Greetings!

Hello! I'm a new member here on the forum. I have a 1968 6117 Double Anniversary that has been through the ringer. In the self-made luthier craze of the 70s, someone conducted various experiments on it and now I'm trying to get it somewhat back to what it started out looking like.

Unfortunately, when I was trying to put the truss rod cover back on it, it crumbled in my hands. I promptly found one online and ordered it but it's too short. The part I got was a 60898000 which is just over 2.5", but I need one that measures closer to 3". Most of the searches I've conducted online keep bringing up the same one that doesn't fit. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could get a proper one? If anyone knows the correct part number, that would be great info as well.

Cheers!

 

Thanks, folks! I bought the guitar when I left college in '89. I had never seen a real live Gretsch before but had been pining for one since the Stray Cats hit the airwaves. Comparing it to my Duane Eddy records, I could see that something was off. For one thing, his had binding on both sides of the guitar, while mine only had it on the top, like a Les Paul.

Figuring it was painted over, I was able to remove the paint from the back binding with minimal damage. Other changes: the original pickup bezels had been removed and replaced with Gibson-looking humbucker rings. Yep, someone drilled new holes in the body at some point to fit the new ones on there. When I removed the pickups, I saw the body was originally sunburst.

Also, the original tailpiece had been replaced with one that looks like it came off a Clipper. The picture's not great, but there is a worn spot in the body under the tailpiece that suggests to me that maybe it had a Bigsby? Most pictures I've seen of this model have the G tailpiece, so maybe I'm wrong.

Finally, the neck was removed at some point. Someone told me a few decades ago that it had been put back on slightly crooked, which is why I couldn't get it to stay in tune. Someone dropped a screw or two in it. I found one and removed it; there are two other plugged holes. For most of it's life with me, it's been in the case.

Fortunately, with the reboot of the line, I've been able to order correct pickup bezels and strap pins just this week. I guess I got cocky, thinking the standard plate would fit. I suppose that by '68, the headstocks had been enlarged a bit. Also, I do have the original bridge; it's in the case.

Thanks for all of the advice and help. It sounds as if retrofitting a modern pickguard is out of the question, so I won't worry about that.

 

"You may be as well off to sell what you have ''as is'', and replace it with a new large body/single cut model, lots to choose from, and the new Electromatic range are excellent in all aspects."

Thank you. The thought has crossed my mind. I would love a G5422 Electromatic or a G5420 Electromatic. If I get frustrated enough, that will be my course of action.