One of the guitars that started it all... "A very special instrument", according to Joe Carducci, the Sr. Product Manager for Gretsch Guitars (FMIC). The Early 6120 Black Sealed Top Proto that was made famous when Chet Atkins played it on "Dark Eyes". This guitar was the precursor for all things to come in the future with the relationship of Chet and Gretsch... its THE guitar that started it all when it comes to all things Gretsch and Chet Atkins! This amazing and very historical piece was of course owned and used by Chet Atkins, and worked on/experimented by the genius - Ray Butts... then was given to famous sound engineer, Bill Porter. Some years later the guitar became part of the legendary "Chinery Collection", and was displayed for quite some time at the Smithsonian. Les Paul's personal luthier, guitar tech, soundman and close friend Tom Doyle, has owned this guitar for over a decade. Tom was the special luthier and curator of Chinery Collection, and Scott knew that Tom had always admired the instrument. So one day, in a grand gesture of his appreciation, Scott generously bestowed this essential guitar to Tom as a gift. In an ironic twist of fate Scott Chinery passed away, all too early about a week later. This guitar is the very essence and the embryo of all things to come as far as Chet Atkins and Gretsch... There would be no 6120, there would be no Country Gentleman, no George Harrison Model, no Brian Setzer, etc, etc... Gibson had Les Paul, and Gretsch had Chet Atkins - This guitar was the beginning of it all for Gretsch and Chet. So you can see that this is way more than just a guitar... its a piece of American Musical History!

Joe Carducci, Gretsch Guitar's Senior Product Manager came to inspect and evaluate The Original Chet Atkins 6120 Prototype Black Sealed Top with Gold F Holes at Tom Doyle's Custom Guitar Shop. He called it "The Holy Grail" as far as all things Gretsch guitars are concerned... and he and Gretsch have decided to make a reproduction of the guitar to offer in their upcoming Chet Atkins Professional Collection... how great is that?