Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) - 1957 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 el...

Hammer

£100,000

Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) - 1957 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 electric guitar, made in USA, serial no. 23243; Body: Orange finish, light checking throughout, minor dings, light buckle markings to back, otherwise very good; Neck: light marks and minor blemishes, dowel to neck heel; Fretboard: rosewood, light wear; Frets: worn throughout; Electrics: working; Hardware: gold plating loss and tarnishing to metal parts, oxidisation to pickup surrounds; Case: period Gretsch hardcase; Weight: 3.03kg; Overall condition: good

*Sold with non transferable CITES A10 (domestic use) certificate no. 25GBA10BMF4WI



This 1957 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 was formerly owned by Jimmy Page and offered as the first prize in the New Musical Express (NME) “Spot-the-Guitar” competition, published on 12th October 1974. The competition appeared on page 27, where readers were invited to match iconic guitars to their most associated players. The top prize was Jimmy Page’s own 1957 Gretsch 6120, which was featured prominently in the article

The competition was advertised on the front cover of that issue, with the headline “Win Jimmy Page’s Own Guitar”, accompanied by an eye-catching photo of Page dressed in cricket whites, holding the guitar like a bat. Further images from this same photo shoot exist showing Page with the guitar in various cricket poses

Inside, a double-page spread on pages 32–33 includes a feature interview with Page, in which he discusses his guitars; when asked about the 6120 being offered as the prize, Page explained that he had acquired it roughly two years earlier for about £200 from a shop called GTR in Nashville. As for why he chose the guitar, Page remarked: “Well, if you’re an Eddie Cochran guitar fan you’ll know why. It’s a good all-rounder with good acoustics when it’s strung up properly.”

At the time of the interview, Page also noted that he kept a relatively small collection of guitars: “I’ve got a Les Paul and a spare in case a string breaks, and a double-neck. I used to have an acoustic guitar as well when we were doing the acoustic numbers.”

The 18th January 1975 issue of NME (page 8) announced the winner of the competition: Charles M. Reid of Barnet, Hertfordshire. The article, titled “Stunned Paddy Scores Guitar, Meets Idol”, includes a photograph of Reid holding the Gretsch next to Page. Page is quoted as saying, “I’m pleased to see that it’s going to a good home.” Reid added, “Page must be mental giving away such a terrific guitar as this. It’s the kind of classic instrument that every guitar player dreams of owning but can never really afford.” The article also notes that the prize came at the perfect time, as Reid had been struggling to afford a guitar and amplifier

Reid retained the guitar until 16th September 1990, when he sold it to Mr Phil O’Donoghue of Chessington, Surrey, for £2,000. O’Donoghue, a guitarist with the band Wild Angels during the 1970s, began making enquiries to sell the instrument in early 1992, possibly through auction. To support the provenance, he requested a formal receipt from Charles Reid. Reid responded with a typed, hand-signed letter on headed paper, dated 27th April 1992, confirming the matching serial number (23243). This letter is accompanied by the original postmarked envelope addressed to Mr O’Donoghue, stamped Barnet, Herts, 28th April 1992

Additional correspondence from this period includes letters between O’Donoghue and Phillips auctioneers, who expressed particular interest in including the guitar in an upcoming Rock & Pop Memorabilia auction. However, the guitar remained with O’Donoghue for the rest of his life, until his passing in 2025. It is now offered by his family

This guitar is sold with: both original copies of the NME (12th October 1974 and 18th January 1975), a clipping showing Charles Reid with Jimmy Page and the guitar, the original 1992 receipt from Reid to O'Donoghue, and a selection of correspondence between O'Donoghue and Phillips auctioneers

Guitars formerly owned by Jimmy Page rarely come to market. Only two other documented examples are known: a 1969 Gibson Firebird offered through the trade in 2024, and a 2007 Martin D-28 acoustic sold at auction in 2013

More Information

Generally in very good condition considering age. Note that the bridge and Bigsby appear to not be original to the guitar, however they are as appears in the photos of Jimmy Page with the guitar and competition winners. There are dings and marks throughout including surface buckle scratches to back. Hopefully the additional images show these well enough. There is tarnishing / oxidisation around the pickups. The hardware has lost much of its gold plating. Small areas of binding imperfection, which is very typical for Gretsch guitars of this period. Fretboard and frets show signs of use. Neck appears to be straight. See images for general guidance