Gretsch 6122 Country Gentleman (Charlie Ryan) Natural 1960

Here's is an amazing chance to own part of Rockabilly and Gretsch history.

This guitar belonged to Rockabillly star, Charlie Ryan, who co-wrote the famous hit "Hot Rod Lincoln". This 1960 Country Gent is a fantastic guitar in its own right, but the fact that it comes from such a rich past makes it even more collectible. Included with the guitar are several photographs of Charlie with the original Hot Rod Lincoln and the Gretsch, a couple touring jackets, a suit that he used to wear during performances, business cards, picks, custom leather tooled strap, and of course the original hard shell case which he painted black. One of the pictures shows Charlie wearing this unmistakeable light blue suit and this amazing Gretsch leaning on the famous hot rod at the 1974 Wold's Fair.

Summary

Body: Beautiful, lightly figured maple. Early trestle bracing visible under pickups.

Neck: Beautiful, lightly figured maple w/ bound rosewood board and thumbnail inlays. Frets have quite a bit of wear throughout since this was his main playing electric guitar. Guitar plays well so we decided not to refret.

Pickups/Hardware: All original, early patent number Filter-Trons, Bigsby vibrato, and Grover Imperial tuners

Cosmetic Condition: This guitar has been Rockabillied heavily for many years across the whole world for many decades. Despite this, it is in great condition and is an absolute joy to play. The frets have divots here and there through out the guitar and more discerning players may want a refret, but we decided against it since it plays very well throughout as is. The binding has not deteriorated like these tend to do. There is checking throughout the guitar as well as some dings and scratches, and of course, Charlie carved his Social Security number on the back of the headstock. The plastic parts are cracked as they usually are, and Charlie added a steer head to the headstock and a figuring of a horse saddle on the truss rod. This thing oozes mojo and vibe!

Playability: The strings are nice and low, play clearly, fret well, and the Bigsby plays like butter as well.

Modifications: Added tin steer head on headstock and plastic saddle on pickguard. The bridge has been replaced by a 1970s Gibson ABR-1 with rosewood feet attached with double-sided tape

Weight: 7lbs 15oz

Case: Original hardshell, painted black

* Sign measures at 30" by 44"