NGD - Gretsch Gold Sparkle G6129T-89VS

fcs101

Axe-Master
Finally pulled the trigger and got this (very) sparkly gold Gretsch 6129T-89VS. I've been watching them for over two years now and found an incredible deal in Nashville. It was listed as "excellent", but looks like new (even has all the plastic film and the little paper gasket thing under the bridge). I really like the contrast with the dark back and neck. These range in weight from the low 8s to low 9s; this one comes in at 8 lbs 1 oz (bonus!).

Chris Cornell had it right. These things are made to rock!

I'm loving the sounds I'm getting. I don't do Rockabilly or Country Twang. The TV Jones Classic/Classic+ Filter'trons are tops. I can see why Gretsch uses them in the top-of-the-line models.

It's been almost twenty years since I last bought a Gretsch. The previous one is this one's big brother, my Black Falcon (which made me take note of Filter'trons). Gretsch's build quality out of Japan is unmatched.

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Sweet!

I’m curious to try one of these re-issues - I have 2 of the originals (late 90s) and the blue pearl (which is stock other than the pickups, which I upgraded to TV Jones from the stock Gretsch FilterTrons) has been one of my main guitars for almost 25 years. The new ones are likely a better/more consistent build quality. But mostly I’m curious to try the non-roller bridge - which perhaps is the most notable difference from the originals? - to see how it affects tone and tuning stability.

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Sweet!

I’m curious to try one of these re-issues - I have 2 of the originals (late 90s) and the blue pearl (which is stock other than the pickups, which I upgraded to TV Jones from the stock Gretsch FilterTrons) has been one of my main guitars for almost 25 years. The new ones are likely a better/more consistent build quality. But mostly I’m curious to try the non-roller bridge - which perhaps is the most notable difference from the originals? - to see how it affects tone and tuning stability.

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Those are beautiful!

I can say the Bigsby on this one is the best I have; I even prefer it to a Schecter Corsair I have with a licensed Duesenberg trem (which was previously my favorite). It has a very nice feel to it, much more responsive than my Black Falcon, and it stays in tune nicely. The Falcon stays in tune, but not near as responsive.

BTW-I had looked at some Champagne Penguins, but knew I had to have the gold sparkle.

What are your thoughts on Filter'trons? I've always been a HB fan, but once I discovered FTs it seemed like the best of both worlds. I can still get that big full sound and yet maintain the clarity.
 
Those are beautiful!

I can say the Bigsby on this one is the best I have; I even prefer it to a Schecter Corsair I have with a licensed Duesenberg trem (which was previously my favorite). It has a very nice feel to it, much more responsive than my Black Falcon, and it stays in tune nicely. The Falcon stays in tune, but not near as responsive.

BTW-I had looked at some Champagne Penguins, but knew I had to have the gold sparkle.

What are your thoughts on Filter'trons? I've always been a HB fan, but once I discovered FTs it seemed like the best of both worlds. I can still get that big full sound and yet maintain the clarity.

I love FilterTrons. They’re not for everything, but they work in many situations, and a probably my favorite for touch responsive mid-gain tones.
 
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