Description
1964 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary! Grover tuners, Bigsby and a brass nut added. $2999 with HSC!
The 1964 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary is a classic hollow-body electric guitar known for its warm, resonant tone and iconic 1960s Gretsch aesthetics. Originally introduced in 1958 to commemorate Gretsch’s 75th anniversary, the Double Anniversary model became a popular choice for rock, rockabilly, country, and jazz musicians. By 1964, this model had seen some refinements, including different finishes and pickup configurations, yet it maintained the core features that made it famous: a fully hollow body, dual pickups, and Gretsch’s signature design elements. The 6117 Double Anniversary provides a more affordable option than the higher-end Gretsch models while still delivering the brand’s characteristic tone and style.
Key Features
- Fully hollow laminated maple body with double cutaway
- 16″ body width, 2.75″ body depth
- Maple neck with a bound rosewood fingerboard and 22 frets
- Dual HiLo’Tron single-coil pickups for clear, bright tones with less output compared to Filter’Trons
- Tone and volume controls for each pickup, plus a master volume control
- Three-way pickup selector switch
- Gretsch Space Control or Bar Bridge (varied by model year)
- G-cutout tailpiece for added Gretsch style
- Available in two-tone finishes like “Smoke Green” or Sunburst
- 24.6″ scale length and 12″ fingerboard radius
Sound Profile
The 1964 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary delivers a distinctive, clear, and articulate sound, typical of Gretsch hollow-body guitars. The HiLo’Tron single-coil pickups provide a bright, jangly tone with moderate output, making it perfect for clean and slightly overdriven sounds. This guitar excels in styles that require clarity and a snappy attack, such as rockabilly, surf, country, and early rock ‘n’ roll. The fully hollow construction adds warmth and natural resonance, making it an excellent choice for rhythm playing and chords that need to “breathe.” The guitar can also deliver a smooth, warm sound for jazz when the tone is dialed down.
Applications
The Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary is ideal for rockabilly, country, surf, blues, and jazz players who appreciate the unique tonal qualities of a hollow-body electric guitar. Its bright, twangy sound works exceptionally well for fingerpicking and rhythm guitar. Players seeking a guitar that can deliver jangly, retro tones reminiscent of the 1960s will find the 6117 particularly appealing. Its moderate output HiLo’Tron pickups also make it a great platform for pedals, allowing the guitar’s natural clarity to shine through effects.
Build Quality and Aesthetic
The 1964 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary boasts exceptional craftsmanship, with its laminated maple body offering durability while maintaining tonal resonance. The double cutaway design ensures easy access to higher frets, making it suitable for lead work as well as rhythm playing. The classic two-tone finishes, such as the famous “Smoke Green,” give the guitar a unique, retro look that stands out. The small, understated binding, bound neck, and simple dot inlays reflect the Double Anniversary’s position as a more affordable model in the Gretsch lineup, but without sacrificing the visual appeal for which Gretsch guitars are known.
Country of Manufacture
United States
Collectibility and Market Value
The 1964 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary is a desirable vintage guitar, especially for Gretsch enthusiasts and collectors. While it may not command the same premium as some of Gretsch’s higher-end models like the White Falcon or Chet Atkins models, the Double Anniversary is still highly regarded for its sound and build quality. Its value has steadily increased over time, particularly if it is in good condition with original parts. Collectors and players appreciate the unique Gretsch aesthetic and tone, and as vintage Gretsches become rarer, the 6117 Double Anniversary remains a valuable investment for both players and collectors.
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