The Jet Fire Bird was introduced in 1955 as another color option in the popular Jet series. The Fire Bird featured an "Oriental Red"[sic] top and black back sides but was otherwise identical to the Duo-jet.

Purchased through Toronto's George Heinl & Co. catalogue in 1959, this Gretsch 6131 Jet Fire Bird remained the prized possession of its original owner until bringing it to Folkway Music for servicing and sale in recent weeks. He was so proud of his purchase that he kept his 1959 Heinl catalogue in the case, complete with margin notes showing the price he paid of $320 written in pen until this day. While played and gigged regularly, he also meticulously cared for his Jet Firebird over the last sixty-five-plus years, hence it remains in amazing condition. The original Gretsch-branded guitar strap was reupholstered after the padding wore out – that’s the kind of person who you want to buy a guitar from!

A beautifully preserved golden-era Gretsch guitar, this 6131 Fire Bird is in excellent condition and completely original apart from two replaced screws. There are no modifications or structural repairs to note. Our repair team touched up a small area of finish on the back of the neck that was damaged as the result of a chemical reaction between a patch cable and the nitrocellulose lacquer. The guitar's finish is otherwise entirely original and untouched. This '59 build predates the introduction of the "zero-fret" which later in that year.

Equipped with a pair of early "Patent Applied For" Filter'Tron humbucker pickups, this guitar offers classic Gretsch chime and note definition with incredible touch sensitivity and dynamics. Expect a sparkly and full-bodied response with rich harmonic content from the bridge pickup. The neck pickup is truly magical with a rich, articulate and airy voice that lends itself wonderfully to arpeggiated chording or lead lines. Featuring a medium C neck carve with a first fret depth of 0.814", twelfth fret depth of 0.925" and a nut width just shy of 1-11/16", the neck feels full without being overly large. The neck angle is quite good, with string action currently set at 4-5/64" at the 12th fret. Playability remains very good despite original frets that show moderate wear.

Added up, this Gretsch 6131 Jet Fire Bird is an exceptional example of the model and has the added benefit of one-owner provenance.

Pickup DC values of 4.2K in both neck and bridge positions. 24.5" scale length. Weight of 7lbs 9oz. Chambered mahogany body with maple top.

With original tweed hardshell case and Gretsch strap.