1956 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins
Mid-1950s 6120 transitioning away from western motifs but retaining the DynaSonic pickups and classic orange finish. Still deeply in the rockabilly era.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Maple (hollow body) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Bar bridge, Bigsby B6 |
| Tuners | Grover Imperial |
| Finish Options | Western Orange |
| Est. Production | 450 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two DeArmond DynaSonic single-coil pickups. Clear, bright tone with excellent articulation.
What Changed in 1956
The steer skull inlays were being phased out in favor of thumbprint inlays. The cactus body decoration also disappearing. The guitar was evolving from pure western novelty to a more sophisticated design. Still DynaSonic pickups.
Collector's Notes
1956 models may have transitional features — some with thumbprint inlays, some still with steer skulls. DynaSonic pickups should be original and functional. Bigsby B6 is the correct tailpiece.