The Gretsch Pages

From the time Gretsch arose from the ashes in the late '80s, enthusiasts had clamored for a 6120 that recaptured the cowboy cool of the early years. Unfortunately, through the '90s, Gretsch had little to offer the cowboy-crazed masses other than the lackluster 6120W.

For fans of the original western-themed 6120, the W was the wrong shape, the wrong color, had the wrong pickups, and was so riddled with poor details (like a chintzy silkscreened G-Brand), it almost seemed like a mockery of one of Gretsch's most iconic guitars.

All of that changed in 2003, when a revitalized Gretsch – under Fender's guidance – released the 6120DSW. This was the 6120 many Gretsch fans had been waiting for.

From the cow-and-cactus inlays to the true G-Brand to the twin Dynasonics, this was a western-themed Gretsch worth noticing.

Luckily for fans of the brand, the DSW sounded and played as great as it looked, and it quickly became one of Gretsch's most popular 6120 models – hindered only by the fact that Fender was developing other highly desirable 6120 variants at a feverish pace.

See Also:

• 6120 Chet Atkins Hollowbody

Comments

1. Pappy wrote:

   This has to be one of the smoothest guitars I've ever played. Switching from flat picking to hybrid picking is sometimes a pain, but on this guitar it seemed to happen easily. The weight was good, the tone was absolutely amazing. As a humbucker user I was shocked that single coils could sound so thick and great. Since they dissapeared once and everyone was looking for them I think their collectibility is good as we can nver be too sure they won't go away again. So overall I'd say this one (or the DSV if you're not a fan of the western motif) is worth putting in your stable.

   — Aug 19, 2006 9 a.m.

2. Grayrogers wrote:

   My first Gretsch was a 2003 6120DS. From the moment I first played it, I loved the sound. I recently bought my second Setzer, a SSLVO, and I was considering selling my DynaSonic. But the more I thought about it, the more I think I don't want to let it go. The sound is just too cool, and none of my other guitars sound like it.

   — Nov 17, 2006 8:18 p.m.

3. MBreinin wrote:

   Big G-Brand, Honkin' Bigsby, Western inlays, Screaming Orange finish and a tone that leaves no twang behind! What more could you ask for in a Gretsch? Quite simply, an amazing guitar and a joy to behold and play. This guitar made me an instant convert. Twangaroo! Mike

   — Dec 13, 2006 1:33 p.m.

4. rockabillyriot wrote:

   best guitar I have owned, hands down. No more need be said.

   — Feb 7, 2007 12:27 p.m.

5. Fingerstyle wrote:

   I recently purchased a new G6120DSW (this makes 4 Gretschs' in my Gretsch guitar collection starting in 1967) and I really love the look, feel and sound of this guitar. Before Fender came on-board with Gretsch, I wouldn't have even considered buying a Gretsch (since the Baldwin days and during the Gretsch buy-back period. But,I can honestly say that Fender & Gretsch have done miracles with their new guitar line. Several years ago I had the chance to play and purchase an original 1958 (6120) which was priced at $6,000.00. It did not play any better nor did it have a better feel or quality than its new relative the G6120DSW.

   — Mar 17, 2007 8:21 a.m.

6. vcartier wrote:

   From a tele lover, I just got and love my 57 eddie cochran model 6120 dsw re-issue. I was suprised at how well it growled with the p-90 dog ear and single coil. It looks great with the western motif and G-Brand. A real keeper for me. It pretty much finished my collection. Now, how to fit it into my act.

   — May 3, 2007 5:19 p.m.

7. audiodrome wrote:

   I currently own a '66 Tennessean customized with vintage Filtertron alnico pickups, but I've also always wanted a "DeArmond" Gretsch. Most of the vintage mid '50s Gretsch guitars are currently out of my price range (kids and all), and I came across a good deal on a used G6120DSV. So, I have all the basic questions: How do they sound compared to the originals? Do I really need the Seymour Duncan DynaSonics to make it sound good? Are the SD DynaSonics the only replacement pickups out there? Are these reissue guitars all made in Japan? Please talk me into (or out of) buying one! Any info would be appreciated - thanks!

   — Mar 6, 2008 10:02 a.m.

8. whiskey_twang wrote:

   In December, I bought a '57 6120W Chet. Big Orange thing with a dog ear P-90 in the neck, DeArmond bridge. She plays so well and sounds so good. Pretty too. It's a gas, man; an absolute gas. All my Fenders are getting jealous. Bought a '98 duo jet off ebay too. DeArmonds again. Black. Mean.

   — Feb 10, 2009 10:39 p.m.

