The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Vintage Gretsch Guitars: 1962 6117

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1962 6117

- Rated: 6 ↑
Aug 10, 2008 8:52 p.m. Brandon02:

I posted this in the modern Gretsch section once, but thought I would give it a go in the Vintage section. I'm considering selling my '78 Gibson Les Paul Custom to buy a '62 Gretsch 6117. I haven't played the Les Paul since I bought my 6120-1959LTV and really would like a vintage Gretsch.

I know the Les Paul will probably be worth more in the long run, but a lot of parts are not original on it, such as, the frets; knobs; switch tip; switch ring; and bridge. The pick up covers, pickguard, and pickguard bracket are gone too. I does have the original electronics and case. It has also been played and shows it.

The 6117 I'm looking at has had the tail piece replaced with a Bigsby, the tuners replaced with Schallers, and the pickguard replaced with a black one with a white Gretsch logo. It is also supposed to have the original case. The seller is asking $1,350 for it.

I don't know if it would be a good idea to sell one guitar and get the other. I used to be a Les Paul fan and have had 8 of them. After I started playing Gretsch I quit playing my Les Paul. I also have a 6120TDS and a Gibson SG Standard.

Below is the link for the 6117.

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1833570
- Rated: 10 ↑
Aug 10, 2008 10:02 p.m. mainsoda:

I would trade your LP for this guitar. I know what you mean about playing other guitars after you play a Gretsch. It makes you realize how good a Gretsch really is.
- Rated: 7 ↑
Aug 11, 2008 12:13 a.m. Joe Hi-LoTron:

I own an 1963 6117 Double Anniversary with correct pickguard and correct Gretsch Bigsby. Only sometime in the past a previous owner changed machine heads, but I'm changing those to Grover Imperials anyway.

Your Les Paul is worth more than he's asking for the Gretsch, and the Gretsch is worth less than he's asking for it.

I wouldn't do the deal if it were me.
- Rated: 31 ↑
Aug 11, 2008 5:57 a.m. Danman:

I would also consider if you want the sound of HiLo trons or not. They are very different from your filtertrons. And needless to say: very far from your LP.
- Rated: 6 ↑
Aug 11, 2008 9:10 a.m. Brandon02:

Thanks for helping me make my decision. I finally decided to keep the Les Paul. I did sort of make this decision in my other posting of this question, but recently started thinking about that 6117 again.
- Rated: 6 ↑
Nov 7, 2008 6:53 p.m. Brandon02:

I'm opening this again. I'm thinking about selling my Les Paul again. I have played it a couple of times since I posted this thread and haven't been happy with the sound. I listened to a recording I made with my 6120 and the tone was amazing! If I do buy this 6117 I plan on changing the pickups to TV Classics or Supertrons.
- Rated: 6 ↑
Nov 7, 2008 7:08 p.m. Brandon02:

I just went to the dealers website and it's not listed for sale anymore. I guess I waited to long.
- Rated: 27 ↑
Nov 7, 2008 8:08 p.m. KCeddieB:

Brandon, You should call the dealer and check... sometimes they will still have an instrument, even if they stop posting it on Gbase.

About that Gibson LP. I was recently informed (on this site) that a mid 70's 3-pu LP being sold for $1900 was a "bad deal"... and Gibbys from the Norlin era weren't worth it. Probably accurate advice, but I'm not a Gibson buff, so I don't know. BUT... based on the condition you've described your LP to be in, and the changed parts... it just seems to me that it's not worth all that much now, or in the future, and if you can trade it for a $1500 Gretsch that is a great player... you should seriously consider it.

If you're looking for an Anniversary model, and plan to replace the pu anyway, you can get a nice one for $1500. I just picked-up an all-original '66 for less than $1300!

So if the LP isn't turning your crank, go out at find a Gretsch Annie, and trade UP! Good luck!
- Rated: 6 ↑
Nov 7, 2008 8:46 p.m. Brandon02:

Actually the Annie is still listed on gbase. I went the the dealers actual web site and it's not listed there anymore.

I'd hate to sell the LP for less than $1,800, since I payed $2,000 for it 6 months ago, but I guess I'll have to take the hit. I also have a Peavey Triple X 212 cabinet I can sell.

There is a late 60's Annie for sale on ebay with a buy it now of $1,200. There just seems to be some finish wear.

Thanks for the advice, I go through Les Pauls every once and awhile. I've owned 8 of them over the last 7 years. I do have a Duo Jet, so a Les Paul doesn't seem like something I want to play anymore. I also don't like the sound of full sized humbuckers since playing Filtertrons.
- Rated: 6 ↑
Nov 8, 2008 8:21 p.m. Brandon02:

I think I'm going to trade my Les Paul towards a new Gretsch, probably a 6118 instead of a vintage one.
- Rated: 33 ↑
Nov 8, 2008 8:45 p.m. FrequentFlyer909:

Hey, Brandon,

The new Annies are totally terrific instruments. It you can get one with a Bigsby, bar bridge, and TV Jones Classics (or add them yourself), you will be soooo set for sonics.

Paul//FF909
- Rated: 6 ↑
Nov 8, 2008 9:21 p.m. Brandon02:

FF909, I might try some different TV Jones pickups, such as Supertrons if I get an Annie. I have a 6120-1959LTV with classics and love the tone, that's why I don't really like the Les Paul anymore.

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