It's hard to imagine a living guitarist who has done more to showcase the greatness of Gretsch electric guitars (opens in new tab) over the years – and Brian Setzer has the collection to prove it. Now he's selling some rare gear from his stellar career.
The Brian Setzer Reverb sale (opens in new tab) goes live on 26 August but ahead of the launch let's take a look at some of the highlights in what's sure to be a huge draw for collectors and rockabilly guitar fans.
Gretsch 6120 Smoke Prototype
Used on the hit Sleepwalk from The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s breakthrough 1998 album The Dirty Boogie.
"People are very interested in the guitar that's called Smoke, that Gretsch is making," says Setzer. "It's an exact replica of the guitar I've played for 30 years. I've played it on all the albums and tours, on Sleepwalk and all those songs.
"They've made two prototypes. This is the first prototype of the Smoke guitar. That's a real nice-playing one."
Leopard print Gretsch Hot Rod
This was used in the 2002 Disney film, The Country Bears. It's hand-painted by Tom 'TV' Jones too.
"That one is gonna be… you better buy that quick. I might not sell that," Setzer says.
Rickenbacker 12-string
Used for Mini Bar Blues on Setzer's 13 album and tour. "I achieved the unique sound by tuning the top two strings, the Bs and the Es, in harmony," he reveals.
Gretsch Hot Rod Red Sparkle
"The Red Sparkle one Gretsch made for me, that I used on nearly every Christmas tour, that's a really good one."
Silver Sparkle upright bass
Gretsch TV Jones 'Grinch' Spectra baritone
Gretsch Black Phoenix 'Triumph'
1963 Fender Blonde Bassman with 2x12 cab
Setzer favours this year of Bassman and this is a choice example; "It's just perfect," says Setzer.
Gretsch Hot Rod Green Sparkle
Another guitar used live with the Brian Setzer Orchestra.
Jerry Jones Baritone
To be notified when the Brian Setzer Reverb shop goes live on August 26 head over to Reverb.com (opens in new tab)
