Gretsch 6121 Round Up Transparent Orange 2000
Gretsch 6121, very orange, made in Japan 2000. Back in the 50s, Gretsch enjoyed the endorsement of Chet Atkins, and you probably couldn't have asked for a bigger name in the guitar universe at the time. Chet's signature model, the 6120 Nashville, wore a coat of dazzling orange, with gold hardware and a flame maple headstock cap to add some extra bling. If you got the Western variant, you got some quirky cowboy inlays, a giant 'G' (for 'gangsta', I assume) on the front and a 'Nashville' decal on the guard to add some further pizzazz. The other iconic Gretsch model from that era is the Duo Jet, their LP-sized chambered electric with a gorgeous carve top. This upstart, the 6121 Round Up, combines those two models: the Duo Jet shape and electronics, with the 6120 Western visual appointments. Frankly, it's cool as hell. The neck is slim and quick, and like all these Terada-made Gretsch models, executed with panache and precision that would make any USA guitar blush. The tone on offer is thick, growly and rich, with a bristling midrange and a snappy treble. It's absolutely perfect for blues, soul and country stuff, and will happily cover rockabilly and punk with glee. This is the first example of this model we've ever had, it's an extremely cool score. Rawhide!
Model: Gretsch 6121 Round Up
Made: Japan, 2000, Terada factory
Serial: 001124-479
Finish: transparent orange, gloss poly
Body: mahogany, chambered, arched laminate maple top
Neck: mahogany, two piece, rosewood fretboard, slim C profile, 24.6" scale, 43mm nut, 12" radius
Weight: 3.640kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Gretsch Filter'Tron humbucker x2
Accessories: Gretsch grey hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end. The is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has scuffs on both horns, surface scratches near the top edge and middle of the body, dimples and scuffs in the elbow area and along the back edge and some dents around the control cavity. The sides have dimples on the top horn and elbow area and some scuffs on the bottom horn and near the jack. The front has dimples around the knobs, scuffs along the back edge and in the elbow area, a small dent up from the bridge and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only