Vintage Gretsch 6186 Clipper - USA 1960

The Gretsch 6186 Clipper, introduced in the early 1950s, was designed as a more affordable and stripped-down alternative to the brand’s higher-end models. Despite its simplicity, it retains all the charm, build quality, and tonal character that made Gretsch a household name. The Clipper became a favourite among jazz, blues, and early rock & roll players who appreciated its warm, woody resonance and effortless playability.

This 1960 example is a stunning survivor, presenting in excellent condition for its age. The body and neck are remarkably clean, with only light checking adding to its vintage appeal. This Clipper has had a refret at some point, and as such, the frets show light wear but still have plenty of life left, ensuring smooth playability.

The single-cutaway hollow body construction gives the 6186 an open, articulate sound, while the single HiLo'Tron pickup delivers a bright, clear tone with a natural compression that shines in clean settings or with a touch of drive. Whether you’re playing warm jazz chords, fingerpicked blues, or rockabilly licks, the Clipper responds with a lively resonance that makes it a joy to play.

The slim ‘C’ profile neck sits comfortably in the hand, offering fast, easy movement up and down the rosewood fingerboard. The Grover tuners provide solid tuning stability, a practical upgrade that complements the guitar’s original design.

At Premier Guitars, we love instruments that embody vintage charm while still being highly playable, and this 1960 Gretsch 6186 Clipper is exactly that. A well-preserved example with stunning aesthetics, excellent condition, and an unmistakable Gretsch sound—this is a guitar that truly stands the test of time.

Comes in its OHSC in good condition.

Features:

Action at 1st fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th fret: 2.0mm

Neck depth at 1st fret: 20.63mm 

Nut Width: 43.36mm

12 fret width: 51.73mm

Weight: 2.47kg / 5.46lb

Body Type: Fully hollow

Top: Laminated maple

Back & Sides: Laminated maple

Finish: Sunburst with light checking

Binding: White

Neck Wood: Maple

Profile: Slim 'C' shape

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Scale Length: 24.5"

Frets: 21

Inlays: Pearloid dot markers

Pickup: Single HiLo'Tron single-coil

Controls: 1 Volume, 1 Tone

Bridge: Floating rosewood bridge with adjustable saddle

Tailpiece: Gretsch trapeze tailpiece

Tuners: Grover replacements

Pickguard: Original black with Gretsch decal