The 6150 series was probably Gretsch's best-selling and longest lasting small amp. Similar to Fender Champs in many ways, they remain particularly loved and sought after by harp players and for studio work. Since the late 1990s, prices have risen sharply, and the days of $50 6150s appear long gone.
The tweed example shown here is a precursor to the 6150 line as (like most tweed Gretsch amps) it does not carry the familiar 61xx nomenclature. The control panel and single 8-inch speaker are virtually identical to the later amps. This particular amp probably dates from the early '50s.
Like the rest of the Gretsch amp line, the 6150s went through two different "Electromatic" looks in the 50s, and may have also been offered in cowboy trim. In the 60s they moved onto the standard box-style cabinet along with the rest of the Gretsch line. This type, as shown here, is far and away the most commonly seen 6150 today.
The back view shown below is pretty typical of all later Compacts. Note the eight-inch Jensen Special Design speaker, which was standard on the 6150 line until about 1967.
Note that there does not appear to be any significant difference between the 6150T and 6151. The 6151 may have replaced the 6150T, but this is unclear.
Note also the different control panel cosmetics between the 6150T (with a chrome control panel) and the 6151 (with the black panel.)
— Apr 15, 2008 2:50 p.m.