Gretsch Updates Brian Setzer Signature Guitar Line

Dec 04, 2003

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Gretsch will unveil a newly redesigned series of Brian Setzer Signature Models guitars at this year's NAMM show in Anaheim, California. With updates that conform to Brian's own personal specifications, the new 6120 Brian Setzer Signature Nashville and Hot Rod model guitars mark a return to classic Gretsch manufacturing methods.

While visiting with Mike Lewis, Marketing Manager for Gretsch Guitars, earlier in 2003, Brian said that he would like his Signature Model guitars to better evoke a classic period for Gretsch instruments. Specifically, he referred to the Gretsch 6120 models that were built 1959. Mike had one of these vintage guitars in his office, and the two discussed the guitar's assets at length.

As it happened, both agreed that that the unique body construction and Trestle bracing on the guitar had a great deal to do with the overall tone of the instrument. Unfortunately, the intricacy of that bracing pattern made consistency, quality and long term production difficult for Gretsch, and the bracing was abandoned in 1962.

With modern manufacturing techniques having made great strides since 1959, Mike knew that he wanted to look closer at this bracing and see if it would be possible to recreate its construction. He took his own vintage 6120 to a local medical imaging center and had it run through a CAT scan, which was able to measure every aspect of the Trestle bracing. With the exact measurements of this instrument, Mike was able to work with Gretsch manufacturing to faithfully recreate the Trestle bracing, using modern machinery.

After giving the news to Brian that they had accomplished what they had discussed months before, the two then set out to finish the updates.

They also both agreed upon using TV Jones Classic pickups on the Signature Model, which are well known and held in high esteem among Gretsch enthusiasts. Two TV Jones Classic pickups are available on the Brian Setzer 6120 Nashville, while the Brian Setzer 6120 Hot Rod offers a choice of either the TV Jones Classics or two Hot Rod Filtertron pickups.

Also added as a standard to feature to the new models are nickel plated Sperzel locking tuners, which will allow for greater tuning stability when using the polished Bigsby vibrato tailpiece.

US MSRP start at $3,025.00 for the Brian Setzer 6120 Hot rod, and $3,750.00 for the Brian Setzer 6120 Nashville.