New to Gretsch...which one?

[George Homme]

Hello all

I am about to buy a new gretsch at last. Never had one in the past. I iused to play Les paul and Telecasters.

Now for 2 years i play only my martin D28 and due to covid lockdowns etc i have sold all my electrics so i am in a state which i will buy a new Guitar which going to be my main instrument. I am keeping my Martin D28 as my main and only acoustic and i need an electric whuch i have decided to be a Gretsch.

I am torn between the 6120T-BSSMK and the 6136T-59VS. Unfortunately i will have to order it from the internet as there is no Guitar store near me that carries those models so i can try.

I am into alt-Country / Rock / Ambient stuff plus neil Young Style playing from time to time.

Which mode should i get. I like both those models visually except that sometimes i find the Falcon a little too much(Especially the gold binding) . Sonically i don t have any idea except youtube videos that sometimes is hard to judge.

Sonically how the 6136T-59vs competes with the 6120 Setzer?

Keep in mind that this is going to be my main instrument for years before i will get a second (if i ever )

P.S. Something else i have to ask is that i have found a white Falcon 6136T-59VS which the shop says that it weights 3.75kgs (8.26 LBS) ...is that considered heavy for a white falcon?

 

[Jeremiah_S]

I'm a little biased but between those I'd say the White Falcon. The Setzer models with the two knobs, I've never played one. I only have a G5420T to compare my Falcons to, but they've all got the tone pot layout. I'm partial to the Falcons but it isn't really a fair comparison as they're the newest and I tend to just take out whatever's newest in my collection.

The ONE thing I might say is try to buy used to save yourself some cash on your first Gretsch. If you turn out to be a true believer, then by all means, buy new.

 

[Lockupyourfatdog]

They’re both magnificent. I lean towards the falcons myself. I own two falcons now. They’re a little bigger and a little heavier but to me they are more comfortable to play. I’ve had 3 6120 models in the past and they were superb instruments but when choosing between those and the falcons I’d always choose the falcons to play.

 

[Wayne Gretschzky]

If you're accustomed to playing Telecaster and Les Paul guitars... have you ever played a 17" wide, deep-bodied archtop (Falcon)? It's a very different ergonomic experience.

 

[loudnlousy]

Since this is a serious investment into something you never laid your hands on I would strongly suggest to try before you buy. As @Wayne Gretschzky said: It`s a very different ergonomic experience compared to the usual solidbodies.
If I had the money I would buy the Falcon, though.

 

[George Homme]

Unfortunately there are no used or new instruments around me to try or buy. I have played 17 inch instruments before. I am 6'2 tall so size not an issue I suppose.

In terms of sound..why the white falcon?

 

[Jeremiah_S]

I don't have a reason for you, sonically. My preference is purely aesthetic. I have read other forum members have the exact opposite reaction and find the White Falcon garrish and the headstock downright goofy. Hell, I'd have said the same thing about the Falcon being too flashy until I caught the bug.

 

[mister rain]

lord knows i prefer falcons, but my 5427 (same dimensions as most 6120s) is a blast to play as well

 

[section2]

Welcome!

They're both outstanding guitars, but there are some differences in feel.

The Falcon is wider and deeper than the 6120T-BSSMK (17" vs 16" wide at the lower bout, and 2.75" vs 2.5" deep).

The Falcon also has a 25.5" scale length, while the 6120 is 24.6".

The Falcon has a 12" fretboard radius, and the 6120T-BSSMK has a compound 9.5" - 12" radius.

The Falcon has a standard U neck, and this 6120 has a vintage V.

It's tough to say which one you'll bond with if you won't have a chance to play them in person first, but either way, you'll be getting a top-notch instrument.

 

[George Homme]

Welcome!

They're both outstanding guitars, but there are some differences in feel.

The Falcon is wider and deeper than the 6120T-BSSMK (17" vs 16" wide at the lower bout, and 2.75" vs 2.5" deep).

The Falcon also has a 25.5" scale length, while the 6120 is 24.6".

The Falcon has a 12" fretboard radius, and the 6120T-BSSMK has a compound 9.5" - 12" radius.

The Falcon has a standard U neck, and this 6120 has a vintage V.

It's tough to say which one you'll bond with if you won't have a chance to play them in person first, but either way, you'll be getting a top-notch instrument.

Yeap..I know the spec differences...which is going to be more versatile from the two?

Also for Alt-Country which more suitable...

Sometimes I use to tune half step down...in theory the falcon will handle this better...

Also...which is the fattest neck? falcon?

 

[jvin248]

.

An orange one!

Get one of the Harley Benton models that is close to the Gretsches you are considering.
That way you can get one for low cost, try out the ergonomics to make sure you get along, and have a nice playing guitar anyway.


This guy has some good advice for how he pursued similar tones that you may be after. Be sure to watch passed his guitar swap and his discussion of using a studio outfitted with original 50s recording equipment.



.

 

[Glaw]

Hope I got that right.
I find my 6120 easier to play and it seems more versatile to me. I love my Falcon and it puts out great sound not to mention it looks like it should be in a museum it’s so good looking. Is there a price difference? Same price I’d probably go for the Falcon but I could get the 6120 later and for less where I live.

 

[JC higgy]

Welcome to GT, GH!

I have both ,but the 6120 has always been my fav Gretsch.

 

[loudnlousy]

In terms of sound..why the white falcon?

It is a more Fenderish-skale and it looks incredile.

 

[Henry]

Smoke!

 

[Sabato]

Setzer Smoke with the Ray Butts pickups - my favorite guitar.

 

[mrfixitmi]

Honestly, both are excellent choices. You say that you have been playing a D28 (nice choice BTW), acoustic, the lower bout is a little over 15.6" wide. That step up to wider bout may not seem to much of an increase. I know 17" wide does not seem much wider than a D28, but may attaching portions of a pizza box to the back of the D28 will give you some idea. I would hate to have you spend that kind of money to find out that the hollow body is painful on the ribs. As others have said, this can be a different animal.
If you find you are at your limit, You may want to consider the 6128 or 6129 series known as the Duo Jet. They are very versatile, and have that great Gretsch sound.

 

[wabash slim]

If you're accustomed to playing Telecaster and Les Paul guitars... have you ever played a 17" wide, deep-bodied archtop (Falcon)? It's a very different ergonomic experience.

Welcome to the group!
As you're used to a Martin d-18, it's not like you're unused to a large bodied guitar. A Falcon is too sparkly for my tastes as well. Try to find and play as many Gretsches as you can, at least listen to as many as possible. Aside from the trim, it's the pickups and body style (full hollow, center block, or braced) that will make the real difference to you.

 

[audept]

Welcome to the forum, George!

 

[thunder58]

Welcome friend