Gretsch Updates Brian Setzer Signature Guitar LineNew Construction and Electronics Are Added To Reflect Specifications of Setzer's Personal Guitars
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6120 Nashville Brian Setzer Signature
(Click for a close-up) |
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6120 Hot Rod Brian Setzer Signature
(Click for a close-up) |
December 4, 2003
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.
The new Brian Setzer Signature models are available two configurations: the
Brian Setzer 6120 Nashville; and the Brian Setzer 6120 Hot Rod. The 6120
Nashville comes in either a Polyurethane or Vintage Lacquer finish, and is
available in Orange Stain or Green. The 6120 Hot Rod comes in Black, Candy
Apple Red, Regal Blue, Tangerine, Purple and Lime Gold.
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.
For more information, visit their web site at www.gretsch.com. | 
