Gretsch G6134TG-58 LTD Custom Penguin Bigsby EBO Emerald Night

A Custom Penguin Limited Edition: The 1958 Spirit, the "Collector" Finish

The Penguin has long represented the most prestigious side of the Gretsch universe: a solid body with theatrical design, crafted for guitarists seeking as much visual character as sonic personality. This G6134TG-58 Limited Edition 1958 Custom Penguin is part of the Professional Collection and embodies the brand's signature codes: meticulous craftsmanship, high-end hardware, and a confidently "premium" aesthetic. In this version, the Emerald Night color offers a deeper, more mysterious alternative to traditional finishes while retaining Gretsch's DNA: golden details, Gold Plexi pickguard, and immediate stage presence.

The choice of nitrocellulose lacquer and vintage-feel construction reinforces the "character instrument" approach: a guitar made to inspire, respond to attack, and cut through the mix effortlessly, whether you play bright cleans or articulate drive.

Who Is This Gretsch Custom Penguin For?

This electric guitar is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists and professionals seeking a premium solid body with a strong identity. The single cutaway format offers a familiar feel, while the ebony fingerboard and modern radius promote precise playing: clean bends, rich chords, clear pick attacks, and fast picking phrases.

Stylistically, the G6134TG-58 naturally excels in rock, rockabilly, country, blues, pop, and indie. The TV Jones Filter'Tron pickups maintain excellent definition under moderate saturation, perfectly suited for tight rhythms, sharp riffs, and leads that need to stay clear. The Bigsby also encourages more expressive playing: singing phrase endings, breathing chords, and elegant vibratos without excess.

Sound: Mahogany, Maple, and Filter'Tron for a Punchy Snap

The tonal recipe of this Custom Penguin is based on a proven combination: mahogany for midrange density and natural warmth, maple archtop for attack and clarity, and a chambered body that adds air and resonance. Practically, the instrument responds quickly to the pick, with a rich harmonic range and projection that provides presence in a band setting. The chambering often delivers a more "open" feel: chords unfold easily and sustain remains musical without harshness.

The two TV Jones Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity Filter'Tron pickups deliver what makes Gretsch charm: a bright but controlled treble, firm lows, and remarkable definition. In the neck pickup position, you get a smooth and precise sound, ideal for warm rhythms, bluesy licks, and singing melodies without muddiness in the low end. In the bridge pickup position, the character becomes more edgy, with tight twang and attack that highlights riffs and alternate picking parts. The bridge + neck position widens the sound image, perfect for "three-dimensional" cleans or moderate overdrive that remains articulate.

Gretsch electronics, designed for the stage, enhance this versatility: two independent volume controls (one per pickup) allow precise level balancing, and the master volume acts as an instant global control. The 3-position toggle switch facilitates quick changes, while the 3-position tone switch offers immediate tonal variations, especially practical live for darkening or brightening the sound without fine-tuning. Finally, the combination of Bigsby B3GP String-Thru and Space Control bridge aims for a retro feel: subtle vibratos, elegant chord modulation, and adjustable playing comfort thanks to the Space Control principle. The ebony-based pinned bridge contributes to stability and the "solid body" feel.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To retain the original feel and response, a set of Nickel Plated Steel electric strings in 010-046 gauge is perfectly suited (factory gauge). For transport, the guitar comes with a Gretsch deluxe hardshell case G6238XL, designed for solid body formats.

Technical specifications

Left handed	No	Fingerboard	Ebony
Strings	Steel	Bridge / tailpiece	Bigsby
Nbr of strings	6

Type	solid body electric guitar	Side Dots	Luminlay
Shape	Penguin	Number of Frets	22
Cutaway	single cutaway	Fret Size	medium jumbo
Body Wood	mahogany	Scale Length	24.6" / 625 mm
Top	maple (archtop)	Nut Material	bone
Back	mahogany	Nut Width	42.86 mm / 1.6875"
Construction	chambered	Hardware Finish	gold
Binding	sparkling gold with white/black/white/black purfling	Tuners	Grover Imperial
Finish	glossy nitrocellulose lacquer	Bridge	Space Control
Style	Gretsch Solid Body Guitars	Bridge Mounting	pinned
Neck Wood	mahogany	Tailpiece / Vibrato	Bigsby B3GP String-Thru Vibrato Tailpiece
Neck Construction	set-neck (glued neck)	Pickguard	Gold Plexi with gold Gretsch logo and Penguin graphic
Neck Shape	Standard "U"	Pickup Covers	gold
Neck Finish	glossy nitrocellulose lacquer	Control Knobs	Jeweled G-Arrow
Headstock Binding	sparkling gold with white/black/white purfling	Pickup Selector Tip	gold
Radius	12" / 305 mm	Strap Buttons	Gretsch Knurled Strap Retainer Knobs
Inlays	Mother of Pearl Neo-Classic Thumbnail