Brian Setzer Guitars
When Brian Setzer takes the stage, his presence is magnetic, but it’s not just about the man; it’s also about the instrument he wields. That Gretsch guitar became as iconic as Setzer himself, a symbol of rockabilly revival in a world dominated by synthesizers.
If you’ve ever tapped your foot to “Rock This Town” or swayed to “Stray Cat Strut”, you’ve felt the magic of Setzer’s music. And a significant part of that magic? His signature Gretsch guitars.
Table of Contents
Who is Brian Setzer?
Hailing from Massapequa, New York, Setzer began his journey with the Stray Cats, taking the world by storm with their unique blend of vintage style and fresh energy. However, Setzer’s career didn’t stop with the Cats. Oh no! He went on to form the Brian Setzer Orchestra, a band that perfectly blended big band swing with rockabilly vibes.
A 3-time Grammy winner, Setzer has proved time and again that he’s no mere musician; he’s a force, a whirlwind of energy, and a testament to what happens when talent meets passion. And through all the highs and lows, tours, albums, and awards, there was one constant: his trusty Gretsch guitars.
1. Gretsch G6120T-BSSMK Brian Setzer Signature Nashville
Kicking off our list is the G6120T-BSSMK, a guitar that feels like a love letter to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this instrument boasts laminated maple for its body.
Now, why is that important, you ask? Well, maple, with its tight grain structure, offers a sharp, clear tonality. In simpler terms? It’s the reason behind those bright, punchy tones that are synonymous with rockabilly music.
Pickups
Equipped with the TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature pickups, this guitar is all about capturing Setzer’s iconic sound. These pickups are designed to offer a blend of clarity, power, and vintage warmth. So whether you’re strumming out mellow chords or rocking a wild solo, this guitar has your back.
Design
This guitar, with its elegant vintage finish, is a looker. The signature trestle bracing ensures enhanced sustain while the Bigsby B6C vibrato tailpiece adds that classic tremolo effect, allowing you to add subtle flairs or wild dives to your playing.
Specification Table: Gretsch G6120T-Bssmk Brian Setzer Signature Nashville
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | Gretsch |
| Configuration: | HH |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Made in: | Japan |
| Series: | Artist Signature Edition |
| Colors: | Orange |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Top: | Arched Laminated Maple |
| Type: | Hollowbody |
| Body Material: | Laminated Maple |
| Bridge: | Bigsby B6CGH |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Set |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking |
| Fretboard: | Ebony |
| Neck Material: | Maple |
| Decoration: | Pearloid Neo-Classic Thumbnail |
| Scale Size: | 24.6″ |
| Shape: | Vintage V |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.84” (21.3mm) – 12th Fret: 0.96” (24.4mm) |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9.5″ to 12″ |
| Nut: | Delrin |
| Nut Width: | 42.8mm (1.685”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 3 Way |
| Knobs: | Speed |
| Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing |
| Volume Controls: | 3 |
| Tone Controls: | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Gretsch TV Jones Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity (Humbucker / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup: | Gretsch TV Jones Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity (Humbucker / Passive) |
2. Gretsch G6120T-BSNSH Brian Setzer Signature Nashville
The G6120T-BSNSH is crafted from laminated maple, ensuring a bright, vibrant tonality. The single-cutaway design isn’t just for aesthetics; it ensures easy access to those higher frets, making those solos all the more breezy.
Sound
This model also comes equipped with the TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature pickups, ensuring that iconic Setzer tone. From deep, resonant lows to sharp highs, this guitar can handle it all.
Vintage Vibes
With chrome hardware, thumbnail inlays, and the classic Gretsch logo, this guitar is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the ears.
Specification Table: Gretsch G6120T-Bsnsh Brian Setzer Signature Nashville
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | Gretsch |
| Configuration: | HH |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Made in: | Japan |
| Series: | Artist Signature Edition |
| Colors: | Black |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Top: | Arched Laminated Maple |
| Type: | Hollowbody |
| Body Material: | Laminated Maple |
| Bridge: | Bigsby B6C |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Set |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking |
| Fretboard: | Ebony |
| Neck Material: | Maple |
| Decoration: | Pearloid Neo-Classic Thumbnail |
| Scale Size: | 24.6″ |
| Shape: | Vintage V |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.84” (21.3mm) – 12th Fret: 0.96” (24.4mm) |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9.5″ to 12″ |
| Nut: | Delrin |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 3 Way |
| Knobs: | Speed |
| Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing |
| Volume Controls: | 3 |
| Tone Controls: | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Gretsch TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature Filter’Tron (Humbucker / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup: | Gretsch TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature Filter’Tron (Humbucker / Passive) |
3. Gretsch G6120T-HR Brian Setzer Signature Hot Rod
The Rebel Among Royals
The Hot Rod series is all about stripping down to the essentials, and the G6120T-HR epitomizes that philosophy. It’s a no-nonsense, pure rockabilly machine. With a range of vibrant finishes, from candy blue burst to Roman red, this guitar is for those who like to wear their personality on their sleeve, or in this case, their guitar.
Sound Specs
The Hot Rod features the same TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature pickups, ensuring that despite its rebellious looks, it remains true to the Setzer sound. Clear, powerful, and undeniably vintage, this guitar delivers on all fronts.
Bare Beauty
In terms of features, Hot Rod is stripped down. No fancy binding or elaborate inlays, just pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll essence. The lacquer finish ensures that the guitar ages gracefully, with the wood “breathing” and resonating more freely.
Specification Table: Gretsch G6120T-HR Brian Setzer Signature Hot Rod
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | Gretsch |
| Configuration: | HH |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Made in: | Japan |
| Series: | Artist Signature Edition |
| Colors: | Gold, Green, Blue Burst, Red, Purple |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Top: | Arched Laminated Maple |
| Type: | Hollowbody |
| Body Material: | Laminated Maple |
| Bridge: | Bigsby B6C |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Set |
| Tuners: | Gotoh Locking |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood |
| Neck Material: | Maple |
| Decoration: | Pearloid Neo-Classic Thumbnail |
| Scale Size: | 24.6″ |
| Shape: | Vintage V |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.84” (21.3mm) – 12th Fret: 0.96” (24.4mm) |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius: | 9.5″ to 12″ |
| Nut: | Delrin |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 3 Way |
| Knobs: | Speed |
| Volume Controls: | 1 |
| Tone Controls: | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Gretsch TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature Filter’Tron (Humbucker / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup: | Gretsch TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature Filter’Tron (Humbucker / Passive) |
Brian Setzer’s journey from a small-town boy to rockabilly royalty is the stuff legends are made of. And a significant part of that legend is his Gretsch guitars.