I come across a Country Classic I (Used Guitar). It seemes like not much info is shed on this Gretsch, exept for the pickups and the construction. I am very tempted to get it.
Whats the History behind this Japan Made (Pre Fender) Guitar? I just cannot find enough info about it.
Can someone enlighten me?
Philip
I had a Country Classic I (6122-S) that was a 1996 or 1997 model. Here it is at age 10 (approximate) when I traded it towards a 6122-1959.
It was (is) a GREAT guitar. Very well made -- I had no problems with it during the 10 years I owned it. I replaced the stock pickups with TV Jones Custom Classics, but not because of problems with the stock pickups -- primarily to go from great to extraordinary sound.
I would strongly recommend it!
I also replaced the roller bridge with an adjustomatic.
I had one of these too. 1996 ,it was a lovely guitar, i only sold it to obtain my original 1957 Gent.
It's what Gretsch was offering at the time as their "Country Gentleman".
If you have the chance to try out a current production Country Gent, I'd recommend that.
I really think Gretsch guitars got a lot nicer after Fender took over, they're more like the vintage ones visually and in specs, certain aspects of them are just plain better quality (electronics), and in general, they're lighter weight.
But opinions vary just as much as playing styles, so YMMV.
I'll have to agree FMIC Gretsches are a "better" guitar.
Tone pot circuits are for Dynas IMO, and I'm a fan of the original tone switch set up for Filters.
So, even though that "gent" is nice, it's not "as nice" as a FMIC one.
I've got a '97 DEO and it's built like a tank, and has given me no "issues" over the years, other than replacing the original wiring harness.
If the price is really "right", and you like it, go for it, but IMO, the price would have to be REALLY "right"
When did Fender take over? Mine is a 2004 Country Classic II 6122SP with TV Jones and the craftsmanship is excellent as well as the electronics.
'03 I believe. Your '04 should be "JT" FMIC git
GentlBen, yours is an FMIC guitar. I have the same one.
Antik: Where did you find that site containing the specs for this older guitar? I have wanted to see something like that posted on the Gretsch website for historical purposes.
apot_red: That looks like a great guitar. My only observation is that I think that a Country Gentleman should be double cutaway. I know, I know, there were versions of it in the late 50's in single cutaway, but for my eyes, having grown up watching that guitar in George Harrison's hands, I think that the single cutaway just doesn't look correct.
Ric12string said: I think that a Country Gentleman should be double cutaway.
The Country Gentleman was named for Chet, not George. Chet was never a big fan of double cutaways.
Apot_red -- I would agree with others (above) that FMIC guitars are typically better than pre-FMIC. However, there were many examples from the mid-/late- 1990's that were truly excellent guitars.
If you can "test drive" the Country Classic-I with your favorite amp, that should tell you a LOT. If it feels right and sounds right... and the price is right... go for it.
Thanks all!! Truly appreciate your kindness in the valuable feedback...
I can think straight now...hahaha.
I shall update the progress...
Cheers!
Ric12string said: Antik: Where did you find that site containing the specs for this older guitar? I have wanted to see something like that posted on the Gretsch website for historical purposes.archive.org, also known as the "way back machine", is a project to try to keep copies of old web pages.
Here is a direct link to the old gretsch pages: http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://gretsch.com All the pages do not work properly so sometimes it might take awhile to find ones that do work and have the info you are looking for.
senojnad said: I had a Country Classic I (6122-S) that was a 1996 or 1997 model. Here it is at age 10 (approximate) when I traded it towards a 6122-1959.
A single cutaway Gent with open f-holes. That is just beautiful. Trading it towards a '59 is the only acceptable reason for letting it go. How would you compare it's tone to a '59?
GentlBen said: When did Fender take over? Mine is a 2004 Country Classic II 6122SP...As mentioned, yours should be a FMIC-era. A Pro-series serial number should start with either JD, JT or JF.
Hi all!!
Ha ha! I am now a proud owner of a Gretsch Country Classic 1....
Its made in Japan 1990 production. Tested it and sure it was full of flavour!!
However, the pickup was a little soft though. Was thinking of changing them to Dynasonics of the TV Jones...
Whats your take?
Philip
senojnad said: The Country Gentleman was named for Chet, not George. Chet was never a big fan of double cutaways.I know, I know, Dan, I am a product of my childhood, what can I say?
caliban335 said: How would you compare it's tone to a '59?
The tone of the "'59" is much better, largely due to the difference in pickups. The one I sold had TV Jones' Custom Classics (not stock -- I installed those). But the "'59" has hotter TV Jones pickups, custom made to match Chet's original.
Ric12string said: I know, I know, Dan, I am a product of my childhood, what can I say?
Me too, and both Chet and George came along during my formative years.
I think we'd all have to agree the George probably did more to make the world aware of Gretsch guitars -- including the Gent -- than Chet did. That's in terms of numbers of people..... Chet pretty much said the same in "Me and My Guitars".
senojnad said: I think we'd all have to agree the George probably did more to make the world aware of Gretsch guitars -- including the Gent -- than Chet did. That's in terms of numbers of people..... Chet pretty much said the same in "Me and My Guitars".They were both integral. Subtract one and you really won't have much left. Synergistic.
