Acquired from its original owner, this 1955 Gretsch Jet Firebird is a first-batch fire-breather of a guitar!
Gretsch broke new ground with the introduction of the Duo Jet in 1953. Aimed at competing against Gibson's Les Paul model, the chambered body single-cutaway electric brought top-class looks along with top-tier tone to the table, setting yet another standard in electric guitar design and sound.
Fast forward two years, and a small but mighty upgrade is made to the previously cemented classic in the Jet Firebird. Much like its senior sibling, the Jet Firebird shares nearly all of its guitar DNA with the Duo Jet. The most obvious change is the color, with Gretsch introducing its Oriental Red finish exclusively to this model. Instead of a Walnut-like translucent stain on the body, it was finished in Black, giving that vibrant top color even more contrast that undoubtedly contributed to its "wow" factor.
The block logo and pearl block inlays remained as carryovers from the Duo Jets of the prior production year (with the latter being added at the first fret position), as did the body construction and pickups/electronics.
What makes this particular Jet Firebird special, you might ask? We'd be happy to tell you!
First, this guitar was acquired by its original owner, who purchased this guitar at 12 years of age at Metropolitan Music in Providence, Rhode Island in 1955. When offered the choice by his father between this very guitar and a Sunburst Les Paul Junior, he chose the Gretsch. After decades of performing in bands with this as his #1, he retired the guitar from duty in the mid 1980s, where it remained essentially untouched until we acquired it.
Second, it happens to be one of the very first Jet Firebirds that Gretsch produced! Its serial number pins it to the first production batch, which is further supported by its 6128 model designation on the interior label found in the electronics cavity. This was unique to the earliest Jet Firebird builds, making them what many could argue as the most collectible version on the market. It's a very exciting glimpse into Gretsch's manufacturing process at the time, pre-dating the officially model number of 6131 that is still tied to the Firebird name to this day.
Playing this Jet Firebird it's easy to understand why its original owner longed for no other electric. It's a phenomenal sounding guitar, delivering quintessential high fidelity Dynasonic tone in spades. It's primed for Jazz, Blues, and early Country, but plug it into a cranked amp and watch out. If it worked for Bo Diddley...
The guitar was most definitely used but not abused, as it shows moderate body wear along the rear edges and some buckle rash throughout. Under blacklight we discovered some of that finish wear was touched up with nail polish to cover some exposed wood, but only in a few areas. Like many early Gretsches, this one also has its matching serial number etched into the edge of the control cavity cover.
The original Nitron top is still quite clean. There was a small section of binding chipped out on the treble side edge of the headstock that we repaired, and that was about the extent of our work on the guitar besides a thorough electronics cleaning and setup. It was missing its original strap buttons and still had its body screws in place, so we sourced some proper era-correct replacements. Peep that original red truss rod cover, too!
It's honestly just the way we like to find these guitars. There's nothing better than a vintage guitar that's been honestly played for years while still maintaining its originality.
The original case was lost to time, so we've paired it with a new modern Gretsch 6128 case that works perfectly, and keeps the guitar snug and well protected.
This is a truly special Gretsch that we're thrilled to put back into the world since it was first sold in '55. It goes without saying, but there aren't many of these around, so if you're looking for an early Jet Firebird...well...you know what to do!
Body
Style
Chambered Semi-Hollowbody
Body
Mahogany w/ Nitron top
Color
Oriental Red
Hardware
Pickups
Dearmond Dynasonic
Controls
Neck Volume / Bridge Volume / Tone / Master Volume
Bridge
Original Melita w/ Gretsch tailpiece
Tuners
Original Waverly
Pickguard
Original
Neck
Neck
Mahogany
Carve
C / Soft V | .85-.98"
Fingerboard
Rosewood
Radius
12"
Inlays
Pearloid Block
Frets
Original
Nut
1 11/16"
Scale Length
24.6"
Other
Serial #
16596
Weight
7lb 5oz
Case
Modern Gretsch Hardshell
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