I've been really GASing for a Gretsch but money is tight.
I found a used G5120 with some nice upgrades (TV Jones pickups & Gold mounts, CTS pots & wiring, Switchcraft switches, pickguard) that I can afford right now.
I really want the new G6120-1969LTV but that will take several more months to get and I'm about to pull the trigger on the other.
Should I go for it? Talk me into it, please--or convince me to be patient and continue saving my pennies.
Thanks, and hello all (first post!)
I know its hard, but I would save up for the one you really want. The modded 5120 sounds like it has some nice upgrades and they are great guitars, but it still not a 6120-LTV. Unless the 5120 is a killer deal (i would say under $600 with case), you're better off saving the extra $$$ if an LTV is really what you're after.
I've noticed that after a lot of guys here have upgraded their 5120's (when they do the higher end upgrades like TV's, gold hardware, change the bigsby, tuners etc.) they end up spending close to $1000.00 in parts (including the guitar).
Check with one of the sponsers and you may not need to save as much money as you thought too. I heard of some pretty cool deals. Don't forget that now is the time when new models start coming out, and a lot of shops like to clear some inventory of some of last years stuff (although I don't know how much this applies to Gretsch).
Thankis for your input.
I just emailed one of the sponsors for their prices on the new 6120LTV. Also on the 6120-1959. I didn't know about that model. Looks similiar--what are the differences?
BTW, the used 5120 with upgrades is like $675 paypaled and shipped with Cowboy Case. All very clean. The seller did mention a bit of a rattle in the bridge (which hasn't been changed). Is that a deal breaker?
Bridges are easily changed. A Cowboy case is worth a little extra if you are into them. That seems like a square deal to me.
I think though, if you know that at the end of the day you actually want something else, then save for it. You'll be happier!
I agree with Bobby and Wishin... even though the 5120 might be a nice deal, you'll still want the 6120LTV.
To me, the question isn't which one you should save up for, it's if you're planning to save up for both of them.
Bury yourself in practice and stashing away those paychecks, and that LTV will be in your hands before you know it.
Dude!!! Wait for the LTV. I have one and I love just staring at it. Wait......
If I'm on a budget, the 5120 with all the upgrades and a cowboy case is a real great deal (the rattling ABR 1 style bridge is a real easy fix...a bar bridge would do the trick). But for the long haul, if it's within my reach financially the '59 LTV would be the choice worth waiting for.
Great things come to people who wait.........it will be all the sweeter when you finally own a 6120
LTV for me.
wait for the real deal!
Does it have to be an LTV? There are other very fine 6120s for less money. If the answer is yes then as others have recommended, save up for the LTV. The non LTV version looks pretty nice too. Besides no lacquered finish and regular filtertrons it has a 9.45" fretboard radius (versus 12" on the LTV), which may or may not matter to you. And don't forget about Anniversaries and Tennessee Roses
Sinner said: BTW, the used 5120 with upgrades is like $675 paypaled and shipped with Cowboy Case. All very clean. The seller did mention a bit of a rattle in the bridge (which hasn't been changed). Is that a deal breaker?
Sounds like a really good deal from what you've described (the buzz is most likely an easy fix). I still however would wait. It sounds like you have a good idea of what you're after. As good as the 5100 series are, they still aren't the same thing IMO. They are great in their own way, and even more fun modded. It sounds as if you are really set on a Gretsch 6120 of some sort, and I don't think the 5120 will necessarily cure that itch. You can always buy one after you save for the 6120.
FYI the 6120-LTV means a 6120 with a Lacquer finish and TV Jones Classic p/u's. The 6120-59 is the classic with a Nitro finish and regular Filters as opposed to the TV's. I think both Bigsbys have the V-cut.
There's really no competition here. The 59LTV is a great guitar and one that, when you get it, you'll probably be more satisfied than if you cashed in now on an orange Gretsch just for the sake of getting it sooner.
Yup; unless you're like retired and raising a bunch of Grandkids on a budget and your only other guitar just went into sickbay for a long while and you're finding yourself not having any guitar at all to play for over a year(!), and you sure ain't gettin' any younger; then I'd certainly suggest waiting for the real dream!
Besides; doing the mods yourself is half the fun!
As fine as the 5120 is - and even with a good deal - my view is: go with your first choice. There is an old saying "Never change a better mind".
And that mind - in your case - is subconciously set on a 6120. Well worth the wait because if you buy the 5120 - no matter how much you love it - your mind will always be nagging away in the background "hmmn - would I have been even happier with a 6120?"
