Brian Setzer Gear Guide
A quick-reference table guide to Brian Setzer's guitars, amplifiers and effects across key musical periods.
A Gretsch hollowbody through a Fender Bassman is Setzer's hallmark combination. He also uses signature Gretsch models, echo and varied acoustic instruments.
Quick overview
| Category | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| 1959 Gretsch 6120 | Vintage hollowbody Gretsch is a signature instrument and a recurring studio reference. | Signature guitar |
| 1962 Fender Bassman 6G6-B | Vintage amp associated with Setzer's rockabilly sound. | Main amp reference |
| Roland RE-301 Space Echo | Tape echo associated with Setzer's slapback and spacious tones. | Recognizable effect |
Guitars
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| 1959 Gretsch 6120 | Vintage hollowbody Gretsch is a signature instrument and a recurring studio reference. | Stray Cats and later solo work |
| Gretsch 6120 Brian Setzer signature | Artist model based on Setzer's preferred hollowbody features. | Touring and recording |
| Gretsch Hot Rod models | Simplified controls and high-output pickups for stage use. | Stray Cats and big-band shows |
| Gretsch White Falcon | Large hollowbody used for alternate tones and visual variety. | Selected performances |
| Gretsch Billy-Bo / other models | Other Gretsch guitars appear in his collection and stage rigs. | Song-dependent |
| Acoustic guitars | Used for unplugged and roots-oriented arrangements. | Selected recordings |
Amplifiers
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 Fender Bassman 6G6-B | Vintage amp associated with Setzer's rockabilly sound. | Long-running rig reference |
| Fender Twin Amp | Used in some instrumental and touring setups. | Selected albums |
| Fender combos | Different Fender models for clean headroom and drive. | Studio and live |
| Amp volume and guitar interaction | Loud combo response contributes to attack and sustain. | Settings vary by venue |
Effects and signal details
| Effect / device | What it does | Use and related material |
|---|---|---|
| Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo / Space Echo | Tape-based echo with repeat, intensity and echo-mode controls; Setzer has described it as central to his slap sound. | Used in studio and live; an RE-301 was named for the 40-era setup. |
| Slapback echo | A short single repeat thickens the pick attack without sounding like a long ambient delay. | Rockabilly rhythm and lead fills, including “Rock This Town.” |
| Space Echo preamp color | The preamp can add coloration even when the main purpose is echo. | Part of the recognizable Gretsch-and-Bassman signal character. |
| Reverb | Adds room-like decay behind the dry guitar sound. | Setzer has used the Space Echo's reverb live and external Fender reverb in some setups. |
| Tremolo | Periodic volume modulation creates a pulsing sound. | Can come from the amp or an external unit; used as an occasional color. |
| Bigsby vibrato | Mechanical arm gently changes string tension and pitch. | On Gretsch guitars, used for chord shimmer and small lead inflections. |
| Effects approach | Setzer has said he generally keeps the setup simple and relies on the Space Echo rather than a large pedalboard. | Reported rig notes distinguish his normal setup from one-off studio effects. |
Era and song guide
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Stray Cats era | Gretsch 6120, Fender Bassman and slapback echo. | “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut” |
| “Rock This Town” | Gretsch hollowbody, amp drive and slapback. | Live configurations differ |
| “Stray Cat Strut” | Gretsch guitar with clean, bright rockabilly attack. | Studio and stage tone |
| The Knife Feels Like Justice (1986) | Setzer solo-era guitar and amp palette. | Album production |
| The Dirty Boogie (1998) | Gretsch and big-band arrangements. | “Jump, Jive an' Wail” |
| 40 (2019) | Setzer described using a '59 Gretsch, '62 Bassman and RE-301 Space Echo. | Later Stray Cats recording |
| Orchestra tours | Gretsch guitars, Fender amps and echo / reverb choices. | Rig changes by show |