. Half way back to England my dad was playing an old acoustic in the mess, while some of the crew were having a small party with dancing etc going on. In walks the bursar who immediately said “if I’d known you could actually play the guitar I would have given you the advance!” Sadly he never got the Gretsch, but in his honour I have a Streamliner, which is the more affordable 6120 derived model.
Great story Dave!
Great video, I loved it. I have a Gretsch 6120 W, 1989 model that I bought online through Guitar Center. I had always dreamed of having one and I could not resist when I saw this one. I got it opened it up and it’s still in my collection about 20 years later. I love my grinch 6120
My dream guitar for 40 years. Thanks for doing this video.
Mine too, but still ain't got no 6120 hahaha...
Great history, 5WW. I am a proud owner of a RHH 6120. I had wanted a Gretsch ever since I was a teenager, the first time I saw Neil's White Falcon. Fast forward to two years ago and the opportunity to buy a new RHH presented itself, and now I couldn't be happier. It is a wonderful, versatile instrument, it sounds amazing, can do anything, and has such a great feel - it was built right and wants to be played.
Oh, I forgot to say have a fantastic Christmas! I’m looking forward to see what you share with us in 2021.
That orange cowboy 6120 with DeArmond Dynasonics just lights me up. And has, for years.
My 5420t was purchased on sale from guitar Center three years ago for around $650. I have a Taylor 414CE, an American standard Strat from 2014, D’Angelico, and a couple of other guitars. This is by far and away the greatest guitar I have ever played for the price. I play almost every day. I am in love with this guitar. I have never met anybody who owns this who does not absolutely love it. Perfect for jazz and the blues, not just rockabilly. Very versatile guitar. Stunning to look at. The quality of sub $1000 guitars nowadays is mind blowing. No need to spend thousands.
I just purchased the Truefire all-access pass based on your suggestions. Thanks for all the great content and suggestions
Excellent! Have fun with it!
Keith - Like you, my Gretsch 6120 1960 "Nashville" RI didn't make it through one of my "guitar purges". However, I can still hear that sweet sound from those wonderful Gretsch pickups with a Bigsby to add a bit of nuance. What a great sounding and playing guitar despite tuning stability issues. Thank you for filling in the knowledge gaps as you do so well and the trip down memory lane!
Thanks Bill. The terrible thing is there is one of those late ‘90’s Jr’s ip on Reverb as I type this. :|
Great video, thank you for this. I have my grandfather's 1964 Chet Atkins 6120 and it's such an amazing guitar. Plays and sounds beautiful.
Great overview of Gretsch 6120. Eddie Cochran was gone too young, his music still alive. You mention the White Falcon...Stephen Stills, underrated Guitarist...of Springfield, CSN, CSNY, Manassas, Solo, and more - plays a White Falcon, Gretsch Atkins Country Gentleman, Martin Acoustics, Gibson Firebird, Flying V, 1954 Fender Strat, and more. Suggest you look into and feature his work and guitars...
Thanks Keith, another great history. Always look forward to your show.
Thanks Ed
Well you can tell from my avatar that I’m going to like this one! Look forward to watching it this weekend!
Thanks for this, Keith. I chuckled at the mention of the Mud Switch. My 1962 6120 was my first serious electric 6-string. I still have it. Nowadaze I play my Strats most of the time, but every time I pick up the 6120 I come up with something I've never done before. It's my Inspiration Machine. 😎
Back when I knew little about guitars I just assumed that "Won't Get Fooled Again" and other songs on _Who's Next_ were recorded with the Gibson SG-through-a-Hiwatt rig that Pete Townshend used live in the late '60s. (A smaller Hiwatt.) Little did I know...
Excellent. My 5120 is jealous. Your work is exceptional. I always wait to watch your new shows when I have time to really listen.
So Chet Atkins was not only a brilliant guitar player, but had good taste in guitar aesthetics too!
Excellent episode, as ever.
Thanks FWW.
Love your short histories Mr. 5 Watt. Learn so much from these, thanks for making these, obviously a labor of love. I remember in the early 90's having some catalogue with a Gretsch Roundup Western Orange and just loved it, and would look at the pictures of it often, it was just the coolest thing to me, and I'm no cowboy.
I'm a huge Cramps fan & saw them many times. Poison Ivy will always be my favorite female guitarist.
