Up for sale, a 1989 Gretsch 6122 “Country Classic II” Chet Atkins Country Gentleman in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and hangtag. A first-year example of the Country Classic II model, this guitar was made in the years prior to Gretsch's acquisition by Fender, boasting the high quality craftsmanship and exceptional fit and finish work associated with Gretsch's Japanese revival.
Whether you seek Nashville twang or a quintessential George Harrison British Invasion tone, you can't beat the Gretsch G6122. With a 17" fully hollow slim maple body, this Gretsch has an immediate note attack, and a clear, balanced acoustic tone that's enhanced by the midrange character of the Filter'Tron humbuckers. This guitar delivers a full sonic spectrum, with round, punchy notes on the wound strings and plenty of chewy treble sparkle. This 6122 weighs 8lbs 14oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 11-49 roundwound strings, low action, and spot-on intonation.
The maple neck has a slender C-shaped profile carve with moderate shoulders and a fast, easy-playing feel, measuring .785” deep at the 1st fret and .880” at the 12th. The bound ebony fretboard features neo-classic “thumbnail” inlay, and the slender fretwire benefits from a light level and crown, only exhibiting a hint of wear beneath the plain strings on the crowns of frets 1-4. This guitar plays cleanly up the 25 1/2“ scale with a straight neck and a responsive, optimally-adjusted truss rod, and the carved bone nut measures 1 11/16” in width. The headstock sports a gold “Country Classic II” plaque, and the “G”-stamped tuning machines turn smoothly and hold accurate pitch, with clean gold plating.
All of the electronics function as intended, with the pickups governed by a standard suite of Gretsch controls including a three-way pickup selector switch, Master Volume control on the treble-side cutaway, and individual Volumes and a Master Tone on the lower bout. The gold hardware has plenty of shine, including the G pointer knobs, pickup covers, bridge, and Bigsby B6G vibrato tailpiece. The roller bridge with ebony base allows for very smooth action on the Bigsby, and the vibrato bounces quickly back to pitch.
The gloss Walnut finish is framed by multi-ply binding, and cosmetic wear is limited to light buckle rash on the back and a handful of faint scratches in the clear coat on the body as a whole. The smooth gloss finish on the neck profile is immaculate.
The original gray tolex hardshell case with Gretsch gold silkscreen is included, along with the serialized hangtag.