I'm fairly new to the Gretsch world and I'm slowly learning, I don't own one yet but hope to soon. I would love a vintage Gretsch but thought I would ask people with experience before I do anything.
I'm looking at a 1978 country club and just wanted to know how they stand in collectability, rarity and what sort of price should they be worth.
I thank you in advance.
PS I should probably mention that I'm from Australia:)

Falzoony...

Not sure of the worth, but those 70's "Baldwin" era guitars are generally looked down upon by collectors. Those years were lean times for Gretsch, and are no considered "good" guitars by many. That being said, I've played a few 70's and they can be fine guitars. I'd say if it plays well, and is in good shape then it's a good guitar. If you can get it for a good price then go for it. Got any pics??? Hopefully someone else will chime in on how much it should go for.

Falzoony...

Not sure of the worth, but those 70's "Baldwin" era guitars are generally looked down upon by collectors. Those years were lean times for Gretsch, and are no considered "good" guitars by many. That being said, I've played a few 70's and they can be fine guitars. I'd say if it plays well, and is in good shape then it's a good guitar. If you can get it for a good price then go for it. Got any pics??? Hopefully someone else will chime in on how much it should go for.

Tis true,there are exceptions to bad guitar years with all the makers.They got "lucky" and made a good one once in a while.Beware of Gibsons they're in a quality funk again(beginning late 2008).Wow!They had almost 9 good years.he only exception might be 70's Fender strats.They make nice lamps and believe me a lot of people made lamps with them as they were(are)total junk.They're sellin' 'em now though 'cause they're old to young people.Let the buyer beware.With a Fender,the build your own is the absolute way to go.You get buy the best components,that you will never get from Fender at any price. The Best, "TROLL"

Thanks guys, sorry about my delayed reply, I did do some research and heard some things about the Baldwin era so thanks for clearing that up.
Since my post I now own a Gretsch but I ended up going for a more modern one (2001) as the descent vintage gretsch's were WAY out of my price range. Maybe one day.
Thanks again.

Falzoony...

Not sure of the worth, but those 70's "Baldwin" era guitars are generally looked down upon by collectors. Those years were lean times for Gretsch, and are no considered "good" guitars by many. That being said, I've played a few 70's and they can be fine guitars. I'd say if it plays well, and is in good shape then it's a good guitar. If you can get it for a good price then go for it. Got any pics??? Hopefully someone else will chime in on how much it should go for.

I'm looking at a 1977 Country Gentleman... Baldwin era.... walnut.... nice shape.... real nice shape actually.... any idea about what would be a fair price to pay for it?

Just as a reference .... they have a 1964 Country Gentleman with the blacked out "f" holes for 3640.00..... just trying to get an idea for what a 77 Baldwin era CG should sell for.....

I have a mix of 50s, 60s and 70s Gretsches and own 4 Baldwin era. They are all fantastic guitars and in my opinion as good as the japanese guitars of today. I have also played many other baldwin era Gretsch guitars and never found them to be badly made. My only criticism is the heavyness of the 75 Country Club I own. I cannot understand why people dislike them. I have never seen one with binding rot like the 60s ones get and in my view they are decent well made USA Gretsch guitars.

I would guess that a Baldwin era GG would be in a nd about that $1800.00 range.

The only exception might be 70's Fender strats.They make nice lamps and believe me a lot of people made lamps with them as they were(are)total junk.They're sellin' 'em now though 'cause they're old to young people.Let the buyer beware.With a Fender,the build your own is the absolute way to go.You get buy the best components,that you will never get from Fender at any price. The Best, "TROLL"

Yes, I would have to concur. My first electric guitar was a seventies Tele and that is probably why I disdain solid body guitars to this day. The one I had, really left a bad taste in my mouth.:cool:

I've had a 1978 standard Tele for over twenty years now and it plays/sounds just fine, I love it. It's my workhorse guitar, it's built like a tank.