FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

In 1958, Gretsch introduced two new models to commemorate the company's 75th anniversary. The 1958 - 1960 Anniversary (one pickup) and Double Anniversary (two pickups) were based on the 6120 Chet Atkins model and, in fact, are nearly identical to this highly collectible guitar. The main differences were in the cosmetic details, but structural differences exist. These structural differences are relatively minor (zero fret, bar bridge and Bigsby tailpiece) so that the 1958 - 1960 Double Anniversary models are the sonic equivalent of the 6120 Chet Atkins model, but at one-fifth the cost. In 1961, the Double Anniversary model received single coil pickups in place of the humbucking units and was produced relatively unchanged through the end of its production life (1976). The Double Anniversary shown was set-up with a Gretsch bar bridge and Bigsby B-6 tailpiece to more closely emulate a model 6120. Anniversary models from 1958 - 1960 are very uncommon to begin with, but this particular guitar is even more uncommon because it has a rare feature for Gretsch electric archtops - a 5 piece maple/ebony neck instead of the usual 3-piece neck.

Body:  Hollow with soundpost; laminated 1-piece maple top and back, laminated maple sides; single bound top and back

Finish:  Sunburst, nitrocellulose lacquer

Neck:  5-piece maple/ebony, set-in; stained maple headstock overlay with pearloid logo and metal nameplate

Fingerboard:  Ebony; pearloid "neo-classic" markers

Number of Frets:  22

Pickguard:  Gold backed Lucite

Bridge:  Gretsch chrome steel bar on ebony base (non-original) with Bigsby B-6 tailpiece (non-original)

Nut:  Plastic

Tuners:  Waverly, open, chrome

Pickups:  Two, Gretsch Filter 'Tron humbucking with adjustable pole pieces, chrome

Controls:  Master volume, volume control for each pickup, 3-way tone selector, 3-way pickup selector

Scale Length:  24 1/2 inches

Neck Width at Nut:  1 11/16 inches

Body Width at Lower Bout:  15 1/2 inches

Body Depth:  2 3/4  inches

Weight:  n/a