1959 Gretsch Duo Jet

Filter'Tron Duo Jet from the Brooklyn factory's golden era. The short scale, chambered mahogany body, and Filter'Trons create a unique tonal palette.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$11,000$22,000
Very Good
$7,000$11,000
Good
$4,500$7,000
Fair
$2,200$4,500

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

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Specifications

Body WoodMahogany (chambered body)
Neck WoodMaple
FingerboardEbony
Scale Length24.500"
Frets22
Pickup ConfigHH
BridgeSpace Control bridge
TunersGrover Imperial
Finish OptionsJet Black (sparkle)
Est. Production500

Pickups & Electronics

Two Filter'Tron humbuckers. The Filter'Tron Duo Jet sound is now established.

What Changed in 1959

First full year of Filter'Tron-only Duo Jet production. Brooklyn factory quality is excellent. The short-scale, chambered Duo Jet with Filter'Trons is a distinctive instrument.

Collector's Notes

Filter'Tron Duo Jets (1958+) are more affordable than DynaSonic versions but remain excellent collectible instruments. Verify pickup and hardware originality.

How to Authenticate a 1959 Gretsch Duo Jet

Gretsch serial numbers use a system where the first digits indicate month/year — verify against known Gretsch serial tables for 1959. Numbers are on the headstock back. Filter'Tron humbucking pickups should be present (replaced DynaSonics around 1958). Verify originality. Check binding condition carefully — Gretsch binding from this era is notorious for deterioration and shrinkage. Replacement binding is difficult to match correctly. Chambered mahogany body with Tenite plastic arched top — should feel lighter than a true solid-body. Black top finish is classic. Verify all hardware (bridge, tailpiece, tuners, knobs, switches) matches documented specifications for 1959. Laminated maple body — tap test for correct hollow-body resonance. Original case with Gretsch logo adds provenance.