Brian Setzer is selling off a raft of guitar gear – including rare Gretsch models – on Reverb
6120 Smoke Prototype and leopard-print Hot Rod highlight the upcoming sale
Brian Setzer once told us that “nothing feels right after a Gretsch”, but it appears the rockabilly legend is finally looking to start thinning his collection, as he’s putting several of his rarest electric guitar models up for sale on Reverb.
The Official Brian Setzer Reverb Shop is set to open on August 26, and features a bevy of Gretsch one-offs, including a prototype of Setzer’s signature model, the 6120T ‘Smoke’, as well as a leopard-print Hot Rod, and ‘Grinch’ Spectra Baritone.
"So I guess you're wondering why I'm selling all these guitars," a characteristically cheeky Setzer says in the video above. "I've heard that you can only play one at a time – I don't know if I believe that, but that's what I've heard."
There are a handful of classic guitar amps up for grabs, too, including a 1963 Blonde Bassman and ’60s Vox AC30.
Have a scroll through our gallery below for a closer look at highlights from the sale, and head over to Reverb for more info.
Leopard-print Gretsch Hot Rod
This beauty, hand-painted by Tom 'TV' Jones was used in the 2002 Disney film, The Country Bears.
"You better buy that quick. I might not sell that," Setzer says.
Rickenbacker 12-string
This Ricky was used for Mini Bar Blues on Setzer's 13 album and tour. "I achieved the unique sound by tuning the top two strings, the Bs and the Es, in harmony," he reveals.
Gretsch Hot Rod Red Sparkle
"The Red Sparkle one Gretsch made for me, that I used on nearly every Christmas tour, that's a really good one."
Silver Sparkle upright bass
Gretsch TV Jones 'Grinch' Spectra baritone
Gretsch Black Phoenix 'Triumph'
Gretsch Hot Rod Green Sparkle
Jerry Jones Baritone
1963 Fender Blonde Bassman with 2x12 cab
Vox 1960s AC30
Gretsch Custom Shop guitar
Sho-Bud pedal steel
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Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.
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