Gretsch G6122 Country Classic II Bigsby (1989)

One of the first Gretsch Country Classic IIs, from the good pre-Fender era.

There aren't many guitarists who can resist a Gretsch with a Bigsby. We're pleased to be able to offer this played but well-kept example of the Country Classic II from 1989, on behalf of its owner. Anyone who knows will tell you Japanese production at that point was outstanding, before Fender took the pencil to the budget.

The Gretsch G6122 Country Classic II is a legendary hollowbody, famous above all for its history with Chet Atkins and George Harrison. When Atkins left Gretsch for Gibson in the 1980s, Gretsch lost the rights to his name on the signature models, so the iconic Country Gentleman had to be renamed Country Classic. The Roman II stands for the double cutaway.

Beyond the lovely looks, it delivers what the elegance promises. Gretsch's own Filter'Trons do the work here, and they give a very even picture across the range and turn out to be more flexible than you'd first assume.

It's been played regularly on the strength of those qualities, but always looked after. You wouldn't guess 37 years from the finish, though the odd small scratch is inevitable. The original case shows considerably heavier wear but still does its job. The frets and fretboard carry a few battle scars from hard touring — they're fine for now, but a refret should be planned within the next few years, and we've reflected that in a considerably reduced price. The vintage patina on the hardware gives our Gretsch plenty of charm. The pickup rings were replaced because the originals had cracked with age; they're in the case.