I had a 1997 G6120SSU Setzer Signature for several years, but have wanted to depart with it for quite some time for various reasons. I finally did, and picked myself a new Gretsch!

I had created a thread on the "other" forum about "trading" my 6120 for the Tim Armstrong Signature G5191bk. I wasn't literally going to trade it with someone, rather I meant use the money I get for my Setzer 6120 to buy a new TA. The other option was/is to save up the difference (I got $1,400 for my 6120) and buy a FMIC-era SSLVO or 1959LTV.

In any event, I picked up the TA Gretsch today. I was at the local GC two days ago to see what they had for inventory, and of course, they only had one 5120 and a Setzer Hot Rod. Since I already had more than enough money from the sale of my 6120, I went back today to have them order a G5191bk, as I was going to "take advantage" of their return policy (30 days, no questions asked). I felt like it was worth paying the money to take it home with me, knowing I can get a full refund.

So I walk to the counter and tell the employee that I want to order a Gretsch, and gave him the model number. He says "ok give me 1 min. I will be right back." As he walks away I take a look on the wall behind his counter, and see the TA hanging there. I was so shocked, and when he came back I said "nevermind, it's right there!" He told me how it had JUST came in, so I said "ring me up!"

We will see how this thing goes. Knowing that I paid at least $400 more than what I can find one for used, I definitely plan on returning it no matter what...but at least I have some time with it to help me decide if it's the right guitar for me, or if I should fork over the difference for a newer SSLVO. I will say that in the short time I have already spent with it, I LOVE it! I read nothing but great reviews on this guitar, but still stay ed skeptical. Let me say that I was really blown away by this thing, and now my decision is even harder (because I was leaning towards the Setzer or 59LTV).

Pics, or it's a Gretschment of your imagination :D

What were the reasons for giving up the other guitar? Neck to big? I played the TA, and thought it played rather well.

What were the reasons for giving up the other guitar? Neck to big? I played the TA, and thought it played rather well.

This may sound kind dumb, but I basically saw my pre-FMIC as an "incorrect" copy of Setzer's signature, thus making it a "bad" signature model.

Specifically, I wanted the 1959 trestle bracing, TV Jones pickups, and Orange Lacquer finish - all things that my SSU did not have...and all things that FMIC addressed when they took over.


I will get pics later tonight, I promise!! :D

Congrats but unless there are pictures, it didn't happen!

Told ya! :cool:

Beautiful, congrats!

When it's time to take it back, you're not going to be able to let it go. Get used to the idea that it's yours.

There is one on gc used network for $899 and it has a VCut bigsby by on her

There is one on gc used network for $899 and it has a VCut bigsby by on her

Thanks! ...and I mean that in the LEAST sincere, thankful way - because now you just made my decision even HARDER! :mad:

Thanks! ...and I mean that in the LEAST sincere, thankful way - because now you just made my decision even HARDER! :mad:

I was gonna say "GET THE TiM W/ BIGSBY!!" but then I thought about the other guitars you are looking at, and you're right, tuff decision

www.reverbnation.com/thedirtymugs

I am having such a hard time deciding what I want!

I now have to choose between a used Tim Armstrong with Bigsby, a FMIC-era Setzer or 1959LTV, or an actual 1959 G6119. My decision deadline is quickly approaching...anybody have some last-minute comments or opinions they would like to share?

I am having such a hard time deciding what I want!

I now have to choose between a used Tim Armstrong with Bigsby, a FMIC-era Setzer or 1959LTV, or an actual 1959 G6119. My decision deadline is quickly approaching...anybody have some last-minute comments or opinions they would like to share?

Any last-minute input?! :confused:

What kind of shape is the real '59 in?

What kind of shape is the real '59 in?

"Great"

"Great"
Sorry, I just found your other thread. That is a beauty. A chance to own a real '59 in that shape seems really cool to me. Good luck to you, whichever way you go.:cool:

Going with the 6119. Thanks to everyone who gave some input!

