The Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body debuted in 1954, and, like the Solid Body 6121, the guitar initially featured Western-style decorations, and a large black “G” on it’s top.

After Chet voiced his disapproval, such fripperies were quickly dropped from the 6120. This version, renamed Nashville, dates from 1967 and is comparatively staid in appearance. Over the years since it’s introduction, Gretsch had also made some modifiations to the original 1954 design, and can be seen on this model.

By this time, the DeArmond pickups fitted to earlier 6120s have been replaced by humbucking “Filter ‘Trons”. All 6120s made from 1961 onwards had a double cutaway, and painted-on f-holes. These resulted from Gretsch’s decision to seal the top to reduce feedback.

The 6120’s headstock was fitted with a sober-looking metal nameplate that was more to Chet Atkin’s personal taste than the steer’s head that appeared on the original Atkins Hollow Bodys.