Hello all,

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to purchase my first Gretsch, a vintage Synchromatic. The serial number is 3111. It's definitely seen better days, but it is playable. The previous owner thought it may have been either a '46 or '49, but wasn't sure. From what little info google could provide, I think it's closer to a '49, but honestly I have no idea. Which is why I'm here. I'm not well versed in vintage Gretsch models, so any info you could provide on this guitar would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hey Laureden, nice guitar, congratulations! Personally I would have to replace that bridge right off the bat.

Nice old lady you have!

Beautiful. I

Ok, since you asked for input... you're new guitar is not a Synchromatic, although the tailpiece is common to those models. Instead your guitar is a Gretsch American Orchestra model 35. The serial number makes it circa 1936. These typically had less fancy trapeze tailpieces, and rosewood bridges, which would be relatively easy to come across on Ebay if you so desired to restore it to period correct specs. If that harp tailpiece is vintage it's worth a few bucks on it's own. Cool old Gretsch... enjoy it!

Edit: just found this example on Ebay which illustrates the correct tailpiece, bridge and pickguard.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270990963302#ht_600wt_1165

Wayne - thanks for all the info. Although I like the harp tailpiece, eventually id like to replace it with the correct one, so it's nice to know what it's suppose to have. Also, that's cool to hear its a few years older than I thought.