This 1967 Gretsch Rally 6105 in Bamboo Yellow is a rare vintage USA-made hollowbody from one of the most distinctive periods in Gretsch history, combining unmistakable late-'60s styling with twin HiLo’Tron pickups, a Bigsby vibrato and the unusual onboard Sonic Boom treble-boost circuit.

Its hollow maple body, set maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and 24.75" scale provide an open, lively response, while the low-output HiLo’Tron pickups deliver the clear, articulate Gretsch character associated with this era.

This example is presented in Good Condition with a clearly disclosed electronics fault. Age-related deterioration of capacitors within the circuitry is causing a loud hiss when the neck pickup is selected. The bridge pickup operates as it should. Serial number 97132. No case is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gretsch
Model	6105 Rally
Year	1967
Finish	Bamboo Yellow
Back & Sides Finish	Copper Mist
Type	Hollowbody Electric Guitar
Condition	Good – Electronics Fault Disclosed
Serial Number	97132
Pickups	Twin HiLo’Tron
Notable Feature	Sonic Boom Treble Boost
Included	Guitar Only – No Case
Main Appeal	Rare late-'60s USA Gretsch with distinctive Rally specification
Best For	Vintage collectors, rock, blues, indie, garage, rockabilly and studio use

Condition Overview

Good Condition – Electronics Fault Disclosed

This 1967 Gretsch Rally is graded Good Condition, with noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with its vintage age and previous use.

Importantly, this guitar also has a known electronics fault:

Age-related deterioration of capacitors within the guitar's circuitry is causing a loud hiss when the neck pickup is selected.

The bridge pickup operates as it should.

The guitar should therefore not be considered fully functional electronically in its present condition, and servicing of the affected circuit will be required if the buyer wants normal operation from the neck-pickup setting.

This fault is reflected clearly in the listing rather than being treated as ordinary cosmetic wear.

What's Included?

✔ 1967 Gretsch Rally 6105 Bamboo Yellow

✘ No Case Included
✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

• Good overall cosmetic condition
• Noticeable wear consistent with vintage age and use
• Age-related capacitor deterioration within the electronics
• Loud hiss when neck pickup is selected
• Bridge pickup operates correctly
• Electronics servicing recommended
• No case included
• Serial number: 97132

Electronics Fault – Important Buyer Information

This guitar has a known age-related electronics issue.

Deteriorating capacitors are causing a pronounced hiss through the neck-pickup circuit. The bridge-pickup setting is operating correctly.

Because the Rally incorporates considerably more elaborate electronics than a conventional two-pickup guitar—including pickup selection, tone filtering and its period Sonic Boom treble-boost circuit—restoration should ideally be undertaken by a technician experienced with vintage guitar electronics.

Any repair decisions on an instrument of this age should also balance reliability with the preservation of original vintage components wherever practical.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

The known operating condition of this vintage Gretsch includes:

• Bridge HiLo’Tron pickup operating correctly
• Neck-pickup circuit producing loud hiss
• Age-related capacitor deterioration identified
• Electronics require attention for normal neck-pickup operation
• General condition assessed as Good
• No case supplied

The electronics fault forms part of the condition and should be considered before purchase.

What Makes The Gretsch Rally 6105 Special?

The Rally was one of Gretsch's more experimental late-1960s designs. The Bamboo Yellow 6105 combines a hollow maple double-cutaway body with Copper Mist back and sides, racing-stripe detailing, twin HiLo’Tron pickups and Bigsby vibrato, creating an unmistakably period-specific instrument that looks very different from the better-known 6120, Country Gentleman and Tennessean models.

Its electronics are equally unusual. Alongside the standard pickup and tone controls, Gretsch incorporated its battery-powered Sonic Boom treble booster, giving the Rally a built-in effect at a time when onboard active electronics were still highly unusual on production guitars.

Key Features & Benefits

Twin Gretsch HiLo’Tron Pickups

The Rally uses two HiLo’Tron single-coil pickups, known for relatively low output, excellent clarity and a bright, open character that responds especially well to clean amplifiers and lighter overdrive.

On this individual guitar, the bridge pickup operates correctly, while the neck-pickup circuit is currently affected by the disclosed electronics fault.

Hollow Maple Construction

The double-cutaway hollow maple body provides natural acoustic resonance and a lively response that separates the Rally from conventional solidbody electric guitars.

Sonic Boom Treble Boost

One of the Rally's most unusual original features is the Sonic Boom circuit, a battery-powered onboard treble booster designed to produce a hotter, brighter signal without requiring an external pedal.

Bigsby Vibrato

The factory-style Bigsby vibrato provides the smooth pitch movement closely associated with vintage Gretsch guitars and works particularly well for chord shimmer, rockabilly-style vibrato and subtle expressive effects.

