Gone But Not Forgotten
I've been a Brian Setzer fan since I got the first import Stray Cats record in 1980 or 1981. I can't play like him, not even close. But it's fun to hang this guitar around my neck and fantasize.
I have always wanted one of the Gretsch USA Custom Shop Brian Setzer tribute model, but the cost of one of those is a bit too high. SO I decided to do the next best thing, take a great MIJ Brian Setzer model and have it relic'd and stickered. Not to be just like Brian's but in the same vein.
This started as a regular MIJ Gretsch 6120-SSLVO with a traditional plain maple body finished with a vintage orange lacquer. I always preferred the plain body vs. flame as it's more traditional and in line with what Brian plays. Plus, the flame models are finished in urethane vs. lacquer and urethane is next to impossible to relic.
The next step was to send the guitar to RS Guitarworks in Winchester, KY for a very light relic job and a few stickers that all stayed with an automotive theme.
AS you can see from the pictures, RS did a fantastic job with some light relicing and checking without going over the top. And I think the few stickers are perfect, especially the pinup girl riding a flaming tire. The metal parts, including the TV Jones pickup covers, are nicely aged.
There's not another one like it. If you want clean, pristine guitar, this one is clearly not the one. But this guitar plays like a champ and pops on stage.
Comes in its original hard shell case and also includes the original pickguard and dice knobs.
