In August of 2020, the rockabilly legend Brian Setzer offered a unique opportunity to purchase some of his iconic instruments. In collaboration with Reverb.com, the Official Brian Setzer Reverb Shop included a wide array of guitars, customized hollowbodies, and miscellaneous gear from Setzer's personal collection.
"So I guess you're wondering why I'm selling all these guitars," Setzer said about the store. "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."
Like most celebrity Reverb shops, every listing sold out in minutes—before most fans even knew the Official Brian Setzer Reverb Shop was open for business. Among the most sought after instruments in the shop were two prototypes of Setzer's signature Gretsch G6120 "Hot Rod" model: one in Blue Burst finish and one in Magenta.
While the Reverb listing did make a note of this, the photos of the Magenta Hot Rod did not even come close to accurately showing the finish color (see attached screen shot). Because of that, the gentleman who purchased it expected the guitar to be much redder, and—as our professional photos clearly demonstrate—the finish is in fact very Magenta. It is an absolute show-stopper—an eye-catching piece sure to get noticed on the stage. Although Brian Setzer has no problem pulling off a finish this flashy, it may not be for everyone. Because of that, this guitar is now available for sale a second time! Even though all of the guitars got scooped up fast from the Official Brian Setzer Reverb Store, we've decided it's only fair to offer the same price as originally offered. If you missed out on the initial sale, here's a second chance!
This Brian Setzer Signature G6120 Hot Rod Magenta Prototype was built in 2018, following an extensive collaboration with Setzer, Gretsch, and TV Jones. It features a fully-hollow thinline body with a side depth of 2.25." It sports a Bigsby tailpiece and two Brian Setzer Signature pickups from TV Jones. Based on the widely-popular TV Jones Classic, these pickups take the Filter'Tron sound to a different level. Utilizing unique coils and pole pieces, the Brian Setzer provides more clarity while producing punchy low-mid response. The classic Setzer sound is slightly overdriven yet clear with a defined and tight/punchy low end. With slightly higher output than a TV Jones Classic, the Setzer Signature punches through a mix with ease and dexterity.
This Brian Setzer Signature G6120 Hot Rod Magenta Prototype includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Brian Setzer, and it includes its original case.