Gretsch Brian Setzer G6120T-BSNSH BK

Gretsch Brian Setzer G6120T-BSNSH BK review

The Gretsch Brian Setzer G6120T-BSNSH BK is a black, fully hollow signature guitar built around a laminated maple body, two TV Jones Brian Setzer Filter'Tron pickups, and a Bigsby B6C tremolo. Its 24.57-inch scale and Vintage V maple neck give it a distinct feel compared with many modern rock guitars. At a listed price of $2,998, it sits well above Gretsch's more affordable hollowbody models. Players who have moved up from a 5422T describe a clear step forward in finish, playing feel, and sound.

That difference comes through most clearly in the instrument's character. It has the familiar Gretsch snap and twang, with enough output and lower-midrange weight to handle driven tones without turning indistinct. The guitar is designed for rockabilly and rock and roll, but owners also report using it for country, blues, and harder rock. The signature pickups have more output than those in some older Gretsch guitars, while retaining clear highs that owners did not find overly sharp.

Construction and feel

The maple body and top are paired with a glued maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. Gretsch uses 22 medium-jumbo frets, thumbnail fingerboard inlays, and white binding. The compound fingerboard radius moves from 9.5 inches near the nut to 12 inches toward the body. In practice, that gives the neck a rounder feel in the lower positions and a flatter surface higher up. One player who also frets notes with the thumb found this shape especially comfortable.

The Vintage V neck profile is a notable part of the experience. Players describe it as comfortable and easy to settle into, particularly for rhythm work and rockabilly phrasing. There is a tradeoff: access to the highest frets can feel less straightforward than on a double-cutaway guitar. That is less likely to matter to players who spend most of their time in the lower and middle registers, but lead players who regularly use the upper frets should try the neck first.

The black nitrocellulose finish has received praise for its appearance and workmanship. It also shows fingerprints and handling marks readily, so keeping it looking pristine takes regular wiping. The gold-colored plexiglass pickguard carries Brian Setzer's signature and the Gretsch logo. Nickel hardware, Gotoh locking tuners, and the included hard case round out the specification. The case also comes with additional parts reported by owners, including alternate control knobs and tremolo-related accessories.

Controls, pickups, and stage sound

Two TV Jones Brian Setzer Filter'Tron pickups feed a three-way pickup selector. The controls include two pickup volume knobs, a master volume, and a three-way tone switch. The middle tone-switch position is a common choice among owners, who report leaving it there for much of their playing. The other settings provide useful tonal alternatives, including darker sounds suited to jazz or blues. The control layout takes a little familiarity, but it offers more tonal adjustment than a basic one-volume, one-tone setup.

Clean tones are described as clear and lively, with the bright edge associated with Gretsch hollowbodies. Add distortion and the notes can retain definition rather than becoming muddy. One owner reported using a substantial fuzz pedal without unwanted feedback. That is useful real-world feedback, though results depend on amplifier volume, gain, room position, and playing style. A hollowbody can feed back when pushed; players can also use that response deliberately by moving in relation to the amplifier.

The Bigsby B6C tremolo adds gentle pitch movement, while the Adjusto-Matic bridge has a rosewood base. The guitar ships with.010 to.046 strings. Some owners found the factory setup ready to play, while another reported needing to adjust the nut and setup measurements. That variation is a reminder to check action and intonation after delivery, especially following changes in temperature and humidity. Locking tuners make string changes quicker, but they do not replace a careful setup.

Who should consider it?

This Gretsch makes the most sense for players who want a high-quality hollowbody with a strong rockabilly identity and a versatile voice for clean and driven playing. Its neck, signature pickups, and Bigsby give it a specific feel rather than a neutral one. Players looking for easy access to the highest frets, or a black finish that hides everyday handling, may prefer another design.

The price is substantial, but owners who have compared it with older 6120 models describe the construction, playability, and pickup response as compelling. The Gretsch Brian Setzer G6120T-BSNSH BK delivers a focused blend of snap, warmth, and controlled drive, with a distinctive neck and finish to match. Try the V profile and upper-fret reach in person if possible, then budget time for a personal setup. For a player drawn to Setzer's sound and the feel of a hollow Gretsch, it is a convincing signature instrument.