Golden Guitars · Carrollton, Kentucky

1968 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary

A 1968 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary restored with TV Jones pickups, complete fretwork, electronics service and a precision floating-bridge setup.

See before & after photos

After service at Golden Guitars

Project Story

Bringing Back Its Voice Without Losing Its Mojo

This 1968 Gretsch 6117 came in because the existing pickups no longer had the punch, clarity or response the owner expected. Once the guitar was plugged in, the problem was clear.

The goal was to restore its voice with a new set of TV Jones pickups while preserving the character it had earned over nearly six decades.

Before & after

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Before

6 photos

Pickup cavities exposed on a 1968 Gretsch 6117 before TV Jones pickup installation — Existing pickups removed, revealing the pickup cavities and earlier modifications.

Earlier taped wiring splices inside a 1968 Gretsch 6117 before electronics service — Taped splices and earlier wiring work discovered beneath the pickups.

Existing Gretsch pickup and wiring documented before replacement — Existing pickup wiring documented before the TV Jones installation.

Zero fret, nut and binding on a 1968 Gretsch 6117 before setup — Zero fret, nut and binding condition documented before setup.

Fret and rosewood fretboard condition on a 1968 Gretsch 6117 before fretwork — Fret and fretboard condition before leveling, crowning and polishing.

After

6 photos

Low-angle view of the finished 1968 Gretsch 6117 with TV Jones pickups — Final low-angle view highlighting the refreshed hardware, finish and TV Jones pickups.

TV Jones pickups installed in a 1968 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary — New TV Jones pickups installed and adjusted for a stronger, more articulate Gretsch voice.

Floating bridge set and intonated on a 1968 Gretsch 6117 — Floating bridge positioned from the zero fret, then fine-tuned for accurate intonation.

Conditioned rosewood fretboard and polished frets on a 1968 Gretsch 6117 — Fretboard conditioned and frets leveled, crowned and polished for smoother playability.

Gretsch Anniversary headstock after tuner service — Anniversary headstock after the tuners were tightened and lubricated.

Electronics and Hardware

The existing pickups were removed and replaced with TV Jones pickups. The bridge pickup cavity needed a slight adjustment for a clean fit, while the neck pickup installed without altering its cavity.

Every switch and potentiometer was cleaned. The pots were also secured because they had been turning with the knobs, a condition that could eventually place stress on the solder joints. The tuners were tightened and lubricated for smoother, more stable operation.

Fretwork and Fretboard Care

The frets were leveled, crowned and polished to improve consistency and playability across the neck. The rosewood fretboard was then conditioned with Dunlop 65 lemon oil.

Floating Bridge Setup

With a floating bridge and a 24.5-inch scale length, accurate bridge placement was an important part of the setup. The initial position was established by measuring 24.5 inches from the zero fret to the string contact point on the saddle wheels.

The guitar was strung with Elixir .010s, tuned to pitch and the strings were stretched several times. Final intonation was set by moving the floating bridge slightly forward or backward until the guitar played accurately up the neck.

Preserving the Character

To protect the guitar's vintage patina, the finish received a careful hand polish rather than an aggressive machine buff. The intention was to clean and revive it without erasing the marks that tell its story.

The Result

The TV Jones pickups restored the punch, clarity and response this Gretsch had been missing. Combined with the fretwork, cleaned controls, serviced hardware and a precise floating-bridge setup, the guitar now plays smoothly, stays in tune and delivers a strong, articulate voice while keeping its vintage character intact.