Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird Red 1989
Gretsch G6131 Jet, Firebird Red, made in Japan 1989. This beautiful beast dates to early in the 'reboot' era: Fred Gretsch Jr bought the company back from pianomen Baldwin, and commissioned the excellent Terada factory in Japan to faithfully recreate the family company's most iconic 50s and 60s models to a brilliant standard. Gretsch sold to Fender in 2001, but this long pre-dates that. This take on the classic Jet shape, with a pair of Filter'tron humbuckers, gold hardware, hump inlays and a coat of vibrant red is surely among their most eye catching. The shining hardware and rich red top are a great combo: schmick and classy, but also a little bit pissed off. The build quality from the Terada factory is as good as ever: everything in it's place, great frets, resonant body... it's got that certain integrity that well made guitars have. The tone is rich: the neck pickup is deep and throaty, with a dark midrange and plenty of clarity and dynamic response. The bridge pickup is creamy and wide, with a bristling midrange brimming with detail and plenty of shimmer on the top end. Into a dirty amp, it's a glorious time. The previous owner installed a Bigsby, which is a lot of fun, but you get the original stoptail if you swing that way. Big fun.
Model: Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird
Made: Japan, 1989, Terada plant
Serial: 8911131-73
Finish: firebird red, gloss poly
Body: mahogany, maple cap, chambered
Neck: mahogany, ebony fretboard, 12" radius, 24.6" scale, slim C shape
Weight: 3.825kg
Mods: tailpiece replaced, original included
Pickups: Gretsch Filter'Tron humbucker x2
Accessories: original hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs on the end and back, dimples on the treble edge and a small dent near the horseshoe and minor scuffs around the tuners on the front . The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has minor dimples, scuffs and surface scratches around the whole body as well as some buckle rash in the middle and some dimples near the rear strap pin. The sides have scuffs on the top horn, dimples and scuffs in the elbow area, near the jack and some rub wear on the bottom horn. The front has scuffs around the switch and above the pickups, dimples around the tailpiece, scuffs around the knobs and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electr7onics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only