Gretsch 6120SSU Brian Setzer Model, made in Japan 1993, transparent orange. What a delightfully gaudy beast we have here! Brian Setzer made his name with the Stray Cats and is arguably the most iconic rockabilly guitarist ever; there are very few names as intrinsically linked with Gretsh guitars as he. The differences from a standard 6120 are largely cosmetic: the dice knobs, chrome tailpiece with gold bridge, ebony board are all recognisable Brian touches. The tone is magnificent: bright, barky, growly snarl with a whole heap of body and attack; a big weighty bass response balancing four BBQ burners of sizzle and snap. The neck is moderately slim and very intuitive; paired with the super resonant body you really feel the notes you play. This example has a tasty bit of yellowing on the binding and hazing on the chrome; it's got that tasty lightly aged look that adds a bit of intrigue to the very bright orange finish. There's some beautiful flame maple on show under the orange too; it's really quite spectacular in the flesh. Guitars are better enormous and orange, right?

Model: Gretsch 6120SSU Brian Setzer Nashville
Made: Japan, Terada plant, 1993 (serial 937120-91)
Body: laminate maple, full depth, fully hollow
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 3.210kg
Mods: pickguard removed
Pickups: 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 and front near the truss cover. The 'Brian Setzer Model' text on the truss cover has been scratched almost off. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some widespread light surface scratches and scuffs but no major marks. The sides have no major marks, just some dimples on the horns and dimples and scuffs near the jack and on the shoulder. The front is pretty clean, just some dimples near the knobs, on the shoulder and on the bottom horn as well as some light play scratches on the top horn and where the guard would. Guard is missing and not included.  Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have just been professionally levelled and polished so they're playing brilliantly, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.