Guitar Gear ReviewsGretsch 6120CST 59 Black Paisley Relic
An elite, collectible Custom Shop hollowbody marrying luxury craftsmanship with iconic tones for the discerning aficionado.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-09-12 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Exclusive craftsmanship as a Custom Shop, single-piece limited edition
- Premium materials: solid maple body, maple neck, and ebony fingerboard
- Equipped with two TV Jones Super-Trons humbuckers for vintage-inspired versatility
- High-end hardware: Bigsby-style tremolo, Sperzel locking tuners, Adjusto-Matic bridge
- Includes deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate
What bugged me
- Extremely high price point, accessible only to a niche market
- Limited to one piece, making availability and post-sale support difficult
- Relic finish may not appeal to everyone seeking a pristine look
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
Ideal for high-end collectors, professional musicians seeking a distinctive visual and sonic statement, or anyone seeking an instrument that doubles as a showpiece. Perfect for players who appreciate classic Gretsch tones with luxurious appointments.Look elsewhere if
Not for beginners or intermediate players on a budget, nor for those seeking a practical, gig-ready instrument for regular use. Also unsuitable for those who dislike relic finishes or desire widespread availability.Suggested level: Professional
Specifications
- Limited run
- Single Piece
- Model
- 6120
- Color
- Paisley
- Shape
- Jazz-Style
- Body
- Maple
- Top
- Maple
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 628 mm
- Pickup system
- HH
- Tremolo
- Bigsby-Style
- Including case
- Yes
- Incl. gigbag
- No
Up close
Questions players ask
What makes this Gretsch 6120CST 59 unique compared to other hollowbody guitars?
This is a unique, single-piece Custom Shop build with a relic Black Paisley finish, rare TV Jones Super-Trons pickups, and top-grade tonewoods, making it both a collector's item and a professional instrument.
Is this guitar suitable for live performance?
With its robust construction, locking tuners and high-quality electronics, it's well-suited for stage use, but its value and rarity may make most owners cautious about gigging with it.
Does it include accessories?
Yes, it comes with a deluxe hardshell case, a strap, and a certificate of authenticity.
How versatile are the TV Jones Super-Trons for different music styles?
The Super-Trons deliver classic humbucker warmth and clarity, supporting genres from rock and jazz to roots and ambient sounds.
Can I find another if this one is sold out?
No; as a single-issue limited run, only this exact instrument exists in this configuration.
Overview: The Gretsch 6120CST 59 Black Paisley Relic
The Gretsch 6120CST 59 Black Paisley Relic is a one-of-a-kind, Custom Shop hollow-body guitar built for collectors and devoted players with a significant budget. Carrying a price tag of $11,690, this single-piece limited run combines classic Gretsch elements with exclusive finishing and high-end appointments. Released in August 2024, this guitar stands out thanks to its detailed Black Paisley relic finish, select tonewoods, and high-spec hardware.
Construction and Materials
The body of the Gretsch 6120CST 59 is shaped in the brand's well-known jazz-style silhouette. Both the top and the back and sides are constructed from maple, offering a bright, articulate acoustic response and a stable platform for the pickups. The neck is also made of maple, topped with an ebony fingerboard, this pairing balances brightness with a smooth tactile feel that suits expressive playing styles.
The instrument features silver sparkle binding around the body, lending eye-catching detail that enhances the visual presentation. The relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish, exclusive to this Custom Shop model, aims to replicate the wear and patina of a vintage Gretsch. This isn't just aesthetic: thin nitro finishes are commonly used to let the tonewood resonate more freely.
Playability and Neck Profile
The 6120CST 59's neck measures 43 mm at the nut and sports a scale length of 622 mm (roughly 24.5 inches). This scale accommodates slightly looser string tension compared to a Fender standard, supporting smoother bends and a rounder tone typical of classic jazz and rockabilly instruments. The ebony fingerboard is fitted with 22 vintage frets, and Gretsch's "Neo Classic" pearloid thumbnail inlays provide understated guidance up the neck. With this specification, players can expect a familiar feel if they have experience with vintage or Custom Shop hollow-bodies.
Electronics: TV Jones Super-Trons and Switching System
Pickup duties are handled by a pair of TV Jones Super-Trons, humbucking pickups designed to deliver detailed mids and clear low end without sacrificing high-frequency definition. Mounted in the traditional neck and bridge positions, these pickups court everything from warm jazz voicings to the chime and bark associated with classic Gretsch rock & roll tones.
- Pickup configuration: Two humbucking pickups in neck and bridge.
- Switching: Dual three-way switches provide neck, bridge or combined pickup access, plus a separate tone selector.
- Tone controls: A dedicated tone switch offers rapid style changes, while a tone potentiometer allows for nuanced adjustments.
This electronic layout is typical for high-end Gretsch models and supports a versatile range of tones with instant switching options, crucial for dynamic stage or studio work.
Hardware and Additional Features
The tremolo is a Bigsby "V" Cut B36G, a hallmark for players wanting vintage-inspired pitch dynamics. Coupled with an Adjusto-Matic bridge, this tremolo system supports smooth, expressive vibrato while maintaining tuning stability, aided by Sperzel locking machine heads. Hardware throughout is finished in chrome, matching the guitar's high-spec aesthetic and further supporting long-term reliability.
Deluxe Accessories
- Case: Supplied with a deluxe hardshell case for maximum protection.
- Extras: Includes a strap and certificate of authenticity.
- Note: No gig bag included.
These accessories underline the instrument's place within the top echelon of Gretsch's catalog and are tailored for collectors or professional players seeking comprehensive luxury.
Finish and Visual Details
The Black Paisley finish on the top, paired with a matching black back, stands apart from standard production models. The relic process carefully simulates decades of gentle wear, crafting an aesthetic that appeals both to players and collectors with an eye for vintage character. The interplay of silver sparkle binding and the ornate paisley motif contributes to the guitar's singular appearance among Gretsch's typically more reserved offerings.
Summary: Target Player and Value Proposition
The Gretsch 6120CST 59 Black Paisley Relic embodies the Custom Shop ethos: classic design, hand-selected materials and painstaking cosmetic details. The top-tier maple and ebony construction, advanced switching system, premium TV Jones pickups and Bigsby tremolo define this guitar's premium quality.
For those seeking a collectible or a high-performance hollow-body tailored for jazz, blues, rockabilly or country, this model offers a professional foundation. The price and single-piece exclusivity position it as a specialist's instrument, suitable for display or the rigors of advanced stage use. It is not positioned for beginners or those seeking modern features, its design is rooted in traditional Gretsch themes, executed at the highest level Gretsch currently offers.
The last word from the bench
The Gretsch 6120CST 59 Black Paisley Relic is a true collector's piece, combining exquisite maple workmanship, finely detailed appointments, and respected TV Jones pickups. Its relic finish and bespoke build elevate both playability and prestige, but these features also limit the instrument to players and collectors who seek rarity above all. Its price ensures it remains unattainable for most, yet its quality stands at the highest level for those able to invest.
Hanging next to it
Before you decide
Gretsch 6120CST 59 Black Paisley Relic
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