Gretsch 6120SH Hot Rod, metallic purple, made in Japan 1999. Aside from perhaps Chet Atkins, it's hard to think of a guitar player as inseparable from the Gretsch brand than Brian Setzer. Brian's whole catalog simply couldn't exist without the iconic Gretsch tone, and surely Gretsch owe him a great debt for introducing their legendary instruments to several generations of players over the last few decades. This model is the Setzer signature Hot Rod, different from a regular 6120 in that it's got a simple 3-way-and-a-volume-knob electronic setup and a pair of hot Filtertron humbuckers... absolutely no nonsense or fiddly wizardry. The tone on offer is equal parts luxurious and brash: snappy, snarling highs with incredible clarity, balanced by a growling, throaty midrange with a lovely dynamic attack. This, friends, is a terrific sounding guitar. The maple body and slim neck are lively and light in the hands, springing to life with every note and ensuring that everyone in the room is having a good time. Now, it's hard to ignore the finish: it's gosh darn metallic purple. Holy heck, it looks absolutely superb; this has so much attitude. Hard to ignore is good though, right? That's why you booked the gig in the first place, right?

Model: Gretsch 6120SH Brian Setzer Hot Rod
Made: Japan, Terada plant, 1999 (serial 99120SH-397)
Body: laminate maple, full depth, fully hollow
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 12" radius
Mods: pickguard removed
Pickups: original Gretsch Filtertron humbuckers
Case: original wood hard case, very good quality and condition

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. Neck is pretty clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has a few very light scuffs and minor surface scratches but no major marks. The sides are also pretty clean, just some minuscule surface scratches around the body.  The front has no major marks, just some minor dimples aound the bridge ad tailpiece and some play wear on both horns. Overall: very good condition (8.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have very minor wear, they're in great shape, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.