Gretsch G6122-12 Country Classic II 12-String 1996 AMBER BLOND

Up for sale, a 1996 Gretsch G6122-12 amber Country Classic II 12 string electric guitar very lightly played in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case as shown.

Gretsch did a small run of natural amber 12 strings in 1996 that differed slightly from the 2006 FSR "Factory Special Run" and the more recent production run of this model. The 96 has Shallers instead of Grovers, a standard padded back, no square name plate on the headstock, a non pinned ebony bridge, and (most importantly) a scale length of 25.5 inchs vs 24.6.  It was crafted in Japan with exceptional quality. The body size and all other dimensions are similar, Country Gentleman size body with bound open “f” holes. The weight of this guitar is just over 8 1/2#.

A bit of relevant trivia. Mike Nesmith of the Monkees played these and made a big impression me and a-lot of budding guitar player/gear heads in the day sporting a big natural Gretsch 12 string and a Vox Super Beatle back line. Of course Mr Nesmith’s 12 string was specifically made for him but was soon stolen and disappeared. Gretsch custom shop recreated that special guitar from the Monkee series in 2013 which was model # G6076. This is NOT that guitar but Mike is filmed playing the 96 in the video provided. 

Practically unplayed, this is the most immaculate example you'll find of this model, and as the old adage goes, it really does "sound as good as it looks." The chime and acoustic presence of this instrument is truly impressive, and the all maple hollowbody construction with parallel tone bar bracing delivers a 12 string sound with both a present, dynamic treble snap and a smooth, airy sound. These acoustic properties translate well through the unique voicing of the Filter'Tron pickups, for a 12 string that has signature Gretsch midrange character, sparkle, and punch.

The two-piece maple neck has a medium C profile carve with nicely rounded shoulders, measuring .835" deep at the 1st fret and .955" at the 12th. The ebony fretboard has Gretsch's neo-classic "thumbnail" inlays, and the 22 frets show virtually no wear with well-rounded crowns. The guitar plays easily up the 25.5" scale length, and the neck is straight with a responsive truss rod, easily handling the tension of the 12 string design. The fretboard width measures 1 11/16" at the zero fret just forward of the nut. On the headstock, the Shaller tuning machines turn very smoothly and hold pitch well.

All of the electronics work as they should, with individual Volume controls for each Filter'Tron in addition to a Master Volume control on the treble side body horn. The rest of the electronics layout is signature Gretsch as well, with a on/off/on kill switch south of the Volume knobs, a three-way pickup selector switch on the upper bout, and a three-way tone switch as well (bypassed in the middle position). The bridge is the original Adjusto-matic design with a floating ebony base. The gold plating on the G tailpiece, bridge and Filter'Tron covers is as clean as they come. The Amber gloss finish highlights the grain of the maple body, and there's barely a scratch on the guitar.

The original hardshell case is included which is built like a vault, very heavy duty, offering superior protection during insured shipping..