1971 Gretsch Country Gentleman
Chet Atkins 6122 amazing Gretsch sound
This was the last year of the 6122 before it became the Baldwin 7670. Like the Gibson 335, the Country Gent has a solid block running partially through the guitar. The block improves balance, weight, tone and sustain but this guitar is lighter than the later 7670 (as is often the case with earlier vintage instruments, and that’s partly what drives their desirability).
The legendary FilterTron humbucking pickups are another vital ingredient of course, and we‘re willing to bet you could listen to it play whilst blindfolded and recognise it immediately as a vintage Gretsch. The finish on this one is technically mahogany, but it’s faded down to a lighter shade closer to walnut.
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Gretsch Country Gent 71 Description
Gretsch Country Gentleman – This was the last year of the 6122 before it became the Baldwin 7670. Like the Gibson 335, the Country Gent has a solid block running partially through the guitar. The block improves balance, weight, tone and sustain but this guitar is lighter than the later 7670 (as is often the case with earlier vintage instruments, and that’s partly what drives their desirability).
The legendary FilterTron humbucking pickups are another vital ingredient of course, and we‘re willing to bet you could listen to it play whilst blindfolded and recognise it immediately as a vintage Gretsch. The finish on this one is technically mahogany, but it’s faded down to a lighter shade closer to walnut.
You’re probably looking at the price and thinking “it’s so much cheaper than the ones I’ve seen in Denmark Street, what’s wrong with it?” Well not a thing, it’s all original and in good overall condition, and in great playing order. The back binding has been restored in places, although you’d hardly notice this, but the case is a bit tatty.
Gretsch Country Gent 71 Features
- 17″ maple hollowbody double cutaway electric archtop
- 1 7/8″ width body finished in mahogany (now faded)
- Simulated painted “f” holes
- Thumbprint “Neoclassic” fingerboard inlays
- Bound ebony fingerboard
- Zero fret and bone nut
- 24 ¼” scale
- 1¾” width at neck
- Gold plated hardware
- Gretsch “V” Bigsby
- Gold plated Gretsch Bigsby vibrato
- Mute bar which works!
- Chet Atkins signed pickguard
- “The Chet Atkins Country Gentleman” nameplate
- Grover Imperial tuners
- 2 Patent Number FilterTron pickups
- Original hard case