The Gretsch 6128T Silver Jet w/Bigsby.
One of my bands, The Blue Meanies, is performing this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Abbey Road on the River in Oxon Hill, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C.
This is assuming, of course, the "Storm of the Century" doesn't give "on the river" a whole new meaning.
Reps from Gretsch Guitars will be there. The Gretsch folks, who also were at AROTR in Louisville, Kentucky, in May, typically bring a whole NAMM-style Gretsch booth with them, not to mention lots of beautiful guitars and drums and things that make pretty noises. Gretsch pin-up girl Kim Falcon might be there too.
They always give away some cool stuff -- including patches and nifty Sho-Bud Pedal Steel Guitars T-shirts!
But -- besides playing some rockin' tunes with Los Meanies -- I'm mostly interested in hanging out with a new Gretsch Silver Jet, assuming the Gretsch boys decide to bring a Silver Jet along for the ride. I met a nice one at NAMM in January. Hopefully we'll be reunited this weekend.
Filter'Tron pickups on a Gretsch Silver Jet. I'm not exactly sure what's going on with this bridge, though. Ah, the things one finds on the worldwide Internet computer web!
Yes, I want a Taylor cutaway (It's no fun playing 12th-fret-and-higher solos on my Martin).
Yes, I want a 1962 reissue Fender Strat (with a tapered neck and a bizarre three-way pickup switch).
But, most of all, what I want -- nay, need! -- is a Gretsch 6129T Silver Jet w/Bigsby (This link takes you to the non-Bigsby version; Gretsch needs to add a photo of the "w/Bigsby" model).
To me, given my status as a Gretsch-loving, good-music-appreciating, non-wealthy humanoid in need of a few more guitars, it is the ultimate Gretsch.
Here's why:
1. It's not a "me too" Gretsch.
"Wow, you have a big orange 6120 Nashville Western? Me too!"
2. It is rather beautiful and quite unique.
Some people might disagree. Some people might find it tacky, weird looking and ugly. Those people are rather -- and quite -- wrong.
3. It has the "correct" Gretsch pickups.
I used to own a George Harrison-style Gretsch Duo Jet with Dynasonic pickups. My assessment? Fun to play (nice feel, good action, not too heavy, looked beautiful), not so fun to listen to (kinda wimpy, devoid of personality).
If you're spending all that money on a Gretsch, you (or I) should get the pickups Gretsch is known for: High Sensitive Filter'Trons!
4. The Gretsch website describes the Silver Jet's top as "electroluminescent."
Need I say more?
5. It's not too expensive.
I see these on eBay for $1,600, $1,750, $1,800 -- prices that do not make me shudder, at least in the context of other Gretsch models. For some reason, it's not available at www.musiciansfriend.com. Musicians Friend has the "1957" model, which isn't quite what I want -- nay, need!
So, there it is. I'm looking forward to this weekend!