Gretsch - 6186 Clipper (1963)

For Sale Here:
https://bernunzio.com/product/gretsch...

Introduced in 1958, the Gretsch Clipper was a more affordable, thin but full hollow guitar - featuring one neck pickup (which changed depending on the era). The guitar originally was introduced as the 6186, like this example here, only in the tobacco burst finish, later having a natural option (known as the 6187). This well preserved example dating to 1963, features the well loved HiLo'Tron neck pickup, the original Gretsch trapeze tailpiece (unlike the G stamped heavier option), and thin laminate top with tone bar bracing.
This guitar is very loud for its size acoustically, likely from its thinner laminate top, mixed with its simple bracing pattern that we see on these 60's Gretsch guitars. An otherwise simple guitar, this one comes to us in excellent shape, being all original less the tuners which appear to have been swapped out likely in the 60's or 70's. It is designed with a 24.5" scale, 1.75" nut width, and a single cut body with a 15.5" width at the lower bout and 9.5" waist.
Cosmetically this guitar comes to us in excellent shape. Some minor, aesthetic dings are present by its control knobs, and case wear is present on the bass side lower bout side. Some surface blemishes are present on the back, but are hardly noticeable. A slight binding separation is present on the bass side waist, but has been professionally repaired. Typically the bindings on old Gretsch become problematic, and this one is in great shape. You can see where the cracks have began to develop in he binding, but its all completely intact and of no real worry. The name HiLo'Tron might be a misnomer on this example, as the pickup has a very low, but functioning output of 3.05k. This yields a nice smooth sound that doesn't push an amp too hard and retains a lot of clarity. The neck is straight with a solid, playable neck angle with no need for adjustment. The heel cap has shrank and began to disintegrate, but is holding its own well. The frets and rosewood fingerboard are in great shape with no real fret wear present, and only some mild scratches in the board. Again, a slightly mismatched set of open gear tuners are present - appearing to have been replaced in yesteryear. Comes with the original hardshell case.

Played by Kurt Johnson:
https://www.kurtgjohnsonmusic.com