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Summer NAMM 2019: Gretsch expands Brian Setzer hollowbody collection

Three signature models have been added to the rockabilly pioneer’s Gretsch line-up.

(L-R) The Brian Setzer Nashville ’59 “Smoke”, Hot Rod and Nashville

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Gretsch has added three new signature models to rockabilly stalwart Brian Setzer’s Professional Collection hollowbody range. They are the G6120T-BSSMK Nashville ’59 “Smoke”, G6120T-BSNSH Nashville and G6120T-HR Hot Rod. Here’s an overview:

G6120T-BSSMK Nashville ’59 “Smoke”

This guitar is a recreation of the main stage axe Setzer has been using since he retired the fabled ‘Stray Cat’. It boasts a range of period-accurate ’59 appointments, namely headstock shape and logo, pickguard shape size, control and switch locations, as well as that lovely Smoke Orange semi-gloss lacquer finish.

“Smoke” also features what Gretsch calls “stage-veteran specs”. These include a single-cutaway hollowbody, an arched laminated maple top, a ’59 trestle bracing as well as stylish oversized F-holes. Other tonewoods on the guitar include a maple neck – with a vintage V shape – as well as an ebony fingerboard with a 9.5 to 12-inch compound radius.

This hollowbody is stocked with a pair of TV Jones Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity pickups. According to Gretsch, these are voiced for excellent bass response and come with that shimmering Filter’Tron sparkle. Wrapping up the guitar’s features are an Adjusto-Matic bridge, Bigsby B6CGH vibrato tailpiece and Gotoh locking tuning machines.

Lists at £3,199/$4,549.

G6120T-BSNSH Nashville

This single-cut hollowbody bears similar features to the axe above, but with a few distinguishing touches. Both instruments feature an ebony board with a 9.5-to12-inch compound radius as well as oversized f-holes.

What’s different, though, is this instrument’s arched maple top and revised electronics section. The latter includes two TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature Filter’Trons, which are touted to capture Setzer’s signature tone with tight, punchy lows and an output that’s a touch hotter. Other defining features of Setzer’s new Nashville axe are a master volume control – with a treble bleed circuit – and a Bigsby B6C vibrato tailpiece.

Lists at £2,769/$3,849.

G6120T-HR Hot Rod

The Brian Setzer Gretsch G6120T-HR Hot Rod in Candy Blue Burst

Setzer’s new Hot Rod hollowbody shares similar specs with the Nashville piece above. Both guitars feature an arched maple top, ’59 trestle bracing, oversized f-holes, TV Jones Brian Setzer Filter’Trons and similar hardware components. This guitar differs slightly along the neck, having a rosewood fingerboard – instead of ebony – with the same compound radius.

Available in Extreme Coolant Green Sparkle at a list price of £2,769/$3,699. All other finishes list at £2,549/$3,599 each.

For more info, head over to gretschguitars.com. Keep up with the latest from Summer NAMM here.

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