Gretsch 6120CST 59 Purple Relic

Overview: The Concept Behind the Gretsch 6120CST 59 Purple Relic

The Gretsch 6120CST 59 Purple Relic is a custom shop, one-of-a-kind interpretation of the legendary jazz-inspired hollowbody design. Priced at $11,390, it embodies the pinnacle of Gretsch craftsmanship as a single production piece. With a maple body, neck, and top, an ebony fingerboard with Neo Classic pearloid thumbnails, and eye-catching purple metallic relic finish, this instrument caters to serious collectors, session players, and enthusiasts of bespoke electric guitars. The inclusion of a hardshell case and certificate emphasizes its status as a collector's item.

Build and Materials: Premium Hand-Selected Choices

• Body and Neck: The body, back, and top are crafted from maple, a choice associated with acoustic resonance and robust structure. Maple's tonal profile favors brightness and clarity, suitable for the articulate sounds expected from jazz-style instruments.
• Neck: The neck follows suit in maple, promoting uniformity in tone and sustain, and is fitted with an ebony fretboard. Ebony is revered for its smooth surface and rapid response, qualities favorable for intricate chord work and fast runs.
• Frets: The instrument features 22 vintage-size frets, which typically offer a lower profile and easier bending, in keeping with the late '50s aesthetic.
• Scale and Nut Width: The 622 mm (24.5-inch) scale length typically ensures easier playability and a warmer tension response compared to longer-scale instruments. The nut measures 43 mm across, providing ample space for complex voicings without feeling unwieldy.
• Binding and Inlays: White binding protects the maple shell and the ebony fingerboard. The iconic Neo Classic pearloid thumbnail inlays help with navigation along the fretboard while completing the Gretsch vintage motif.
• Finish: The nitrocellulose lacquer finish in purple metallic, prepared with a relic treatment, not only presents a visually arresting aesthetic but also permits the wood to resonate naturally, enhancing aging and resonance over time. The relic process delivers simulated wear and patina expected from decades of gigging and handling.

Electronics: Vintage Inspired with Modern Stability

• Pickups: Dual TV Jones Classic humbuckers (HH configuration) are installed, capturing the signature Gretsch transparency and snap while handling higher gain without the typical single-coil noise. These pickups are known for their articulate mids, tight bass, and airy highs, ideal for nuanced genres from jazz to rockabilly.
• Switching: There is a pickup selector and a tone switch for rapid access to predefined voicings. A separate tone pot switch allows further adaptation, offering greater control over treble response and output color.

Hardware: Vintage Touches, Contemporary Reliability

• Bridge and Tremolo: The Rocking Bar bridge anchors the strings with stability and sustain typical of vintage Gretsch models. Paired with a Bigsby "V" Cut B36G vibrato system, the guitar offers classic pitch modulation effects without sacrificing tuning integrity.
• Machine Heads: Gotoh tuners offer smooth and accurate adjustment, a modern upgrade maintaining tuning stability over extended sessions.
• Pickguard and Hardware: The silver sparkle pickguard complements the chrome hardware, reinforcing the stage-ready esthetic. All fittings are consistent with Gretsch's high standards for both reliability and style.

Usability and Intended Audience

This model's scale length, fretwork, and overall design are favorable to players accustomed to vintage jazz archtops or classic hollowbody electrics. The contoured maple construction and moderate nut width serve professionals who demand articulation and comfort in intricate musical settings. However, this is unmistakably a collector's instrument, its unique finish, limited run status (one piece only), and price point position it far from the mass market. It is supplied with a hardshell case, but not a gigbag, and the included certificate verifies its exclusivity.

Summary: Technical Perspective

The Gretsch 6120CST 59 Purple Relic stands as a statement piece, merging traditional Gretsch design with select modern enhancements. Its hand-selected maple body, ebony fingerboard, and dual TV Jones humbuckers provide both the resonance and clarity expected from a high-end jazz-style electric guitar. The period-correct hardware paired with contemporary accuracy in tuners and switching ensures durability and performance reliability. With a nitrocellulose lacquer relic finish and singular availability, it is guaranteed to attract attention from serious Gretsch devotees, high-end collectors, or any player seeking a standout hollowbody with uncompromised technical pedigree.