Gretsch Guitars G6122-1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Electric Guitar  

   This guitar.......is indescribable. I got it last month for my 17th birthday (yes, it is an old guitar for a young kid. I've been playing since I was 6, so I am good enough for it) and I've only put it down to eat, sleep, and bathe. It's tone quality is perfect for my band's music. (blues and jazz.) But I've also been able to get some nice classic rock from her. (It sucks with an overdrive, but with a clean set and slight drive, it sounds exactly like the Beatles.) My band has been complimenting me on it, and they think I sound a million times better with it then with my old Fender Standard. I was even receiving compliments for it at the last Bourbon Street gig I played last week, I recommend this to every guitar player and aficionado out there.

The retro 6122 exceeded my expectations and love the sound and got it 1 1/2 yr ago.  Started using Dean Markley string and have them locked in for best tone and sound.  All feature exceed my expectation but still have trouble using the Bigsby are as I am used to my two Strats.  I play it through my Fender Twin Reverb using a Boss Digital Delay and Sustain to get the sound I want.

The first time I plugged the 'Country Classic 1962' into my Brit-wired AC-30, I was immediately transported back 40 years, across the pond to Liverpool. Hair stood up on the back of my neck. It sounded that good, and that specific to that time. If you are a younger player, this probably won't mean much, so I'll just say this axe is very sweet for the more melodic types of rock. If you're looking for Gothic/Screamo/Industrial, or any of the monotonal power-chord sounds, go get a PRS or a Les Paul. This instrument is NOT for you. Mine, purchased 4 years ago, is Jap-built, and superb. The ONLY gripe is that the gold plate on some of the hardware tarnished almost overnight, and seems to have worn off altogether, in places. Otherwise, workmanship and materials are top-notch. Get a tune-o-matic bridge for perfecting the intonation. This one's a keeper. Bury me with it (a loooonnnng time from now).

I've been a guitar player for >40 years and have been lusting for a Country Gent since the 60's. I own Strats, Les Pauls and an ES-335 and love them all, but I always wanted to play the guitar that George Harrison played. Lots of folks are quick to knock "reissues" and Japanese made guitars, however this guitar is unbelievable. First of all the appearance, craftsmanship, fit and finish are stunning! When I got home with it, I immediately changed the strings to my favorite brand of 10's. Plugged it in and was disappointe by really dead sound. On a hunch (having recenlty owned a Brian Setzer Nashville a while back) I swapped the 10's for 11's. That was the answer!  The bridge was positioned completely wrong for proper intonation and once I tapped it into place, I was met with beautiful fat and bright tone.  The neck is perfect, with no buzzing yet with good, low action. I have a number of Fender amps...it sounds mediocre through my Deluxe Reverb, but outstanding through my solid state Deluxe 90 (think Twin Reverb clean). I used to say there were only two guitars, the Strat and the Les Paul...however Gretsh really makes a third type of guitar that is right in between. I will be gigging with this guitar next weekend. It was expensive, but it fulfills a lifelong dream and I heartily recommend you try one out!

I know: who cares what a bonehead drummer thinks?? Stick with me here... Have made friends with a terrific Beatle tribute band out of Chicago. They play the same brands of instruments--some vintage the FF did; Gretsch, Hofner, Rics, Epis, Ludwig, the whole lot. "George" had been doing all his leads on a Duo Jet, through an AC30. Nice. Finally got a Country Gent and the first chord made me drop my beer and take notice! Vintage Velvet is the best way I could describe the sound. Now, if ol' drummer gets blown away, imagine what your audience will think. I LOVE guitars! Can't play worth squat, so I pound skins and keys instead. But if you have the ability, buy this puppy! It's the Jazz Festival of guitars, and you'll expereince eargasms every time you pick it up..!