And as Plectrum Pete says - does it have to be the LTV? Take a look at the other models in the 6120 range - try to play some - you may just find youself prefering one over the LTV - and you might save yourself a couple of bob in the bargain depending on the 6120 you eventually go for. But make sure you DO go for the 6120. Just my opinion being a loving 6120 DSW man.
I was told by a dealer: The LTV has a nitrocellulose lacquer finish and TV Jones Classic Filtertron pickups. The regular 6120-1959 has a polyurethane finish with high sensitive Filtertron pickups.
If I'm going for the "real deal" I much prefer Nitro and the TV Jones. Plus I think I'd like the 12" radius of the LTV over the 9.45" of the 6120-1959.
Other question about construction difference between the 5120 and the 6120: Don't the 6210s have different bracing? Tressel I think it's called, and the 5120 doesn't have this?
Which one is more "acoustic" sounding (unplugged)?
Whoa--maybe I need them both! You see, it may take me 6 mos to a year for a 6120 and that used 5120 won't last!
IMO, the LTV with the TVJ's, nitro, and 12" radius is one of the nicest "vintage" reissues Gretsch has ever offered and is personally very appealing. I have no problem with the playing feel of a 9.45" radius (my Fender Thin Skin '52 Tele has it) and I find it to be very comfortable. However, with a Gretsch that comes with a bar bridge (which both 59's come with) the 12" radius is much more compatable and you you have any buzzing problems due to the mismatch in bridge and fingerboard radius. Of course if you did opt for the 6120-59 a good tech could cut the bar bridge slots to match the radius or you could contact Proteus about one of his new bar bridges (I think they are available in both 12" and 9.45"). Gotta love folks on the GDP.
Thanks again for all your input!
I'm learning more and more about the differences between the models and although the more authentic vintage specs of the LTV is appealing I think I may have to go for the used 5120 with the excellent upgrades. The slightly thiner body (2.50") makes it to me more of a "sport" models. That's ok. But, it won't last much longer and I will then be without any Gretsch for up to a year. If I can just get past than thick poly finish--I love the old looking well-worn Nitro orange. This 5120 looks very shiny and probably won't "age".
Well, how about one more try, The LTV's are nice guitars and are trestle braced which as far as I'm concerned does not sound as good as the 6120 59-60 or what ever it is called. They are bright and sustain to much and the feedback is no better than the normal model, slightly better thats about it. I sold my 6120 LTV cause I could not deal with that zero fret, why don't they just do away with it. I sold mine after 2 months for what I paid for it, got a new two tone Anniversery the normal one not the LTV model and never looked back, it has the real deal Gretsch sound and as far as a real vintage repro, it's more accurate than the 6120 LTV, that peghead is still wrong and that binding slip under the fingerboard, it just looks wrong. The anni's have killer necks and no binding which is very cool. I guess I just go for the simple original design and the new Anni's have it. Lacquer vs poly on a Gretsch seems to be 50-50, I can't hear the difference. Lacquer looks nice when it gets beat a little, but I know I could never beat a guitar. But I have to agree, with all that upgrading you could buy the better model, but is it really better ??? Vintage folks will always be vintage and so on. Like those die hard Democrats or Republicans, Mickey Mouse could run for office and they would vote for him as to not rock there party. Go with your gut on this one.
I got the G5120, feel better now off the fence!
Should be home in a couple days, can't wait to hear those TV Jones in this sweet little guitar.
It's my first Gretsch, I know not a lot of money but will do nicely as an introduction.
I probably still get one of the 6120s out there someday, not sure which, but this way at least I will have a Gretsch in the house!
Here's some pics:
Has TV Jones pickups, wiring & CTS upgrades, Switchcraft switch, gold pickup mount rings, different pickguard--and some love from previous owner!
That's a great looking 5120...and all the good upgrades. You are gonna enjoy that guitar like no other.
That is a fine acquisition, sinner. While it's great to hold out for "Miss Right", jumping on "Miss Right Now" has it's advantages as well. Especially if "Miss Right Now" has had some quality upgrades done! 
Thanks! Happy to have this Gretsch, and now is always better than later (for me). Plus, I still need to research more about the other models and specs, try a few in person, before deciding on what will be next in the Gretsch family for me.
Maybe even vintage...
Speaking of CTS upgrades, I have not looked, but does the 5120 have a solid or a split shaft on the pots? Just lazy - I could look at home tonight I suppose.
Great looking axe, sinner! And pre-modded for your convenience. Can't beat that, although modding is too much fun! But be forewarned... the 5120 is a gateway guitar.... you're gonna want more Gretsches.. and more... and... mm..must go to my happy place... 61... 20.... aaargghh!
