Help in identifying a Gretsch
- Thread starter Rustybeard
- Start date
Early Model 35? (Image has slightly different shoulders, different headstock logo and changed tuners.)
tartanphantom
Friend of Fred
Look for a serial number possibly stamped on the end of the headstock. That's frequently the location on many pre-war and early post-war Gretsch models.
like this--
like this--
Rustybeard
Newbie
I checked for this and there is no trace of any markings there. It does not appear to have been refinished either. I appreciate the picture as I wondered what that would look like when I read about it.
tartanphantom
Friend of Fred
Paging @Wayne Gretschzky -- he knows more about instruments from this era. If it was a Kay-built war-time era Gretsch, it's possible that the number was simply penciled inside the body, visible (or not) through the f-hole. a dental mirror may help. both Kay and Harmony were notorious for doing this at one time.
afire
Friend of Fred
Would a Kay or Harmony Gretsch have a headstock inlay like that?
ChloeDogsDad
Gretschie
Oh man! That headstock inlay! Love it! I don't know what model, so I'm no help, but thanks for posting pics!
6187LX
Synchromatic
It's pre-war. It'll be in the 1939 catalog. Another time I miss the resources on the old GDP.
Rustybeard
Newbie
You folks are amazing, this a great info. I am not deep at all when it comes to Gretsch Guitars. I have a few Hamer's and interact with a forum for fans of those and have seen the same kind of great community so I had a feeling you all would be similar. It seems that people who believe in musical craftmanship are good people, not shocked. I have no idea what my sister-in-law wants to do with this guitar but at least I can give some insight to its story. Thank you all!
6187LX
Synchromatic
It may also possibly be post-War as the headstock badge (one of the coolest Gretsch ever did) was on one or two of the late '40s Synchromatics. Cheers.
Jackpine
Gretschie
Congrats and welcome! You'll like it here.
Looks like a Model 50, but I'm not an expert.
reverb.com
Gretsch Model 50 1940-1942 Tobacco Burst | Reverb
Rare bird indeed! Beautiful pre-war Brooklyn NY built 16” Gretsch American Orchestra Model 50 archtop guitar. This one has no label inside, and serial is not legible, so very difficult to identify exact year. It’s in great condition for it’s age, very playable up and down neck, frets and fretboar...
reverb.com