24.75" Scale Length

The relatively compact scale provides a comfortable string feel for bending, vibrato and chord work while complementing the guitar's vintage hollowbody character.

Bamboo Yellow & Copper Mist Finish

The Model 6105's striking two-tone finish places Bamboo Yellow across the top with Copper Mist on the back and sides, creating one of the more unusual colour combinations found on a production Gretsch.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Gretsch Rally vs Gretsch Tennessean

The Tennessean offers a more conventional vintage Gretsch format and electronics package, while the Rally stands apart through its HiLo’Tron pickups, racing-stripe styling and Sonic Boom treble booster.

Gretsch Rally vs Gretsch 6120

The 6120 is more strongly associated with Filter’Tron pickups, western styling and classic rockabilly tones. The Rally is a more unusual late-'60s design with lower-output HiLo’Trons and considerably more experimental electronics.

Vintage Rally vs Modern Gretsch Hollowbody

A contemporary Gretsch offers modern reliability, replacement parts availability and more conventional controls. A 1967 Rally provides something fundamentally different: genuine vintage American manufacture, original-era styling and electronics that reflect Gretsch's experimentation during the late 1960s.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Gretsch enthusiasts – A comparatively uncommon model from an especially interesting period in the company's history.

Collectors – The Bamboo Yellow 6105, Sonic Boom circuitry and racing-stripe detailing make the Rally immediately identifiable.

Players comfortable with vintage restoration – The disclosed capacitor/electronics issue makes this particularly suited to someone prepared to have the affected circuit sympathetically serviced.

Garage and alternative players – HiLo’Tron pickups and hollow construction provide plenty of unusual tonal character.

Rockabilly and roots musicians – The Bigsby vibrato and articulate pickup response work naturally for expressive vintage-style playing.

Studio owners – Once serviced, the Rally can provide tones and textures quite different from conventional Gibson- or Fender-style guitars.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Rockabilly
• Garage rock
• Vintage rock
• Blues
• Indie
• Alternative
• Americana
• Roots music
• Psychedelic rock
• Clean rhythm guitar
• Studio recording
• Character guitar parts
• Vintage guitar collections

Why Choose A Vintage Gretsch Rally?

The Rally is an excellent example of Gretsch experimenting beyond its established hollowbody designs.

Its mixture of HiLo’Tron pickups, unusual switching, onboard treble boost and distinctive styling makes it considerably less conventional than most Gretsch models from either the vintage or modern ranges.

That also means ownership requires a different mindset from buying a new production guitar. Vintage electronics, binding, hardware and finishes can all require more sympathetic maintenance, and repairs may involve preserving components that are now several decades old.

For the right player or collector, that individuality is a major part of the attraction.

Story & Context

Gretsch introduced the Rally during the late 1960s, with the model appearing during a period when electric-guitar manufacturers were experimenting heavily with new finishes, switching systems and onboard electronics.

Two principal Rally versions were produced:

• 6104 – Rally Green
• 6105 – Bamboo Yellow with Copper Mist back and sides

The 6105's racing-inspired visual theme included distinctive stripe detailing on the pickguard and truss-rod cover.

More unusually, Gretsch equipped the Rally with the Sonic Boom treble booster, an active onboard circuit powered by a 9V battery. This made the Rally remarkably adventurous for a production electric guitar of the period.

Serial number 97132 follows Gretsch's period month/year date-code format and is consistent with September 1967 production, number 132 within that production sequence.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Hollowbody Electric Guitar
Brand	Gretsch
Model	6105 Rally
Year	1967
Serial Number	97132
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Bamboo Yellow
Back & Sides	Copper Mist
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Fully Hollow
Body Material	Laminated Maple
Top Material	Maple
Back & Sides Material	Maple
Body Width	Approx. 16"
Body Depth	Approx. 2"
F-Holes	Dual
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Scale Length	Approx. 24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Nut Width	Approx. 1 5/8"
Pickup Configuration	SS
Neck Pickup	Gretsch HiLo’Tron – Circuit Currently Affected by Loud Hiss
Bridge Pickup	Gretsch HiLo’Tron – Operating Correctly
Controls	Individual Pickup Volume, Master Volume and Tone Functions
Additional Electronics	Sonic Boom Treble-Boost Circuit
Treble Boost Power	9V Battery
Bridge	Adjustable Bar / Rocking-Style Bridge
Tailpiece	Bigsby Vibrato
Hardware Finish	Chrome / Nickel
Pickguard	Rally Racing-Stripe Style
Included	No Case
Condition	Good – Electronics Fault Disclosed

Vintage Electronics Note

The Rally's electronics are significantly more complex than a conventional passive hollowbody.

