Some of the most iconic instruments in Gretsch’s history carry the Chet Atkins name, with the company’s partnership with the country music legend resulting in some of the most distinctive, stylish, and desirable hollowbody guitars of the 20th century. Debuting in 1958, the Country Gentleman was one of four models endorsed or inspired by Atkins, and sold as the second most expensive guitar in the Gretsch catalogue, just behind the flagship White Falcon. This 1964 Gretsch 6122 Country Gentleman is a fine mid-’60s example, reflecting both the design changes introduced in the model’s first decade and the timeless quality that defines these guitars.
Built from laminate maple with a deep mahogany stain, this example pairs a Filter’Tron bridge pickup with a Super’Tron in the neck, introduced in 1964 to replace the earlier dual Filter’Tron setup. The Super’Tron delivers a warmer, bass-rich response that contrasts with the bright, twangy snap of the bridge pickup. Like most from the era, the body features painted-on ‘F’ holes and dual string mutes, each individually operated from the top of the body. The ‘V’-cut Bigsby vibrato tailpiece is perfect for the kind of smooth, subtle pitch bends synonymous with vintage Gretsch playing, while ornate gold hardware, ‘kidney bean’ Grover tuners, and an ebony fingerboard with pearl thumb inlays complete the classic Gretsch style.
This guitar is in very good condition and is internally and externally original, with pot codes reading 137 63XX, and the original pickups being intact and sounding as they should. The guitar appears free from any repair work, but as is often the case with these models the original string mute foam has worn down enough to make the muting capabilities not what they once were. This guitar also includes its original Gretsch case.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.
