The Gretsch Duo Jet: A Short History

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Here's the first of two Gretsch guitar videos. I used to own a made in Japan 6120 Jr. that I bought from the excellent guys at Advanced Music in Burlington, VT. It could do jazz, twang, rock out, all of it. That guitar is long gone but I've always wondered how, one of the most quintessentially American guitar brands had that guitar built in Japan...among other "wonderings" I've had about Gretsch. So it was time to do the reading/research/writing/video process that I've settled into for the Short Histories. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know.

And yes, I know that the guitar in the thumb is a Silver Jet but I mean, it's really the same thing and man(!) doesn't it look sweet!

I need to thank Jason Shadrick and all the guys at Premier Guitar magazine for the use of the video clips of Jason Isbell Rig Rundown:

and Julian Lage Premier guitar jams:

As is often the case, I am indebted to Tony Bacon for his excellent writing. In this case in "The Gretsch Electric Guitar Book" and also "The Gretsch Guitar Book" by Tony Bacon and Paul Day.

Until next time, thanks for being a part of the five watt world.
Keith

*I was not paid in any way to produce this video.
***Five watt world participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to Amazon. In simpler language, this means that whenever you buy something from Amazon from a link on here, I receive a small percentage of its price.

[RickBeato]

Once again I learned so much Hypes! I love that 50s Duo Jet!

[SombraPiloto]

This doesn’t help me want the least gear. Not at all.

[StarQueenEstrella]

During his solo career, George Harrison brought out his old Duo Jet to record his 1987 album Cloud Nine. He’s even pictured playing the guitar on the album’s cover art. That was his first new album after a five-year hiatus from music-making — it would ultimately be the last album released in his lifetime.

[monovision]

Chris Cornell needs to be remembered for keeping Gretsch cool in the 90’s and 00’s.

[raccoonbilly]

We have got to get a short history of the fender mustang

[johnsalamone]

For kids who grew up and became guitar players in the 90's, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden was the reason that a lot of us wanted a Gretsch, or even knew what one was. The fact that they are not typically associated with harder edged music, but he played one often during that time period, is a real testament to the guitars dynamic range. Great lookers and great tones! An obvious influence on Chris's signature Gibson that would come years later and that guitars choice of pickups and bridge. So many great and diverse artists, with many different playing styles and genres, all put time in on one of these iconic guitars.

[twantheunisz]

I swear every time one of these is posted it makes my day

[hussledupgamejam]

Possible history episodes to consider:
- Martin D-28
- Rickenbacker 360 (or any Rick guitar)
- Music Man Stingray Bass
- Hofner Violin Bass
- Warwick Thumb Bass
- Ibanez Jem (or Joe Satriani Model)
- Danelectro '59
- D'Angelico New Yorker
- Rickenbacker 4001 Bass

[barbmelle]

From Leo: Gretsch is always a fun topic, I am glad you chose the often overlooked brand. . I certainly enjoy them, and have an affection for the crisp, open sound from Filtertron pickups. I don't have any of the original Duo Jets but have a Jet Club and a Jet 5220. They are really well made guitars, and the low price is a real value. The body shape and weight is more comfortable than any Les Paul. Chet was an amazing musician and innovated sounds all of his life, truly a top tier player.
PS: a Radio engineer in Southbend Indiana patented "Hum bucking technology for steel stringed Instruments" in 1936. Everyone after that developed reshaped hardware design that used the technology. Seth Lover and Betz designs proved to be the simplest design of the technology. Glad they did.

[johngallagher]

I’ve had a sparkle jet, George Harrison signature (57’ duo jet) and the reissue 53’ Duo Jet with white plain pick guard, and all were just amazing. The Japanese Terada plant makes some fantastic guitars, my favourite guitars ever. Miss mine and wish I had them still.

[BASTBANDIT]

I don’t usually comment but thank you so much for the increase in uploads. There are some of the best videos on YouTube, bless up.

[greglivo]

The Country Gentleman has got to be the grandaddy of all signature model guitars. It was also interesting to learn about Gretsch applying their drum plastic laminating technology to guitars. I've seen those sparkle finishes for decades and never made the connection. Once again, one of your "trying to get the most out of minimal amount of gear" videos has made me want to add to my collection.

[jts]

Keith,
I own a black 2012 G6128, and one of the most beautiful features about it is the gorgeous stained mahogany back. Unlike the Gibson LP Custom Black Beauty which has ebony lacquer on the sides and back, many of the Duo Jets have stained and clear lacquered backs that give each one of them unique character and elegance. The first time I played my Gretsch I got the same feeling that I got when I saw my wife for the first time. I knew this one was a keeper.

[lukebrinkley]

Mid '60s Corvette owner, here. I think of it like Gretsch's answer to the SG Jnr.

[progpogs]

I've never cared about Gretsch but I'll watch anything you put out.

[tntstorms]

I just got my 1957 Japanese reissue 6128T Duo Jet yesterday and I am very happy! I love the way it plays, the tones, and how light it is.

[colenoblit]

You’ve got to do a history of the Martin Dreadnaught, but that might be the longest one.

[lionsdenblog]

My oldest sister’s first husband had a silver sparkle Duo Jet. I got to play it for about 6 months, but never had a guitar amp to put it through (I was playing bass in my high school rock band). Asked him about it when I saw him 18 months ago after my sister died of pulmonary fibrosis. Said he sold it for about $2000. Ugh. Bigsby and the whole nine yards.

[guitarrachannel]

Wow, this video was so well produced with detailed pictures of Gretsch history.
The Duo-Jet title is misleading, this is the full history.

[bobilly]

I got a Stephen Stern Sparkle Jet recently and it is a joy, like a big fat Tele with a bigsby.