Gretsch Custom Shop 12-String Basses
Gretsch 12-String basses
Gretsch introduced the model G1636B-TP12 Custom Shop Tom Petersson Signature White Falcon 12-string basses in 2013. They are available in the White Lacquer and White Lacquer Relic finishes. The basses incorporate a laminated Maple body, Ebony fingerboard with Mother Of Pearl inlays, and the the Gretsch “Cadillac” tailpiece.
The Gretsch custom 12-string basses are 30 1/2” short scale and the neck measures about 2” at the bone nut. Weight is about 11 1/4 lbs. There are 22 vintage style frets. Custom Seymour Duncan Super’Tron Pickups are included. Gotoh tuners. A hardshell case is included.
Regarding the “Cadillac” tailpiece a reviewer wrote, “The tailpiece is 3D printed and costs $3000 because the original design kept breaking. Unfortunately the new design doesn't incorporate the hinge either, so restringing is even more difficult.”
These basses carry manufacturer suggested retail prices of nearly $17,000.00 US, making them far and away the most expensive super-premium 12-string basses ever produced. The Relic finish is priced even higher.
The basses come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
2013 Gretsch 12-String Bass built for Tom Petersson
Tom Petersson’s first Gretsch 12 differs in that the inlays are not centered, they are smaller MOP inlays on the side of the fingerboard.
The signature of the builder is included on the sound hole sticker, as well as on the back of the headstock.
A cable was used to rotate the bass inside of a glass case at the 2014 LA NAMM show.
The 4-saddle screw-type bridge incorporated in these 12’s allows for side-to-side full group adjustments only.
Tom Petersson’s first Gretsch 12-string bass was put on display inside a glass case at the 2014 LA NAMM show and was suspended on a rotating cable so that a 360° view was possible.
The Gretsch display at the 2014 LA NAMM show included a photo of Petersson with this bass.
Tom Petersson and his custom Smoke Green finish Gretsch 12.
A 360° view of the first Gretsch 12-string bass, from the 2014 NAMM Show in Los Angeles.
Another one of Tom Petersson’s Gretsch 12-string basses, this one has a pad attached to the back.
Product information from the 2019 Gretsch Guitar & Bass catalog.
Tom Petersson with the first Gretsch 12-String Bass at the 2014 NAMM show in Los Angeles.
Another photo from the 2019 Gretsch Guitar & Bass catalog.
Orange Gretsch 12-string bass.
Tom Petersson and the Orange Gretsch 12-string bass.
Information from The Bass Space book.
Gretsch 12-string bass shown in the liner notes of Cheap Trick’s In Another World album.