ELECTRICIZED

Gretsch 6117 Catseye

1964-1968
Maple, Mahogany, Rosewood

As cool as it is rare, the Gretsch 6117 Catseye got its name from the “Cat eyed” shape sound holes instead of the traditional F-holes. Common to Rickenbacker, catseye holes were only seen in acoustic Gretsch models.

Known colors are black, candy apple red, and an extremely rare metallic blue. Edit: Sam Ash had apparently a 1964 exclusive in Monkee’s red (pictured)

Bo Diddley

1928-2008

The Stones, the Beatles, the Who, Hendrix… You name it. Everyone has been influenced by the simple yet feverish rhythms of Bo Diddley. “The Originator”, as they called him, defined the genre and is unmistakably considered a cornerstone of blues rock. He was also famous for having female guitarists in his band. 

His two main instruments were the cigar-box shaped Grestch Twang Machine and the Gretsch Jupiter Thunderbird. Both were designed by Diddley himself, respectively in 1958 and 1959. Yes, Bo Diddley was a man, and a remarkable one.

Poison Ivy

Cramps lead guitarist and femme fatale Poison Ivy recently lost her husband and band mate Lux Interior, but her love affair with Gretsch is still alive and kicking. Her favorite instrument is a 1958 Grestch 6120, used on countless occasions. Pictured is a Gretsch 6120W, the western variant of the 6120, that she has been playing during the nineties.

Photo: Kimigo

Gretsch Country Club / Electro II Cutaway

1951-1981
Maple, Ebony

This sumptuous Gretsch started its long lasting life as the  “Electro II cutaway” and was offered in Sunburst (6192) and Natural (6193). It was then renamed “Country Club” in 1954 and a Cadillac Green option was added (6196). DeArmond pickups were replaced by Filtertron in 1958. Let’s forgive whoever installed the non-original bigsby on this 1956 model, it looks splendid.

For Sale

Gretsch Corvette 6132
1961-1978

These “solid bolides” started coming out of the Gretsch Brooklyn factory in 1961. Vrooooom. Pictured is a 1965 model.

Gretsch Spectra Sonic Baritone owned and played by the Arctic Monkeys, repaired and nicely shot by Gordon White from Single Coil Guitar Repair in Glasgow Leeds.

One of Gretsch oddities. Although its production lifespan was few years long, the Gretsch Astro-Jet only appeared in catalog in 65. More to read on Vintageguitar.com

from 61 to 63, Duo jets and SIlver jets were given a second cut. 1962 Grestch 6129T Silver Jet Double Cut.

Image source: Elderly

Lovely 1979 Gretsch Super Axe. Not your everyday Gretsch.

(Source: gbase.com)

At the other end of the “Gretsch Country” spectrum: the Gretsch Country Roc (1974-78). With its smaller body size, the Country roc was a call to rock guitarists, who departed from the brand in the 70s. 

1960 Gretsch Country Club in Cadillac Green

2008 Gretsch Chet Atkins G6120-CGP. Limited run of 75.

c 2008 Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic archtop guitar. Can’t say no to a gretsch, especially when it bears such finish.

beautiful 1967 Gretsch Tennessean

xquadra:

2001 Gretsch Anniversary with TV Jones filtertrons

A Very Green Gretsch

(Source: telepathyamongus)