1964 Gretsch 6128 Duo Jet, Black

The Gretsch Duo Jet was introduced in 1953 as part of Gretsch’s effort to enter the solid-body electric guitar market, competing with models like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Telecaster. Despite its solid-body appearance, the Duo Jet was unique due to its chambered mahogany body, which offered a lighter weight and a more resonant, open tone compared to fully solid guitars. This feature gave it a distinctive tonal character that bridged the gap between the sustain of a solid body and the warmth of a hollow body.

The original Duo Jet models featured a single cutaway, and early versions came equipped with DeArmond single-coil pickups, providing a bright, articulate sound. In 1958, Gretsch introduced their Filter'Tron humbucking pickups, designed by Ray Butts, which became a defining feature of the Duo Jet and contributed to the guitar’s punchy, noise-free sound. This upgrade made the model particularly popular among rock ‘n’ roll players, most famously George Harrison of The Beatles, who played a 1957 Duo Jet during the early days of the band.

By the early 1960s, the Duo Jet evolved further, including the introduction of a double cutaway body design for improved access to the upper frets, a slimmer neck profile, and continued use of the chambered Mahogany body. These changes made the Duo Jet more versatile and appealing to a wider range of players. Gretsch also began introducing the Burns Vibrato system across several of its models during this time, as part of a collaboration with British guitar designer Jim Burns. The Burns Vibrato on the Duo Jet provided a different feel and aesthetic compared to the Bigsby, with a smoother action designed for subtle vibrato effects.

This 1964 Gretsch 6128 Duo Jet is an excellent player grade example. It's been refretted and has had changed nut. As a result it plays very well with a comfortable action, slim C profile neck, good fret height and room for further height adjustment on the roller bridge. The refinish has ensured the binding is stable, the worn gold hardware has a really nice patina and overall this is a very well restored guitar. 

Specifications:

• Body: Chambered Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany, slim C-profile
• Fingerboard: Ebony, neo thumbprint inlays
• Scale Length: 24.5 inches
• Nut Width: 43.2mm
• Fingerboard Radius: 12 inches
• Pickups: Two Gretsch Pat No. Filter'Tron
• Frets: Refretted
• Nut: Replaced
• Case: Modern Gretsch hard shell case.