For sale we have a gorgeous 100% original collector-grade 1961 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6122 Country Gentleman in factory Walnut stain with original hardshell case, polish cloth, strap, strings, coil-y cable, schematic, Filter-Tron pamphlet and rare hang tag. A fantastic package for a collector and an excellent example of a Country Gent that plays and sounds fantastic.
A true icon of American guitar design, this ’61 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman represents one of the most distinctive and influential hollowbody electrics of the early 1960s. Developed in close collaboration with legendary guitarist Chet Atkins, the Country Gentleman combined Gretsch’s elegant styling, sophisticated electronics, and unmistakable Filter’Tron character into an instrument that remains highly coveted by players and collectors alike.

This particular example is in very good overall condition and has been very well preserved over the decades. The body shows only light cosmetic wear with small dings and minor surface scratches scattered throughout with the majority allocated to the backside. There is some buckle rash and worming on the backside from normal use. The binding around the body has aged nicely with no cracking or rot to be found. The hardware on the guitar shows some age with moderate and consistent patina throughout. Hiding beneath the pickguard, one of the pickup surrounds has a crack running out from a screw hole (see photo) but is held together by the screw. The neck is in great shape overall as well wiith small dings and dents scattered down the backside but nothing major or that can really be felt while playing. The face of the headstock shows light scuffs and scratches from strong changes over the years. Structurally solid, the instrument has no cracks, breaks or repairs. Overall just a killer Country Gent in excellent shape. Nice!

Specs:

- 24.5” scale length

- fully hollow Maple laminate constructed body with beautiful blistery grain, 17” lower bout, painted f-holes and white multi-ply binding around top and back

- gold plated hardware

- Gretsch branded Bigsby vibrato tailpiece and metal bar bridge

- single-ply Gretsch branded pickguard

- equipped with its original pair of Filter‘Tron humbucking pickups with master volume control, a separate volume control for each pickup and two tone filter switches on the bass side upper bout

- 2-piece set Maple neck with medium/slim C-shape profile measuring .780” deep at the first fret and .900” deep at the ninth fret

- width at nut measures 1 5/8”

- Ebony fingerboard with 15” radius, pearl inlaid “thumbnail” fret markers and 22 original medium frets (23 including zero fret). Frets show moderate play wear and grooving but have good life left in them. Notes ring clean and clear with no dead spots.

- headstock sports pearl inlaid Gretsch logo, silver model designation plaque and gold plated Grover Imperial tuning machines

- overall weight: 7 lbs. 15 oz.

The guitar will be properly packed with care and shipped overnight within the USA. In-store trades only. Please reach out with any further questions. Thanks for your time!