1961 Gretsch 6120

The history of this Gretsch 6120 is closely connected to Irish guitarist Michael Gilligan, a prominent figure on the country’s showband circuit during its late-1950s and early-1960s heyday. After seeing Duane Eddy playing a Gretsch 6120, Gilligan ordered one for himself. This guitar was purchased new and became the first Gretsch 6120 in Ireland. When he moved back to Liverpool in 1963, the guitar went with him and remained his regular gigging instrument until ill health eventually forced him to stop playing.
 
Considering its many years of faithful service, the guitar remains in remarkably good condition. The top has faded slightly, bringing out the natural grain of the wood, and there are various small marks consistent with regular use. Gilligan’s initials, “MG”, were hand-painted onto the top. The binding, often a vulnerable area on vintage Gretsch instruments, remains notably intact.
The neck is in superb condition and has worn in comfortably over the years. The original frets still have plenty of life remaining, while the fingerboard is also exceptionally well preserved. The hardware displays moderate age-related wear with very little corrosion. The electronics remain in good working order and have never been disturbed. Acoustically, the 6120 has a clear and lively voice that translates naturally when amplified. Both pickups deliver the unmistakable character associated with a vintage Gretsch, while the extensive switch layout provides a broad and versatile tonal palette. The Bigsby vibrato has a particularly pleasing, responsive feel. The guitar is supplied with its correct hardshell case.
 
A compelling vintage Gretsch with a long working history, distinctive personal character and the sound and feel of a genuinely well-loved instrument.