Gretsch G6120SH Brian Setzer Hot Rod Blonde Flame Maple

General

Since the early 1980s, Brian Setzer has been rocking the stage with his unique mix of rock & roll, rockabilly and big band music. His playing is defined by his powerful strokes and his intense use of his Bigsby tremolo. In true 1950s spirit, Brian has modified his own guitar, stripping it of bells and whistles to accommodate his explosive playing style. Compared to the original G6120 models, for instance, his customised Gretsch has much simpler tone controls. The original pickups have been replaced by two feisty TV Jones Humbuckers and the bridge and tremolo have been adjusted to ensure optimal tuning when you use your Bigsby extensively.

Construction

Like the original G6120, this Brian Setzer Signature has a body made of 3-ply maple. The Blonde finish really brings out the lovely grain of the wood. Gretsch's patented 1959 trestle bracing reduces the chance of feedback, even at a high volume. The guitar's maple neck has a sizeable scale length of 24.6 inches and is fitted with an ebony fingerboard with 22 frets and characteristic thumbnail position markers. Naturally, this Gretsch is equipped with an original Bigsby tremolo bridge.

Brian Setzer Signature

Brian Setzer modified his own Gretsch G6120 so it would suit his playing style to a tee. Many of those modifications can also be found on his signature models. The complicated tone controls of the original guitar, for instance, have been replaced by a single knob. As Brian is a big fan of his Bigsby tremolo, the G6120SH STZR is equipped with a high-grade Delrin string nut and Sperzal Locking tuners. Although the bridge of the original was floating - the G6120SH STZR's bridge is fitted with two pins.

• Brian Setzer's signature model.