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.

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