Gretsch Guitar Buyback and Used Sales

G6136 Black Falcon

Appraised Value: 220,000 yen

6120W Nashville

Appraised Value: 130,000 yen

6119 Tennessee Rose

Appraised Value: 120,000 yen

Founded in 1883, Gretsch began manufacturing musical instruments such as drums and banjos, and in 1954, launched the “6120,” a model named after country guitarist Chet Atkins.

Since then, renowned artists—including Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats, as well as Japanese musicians such as Kenichi Asai (BLANKEY JET CITY), Yusuke Chiba (The Birthday / THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT), and Ken Yokoyama (Hi-STANDARD)—have favored Gretsch electric guitars, making it one of the most popular brands both in Japan and abroad.

Gretsch guitars possess many distinctive features that make them instantly recognizable. Their appeal lies not only in their body and headstock shapes but also in their unique inlays and hardware, which have a strong sense of individuality, allowing them to continue shining as icons for countless guitarists.

In recent years, Gretsch has taken steps to improve playability and performance so that its guitars can be used across a wider range of genres, with advancements in bridge stabilization mechanisms and bracing structures.
Additionally, the availability of series like the Electromatic Series—which allow players to try out a Gretsch at an affordable price—is another factor that helps Gretsch appeal to a broad audience.

Many Gretsch models feature the same full-acoustic construction as the Gibson ES-175.
However, in terms of sound, they possess a character entirely different from Gibson.

Because Gretsch has its roots in country music, the mid-to-low frequencies are cleaner compared to Gibson, and one of its defining characteristics is a sound that balances a unique hollow resonance with a light, airy quality.
Furthermore, by incorporating proprietary pickups such as the Filter’Tron and Hi-Lo’Tron, Gretsch has established a truly one-of-a-kind sound. Even when cranking up the gain for a distorted setting, the guitar never loses its distinct character—and being able to fully experience that quintessential Gretsch sound is, in my opinion, one of the greatest joys of playing a Gretsch.

Models like the 6120 Nashville, 6119 Tennessee Rose, and White Falcon may look similar at first glance, but differences in fine details and specifications stimulate the buyer’s sense of style.
Take the 6119, for example—known as Kenichi Asai’s favorite—which features a dummy F-hole designed to minimize feedback. Depending on the model, the design differences extend beyond appearance to affect the sound as well.
That said, all models generally possess that signature Gretsch sound character, so it’s easy to take the plunge and choose based purely on your preference for appearance—which is part of their appeal.
Additionally, even non-semi-acoustic models like the Jet series feature a chambered body, giving them that characteristic Gretsch lightness and hollow resonance.
For those who prioritize playability, go with the Jet.
And for anyone who simply loves a dazzling look, we recommend the White Falcon—often called “the world’s most beautiful guitar.”