1954 Gretsch 6021 Town & Country – £1999

NEW ARRIVAL  1954 is the first year of issue of the 6021 Town and Country model, which replaced the Synchromatic Model 125 introduced in 1947. The story goes that Gretsch saw the decline of the big jazz bodied archtops, and the rise of jumbo flat tops following the trend towards folk and country music. So a 17” jumbo flat top was their answer, and they released the Town and Country, together with the flashier 6022 Rancher. Interestingly the model was famously played by Gene Vincent, therefore associating the guitar with rock ’n’ roll. What makes the guitar so recognisable is the triangular soundhole, oversized pickguard, and piano bridge. Also a natural Spruce top coupled with a beautiful sunburst Maple back and sides is a very unusual feature. The 6021 is not a subtle guitar; it’s big and fairly heavily built, responding best to a vigorous strum! These were intended for rhythm instruments in combos, and work well in that role. Visually this certainly is a striking instrument, and sonically it offers a fairly powerful midrangey rhythm kick and would also record well in this role. The guitar is in very good, all original condition, and has two repaired side cracks. It comes in a later Gretsch hard case.