Its period wiring incorporates pickup-level controls, tone filtering and the Sonic Boom treble-boost circuit, which uses a 9V-powered transistor circuit.

On this individual guitar, age-related deterioration of capacitors is causing a loud hiss when the neck pickup is selected. The bridge pickup works as it should.

Repair or restoration of the affected circuit is therefore recommended if full electronic functionality is required.

Serial Number Note

Gretsch used a date-coded serial system during this period.

Serial number 97132 can be read as:

• 9 – September
• 7 – 1967
• 132 – Production sequence

The serial is therefore consistent with September 1967 manufacture.

Power Requirements

The standard HiLo’Tron pickups are passive.

The original Sonic Boom treble-boost circuit uses a 9V battery when its active boost function is employed.

Due to the disclosed age-related capacitor deterioration, the electronics should be serviced before relying on the guitar's complete pickup and onboard boost system for normal performance.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 4/5

The 1967 Gretsch Rally 6105 in Bamboo Yellow is a fascinating vintage guitar with considerably more personality than a conventional hollowbody.

Its HiLo’Tron pickups, hollow maple body, Bigsby vibrato, Bamboo Yellow/Copper Mist finish and Sonic Boom circuitry capture Gretsch at one of the company's most experimental moments.

This particular example does require an informed buyer. It is presented in Good Condition, and the neck-pickup circuit currently produces a loud hiss due to ageing capacitors. The bridge pickup operates correctly, but electronics work will be required to restore normal operation across the complete pickup system.

For someone looking for a rare vintage Gretsch and willing to undertake sympathetic electronics servicing, serial 97132 offers genuine 1967 character and a specification that is seldom encountered on modern guitars.

No case is included.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Vintage guitars should be represented as individual instruments, particularly when age-related faults or maintenance requirements are present.

Every pre-owned instrument at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed, and significant issues are disclosed clearly rather than hidden behind a general condition grade.

On this Rally, the neck-pickup hiss and deteriorating capacitors are specifically identified so the next owner understands the guitar's present operating condition before purchase.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new, pre-owned and vintage musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with vintage and pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Known faults clearly disclosed
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing gear could help towards the cost of this vintage Gretsch.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your existing equipment could be worth towards this 1967 Gretsch Rally 6105.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was this Gretsch Rally made?

Serial number 97132 is consistent with September 1967 production.

Which Rally model is the Bamboo Yellow version?

The Bamboo Yellow model is the Gretsch 6105 Rally, originally paired with Copper Mist back and sides.

What condition is the guitar in?

It is presented in Good Condition, with noticeable age-related cosmetic wear and a specifically disclosed electronics fault.

What is wrong with the electronics?

Age-related deterioration of capacitors within the circuitry is causing a loud hiss when the neck pickup is selected.

Does the bridge pickup work?

Yes. The bridge pickup operates as it should.

Does the neck pickup produce a usable normal signal?

The neck-pickup circuit is currently affected by a pronounced hiss, so electronics servicing is recommended before relying on it for normal use.

Will the guitar need repair?

If the next owner wants normal functionality from the complete pickup system, electronics servicing will be required.

Should the old capacitors automatically be replaced?

Any work on a vintage guitar should be approached sympathetically. A qualified technician can establish which components actually require replacement while retaining original parts wherever practical.

What pickups does the Rally use?

The model uses two Gretsch HiLo’Tron single-coil pickups.

What do HiLo’Tron pickups sound like?

HiLo’Trons are relatively low-output pickups known for a clear, bright and open response rather than the thicker sound of a conventional humbucker.

What is the Sonic Boom circuit?

The Sonic Boom is Gretsch's period onboard treble booster, an active circuit designed to increase level and high-frequency presence.

Does the Sonic Boom require a battery?

Yes. The original treble-boost circuit uses a 9V battery.

Is the guitar fully hollow?

Yes. The Rally uses a fully hollow double-cutaway maple body rather than a centre-block semi-hollow construction.

Does it have a Bigsby?

Yes. A Bigsby vibrato tailpiece is part of the Rally's characteristic specification.

What scale length does it use?

The Rally has an approximately 24.75" scale length.

Is this suitable for regular gigging in its current condition?

The bridge pickup works correctly, but the loud hiss affecting the neck circuit means electronics repair is recommended before depending on the complete guitar for professional live use.

Does it come with a case?

No. No case is included.

Can I request a video showing the fault?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is particularly useful for this guitar and can demonstrate the working bridge pickup, the neck-circuit hiss and the individual cosmetic condition before purchase.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of modern and vintage musical instruments and equipment.