This Gretsch Custom Shop G6128-CS Duo Jet Masterbuilt by Stephen Stern in Champagne Sparkle weighs 8 lbs 2 oz. The finest Gretsch Guitars in existence was built by Stephen Stern and we consider every one of his guitars that makes its way to us, a blessing! This Duo-Jet is yet another fine representation of his work. Not only in terms of construction but also in regards to the aging. It's not over the top, it's done with tact, a light touch, and a uniform approach.
One can't help think of Malcolm Young when looking at a Duo Jet but this one takes the cake in the looks department. Champagne Sparkle is one of those colors that just looks amazing whether on drums or a guitar. For this build, they actually used the Drum Wrap material on the top of the guitar. The back, sides, and neck are all-natural. The finish is weather-checked nicely, to a medium grade, I'd say. The hardware is aged and tarnished perfectly for a uniform look. The whole look is set off with multiple ply's of binding around the body. The gold hardware including the Bigsby Tremolo and pair of TV Jones Pickups complement the Champagne Sparkle perfectly.
TV Jones and Gretsch have been synonymous for decades. They are each other's perfect match. The set chosen for this guitar is the TV Jones Filter'tron Classics. Gretsch controls typically warrant explanation and this one is no different. A master volume sits on the treble-side horn of the guitar. Each pickup has its own volume control and is accessible via one of the 3 way toggle switches. The other 3-way toggle on the bass-side horn is a tone color switch. This switch has a neutral setting, a bright setting, and a darker setting. The switch down by the potentiometers is a standby switch allowing for complete silence. Great for quieting things down on stage or for the Tom Morello stutter-effect.
The neck is made from Mahogany and is carved into a comfy Gretsch Stock C profile. The fingerboard is made from Ebony which is bound, and there are 21 Vintage Sized frets installed. The classic Gretsch Thumbnail Inlays, made from Mother of Pearl, are subtle and understated. The neck on this guitar is very comfortable whether you are trying to rock or fingerpick your way through some Chet tunes.
Whenever a Gretsch Custom Shop Masterbuilt Guitar shows up, it is one of the coolest guitars in the shop. We all get excited when they arrive and when we get the chance to talk about them. Seeing the value in these guitars is very easy considering how difficult they are to build. Heck, Masterbuilt Strats and Teles eclipse this price-point often and are considerably easier builds than anything with a set neck. If you have yet to play a Masterbuilt Gretsch, stop by today and experience the best Gretsch Guitars ever made.
