1968 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins

Baldwin-era 6120 from the Brooklyn factory. Quality remains acceptable but cost-cutting is beginning. Binding deterioration is a concern on instruments of this age.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$5,500$11,000
Very Good
$3,500$5,500
Good
$2,200$3,500
Fair
$1,100$2,200

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodMaple (thinline double-cutaway hollow body)
Neck WoodMaple
FingerboardEbony
Scale Length25.500"
Frets21
Pickup ConfigHH
BridgeSpace Control bridge, Bigsby B6
TunersGrover Imperial
Finish OptionsTangerine Orange
Est. Production1,050

Pickups & Electronics

Two Filter'Tron humbuckers. Baldwin era — some quality variations beginning to appear.

What Changed in 1968

Baldwin ownership continues. The Brooklyn factory is still operational but cost-cutting measures are being introduced. Binding deterioration — a chronic Gretsch issue — becomes more prevalent in this era.

Collector's Notes

Binding deterioration is a major issue on late 1960s Gretsches — inspect all binding edges carefully. Crumbling binding can be expensive to repair and affects playability.