This item is a commission sale. If you have a high-end guitar, bass or amplifier you’re interested in selling please contact us.
Here for sale we have an incredible Gretsch Synchromatic 200 in Sunburst finish. This model was introduced by the original incarnation of Gretsch in 1939. The company was founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, initially as a drum manufacturer. In 1916 his son Fred Gretsch Sr moved to a larger facility where the company grew into one of the US's leading instrument manufacturers, debuting their guitars around 1928. The Synchromatic 200 was introduced in 1939 and discontinued by 1946. The serial number of this instrument is 3 digits handwritten on the inside of the body, indicating that it was made before Gretsch changed their serial number system in 1945/6.
The Synchromatic 200 is an archtop acoustic guitar which features a set-neck construction comprising a Spruce top, Maple back and sides, Maple neck and 20 fret Rosewood fingerboard inlaid with Abalone blocks. The body is double-bound, with cateye soundholes, 'stairstep' Rosewood bridge, gold 'Harp' tailpiece & gold open-geared tuning machines. This particular instrument has been fitted with an Artec MHPA95-GD Mini Humbucker, which is wired directly to a 3.5mm output jack mounted discreetly under the pickguard. Due to the age of the instrument, there are not many sources available online to verify the originality of the parts, however excluding the non-original pickup, the information we have been able to find works in conjunction with the apparent age of the parts and hardware to allow us to be confident that the instrument is largely original.
The Maple neck plays very well, with a profile which can be described as Asymmetrical; considerably shallower on the treble side and deeper on the bass side. This is certainly a unique playing experience when compared with modern guitars, and provides the Synchromatic 200 with a sense of exclusivity, which along with the playwear that the neck has developed over the years is very inspiring in the hands. The Rosewood of the fingerboard is pleasant under the fingers, with a 10" radius that is practical for a wide range of playing styles and techniques. The large Abalone block inlays add a touch of luxury, reminding the player of Gretsch's golden age.
The acoustic voice of the Synchromatic 200 is distinctly archtop, with a dark and mellow tone that is perfect for jazz playing. Thanks to the large stature of the body and the twin large soundholes, the instrument projects very well and produces plenty of volume. The addition of the Artec MHPA95-GD Mini Humbucker adds the versatility required for live and recording situations, and despite its lack of on-board control produces a rich, mellow tone which is highly usable in a wide range of musical contexts. This is a beautifully preserved example of Gretsch's early work, which remains beautifully practical and playable today.
This item is a commission sale. If you have a high-end guitar, bass or amplifier you’re interested in selling please contact us.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.
Gretsch Synchromatic 200 Sunburst c.1940s Vintage Archtop Acoustic Guitar
Brand - Gretsch
Model - Synchromatic 200
Finish - Sunburst
Year - c.1940s
Made In - USA
Top - Spruce
Back/Sides - Maple
Neck - Maple
Neck Profile - Asymmetrical
Fingerboard - Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius - 10" (Measured)
Frets - 14 Clear, 20 Total
Scale Length- 24.75"
Nut Width - 1.713"
Pickups - Artec MHPA95-GD Mini Humbucker
Our ID: 101052597300
Weight: 5.4lbs
Serial: 913
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall good condition. The headstock binding has shrunk over time, causing gaps and cracking around the edge. This is most notable at either side of the nut. The headplate itself shows mild signs of separation from the headstock, with a gap present behind the nut. The binding and headplate are stable and should remain so if treated with care. Mild to moderate scratching of the front face is visible under direct light. Moderate indentations to the edges and rear face have in places exposed the wood beneath. A further indentation of note can be seen to the front face near the 1st E tuning machine, and can be felt under the finger. Moderate lacquer checking can be seen to all faces of the headstock, as can be expected for an instrument of this age.
Neck: Overall good condition. The binding to both sides of the neck has shrunk over time, causing gaps and cracks to appear across the register. Some of the inlays display 'holes' which is common with natural abalone. The fingerboard shows light to mild scratching across the register which does not impact playability. Notable wear marks are present to the rear of the neck, having worn through the finish to the wood beneath consistent with playwear, most notably in the lower to mid register, bass side. Moderate chipping of the finish is present at the heel. Notable lacquer checking is consistent across the rear of the neck, as can be expected with an instrument of this age.
Body: Overall good condition. The binding to the front and rear faces has shrunk overtime, causing visible gaps between the body and binding. This is most notable at the either side of the waist. The binding is stable and should remain so if treated with care. Moderate indentations to all aspects of the body, exposing the wood beneath in places. Mild wear marks are present beneath the pickguard consistent with playwear when the pickguard was not present. Moderate lacquer checking is consistent across all faces of the body, as can be expected with an instrument of this age.
Condition of Frets:
The frets demonstrate moderate signs of use, not affecting playability. Denting and flattening of the frets is apparent throughout the register. There is light material remaining for any fret work the new owner may wish to perform.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod: N/A
Hardware: Overall very good condition. Mild tarnishing and oxidation is present to the tailpiece,bridge saddles and tuning machines, as can be expected with an instrument of this age. The stem of the ‘D’ tuner is slightly bent but remains functional. The tuners are quite stiff but function as expected.
Structural: No concerns or issues to note.
Height of the string from the 12th Fret-2.75mm - Bass 2.75mm
Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.
Strings on Guitar - 10-46
It is worth mentioning that although this guitar shows notable signs of age, it remains in very good condition for 78 years old and demonstrates excellent playability.
Electrics:
Fully functional. An Artec MHPA95-GD mini humbucker has been installed. The output jack is mounted under the pickguard, and takes a 3.5mm cable which is included.
Case & Accessories:
Hard case.
Overall fair condition. The case latches demonstrate notable oxidation but remain fully functional. All aspects of the case display moderate cracking and scuffing which exposes the wood. A leather belt is included with the case as an extra layer of safety to prevent the case opening unintentionally. 3.5mm to ¼” instrument cable included as is necessary for the output jack.