As with the White Falcon, the 6196 Country Club, though not as popular, holds a particular place as one of Gretsch’s premium guitars. Introduced in 1951, it continued the legacy of the 6030 and 6031, initially with a spruce top and were the first instruments to feature the G cutout tailpiece and the now standard Cadillac green finish. 

Stunning doesn’t quite cut it with his one. There are only a few marks but there are very minor and to be expected. The guitar has retained a lush gloss finish with the only real signs of use being the hardware. The lacquer has checked lightly which only adds to the look. The binding is in great shape.

The neck too is in great shape. There is no sign of a reset. As with the body, there are a few paint chips but the lacquer still has a wonderful depth of colour and shows no signs of its 60+ years. The fretboard is free of any significant wear and the original frets have plenty of life left them.

The hardware has tarnished somewhat as is to be expected with gold plated parts. Having said that there is enough of the plating left to suggest that this guitar has lead a charmed life.

Electrically everything is correct with no sign of any modifications or reflowed solder joints. Sound wise, this is quintessential Gretsch land and if you’ve visited this place before then you will know exactly what we are talking about. 

The guitar comes with its correct Tweed Gretsch banner hardshell case.

At 2 3/4” deep, this guitar can certainly rival anything that came out of Kalamazoo, a truly captivating experience straight out of the case. When plugged in its all about the interplay between the hollowbody and those Dynasonic pickups, transporting you back to the heady days of fin tails, swing dresses and drive-ins, a growl that will surely turn heads.