Lagging a bit behind Rickenbacker, Gibson, and Fender, who all introduced 12-string electrics in 1965, Gretsch jumped on the 12-string bandwagon in 1967.

The Gretsch was a hollowbody, different from the semi-hollow or solidbodies of it’s main competitors, but the Rickenbacker influence was evident in Gretsch’s abbreviated triangular fingerboard inlays, which never appeared on another Gretsch, before or after the 12-string. Introduced just as Gretsch was being sold to the Baldwin company, the 12-string lacked the flair of a colorful finish (it was offered only in sunburst or natural). Moreover, the company seemed a little confused about it’s specifications, offering it with a 16-inch or 17-inch body, but under only one model number per finish color.

The model got an unexpected boost when, despite the existence of a Gretch Monkees model, Monkees guitarist Mike Nesmith appeared on their TV show playing a natural-finish, 17-inch 12-string. Like The Monkees, whose show ended after the 1968 season, the electric 12-string proved to be only a passing attraction, and after 1972, Gretsch only offered the 12-string by special order.