Gretsch Custom Shop Masterbuilt G6134CST Baritone Penguin NOS Lake Placid Blue With Case

The Gretsch Custom Shop is where the time-honored legacy reaches its creative apex. No instruments epitomize the extraordinary expertise and attention to detail of Gretsch’s most trusted hands like Custom Shop instruments. From modern versions of legendary Gretsch instruments to artist tribute models and specially requested one-off guitars, the Gretsch Custom Shop takes “That Great Gretsch Sound” to an entirely new plane, but also preserves and perfects it.

Truetone Music is proud to have a long and close relationship with Gretsch, especially with the Custom Shop.  Sometimes we go for vintage-styled recreations, sometimes we go for modernized tweaks.  Sometimes it's a classic color, sometimes it's a totally new color or even reclaimed wood.  And when they just cook up something magnificent, we have to have it.  That's the case here. 

 

This G6134-CST Baritone Penguin is an amazing example of what the Custom Shop can do.  The first one we did was the only one ever made, and was downright amazing.  So amazing that when it sold, we had to do it again, just to have it in our presence again!  It started a whole run of Baritone Penguins that we do, but this version - in Lake Placid Blue - is the original design.  Masterbuilder Chad Henrichsen, who has worked alongside the legendary Stephen Stern for years, created this masterpiece.  

Of course, what stands out right away is that it's a baritone guitar.  These aren't seen often, especially at the level, and it being a 27" scale Baritone Penguin in Lake Placid Blue makes it an especially rare bird.  Baritones in general have become more & more popular over time.  Here at Truetone Music, we're big supporters of that movement, as we recognize what a baritone offers.  We try to offer a variety and have had tons.  We have never had one as nice as this.  Not even close.

The 27" scale length is supported by a mahogany neck (painted blue to match), topped with an exquisite ebony fretboard featuring Engraved Hump mother of pearl inlays.  Be sure to check out the closeup shot of the headstock as well - featuring the silver spark Gretsch logo, which matches the binding surrounding the entire guitar.  As an added touch, they threw in a silver sparkle truss rod cover.  Obviously the aesthetic is what stands out right off the bat.  However, that's not all that there is to this.  You'd be hard pressed to find a better playing or sounding baritone guitar anywhere. The C shape neck is extremely comfortable, and the instrument is surprisingly light (8.9 lbs).  The body is made of mahogany, with a maple top.  It's well-balanced and could easily be played while strapped on for hours.

The Custom Shop chose a great set of pickups that work for a baritone perfectly.  In the neck position, it's the TV Jones Magna'Tron, which is bright and chirpy, with quick attack and exceptional pop and clarity. The Magna'Tron delivers a unique mix of single-coil spank meets Filter'Tron style twang with no hum.  Slightly brighter and tighter on the bass than the TV Classic, it's ideal for this instrument.  For the bridge position, it's the TV Jones Classic, capturing the vintage twang and growl characteristic of the late 50's Filter'Tron.  The tone is between a typical Fender (bright single-coil) & Gibson (darker & thick humbucker) with a unique growl when you dig in. Clean, compressed treble and mids breath life over a tight and controlled low-end, perfect for a baritone like this.

Other features include an Adjust-O-Matic bridge with no base, a Cadillac G tailpiece, Grover 150 Imperial tuners, and clear pickup rings.  We especially love that last little touch, as it works perfectly with this guitar.  

The Baritone Penguin comes complete with a custom case, high-end El Dorado strap and Certificate of Authenticity.  The full list of specs is below.  Be sure to check out all of the photos to see everything, and zoom in to see the intricate detail.  It's truly a stunning guitar, and one you won't see anywhere else. We consider ourselves lucky to be able to present this masterpiece.  Come to Truetone Music to experience it in person, or make it yours right here.

• PART #  9252004175
• SERIAL # UC23122579
• WEIGHT: 9.3 LBS
• COLOR: Lake Placid Blue
• AGING TYPE: NOS
• SCALE:  27"
• NECK WOOD: Mahogany
• FRETBOARD WOOD: Ebony
• FRETBOARD INLAY MATERIAL: Mother of Pearl
• FRETBOARD INLAY STYLE: Engraved Humps
• HEADSTOCK  PERIMETER: Penguin
• HEADSTOCK LOGO: Vertical
• HEADSTOCK LOGO MATERIAL: Silver Sparkle
• HEADCAP MATERIAL: Maple
• FRETS: Medium Jumbo
• NECK BINDING: Silver Sparkle+.040BW   
• HEADCAP BINDING:: Silver Sparkle+.040BW+.040BLK
• SIDE DOTS: Black
• NECK SHAPE: Stock C
• NUT: Bone
• BODY STYLE CENTER BLOCK: 55 Back Rout
• TOP: Maple Ply
• BACK:  Mahogany
• BODY BINDING: Silver Sparkle Penguin
• WIRING: Tone Pot
• HARDWARE: Chrome
• TUNERS: 150 Imperials
• NECK PICKUP: Magnatron
• BRIDGE PICKUP: TV Classic
• KNOBS: Jewel
• BRIDGE: Adjust-o-matic NO BASE
• TAILPIECE: Cadillac G
• PICKGUARD ENGRAVING: Penguin
• ADDITIONAL NOTES: Baritone 27 inch scale; Ernie Ball 2839 Baritone Slinky strings (13 - 72)