We buy guitars, basses, banjos, mandolins, amps, and ukes!

Featured Inventory Archives 1999-2012

Gruhn Guitars Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120

1956 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120


In the 1950s, as the electric guitar market began to grow, Gretsch teamed up with Chet Atkins, whose distinctive finger-style electric guitar playing would influence generations of future musicians. Although Chet would eventually make his mark as a guitar designer, on this first signature model, he was only responsible for the Bigsby vibrola and the thick bracing under the top. The "G" brand, the cows-and-cactus inlay and other Western ornamentation came from Gretsch staffer Jimmie Webster.

The official model name was the least imaginative element of the guitar - Chet Atkins Hollow Body. It is more familiar to collectors today by its model number: 6120.

Like Chet's music, his signature guitar had an appeal that transcended all genres of music, and this particular 1956 Gretsch 6120 was owned and used by Bobby Whiteside, a producer at Chess records, the legendary R&B label. Numerous Chess artists used this guitar on sessions.

This instrument (inv. #EG2997) is in excellent condition except for belt buckle wear on back. It comes with a letter from Bobby Whiteside. With hard case, it is offered at $10,000

This instrument is SOLD

For further enjoyment...

Close of body
Full fingerboard
Close of fingerboard
Headstock
Back of headstock
Back of neck
Full back view
Back of body
Letter