I figure that the ability to own an actual 1959 Gretsch isn't something worth passing up - and if I did pass it up now, I will regret it every day until I have the opportunity to buy one again, and who knows when that will happen?

If anything, a vintage guitar like that should hold its value and be able to sell rather quickly, if I ever decide it's not right for me...

Congrats to you KT!!! enjoy.

So I received the 6119 today, and will be sending it back =(

Turns out that the guitar was actually the popular "red" 6119 color and has faded in several spots to look like orange lacquer. There are also several spots where the binding has come undone, and between the neck and the volume control the body itself has come undone. The neck has a crack down the middle, etc. etc. etc.

I am very disappointed that I waited so long and was so excited to get this guitar in my hands...now I get to deal with trying to get my money back, and Paypal not allowing me to place the funds back into my bank account.

Well after sending back the '59 6119, I spent every single day searching Craigslist and Ebay for a new guitar. I was fortunate enough to find a 6120sslvo within the first few hours listed, and took advantage of the Buy It Now price that I thought was a steal!


Knowing how much everyone loves pictures, here they are (these are the Ebay ones that I saw):

http://thumbnails71.imagebam.com/19591/b2f9ae195908791.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/b2f9ae195908791) http://thumbnails77.imagebam.com/19591/729e76195908793.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/729e76195908793) http://thumbnails76.imagebam.com/19591/ecd94c195908797.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/ecd94c195908797) http://thumbnails27.imagebam.com/19591/2f47d1195908801.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/2f47d1195908801)

http://thumbnails45.imagebam.com/19591/3c1c59195908804.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/3c1c59195908804) http://thumbnails62.imagebam.com/19591/d08411195908809.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/d08411195908809)

Here it is now - received it in the mail today! (plain truss rod cover and no pickguard):

http://thumbnails41.imagebam.com/19591/7e5dc4195909445.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/7e5dc4195909445) http://thumbnails31.imagebam.com/19591/14eed1195909450.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/14eed1195909450)

And here it is with my Taylor "Big Baby," as well as a shot of my "Man Cave":

http://thumbnails69.imagebam.com/19591/2f9067195909357.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/2f9067195909357) http://thumbnails32.imagebam.com/19591/c6e06a195909362.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/c6e06a195909362) http://thumbnails74.imagebam.com/19591/5f010d195909367.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/5f010d195909367)

Nice guitar. Congrats.

Here it is now - received it in the mail today! (plain truss rod cover and no pickguard):

http://thumbnails41.imagebam.com/19591/7e5dc4195909445.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/7e5dc4195909445) http://thumbnails31.imagebam.com/19591/14eed1195909450.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/14eed1195909450)


Hmm..bridge pu on 4, neck pu on 3. The secret of your sound?
Congrats, I hope it will bring you joy and loads of sonic excitement!

wow. and I thought I was picky. ;-) Hot guitars... all of them.
Do you have photos of the 6119?

wow. and I thought I was picky. ;-) Hot guitars... all of them.
Do you have photos of the 6119?

http://thumbnails77.imagebam.com/19608/6ffab3196079245.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/6ffab3196079245) http://thumbnails58.imagebam.com/19608/820fbd196079252.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/820fbd196079252) http://thumbnails41.imagebam.com/19608/1ad1e5196079257.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/1ad1e5196079257) http://thumbnails32.imagebam.com/19608/8689a5196079266.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/8689a5196079266)

How much flame would I get if I said I think I liked the G5191bk the best? I am on my way to GC now to try the one they have in stock (to compare it to my newly-arrived 6120sslvo), but from what I remember about it, it just felt more "right" to me... =/

Beautiful guitars KT....Great players!!!...congrats & enjoy!!!! cheers!!

How much flame would I get if I said I think I liked the G5191bk the best? I am on my way to GC now to try the one they have in stock (to compare it to my newly-arrived 6120sslvo), but from what I remember about it, it just felt more "right" to me... =/

No flame at all. It's not about which guitar is better, but rather which is better for you. Good luck in your search!