Gretsch G6196T-59GE Vintage Select Edition 1959 CC Cadillac Green

The ’50s and ’60s are generally thought of as Gretsch’s glory days. Original models from those decades are sold for astronomical amounts, and therefore hardly affordable for mere mortals. Fortunately, Gretsch has issued their Vintage Select Edition models, which are part of the Gretsch Professional series, and were built according to vintage specifications. Cost nor effort were spared to make sure the construction, looks and sound of these guitars are all vintage-correct. If it wasn’t for their reasonable price, you’d think you were actually dealing with an instrument from 1959! Granted, the Gretsch G6196T-59GE Vintage Select Edition 1959 Country Club Cadillac Green isn’t the cheapest guitar ever issued, but if you’re a real Gretsch fan, it’s definitely worth the investment. Big, bold and beautiful, 100% vintage, 100% Gretsch.

Fully vintage
The first thing you’ll notice about this G6196T is its tasteful Cadillac Green finish. Combined with the gold-plated hardware, this ‘custom colour’ makes this Gretsch Country Club a real eye-catcher. Just like in the 1950s, two TV-Jones humbuckers amplify your guitar sound, while a set of classic Grover Imperial Gold machine heads ensure your instrument stays perfectly tuned. Furthermore, this Vintage Select model features a Bigsby vibrato and tone controls designed by Chet Atkins, the star guitarist who also thought up the guitar’s clever ’59 trestle bracing. Also noteworthy is the pinned Space Control bridge with its rosewood base – a novelty in 1959 – which allows for adjustable string spacing to suit any playing style.

Vintage Select Editions
Even though Gretsch Guitars was originally founded in 1883, the 1950s were the company’s glory days. Not only was rock & roll up and coming, it was also a great time for guitar builders, who kept their businesses rolling along smoothly. Thanks to years of experience and collaborations with famous guitar builders like Chet Atkins, Gretsch was able to issue guitar models that are still incredibly popular today. To pay homage to their own golden age, Gretsch has introduced the Vintage Select Editions, a series of guitars that adhere strictly to the specifications from their heydays. All of the Gretsch Vintage Select guitars are vintage-correct and, unlike the original instruments from the ’50s, affordable for true fans.