The G6128T-CLFG Cliff Gallup Signature Duo Jet was reviewed in the June issue of Vintage Guitar, earning the magazine’s stamp of ‘Approved Gear.’
Gallup’s very brief stint with Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps had an innovative impact on the music industry that forever changed guitar in rock-and-roll. His influential contributions inspired many musicians, like George Harrison, to not only follow in his musical footsteps but also choose to play a Duo Jet.
Vintage Guitar editor Michael Dregni wrote about previous speculation that Gallup may have played a ’55 or ’56 model. However, Gallup’s legacy was created with a ’54 Duo Jet, which Gretsch accurately captured in the replica.
“Gretsch did its homework and got an A+ — Gallup’s was indeed a ’54,” wrote Dregni. “They tracked down the original receipt, then double-checked the guitar’s serial number and details against the ’53 models to come up dead-certain on the vintage.”
The replica earned high praise from Dregni for its authentic tonal qualities, too.
“The first strum of the Gallup’s flat wound .011-.050 strings transport you back to May 4, 1956, and Gene’s first session, which yielded ‘Race With The Devil,'” stated Dregni. “That tone, that timbre, that twang—it’s all here. The guitar is a six-stringed time machine.”
Fast-forward to today and the sound still resonates with modern players who want a versatile instrument with all the classic features. Take it from legend Jeff Beck who introduced the guitar during an exclusive performance in Gallup’s honor at the 2017 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif.
Pick up a copy of the June issue here to read the full review.