Gretsch Custom Shop G6134 Penguin Relic Lake Placid Blue, #UC16021353

Custom Shop Penguin

With the G6134-CS in Lake Placid Blue Relic Finish, MUSIC STORE Custom Guitars has commissioned a very special guitar from Gretsch Senior Master Builder Stephen Stern. Based on the popular Penguin Single-Cut model, it bridges the gap between vintage and modernity, between classic sound and smooth playability thanks to carefully selected details.

For the body of the Gretsch G6134-CS, selected mahogany is used which, with its hollow chambers, contributes significantly to the warm basic character and quick response of the penguin. The body is crowned by a maple top with a gentle curvature that provides a pleasant support for the forearm and hand.

Modern playing comfort

A special feature is the glued maple neck, which has been adopted from the Gretsch White Falcon. Accordingly, compared to the regular models, this G6134-CS has a 25.5" scale, which results in a high definition of all strings and gives the sound a characteristic snap. With the "Boat Neck" profile, which connects a round'C' profile with a slightly indicated'V' on the longitudinal axis, the Gretsch G6134-CS Penguin has a high playing comfort.

As a tribute to modern playing techniques, the exquisite ebony fretboard has a compound radius that rises from 12" in the low register to 16" in the high register. Thus even complex chords can be grasped without effort, while fast solos are easy to play by hand and the sound does not die off even with wide bends.

Authentic Gretsch vintage sound

As pickups for the Gretsch G6134-CS Penguin Classic Humbuckers from TV Jones are used, which convince with their authentic vintage sound. The neck pickup convinces with its airy basic heat, which makes melodies and chords sing on both the clean and the gently pulling amplifier. The bar pickup has a wiry presence that gives clean pickings a characteristic snap and asserts themselves in overdrive. Both pickups have in common the organic dynamics with which they follow the finest nuances of the game and place the tone shaping in the player's hand.

gears

The pickups are managed by the proven Gretsch circuit. The 3-way toggle allows the pickups to be selected individually or in combination, while individual volume controls and the master tone potentiometer provide control over the sound character. In addition, a master volume is available on the lower body horn, which proves to be a practical aid especially in live situations.

Historically correct hardware

Great care was also taken when selecting the hardware for the Gretsch G6134-CS Penguin. The characteristic Cadillac tailpiece has the historically correct shape with an asymmetrical'V' tailpiece and a small'G' logo. The dimensions of the large, flat knurled screws under the Adjustomatic bridge are also historically correct. This is attached to a pinched ebony base and contributes significantly to the characteristic basic sound of the Penguin.

From the bridge the strings run over a saddle of synthetic bone to the classic Grover Imperial tuners. With their "Three Step" grand pianos and the ribbed case, they fit harmoniously into the overall concept of the Gretsch Penguin and ensure an accurate and long-lasting tuning of the instrument thanks to a precise 16:1 ratio.

The potentiometer buttons are also in the classic Gretsch style. Arrow engraving and red rhinestone help to adjust the controls and are complemented by a white inlay.

Extensive case candies

The Gretsch G6134-CS Penguin is delivered in a Gretsch Cowboy Case with white Tolex cover and punched "Western Motif" leather edging. Of course, the Gretsch Custom Shop certificate is also included, on which Stephen Stern confirms the origin of this unique guitar with his signature.

In addition, the G6134-CS comes with extensive case candies. These include a high-quality vintage-style leather belt, a black cotton shoulder bag with the Gretsch logo, a leather key ring and a patch with the logo of the Gretsch Custom Shop.