Gretsch G6131-MY Malcolm Young Jet Natural Electric guitar

Malcolm Young Signature Jet — The Rhythm Engine Behind AC/DC

The Gretsch G6131-MY Malcolm Young Signature Jet Natural is a Professional Collection doublecut electric guitar that recreates the famously battle-hardened Gretsch Jet nicknamed "The Beast" by AC/DC's rhythm architect. Stripped of its original finish and reduced to a single high-output pickup by Malcolm himself, the original instrument became the foundation for some of the hardest-driving riffs in rock history. This signature model preserves those DIY modifications as factory features, including simulated pickup-route screw holes and chrome switch plugs that mark where the extra pickups once lived. Open-cavity thunder roars from the thin-skin semi-gloss chambered mahogany body, magnified by a TV Jones Power'Tron bridge pickup that delivers the unmistakable percussive punch Malcolm Young wielded on every AC/DC record. The G6131-MY is the right choice for players chasing that raw, single-pickup rock tone with vintage Gretsch character.

Faithful Tribute to "The Beast"

What makes this signature model unique is its dedication to Malcolm Young's actual modifications rather than a clean factory restoration. "DIY" pickup routes with simulated screw holes and chrome switch plugs preserve the visual evidence of the original instrument's stripped-down conversion from a three-pickup Jet to a single-pickup powerhouse. The thin-skin semi-gloss finish is intentionally understated to recreate the worn, played-in feel of a guitar that toured the world for decades.

Chambered Mahogany Construction — Lightweight Resonance With Bite

Body design is central to the Malcolm Young Jet's tonal character, combining chambered mahogany with a maple top for warmth, midrange punch, and reduced weight. The chambered construction adds an airy, resonant quality that interacts dynamically with the player's right-hand attack. An aged-white binding frames the double-cutaway silhouette, while the 51 mm body depth keeps the guitar comfortable against the body during long sets.

• Body Material: Chambered Mahogany — open-cavity resonance for organic, dynamic response
• Top Material: Maple — adds tightness and bite to the mahogany's warmth
• Body Depth: 51 mm — slim profile for comfortable stage and studio playing

Standard "U" Mahogany Neck — Built for Rhythm Work

Mahogany is the choice for the neck, shaped to a Standard "U" profile — a chunky carve that suits chord-heavy rhythm playing and gives the left hand a substantial surface to push against when digging into barre chords. The bound ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, dense playing surface with 22 jumbo frets and pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays that mark the upper register clearly. A 625 mm scale length and 42.86 mm bone nut deliver the familiar Gretsch feel with enough string tension to support aggressive picking without flubbing.

• Neck Material: Mahogany — Standard "U" shape for substantial rhythm-hand grip
• Fingerboard: Ebony with 22 jumbo frets and 305 mm radius for confident chord work
• Scale Length: 625 mm with 42.86 mm bone nut — tight, defined low-end response

TV Jones Power'Tron — Single-Pickup Simplicity

The electronics follow Malcolm Young's stripped-down philosophy: one TV Jones Power'Tron bridge pickup, a dedicated bridge volume, master volume, and master tone. This configuration forces commitment to the bridge pickup's voice, the same way Malcolm did on stage and in the studio. The Space-Control bridge and Gretsch '60s Jet Vibrato tailpiece anchor the strings with vintage-correct hardware, while Schaller diecast tuners keep the instrument stable through heavy rhythm work and aggressive whammy-bar pulls.

• Bridge Pickup: TV Jones Power'Tron — high-output humbucker-style tone with Filtertron clarity
• Bridge: Space-Control with pinned mounting for stable intonation under heavy playing
• Tuning Machines: Schaller diecast — reliable tuning stability for live performance

For Rock Rhythm Players Who Want Malcolm's Tone

The G6131-MY Malcolm Young Signature Jet is built for guitarists who want the unmistakable AC/DC rhythm tone without resorting to pedals or modeling. Hard rock, classic rock, and punk players will appreciate the single-pickup simplicity that forces commitment to the bridge position and rewards aggressive right-hand technique. Players who favor chord-driven songwriting over lead work will find the Standard "U" neck profile and chambered body comfortable for extended rhythm sessions. Vintage Gretsch enthusiasts and AC/DC fans will recognize the DIY pickup routes and chrome switch plugs as authentic tributes to the original "Beast." The included G6238 Gretsch Deluxe hardshell case makes it a practical choice for gigging musicians who need road-ready protection.

Honoring Malcolm Young's Legacy

Gretsch honors the late Malcolm Young, whose rock-solid rhythm guitar swagger and songwriting provided the unshakable foundation for AC/DC. The original Gretsch Jet nicknamed "The Beast" was modified by Malcolm himself, who removed two of the three pickups and stripped away the finish to create a stripped-down rhythm weapon. This signature model preserves those modifications as intentional design choices, including simulated screw holes and chrome switch plugs. Malcolm Young's fiery rock 'n' roll spirit lives on through AC/DC's enduringly timeless music, and Gretsch's great privilege is to pay fitting tribute with a finely crafted instrument bearing his name.