Gretsch Guitars G6122-1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Review

IT HAS MANY KNOBS FOR DIFFRENTS SOUNDS

PRETTY GOOD

IT NEEDED A SETUP BUT NOW ITS GREAT

IM VERY HAPPY WITH IT

I like the fact that the master volume is so accessible. The Bigsby feels like it's in a perfect spot, and for the most part, it stays in tune. One feature of this guitar that is inherant with all gretsch hollow bodies it the fact that any frets about the 14th fret are pretty much useless unless you're using a slide.

The sound is very nice on any setting...Even with the tone toggle set to 'mud', you can get a few nice variations.

The Filtertrons sound great when driven, but don't use this thru a high gain setting, however there IS a sweet spot where it begins to feed back at just the right time, it just takes a little fooling around to find it.

The screw-on strap pins are nice, but it would be even better if there was a plug on part for those times when you don't want to be fumbling around with a small piece of brass at the end of the night.

I had to set the intonation when I took it out of the box, and then fool with a neck adjustment. When it all settled down, I played with the action, too. Also, the nut needs to be lubricated so the G and D strings don't bind when using the Bigsby. I've been meaning to have a professional set up done, but overall it came thru pretty good from the factory. I still have a little bit of string buzz with the center strings, but it's not bad.

Didn't find anything out of the ordinary as far as finish or hardware flaws. All I can really say is that I have to clean the gold chrome constantly.

I've used this many times over the past 6 months without a worry of bring a back up guitar. As long as I keep the bridge clean I have no trouble with strings breaking. It DOES seem that I need to change strings more often tho as they seem to sound dead a lot quicker than my other hollow body guitars.

Can't really say what a reasonable price is as I've only seen them at this price brand new. I'll be paying for it for another 3 or 4 months, but it was money well spent, as far as I'm concerned. I could have bought an original '62 Gent 15 years ago for just over $1000 and I'm kicking myself now for not doing it, but at least I don't mind getting this repro all gunked up with sweat.

If lost or stolen, I think I'd get another. If I didn't have the funding, I think I'd go with an Electromatic.

Over all I am very pleased with this guitar. I've wanted one for what seems like forever, mostly because it's a "Beatle" guitar. I almost bought a Rick 325 for the same reason, but decided to go with the Gent. I'm sure I made the right choice.

The only thing I don't like about this guitar is the fact that I can't do anything past the 14th fret. I'm easily adaptable, but I think some of those high notes would really sing!

It's big! I tend to bump into things when I have it strapped on, but I've gotten a lot more careful, believe me!