Gretsch Custom Shop Masterbuilt G6128CS 1954 Duo Jet NOS Brazilian Rosewood Curly Maple Walnut Stain
The Gretsch Custom Shop is where the time-honored legacy reaches its creative apex. No instruments epitomize the extraordinary expertise and attention to detail of Gretsch’s most trusted hands like Custom Shop instruments. From modern versions of legendary Gretsch instruments to artist tribute models and specially requested one-off guitars, the Gretsch Custom Shop takes “That Great Gretsch Sound” to an entirely new plane, but also preserves and perfects it.
Truetone Music is proud to have a long and close relationship with Gretsch, especially with the Custom Shop. Sometimes we go for vintage-styled recreations, sometimes we go for modernized tweaks. Sometimes it's a classic color, sometimes it's a totally new color or even reclaimed wood. And when they just cook up something magnificent, we have to have it. That's the case here. This G6128-CS Duo Jet is an amazing example of what the Custom Shop can do. It's the only one ever made, and it's downright amazing. Masterbuilder Chad Henrichsen, who has worked alongside the legendary Stephen Stern for years, created this masterpiece. We had spec'ed the guitar out with both Stern and Henrichsen, who was entrusted to create this masterpiece. He absolutely nailed it.
Of course, what stands out right away is the wood. This guitar has a lot going on - a Brazilian Rosewood fretboard on a Mahogany neck, and a Mahogany body topped with Curly Maple. The woods were hand-picked at the Gretsch Custom Shop, and we're not sure if there is a way they could have found better specimens. Of course, Brazilian Rosewood is rare and desirable, immediately making this even more special (and meaning it can only ship within the United States). The guitar is finished in a Walnut Stain, which accents the Curly Maple perfectly. With woods this nice, we wanted to keep this one super clean, so we chose to have it done as an NOS (New Old Stock, with no aging or relic'ing). We've had a lot of Gretsch Custom Shop guitars here over the years, and while all are amazing builds, not many stand out like this one.
A slightly altered recreation of the Duo Jet, which originally debuted in 1953, it has the classic Gretsch sound and feel, perfected by Chad Henrichsen. Just as it was made in 1954, it's semi-solid with routed channels and pockets in the interior. The name Duo Jet was inspired by its two pickups and the advanced aircraft of the day. What was cutting edge modern back then is an all-time classic now. It was the first Gretsch guitar to have a truss rod accessible through the headstock, a pickup selector switch and a master volume. It became, and has remained, one of the most iconic and sought after electric guitars.
The C shaped neck is extremely comfortable, and the instrument is surprisingly light (7.4 lbs). It's well-balanced and could easily be played while strapped on for hours. The Mahogany body and Curly Maple top is a great combination, providing a deep warmth with a bit of a top end snap. It really suits a Duo Jet well. This is enhanced by the Duncan Dynasonic pickups. Wound a slightly different way to add more high-end sparkle and output, these pickups sound absolutely amazing. They are great for single note playing, whether with your fingers or a pick, and react very well to your level of attack. At the same time, they are great for rhythm playing and chords. This a very versatile set of pickups, and with the controls on this guitar, a variety of tones can be dialed in. Also, the wiring includes a treble bleed on the tone put.
Other features include a Synchro-Sonic bridge bridge, a Vintage "G" cutout tailpiece, Gotoh tuners, and gold hardware. Going up the neck, the fancy look is completed by moto block inlays. The headstock is adorned with the old school Gretsch script logo, retaining a nice touch of 1954.
The G6128-CS Duo Jet comes complete with a custom case, high-end El Dorado strap and Certificate of Authenticity. The full list of specs is below. Be sure to check out all of the photos to see everything, and zoom in to see the intricate detail. It's truly a stunning guitar, and one you won't see anywhere else - because it's the only one ever built! We consider ourselves lucky to be able to present this masterpiece. Come to Truetone Music to experience it in person, or make it yours right here.
- Serial # UC22112395
- Model: G6128-CS
- Masterbuilder: Chad Henrichsen
- Weight: 7.4 lbs
- Nut width: 1.625”
- 1st fret depth: .864”
- 10th fret depth: .969”
Product Specs
Top Color: Walnut Stain
Back, Neck, & Sides Color: Walnut Stain
Headstock Color: Black
Binding Tint: Yes, Light
Aging Type: NOS
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fretboard Wood: Brazilian Rosewood
Fretboard Inlay Material: Nos Nitro
Fretboard Inlay Style: Block No 1St Fret Inlay
Headstock Perimeter: 54 Duo-Jet
Headstock Logo: Script
Headstock Logo Material: Mother of Pearl
Zero Fret: No
Frets: Vintage
Neck Binding: .060 White Nitro
Side Dots: Red
Neck Shape: Stock "C"
Nut: Bone
Body Style: 55 Duo Jet
Top: Curly Maple Ply
Back : Mahogany
Sides: Mahogany
Bracing: NA
Body Binding: .060W X .090Bwb
Wiring: Tone Pot W/Treble Bleed
Hardware: Gold
Tuners: Gotoh
Neck Pickup: Duncan Dyna-Sonic
Bridge Pickup: Duncan Dyna-Sonic
Knobs: Arrow
Bridge: Synchro-Sonic
Tailpiece: Vintage "G" Cutout
Pickguard Engraving: Script Logo
Pickguard Color: Gold W/Black Logo
Addition Notes: Small Vintage Correct Truss Rod Cover
Addition Notes: Triangle Back Cover