[dallasblues]

I've been feeling the pull towards a vintage Gretsch lately. Unfortunately I don't get many opportunities to try them out. But I'm routinely searching eBay and Craigslist looking for deals. If I were to pick one up, I'd likely have keep within a reasonable budget. How are the double anniversaries? They look to be stripped down and still cool. Any thoughts?

[Tony65x55]

Originally Posted by dallasblues

I've been feeling the pull towards a vintage Gretsch lately. Unfortunately I don't get many opportunities to try them out. But I'm routinely searching eBay and Craigslist looking for deals. If I were to pick one up, I'd likely have keep within a reasonable budget. How are the double anniversaries? They look to be stripped down and still cool. Any thoughts?

I have a 1960 Double Anni and a 2009 Double Anni and both are great guitars. Very cool.

[Wayne Gretschzky]

The more coveted (and a bit more expensive) Annie's are the '58 and '59 mode year examples which employ the Filtertron pu technology. After that the Annie models got the Hilotron pickup technology. The dual-pickup examples will run you more than the single pu guitars. The 2-tone green versions will tend to run a bit higher than the brown sunburst guitars too. So... within the Anniversary stable of 4 models, and two different pickup options, you should be able to find something that works for you. Lots of Gretsch fans get started on the vintage Annie... so it can be a gateway drug of sorts! Good luck!

[cowmoo]

Here's my double anniversary from 62, i've just popped in TV classics and a SS compton,(this pic has the old bridge and HS filters on it) It's refinished badly in matt black and it plays like a new guitar, altogether, as is, cost me around £700 GBP and it rocks and rolls with the best of them!!

[Tony65x55]

Here's my old girl. Incidentally, although I have a bunch of Gretsch guitars, my Double Green Anni is my favorite.

[bobkat]

JUST MY VERY VERY HUMBLE OPINION!!! I wanna make that clear, don't hate me please! I like the new ones bettah, sorry. but I do. I had an old one once and I really like the new ones. Not rainin on yer parade, that is just me. The new ones are so cool and sound so good, and they are warranted!

[Tony65x55]

Originally Posted by bobkat

JUST MY VERY VERY HUMBLE OPINION!!! I wanna make that clear, don't hate me please! I like the new ones bettah, sorry. but I do. I had an old one once and I really like the new ones. Not rainin on yer parade, that is just me. The new ones are so cool and sound so good, and they are warranted!

I completely agree. Who could hate you for telling the truth? The new Gretsch's are the best ones ever made! My $0.02.

[Sunshine]

Originally Posted by bobkat

JUST MY VERY VERY HUMBLE OPINION!!! I wanna make that clear, don't hate me please! I like the new ones bettah, sorry. but I do. I had an old one once and I really like the new ones. Not rainin on yer parade, that is just me. The new ones are so cool and sound so good, and they are warranted!

I'm with ya...

[dobro]

Man, if you want an old one, DO IT! The prices are CRAZY low. I've seen yummy double cuts for$2k-$3k, a PERFECT '57 Duo Jet in the low threes...

[dobro]

Budget/performance, MONKEES model is a good way to go, Nashvilles are under $2k. I would stick with pre-Baldwin Gretsches. And do your due diligence; the binding on the old ones are usually crap.

[dobro]

Oddly, the single pickup guitars usually have 'em at the neck. That gets old fast.