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Brian Setzer, Photo: swimfinfan from Chicago

Photo: swimfinfan from Chicago · CC BY-SA 2.0

Independent research by truerecs. Not affiliated with, endorsed or verified by Brian Setzer. Every item links to its public source.
11 items · Last checked

What guitar does Brian Setzer play?

Brian Setzer has been seen playing a 1959 and a 1960 Gretsch G6120 plus his Gretsch Signature Hot Rod, all with TV Jones pickups and D'Addario EXL110 strings, through 1962 and 1963 Fender Bassmans, with a Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo and a Boss TR-2 Tremolo.

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What guitars Brian Setzer uses: a sourced gear guide

Independent research by truerecs: every item links to the public source it comes from.

Guitars

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About Brian Setzer's gear.

What guitar does Brian Setzer play?

Gretsch 6120s. On his 2023 tour he had a 1959 and a 1960 G6120 restored by TV Jones and a 2004 G6120T-HR Brian Setzer Signature Hot Rod. Gretsch also recreated his main stage guitar "Smoke" as a signature model.

What amp does Brian Setzer use?

Two blonde Fender Bassmans from 1962 and 1963 with the 6G6-B circuit, into matching Bassman 2x12 cabs. He usually runs one with the other as a backup.

How does Brian Setzer get his slapback echo?

From a Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo. He carries several units from 1983 to 1986 as backups, plus a Boss TR-2 Tremolo for the occasional tremolo.

What strings does Brian Setzer use?

D'Addario EXL110 (.010 to .046) on all his guitars, with medium celluloid picks, per his 2023 Rig Rundown.

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Brian Setzer
About this guide · Last checked

Brian Setzer is the rockabilly guitarist and singer who fronted the Stray Cats and the Brian Setzer Orchestra. This guide covers his vintage and signature Gretsch 6120s, his TV Jones pickups, his early 60s Fender Bassmans and the Roland Chorus Echo behind his slapback.

truerecs put this guide together from public videos, interviews and posts. Each item says how we know and links to the source. Brian Setzer didn't write it or choose anything on it. How we source gear guides.

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truerecs gear guides are independent research from public sources, not made or approved by the artist. Store buttons on this page may be affiliate links: truerecs may earn a commission when you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Brian Setzer isn't paid for them. Report an error or ask for removal. Full disclosure.