By C.

The “Space Race” of the 1950’s and 60’s extended far beyond a quest to explore the outer world, but also seeped into the subconscious of popular culture and created a boom of space-influenced designs in architecture, automobiles, furniture, and of course…guitars! Today we’ll be taking a look at an example of one of these guitar designs, the Gretsch 6126 Astro-Jet!

The Astro-Jet is representative of a shift in traditional Gretsch designs, all the while adding to the rich musical heritage of the company. Gretsch was a company renowned for producing iconic drum kits and later guitars since the early 20th century. Introduced in 1965, the Astro-Jet was part of Gretsch’s effort to adapt to the changing musical landscape of the time while still maintaining the quality craftsmanship and distinctive aesthetic that defined the brand.

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At first glance, the Gretsch 6126 Astro-Jet exudes a quirky elegance that is quintessentially Gretsch. Its robust, beveled body shape, reminiscent of the iconic Jet series, immediately catches the eye. The guitar features a solid mahogany body with a set mahogany neck, offering a warm and resonant tone that is ideal for a variety of musical styles, from blues and rock to jazz and beyond.

One of the most notable features of the Gretsch 6126 Astro-Jet is its unique Burns vibrato tailpiece, which sets it apart from other models in the Gretsch lineup. This distinctive tailpiece, more commonly seen on UK-made Burns and some other European guitars, along with the vintage-style “G Arrow” knobs and chrome hardware, gives the guitar a retro-futuristic vibe that perfectly captures the spirit of the late 1960s.

In terms of electronics, the Gretsch 6126 Astro-Jet is equipped with a pair of Gretsch’s own “Super’Tron” humbucking pickups, which deliver a rich, full-bodied sound with plenty of clarity and definition. These pickups are renowned for their versatility, allowing players to achieve everything from smooth, jazzy tones to gritty, overdriven rock sounds with ease. The guitar also features an onboard “fuzz/sustain” circuit three-way pickup selector switch, as well as individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, giving players a wide range of tonal options to explore.

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The neck of the Gretsch 6126 Astro-Jet is adorned with uniquely shaped headstock as well as an ebony fingerboard and vintage-style “thumbnail” inlays, providing a smooth playing experience and a touch of classic elegance. The 22 medium jumbo frets offer excellent playability, whether you’re navigating intricate jazz lines, strumming jangly chords, or unleashing high-octane rock solos.

In terms of playability, the Gretsch 6126 Astro-Jet feels just like a 60’s Gretsch should, thanks to its comfortable neck profile and 12″ fingerboard radius. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, this guitar feels right at home in your hands, inspiring you to explore new musical horizons and push the boundaries of your creativity.

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Overall, the Gretsch 6126 Astro-Jet is a true gem of a guitar that offers a winning combination of space-inspired design, impeccable craftsmanship, and versatile tone. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, blues, jazz, or anything in between, this guitar is sure to impress with its timeless style and exceptional sound. With its distinctive looks and top-notch performance, the Gretsch 6126 Astro-Jet remains a beloved instrument among guitarists and collectors around the world, continuing Gretsch’s legacy as one of the most respected names in the industry.

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