9. demonfly wrote:

   There are two second hand gretsch guitars that I'm looking into getting. Well, trying to decide between the two... 6120DSW (approx 1600) or G6119-1962HT (approx 1200) Does anyone have two cents on this one? I kinda love them both. My primary guitar is a Tele relic, but I'm going through a Chet phase and have become obsessed with getting one of these sweet things. They're both long drives either way, and I'd like to play them before deciding, but would love some feedback going in. THANKS!

   — Mar 2, 2009 1:44 p.m.

10. hoofer wrote:

    I have the "rubbish" 1989 model. I bought it without knowing which Gretsch guitars are cool and which aren't. I bought it because it played and sounded better than the other Gretsch guitars I tried recently. I don't really mind that the G brand isn't accurate. Does this mean I have to leave this forum?

    — Jul 15, 2009 12:23 p.m.

11. merc1950 wrote:

    I had one of the very early reissue 6120W's mentioned with the silk screened G brand and I hated that guitar. It was very "glassy" sounding and just was not "gretchy" or "twangy." I sold it a few years ago to get a bass amp, a Jaguar bass, and a Electromatic in the blue/black combo. That Electro was a better guitar. I have a Setzer Hot Rod now and it is one of the finest things I have ever owned.

    — Jul 20, 2009 5:54 p.m.

12. yettoblaster wrote:

    This was/is the guitar of my dreams. I wanted a Duane Eddy or DSV, but when a used '07 DSW turned up in almost mint condition (Aug '09) I jumped on it like a dog on a bone, and was not disapointed. After fiddling with the polepiece height on the pickups until they educated me and installing Thomastik-Infeld "Be-Bops" (nickel roundwounds) in 12's, I was able to get that Duane Eddy tone, especially through a 15" JBL speaker. I think the compensated for plain G Bigsby bridge (on rosewood base) is perfect for what I want to sound like. The Bigsby with the '56 handle, and the brass nut, work perfectly and stay in tune. I guess lots of guys go for the Seymour Duncan version of the DeArmond 200 "DynaSonics," and TV Jones is about to produce a version, but I think these '07 FMIC versions sound right to me when I listen to old Duane Eddy records. I have finally arrived (all the way back to the start)!!!

    — Aug 23, 2009 1:44 a.m.

13. danrhh wrote:

    I have the 6120 Rev. Horton Heat, my first Gretsch. The graphics may seem cornball to the purist but they add something special to the personality of this guitar. I have owned Gibsons and Fenders over a period of 50 years and this is by far the most pleasing guitar I have ever played. I think owning a Gretsch inspires you to be a better musician.

    — Sep 14, 2009 8:32 p.m.

14. blr6120 wrote:

    Having purchased a 2006-6120DSV last year I was surprised to find it had a static problem on the 'Dynasonics'. Browsing the Web confirmed that other owners have had the same problem. See http://gretschpages.com/forum/pickups/dynasonic-groundstatic-issues/12528/page1/ My guitar Techy had no trouble fixing (grounding) it and advised me to change the bridge to one with Roller Saddles (for Bigsby use) I am now enjoying the experience of owning and playing a modified Gretsch masterpiece.

    — Sep 24, 2009 6:05 a.m.

15. fmkrowa wrote:

    My DSV (2006) was not what I originally set out to get, wanting more of a filtertron/Setzer like etup, but the price was right. This was a move up from my TV Jones/Bigsby/Sperzel equiped 5129. To make a long story shorter, I applied the same lessons learned from the 5129, sperzels/TV Classics in DeArmond mounts and a Tru-Arc. I couldn't be happier with this exact body style. The guitar sings plugged and unplugged. Frankly I got lucky, having little or no schooling in 6120's. I've now played many of them and added 6122 and 6128's to my collection, but this model outplays them all.

    — Mar 15, 2010 6:02 p.m.

2003:

The introduction of the 6120DSW heralded a true return to the 6120s roots, and a home run for fans.

Body Width

15½"

Body Depth

2¾"

Body Style

Single Cutaway Hollowbody

Colors

• Sunset Orange

Fretboard Wood

Rosewood

Fretboard Markers

Cow and cactus

Nut

Brass

Tuners

Grover StaTite

Neck Pickup

DeArmond Dynasonic

Bridge Pickup

DeArmond Dynasonic

Controls

• Master Volume
• Neck pickup volume
• Bridge pickup volume
• Master Tone (knob)
• Pickup selector switch

Bridge

Compensated Bigsby

Tailpiece

Bigsby B-6

Pickguard

Gold with "Nashville" signpost