Too young to have really seen them live. :(
Thanks Keith! As with all things FWW, this is done with excellence.We are the lucky ones.
Thanks Troy
Putting this instrument in its historical cultural context was quite a revelation. It seems Gretsch's success was due in large part to being in the right place at the right time. Thanks for creating another excellent history lesson. Rock on Keith!
I'm hunting a lefthanded Gretsch
Thanks for the encouragement
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Patrick!
Loved the story! So heart-warming for a long-time Gretsch player like myself) Thank you for a job so well done!
I don’t normally leave comments. I own a white falcon and a tennessean. I have bought and sold many guitars, but these two have always remained. Great video!!
Another outstanding mouth watering video, thank you!!!!
Thanks for making 2020, and the world in general, a better place.
Thanks Book
@@fivewattworld it's easy to speak truth, brother man.
Jeez , i love these Short History's !!!
Another Gretsch player for a time was Ronnie Montrose. Back in '84, GP did a semi cover story (Corner live shot and caption) which featured him playing a black Tennessean. Story offered from him was that he found it at Studio Instrument Rentals in SF and it was pretty much in pieces,,,everything was missing but he loved the look and the feel of the neck and body so had it rebuilt.
He said it became one of his favorite guitars. He wasn't lying.
Just a few months later, the co guitarist of a band i played in offered to buy tickets to see him if i drove. Yep !!
Keystone Palo Alto. He was Great !
ha, Played the Gretsch almost the whole show, using a Strat for just a few tunes, I Got The Fire and Voyager are ones i remember.
I saw him with Sammy, Bob and Davey. They covered everything that night. Singer was pretty amazing.
Rest In Peace, Ronnie Montrose.
All I can say is thank you! I thoroughly enjoy your videos. How anyone can give them a thumbs down is beyond comprehension! Keep up the good work! Cheers!!!
Setting the plank higher and higher with every video. Thanks for the video, Keith. Wishing the best for you and the channel.
Thanks Ivan. Happy holidays!
Funny thing about “making it the way you want it”, about four years ago I scored a fender HH Mexican Jaguar and a Elecromatic G5120 in a steal of a package deal on Reverb. Both were rough. I had visited my future wife in Italy and while stuck at the Charles DeGaulle Airport ordered a set of TV Jones Filtertrons. After leveling the frets and installing the pickups with 1meg pots and a .047 sprague cap, this guitar is the Gretsch that I’ve always wanted. Vintage ones don’t hold a candle to my love affair with this axe. I always remember buying the pickups at the airport and hold the whole experience dear. I don’t play it often, but when I do I get lost for several hours. It does something to me, it’s a time warp.
I've been lucky enough to have owned a '66 double cutaway Chet Atkins Nashville since 1995. A beautiful guitar. Never did find a use for the string mute though. Thank you Keith for yet another wonderfully informative video.
Thanks, Keith, always a delight watching your videos and learning so many interesting things. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Michal. Btw, someone else requested an SH episode on Aristedes. Do you have two accounts? ;)
@@fivewattworld I do, but that was not me :)
Love it. Like always.
Thanks Jack
Yea! I’ve waited for this! The two guitars I take to every gig/(hosted) jam, are my 2011 White Falcon ‘55 reissue and one of my five teles!
Thanks for this one! Anything Gretsch is soooo appreciated!
Peace
A Great Video. Finally Gretch getting the notoriety they deserve. I have loved the looks and sounds of their guitars for years.
I was on the edge of my chair waiting for you mention the 6120 jr. I’ve got one and love it!
And I miss mine..,
Thanks for doing this Keith. Props for the history. It brings even greater perspective for the present!
Keith, every video just keeps getting better!. Love the footage too. Well done my friend!
Thanks man!
Keith, wonderful job, as usual. Your video on the ES-390 always has me keeping my eyes out for one of those.
While I grew up listening to the likes of the Moody Blues and the Rolling Stones... My parents loved Chet Atkins, and to his credit (and my enjoyment too), there wasn't much he couldn't do on any Guitar he laid his hands on... He was that great, and that influencial also to many who would follow. Another great video history, thank you.
Slide guitar maestro Sonny Landreth says that his style came about as an attempt to meld Chet Atkins with Robert Johnson! Most slide guitar players really only use 4 fingers at most, one for the slide and two or three for picking, but Sonny uses all ten, plus both palms.